Self Realization

Hello folks.Please excuse my long absence.
Today, lets talk about spirituality, enormity of universe, existence of God and significance of our existence, all wrapped into one. Talking about spirituality, the first step in its direction is letting go of one's self ego.Being spiritual is like becoming a formless liquid which takes the shape of the vessel; like a spiritual person blends himself according to the laws of nature and the voice of inner self.A spiritual being has no entity;he makes himself a channel for the energy of the universe to flow through him and guide him in his actions.

I will try to explain this in another way.Stretch your perspective a bit.Imagine yourself to be on the moon or any other planet apart from the earth from where you can look down upon the earth.How does it look?A tiny ball,isn't it? Imagine your existence and its significance in that tiny ball.Just wonder about it.It makes you realize the vastness of our solar system and this is just one solar system; there are hundreds of solar system beyond ours, in this universe.Just sit back in solitude and absorb the magnitude of the universe.What does that make you feel about your existence? Significant or insignificant? I will say both.

Let me take the liberty to explain this strange answer later.Right now,let me take you into another direction.Just wonder, at this point of time when you are at the zenith of your feelings;does it really matter what kind of a mobile you carry?Or whether you have a Baleno or a Maruti?Or whether your flat is luxurious or what your bank balance is?or whether you wear branded clothes, and so on and on.I guess your answer will be a big NO.You will realize that such frivolous , inconspicuous things do not matter after all.

At this point of time and space when you feel your existence in relation to the vastness of the universe, you will understand the shloka in Bhagwad Geeta about Nishkam Karma; and believe me you will be encompassed with such peace and joy that you have never experienced before; joy which is as vast and infinite as the universe itself.It is at this moment you will experience the true meaning of spirituality.

Now coming back to my earlier question whether the vastness of the universe makes you feel significant or insignificant?I had said both.Let me elaborate on this.It makes you feel significant since you are part of this great existence;but at the same time you are just acting as a channel through which the energy of the nature or say the universe flows.As someone has rightly said "I am God and God is me".So what is God? It is You and Me and the Universe.

Be Yourself

Just the other day , I was going through my collection of old editions of Reader's Digest ,when I stumbled upon an article -Finding Yourself Again By Arthur Gordon. It was a story about a successful man who felt a loss of energy and enthusiasm in his life.He felt despondent without any reason. Have you ever shared the same feeling at some time of life? If the answer is yes, then take a look at this story by Arthur Gordon which I have tried to summarize in my own words.
This man ( say Mr.X ) then consulted the doctor who advised him to go to the beach the next day and not to read or write or listen to music or even talk to anyone. The doctor had given him four prescription notes which were to be opened and read at 9a.m, 12p.m, 3p.m and 6p.m respectively. Mr X , at first thought the doctor must be crazy; nevertheless he went to the beach the next day.He then opened the first prescription which read as follows:
LISTEN CAREFULLY
He concentrated on the sounds of nature.He listened to the growl of sea , the lapping of waves against rocks and wondered about the enormity of nature.It was then that he realized he was feeling and thinking of things bigger than himself and that gave him immense relief. Moreover he found that by shifting his focus from inner problems to the outer world(nature), he is able to it calm his frantic mind.At 12p.m when the sea glittered in the golden rays of sun, he read the next prescription which said:

TRY REACHING BACK
So Mr. X peered into the well of past and basked in the happy memories of his childhood.He realized that by reaching back, he had virtually touched happiness which released little flashes of power and emotional strength.He felt very light-hearted. At 3p.m , he opened the third prescription which read:

RE-EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES
Mr. X followed the instructions and realized that earlier he used to derive pleasure while working ,which later starting fading and what remained was just the material benefits the work rewarded.It was at this point of time that the boredom & lack of energy started seeping into his work life.He understood the problem and pledged to himself that he would work not just for money but also for the sense of joy , sense of contributing to society and also for the sense of productivity.At 6p.m,as he gazed at the setting sun , he read the last prescription which said:

WRITE YOUR WORRIES ON SAND
And that's exactly what he did He then turned his back and walked towards the city with a spring in his steps and music in his heart , as the tide behind him came in and washed his worries.