NarendraModi.in Ranked higer than barackobama .com

Its interesting to see that Narendra Modi is more popular than Barack Obama. 

Are social media making us more social??????

This Is A Video EVERYONE Needs To See. For The First Time In My Life, I'm Speechless.

“This media we call social is anything but, when we open our computers and it’s our doors we shut”… This is one of the most vital messages that everyone needs to hear.

Look Up is a spoken word for the “online” generation. Written, performed and directed by Gary Turk, it is an extremely important life lesson for our youth.  Children are growing up in a world where they don’t play outside or communicate with their friends. It seems today everything is done via text message or over the internet. It’s heartbreaking… I feel guilty myself. We need to spread this message before it’s too late. Please do your part and SHARE it with everyone you know.

PROOF THAT VEDAS ARE NOT MAN MADE

(Even if you are faint-hearted doesn’t matter, please read this article :smile:)

Note: There are other well-defined processes to realize that Vedas are not man made. So it will be quite difficult to understand that Vedas are not man made just by reading the below article but nevertheless this will be thought-provoking for sure.

A scientist will spend almost his life time to come out with one or two inventions/ discoveries that too using trial and error method. Even after that there is no guarantee that his discovery/ invention is absolutely faultless. :shock: (i’m not understating or downplaying scientists, its a fact)

In ‘The Logic of Scientific Discovery’, Karl R. Popper, a great philosopher of Science writes, “I think that we shall have to get accustomed to the idea that we must not look upon science as a ‘body of knowledge’, but rather as a system of hypotheses, or as a system of guesses or anticipations that in principle cannot be justified, but with which we work as long as they stand up to tests, and of which we are never justified in saying that we know they are ‘true’.”

In the words of scientists themselves, empirical modern science is “belief”, involves “trial-and-error”, consists of data that are “erroneous, misleading and inadequate” and is to be looked upon as “a system of guesses”.

Few Eg:

• Geo centric model said that Earth is the center of Universe.
• Theory of Evolution by Darwin is now disproved and now it’s out of text books.
• Previously modern science said that there are 9 planets in our solar system but now it is saying only 8 planets.
• So many satellites launched by man have failed but moon the natural satellite is perfectly working from time immemorial.

Books written by a man keep changing/ updating because of lack of perfection, they will have 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rdedition etc that is not the case with Vedas.

Vedas are the same Vedas from the time immemorial.

So is the quote ‘to err is human’. (The 4 defects of living entities according to Vedas will be discussed later)

The word “VEDA” means Knowledge. Vedas, the huge collection of knowledge include not only religious and spiritual knowledge,but also that of some of the branches known to modern science such asArchitecture, Avionics, Astrobiology, Astronomy, Atomic Physics, Chronometry, Dietetics, Embryology, Gastroenterology, Health Sciences, Metallurgy, Meteorology, Psycho-physiology, Science of warfare, Sociology etc. :shock:

Just 5000 years ago Vedas were compiled by Vyasa maharishi in the form of writing. But before that Vedas were not written down as the people of those times were so intelligent and had such sharp memories that by once hearing from the spiritual master they would understand them.

The word ऋषि ‘Rishi’ means a seer, from the root dris, to see. So the Rishi is the Mantra-Drashta, a seer of mantra or thought and not Karta, creator. The Rishis saw the truth or heard them. Therefore, the Veda is also called Sruti, that which is ‘heard’ or ‘revealed’. The Rishis are not the authors of the mantras with which their names are associated. They were the seer of the thought, which existed already. The Vedas are called ‘Apurusheya’ meaning ‘not of human origin’.

Courtesy:http://jaagruti.wordpress.com/

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.: Yesterday it was amazing as the lord was decorated in the mohini murthy alankar. And even more interesting was the odissi dance performa...

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.: Yesterday it was amazing as the lord was decorated in the mohini murthy alankar. And even more interesting was the odissi dance performa...

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Foreigner Embraces Indian Tradition and Culture.: Yesterday it was amazing as the lord was decorated in the mohini murthy alankar. And even more interesting was the odissi dance performa...

Political Organization and Form of Government in Vedic Period

Vedic literature provides very little informations about political history during Vedic period. Persons, battles and political events mentioned in the Vedas cannot be arranged chronologically (except for that they took place during Vedic period), while much of the historical context in Vedic literature is unclear.

Mahabharata, Kurukshetra War

Punjab region was the center of the Vedic culture and from there Indo-Aryans expanded to the east. The basic political unit was the vish (clan or tribe) ruled by raja (king or chief) who was responsible for protection of the clan. The clans did not only struggle with the non-Aryan tribes which they called Dasyu but were frequently in conflicts with each other as well what clearly indicates the Battle of the 10 Kings which is described in Rigveda. Rivalry between the clans is also the central event of the great epic poem Mahabharata (composed between 400 and 200 BC) which says that rivalry between sibling clans of Kauravas and Pandavas provoked the Kurukshetra War in which participated number of other kingdoms as allies of the rivals. The epic Mahabharata represents the 18-day war as a major event of great significance for the future history. However, it remains uncertain whether the famous war was as significant as described or the author (Vyasa) only glorified a battle of local importance.

Clan identity was slowly replaced by territorial identity by the end of the Vedic period and 16 kingdoms known as the Mahajanapadas emerged in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent competing with each other for supremacy. At the same time kingship became hereditary.

Courtesy: http://www.anciv.info/ 

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Second Day of Bramhotsava in Iskcon Bangalore

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Second Day of Bramhotsava in Iskcon Bangalore: During the second day the celebration's were geared to a great extent and the temple was being illuminated heavily. Lord was adorned i...

Politics and Leadership in the Vedic Way (Stephen Knapp)

  

            In applying the Vedic principles to our lives, the way we view politics and the system of leadership we choose will also be affected. There will be certain standards that we will want to maintain. When people who are not spiritually inclined, such as those who are atheistic, enter politics and become leaders by hook or crook, the whole atmosphere becomes increasingly covered with nescience and confusion. Such politicians may pose as having affiliations with some religion, but this is often done with a motive of getting in favor with people for the purpose of acquiring votes. Their real agenda is often hidden away and revealed much later. With such politicians in charge, beneficial programs meant for helping the poor or assisting with educational systems or the environment, often become reduced, cut back or are under-funded. Such funds that could be used for the benefit of the taxpayers are then diverted toward military development with the promise that it will make everyone more secure. Not knowing the duty of a good leader, such politicians engage in threatening and fighting with one another at the expense of the common people’s well being. Then in their distress, society may take spiritual life more seriously as they search for ways to find peace and solutions to their problems and help from God. 

            These unqualified politicians then mislead people by saying they are providing a brighter and more secure future through military engagement, but the damage done through such violence and destruction often leads to increased expenditures and years of difficulties that are spent recovering from wars and rebuilding what was damaged or destroyed. If society elects such political or religious leaders, they will not experience the relief and bright future they wish for. Such a leader is building a stone boat that is bound to sink along with everyone that follows him. Thus, he and his supporters create a dark future for everyone. In this way, they create hell on earth and are bound for hell after death. When determining your choices you must consider your own future, not merely in this present life, but in the hereafter as well.

            We can see in this world that there are those who lead people down the road to trouble. They present their untried and unbalanced theories as if they are providing definite answers to problems, but their inner rebellious nature, revolutionary ideas, or plain stupidity, often merely increase the difficulties we already have. These disruptive thoughts arise in the minds of those who are already so discontent, envious or foolish. But how can happiness arise from discontentment? They plant their ideas in the minds of others who are also restless and dissatisfied, and then try to gain influence. We have seen this happen in the world of politicians as well as in various religious organizations many times, and thus misguided people become all the more ill-advised. It leads us farther away from a peaceful and divine life. It prevents us from reaching the real goal of human existence. We often become ever more trapped in a world of divisions. Then our consciousness focuses on our differences rather than on spiritual unity, and thus the world weakens into a planet of chaos.

            Many civilizations on the planet that have prided themselves for being advanced are not genuine civilizations. This means that they are not as civilized as they think. A true civilized society will hold love, compassion, cooperation, wisdom, and freedom as its basis and foundation, and not mere technological, economic or military superiority to dominate others. This sort of emphasis in advancement does not solve all the problems of life. It does not promote true peace in the world, nor does it make a society truly civilized. It mostly perpetuates the differences between the members of society as well as the selfish idea that the privileged can control all situations by the notion that might is right, and thus continue to dominate the weak.

            Society must pick a true leader, and not merely elect the lesser of the evils among the candidates running for office. But, they must know what is a real leader. A real leader must also know the Universal Spiritual Truths. Then such a leader can make programs that use a foundation that is universally applicable to everyone. In this way, the leader must use a complete philosophy for his or her politics. Otherwise an imperfect leader will not be able to create an ideology that is acceptable to everyone, but he will continue to speculate on what might work and suggest ideas that are untried, untrue and that continue to create confusion. This goes on while hiding the real agenda, which is often to trick people into working hard to pay large amounts in taxes that are funneled away from truly benefiting the people and the planet. If the leader is a fool, the government becomes a fool’s paradise.

            A real leader must be ethically fit and strong in order to subdue disturbances properly. Before a leader can affect the world, he must take care of things locally, in his own domain. He must first curb whatever sufferings his own subjects and citizens endure. They are supporting him, it is their taxes he is overseeing, and thus they should be the first to reap the rewards of proper leadership and government funding. So first, all thieves, rapists, kidnapers, murderers, and dacoits of all kinds must be stopped and apprehended. This will help create peace for all honest citizens. Also, programs that benefit the people, such as securing employment opportunities, natural resources and the environment, must be established or people will lose hope for the future.

            Dishonest miscreants and criminals in society flourish because of cowardly and impotent heads of state. If such leaders cannot manage their position properly, criminals make use of the situation to terrorize honest citizens. But, when heads of state are strong enough to curb all sorts of criminals in any part of the country, then they will not be able to flourish. When miscreants are punished in an exemplary and immediate manner, then good fortune follows. Crime goes down, the expense for law enforcement decreases, and then the citizens in general do not need to live in fear. This will affect their confidence in government and the way they contribute to the country. However, when laws are passed that protect criminals and force honest citizens to become incapable of defending themselves, or where law enforcement is slow and ineffective, then thieves and rogues become prominent in society due to an incapable government. Such a country soon becomes a dangerous place in which to live. Misfortune is then bound to follow.

            Thus, a leader’s priority is first to his or her land and citizens. Only after his own area is secure and beneficial programs are firmly established should there be any engagement for large expenditures or military action outside of defending his own jurisdiction, beyond his borders, and only then if such military ventures do not unnecessarily tax the economy. Once local problems are solved and adjusted, the leaders and people will have a stronger base from which to tackle challenges and difficulties in other parts of the world.

            If a ruler or government is effective in curbing crime in its own country, keeping the citizens free from disturbances of cheating businessmen, corrupt politicians, terrorists, thieves, etc., by virtue of such a strong leader, he can more easily collect taxes. More citizens will be honest and willing to pay. However, if a leader or government cannot protect the citizens from such dacoits in public or government affairs, such an ineffective leader should not be so ostentatious as to think he deserves the right to continue to collect heavy taxes from his subjects. If the leader is ineffective and allows criminals to occupy his jurisdiction, then he will share in the reactions of the evil deeds that are conducted under his regime, and his future will become very dark. Thus, a bad ruler perpetuates the spoiling of the whole country.

            What is worse is when rogues themselves are elected to office. Then such cheaters, taking advantage of their situation and position, will enjoy life by living off the high taxes that are taken from the citizens. Or, they will engage in political or financial intrigue that will put large profits into their pockets at the taxpayers’ expense. This in turn makes the people more dishonest by trying to hide their income from being taxed by crooked politicians. Then, as this criminal mentality spreads, trickling down from the politicians, the whole country becomes increasingly corrupt.

            The hierarchies and regimes that operate according to self-serving methods that are in fact vicious and unjust, especially toward honest people, cannot remain in place. The ultimate force of Truth in the world will see them fall sooner or later. We must bring forth the power of transformation, not by force or manipulation but by genuine concern and spiritual love.

            However, it is not enough that leaders try to provide peace through military domination or force. There needs to be funds that will support educational projects that will spread genuine spiritual knowledge that can invoke a real change of consciousness in humanity at large. This does not mean simply to spread a particular religion, but to spread that spiritual information that can be applied by anyone, anywhere, regardless of religious affiliations. By providing the means for a genuine change of consciousness, and an uplifting growth in perceptivity of our spiritual unity, there can be peace by the deliberate choice of society as opposed to mere military might. There can be harmony through intellectual and spiritual growth. Otherwise, real peace will not be possible. It will only be a strained peace since the underlying cause for disunity and trouble remains, waiting for the opportunity for conflict to break out again.

            Naturally, there may be times when military force is needed to put an end to unnecessary conflict or to subdue criminals, but it can never be a means to lasting peace.

            Our disrespect toward one another is nothing but a reflection of our disrespect toward God, or at the very least our disconnection from God. Whereas the more our relation with God is established in a mature manner, the more we can see God in everything and everyone. In such a state of mind, war, being a vehicle in which we try to kill as many of the enemy as possible, is like blaspheme in itself. As we continue to lose our connection with God we lose our moral values, our civility, our care and concern for each other, and then the basis for quarrel and war escalates.

            The point to understand is that the elite or criminally minded who live at the expense of others will never bring forth or promote the will of God, especially if it means a change in their own status quo, position, wealth, influence, etc. They will never reflect the unconditional love of God on others but will relentlessly devise the means for manipulation and exploitation of the weak. However, we can change whatever elitist structure there may be, not by ordinary revolution or militant activism, but by merely choosing to not participate in it and by selecting the path of light and love. This is an alternative based on spiritual realization and recognition of the Divine in all beings. The polarization between good and evil will bring forth the distinctions of harmony and balance for those who choose such a path, and darkness and torment for those who choose selfish methods. The path of truth and love has always prevailed in spite of the trials that may have to be endured to reach the goal.

            A ruler should be the representative of perfect morality. He should exhibit exemplary behavior in his actions, directions and speech. Thus, as it is most beneficial for society in general to work toward spiritual advancement, so it is also beneficial for a ruler to work in ways that enhance his or her own spiritual development. He or she should see to it that everyone has an equal opportunity to do the same. This is proper leadership.

            Furthermore, proper leadership should arrange things in such a way so there is cooperation between God, nature and humanity. If we act in a way that pleases God, then He will oversee us and supply what we need. But, that also means we should respect and honor the blessings the Supreme has given us and continues to give us, and exhibit thankfulness by honoring and cooperating with nature. Thus, we will not spoil or overuse our natural resources, and there will be harmony between humanity and all aspects of nature. If our land is full with natural assets, the nation and world can be economically well to do. If we do not honor our resources, or if we spoil them through pollution, or overuse them through bad management, there will be scarcity and high prices. This gives way to apprehension, fear and difficulties for people who must conduct their lives at increasing expense. Thus, the economic status of the country and the confidence of the people will begin to plummet. This is why there must be proper cooperation between God, mankind and nature, which is another aspect of understanding the principles of Vedic culture.

            If people cannot progress spiritually and see things according to such universal Vedic standards, they will not make any advancement toward the higher goal of human life. This is beyond moralistic principles and is the foundation of real spiritual perception and realization. It is a duty of the government that the facilities are provided so this can go on nicely. Thus, if any fanatics from any religion become terrorists toward another spiritual path, and make things difficult for all, the ruler should apprehend such fanatics immediately and make arrangement for such people to have minimum access to their jurisdiction. Such a consideration may be unfortunate, but it is nonetheless necessary to establish and maintain peace for the honest citizens, and those who sincerely try to advance spiritually. 

        Also check Purpose and Function of Government According to Mahabharata for more information on this topic.

 content courtesy: Stephen Knapp

image courtesy: indiatimes.com

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Bramhotsava Celebration in Iskcon Bangalore Day1(C...

Harsha Swaroop Photography: Bramhotsava Celebration in Iskcon Bangalore Day1(C...: The agamas or the Vedic literatures which describe the process of Deity worship in a temple recommend performance of Brahmotsava - a festi...

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Harsha Swaroop Photography: Joy and spirit: The Vedic version says, Vedänta, that "A spirit soul is by nature joyful." Therefore—we are spirit soul—we are hankering after j...

Are today's leader's trustworthy?

Leaders means government men. That is described. They are all thieves and rogues, anywhere. Dasyu-dharmabhih. Dasyu. Dasyu means plunderers, rogues. Unless you become a rogue you cannot go to the government. You cannot... Any honest man cannot stay with these government men. That is not possible at the present age. Any government. Unless... Just like first-class rogue, your Nixon, he became the president. Because he was a first-class rogue, he became the president. So unless you are first-class rogue, you cannot stay within the circle of government men. Rajanya dasyu-dharmabhih. And their business will be to eat up the vital force of the people. Bhaksayisyanti praja sarve rajanya dasyu-dharmabhih. This is the statement. And people will be harassed. On account of their godlessness, they will be harassed by three things: famine, no rain, and taxation. Taxation by the government, and there will be no rain, there will be famine, no food, and they will be so much embarrassed that they will give up their family and go away, gacchanti giri-kananam, will go, enter into the hills and forest, giving up their hearth and home. This is Kali-yuga. And this is due to their godlessness. On account of this, then the democracy, means anyone, brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, anyone who becomes powerful, he will capture the government post. So the sudras, they are now powerful. Sudras. Industry means sudra. So they will capture the governmental power. Just like Communist.

-Srila Prabhupada

Indian Loksaba Election Contestants stay fit with yoga, healthy food

RANCHI: With elections inching closer every day, candidates cutting across political parties have intensified their poll campaigns. However, things are not rosy for them as the blazing summer sun and the soaring mercury levels continue to pose a constant challenge to their well-being. However, the netas are finding ways to make every minute count before the polls.

AAP aspirant Amanalluah believes in the power of meditation and does yoga to stay fit. The 44-year-old chemical engineer from IIT Kharagpur picked up yoga from the Art of Living (AOL) school during his MBA days at the Oxford University. "I am an ardent follower of Sri Sri Ravishankar and worked as a coordinator of the AOL events at Oxford," Amanullah said. "I do pranayam every evening to unwind myself," he added.

BJP aspirant Bidyut Baran Mahto is not a yoga practitioner. The 51-year-old candidate from Jamshedpur feels long hours of padayatra will help him stay in shape. "For me, walking kilometres at a stretch is the right exercise." he said. Sources close to Mahto also speak of his religious inclination. "He is a devout Sai Baba follower and does his puja everyday to stay upbeat," a Mahto confidante added.

While JVM (P) candidate Amitabh Choudhary plays tennis to stay healthy, Dayamani Balra, the AAP contestant from Khunti, unwinds herself sharing the day's experiences with fellow workers. "We discuss about our day's experiences on the dining table. That apart, we sing folk songs and crack jokes to relax ourselves," she added.

Veteran Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay is a foodie and eats anything that is served to him. Unlike Aman, who survives on low carbohydrate diets and "plenty of juice", 60-year-old Sahay carries biscuits during tours and generally eats anything the villagers offer him," said a Sahay aide. While Mahto prefers poita-bhaat (consumable fermented rice), Balra consumes sattu to keep herself cool.

However, given their hectic schedules before the polls, the candidate manages just four hours of sleep at night. But they are not going to let their health come in way of last-minute campaigns. "How can we sleep ahead of the biggest exam in our lives?" said Amanullah, echoing his comrades and rivals in unison.

Ranchi: With elections inching closer every day, candidates cutting across political parties have intensified their poll campaigns. However, things are not rosy for them as the blazing summer sun and the soaring mercury levels continue to pose a constant challenge to their well-being. However, the netas are finding ways to make every minute count before the polls.

AAP aspirant Amanalluah believes in the power of meditation and does yoga to stay fit. The 44-year-old chemical engineer from IIT Kharagpur picked up yoga from the Art of Living (AOL) school during his MBA days at the Oxford University. "I am an ardent follower of Sri Sri Ravishankar and worked as a coordinator of the AOL events at Oxford," Amanullah said. "I do pranayam every evening to unwind myself," he added.

BJP aspirant Bidyut Baran Mahto is not a yoga practitioner. The 51-year-old candidate from Jamshedpur feels long hours of padayatra will help him stay in shape. "For me, walking kilometres at a stretch is the right exercise." he said. Sources close to Mahto also speak of his religious inclination. "He is a devout Sai Baba follower and does his puja everyday to stay upbeat," a Mahto confidante added.

While JVM (P) candidate Amitabh Choudhary plays tennis to stay healthy, Dayamani Balra, the AAP contestant from Khunti, unwinds herself sharing the day's experiences with fellow workers. "We discuss about our day's experiences on the dining table. That apart, we sing folk songs and crack jokes to relax ourselves," she added.

Veteran Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay is a foodie and eats anything that is served to him. Unlike Aman, who survives on low carbohydrate diets and "plenty of juice", 60-year-old Sahay carries biscuits during tours and generally eats anything the villagers offer him," said a Sahay aide. While Mahto prefers poita-bhaat (consumable fermented rice), Balra consumes sattu to keep herself cool.

However, given their hectic schedules before the polls, the candidate manages just four hours of sleep at night. But they are not going to let their health come in way of last-minute campaigns. "How can we sleep ahead of the biggest exam in our lives?" said Amanullah, echoing his comrades and rivals in unison.

Courtesy: TOI

Yogi & his mind

A self-realized yogi can control the mind. The successful yogi's mind does not control him. A true yogi experiences real happiness. In transcendental happiness, the senses are engaged in the service Krishna. That is the way to bringing the senses under full control. This is the highest perfection of yoga practice.

The Sound Representation of the Supreme Lord

Our present senses are all made of material elements, and therefore they are imperfect in realizing the transcendental form of The Lord. He is therefore worshiped by sound representation via the transcendental method of chanting. Anything which is beyond the scope of experience by our imperfect senses can be realized fully by the sound representation. A person transmitting sound from a far distant place can be factually experienced. If this is materially possible, why not spiritually? This experience is not a vague impersonal experience. It is actually an experience of the transcendental Personality of Godhead, who possesses the pure form of eternity, bliss and knowledge.

Trapped by the senses

 
This is Maya. "Come on, come on, enjoy me." As soon as you enjoy, you become entrapped. Just like they throw the tackle and invite the fish. As soon as — it eats! Finished.

 The fish is losing his life by eating, by tongue. The deer by hearing; the hunter plays very nice flute and all of them assemble to hear. Hunter keeps the trap and it loses life. The elephant is caught by sexual attraction. A she-elephant is trained, goes to the male elephant, and it follows. The male elephant falls into a big pit. Then he's shackled and taken away. Bumble bee is entrapped by smelling lotus flower; it gets trapped within the flower, and loses its life. 

These examples are for animal kingdom whose one sense is only active. But incase of human beings, all our senses are active. Then what is our position? A man has got six wives, and he has entered the house, and all the wives have captured him, "You come to my room." You see? So one has taken his one hand, another has taken another hand, one has taken his one leg, so he's like this: "Where shall I go?" So this is our position. This body means the senses. My eyes want, "Oh, there is a beautiful girl. Let us see." Ear. "Oh, there is very nice music. Let us have it." "Oh, there is a very good restaurant, palatable dishes. Let’s go." Tongue dictates. Eyes dragging to some place, ear dragging, tongue dragging. So our position is like different wives and dragging to different rooms. Thus, we are perplexed. Instead of controlling the senses, we are becoming servant of senses and losing this great opportunity of human life. The only way to get out of it is to be fully Krishna conscious.

Ref: Bhagavad-gita 2.20-25 Seattle, October 14, 1968 authored by Srila Prabhupada (Founder - Acharya, ISKCON)

Guru is not for fashion

Go to guru, to surrender. Surrender means that one will accept whatever the guru says. It is not that one thinks, "I do not care for my guru's order. Still I am a disciple." That is not actually accepting a guru. Just like Arjuna surrendered to Krishna. You must find out guru where you can surrender. Not that you keep guru your order supplier, "Give me some ashirvad and I may be benefited." He is not guru; he is your order supplier, your servant. Guru means he must order, "You must do this." If we agree, then he is a guru. Not that "I shall order my guru, and he will execute my order.” that the dog will do, not the guru. You ask your dog, "Sit down here," a dog will sit. That kind of guru keeping has no value. We shouldn't go to a guru simply because a guru may be fashionable at the moment. Just as you sometimes keep a dog as a fashion, if you want to keep a guru as a fashion—"I have a guru"—that will not help. You must accept a guru who can extinguish the blazing fire of anxiety within your heart. Everyone in the material life, in all species and varieties of life, is full of anxieties. So if you want to be anxiety-less, then you must take shelter of the guru, the spiritual master. And the test of the guru is that by following his instructions you'll be free from anxiety. However, a guru is not a person who simply manufactures gold or juggles words just to attract foolish people and make money. An actual guru is one who is fully trained in the ocean of spiritual knowledge.

--

The Painting on the wall

There was a king who was a great admirer of art. One day an artist came and said to the king, “Oh King! Give me a blank wall in your palace and let me paint a picture on it.”

The artist was given the job. Just then, another young man said, “Oh King! Please allow me to work on the opposite wall. I too am an artist.”  The king said, “What would you like to make?” The man said, “My Lord, I shall make exactly what that man will make on the opposite wall. Moreover, I shall do so, without looking at his work. I would even request you to have a thick curtain put up between the two walls so that either of us cannot see the other.”

Everyone in the king’s court, including the king was intrigued. He decided to give the young fellow a chance. The following day a thick curtain was put into place and both the artists got to work. The first artist brought in a regular supply of paint, oil, water etc. The second one worked with some cloth and a bucket of water. After a month the first artist told the king that his work was complete. The king sent for the second artist and asked him, “Young man, when would your work be ready? I am coming to see the first wall this evening.” The man said, “My Lord, my wall is ready too!”

The king went to see the first artist’s wall. He was very, very impressed with the painting and gave a hefty sum as a reward to the artist. He then asked for the curtain to be opened up. Lo and behold! The same painting was to be seen on the opposite wall too! Amazing! But true! Each line, each minor detail was exactly as it was on the first wall. But this man had not been seeing what was going on, on the other side of the curtain. So how had he done it?

The king wanted to know the secret. He gave a double reward to the fellow. Then he said, “Young man, I am indeed very happy with your work. But you must tell me; how did you do it?”

The lad said simply, “It’s very easy! I just polished the wall every day till it shone like a mirror!” It was a wall made of white marble! The reflection of the painting across the room, showed up in it!

That is what it means to polish yourself. World is a reflection of you. Whatever you are, the world will seem to be that too. If you are happy, the world will look to be happy. If you are sad; jealous; angry; restless... that is what the world will seem to be to you!

--

Pray regularly

 There is a story of about a sea captain who in his retirement skippered a boat taking day-trippers to Shetland Islands. On one trip, the boat was full of young people.

They laughed at the old captain when they saw him say a prayer before sailing out, because the day was fine and the sea was calm.

However they weren't long at sea when a storm suddenly blew up and the boat began to pitch violently. The terrified passengers came to the captain and asked him to join them in prayer.   

   
But he replied, "I say my prayers when it's calm. When it's rough I attend to my ship." 

 
Here is a lesson for us: 
   
If we cannot and will not seek God in quiet moments of our lives; we are not likely to find Him when trouble strikes. We are more likely to panic. But if we have learnt to seek Him and trust Him in quiet moments, then most certainly we will find Him when the going gets rough.