2 liners for aspiring gurus

2 liners for Aspiring Gurus

Enough ammunition for philosophying to kick-start your own Ashram or Church.

by Pradeep Maheshwari

feedback gururdeva@yahoo.com

Phone: 91-11-41730043, skype:pradeepmahesh.

Facebook: Pradeep PK Maheshwari

1

2

The mind is like a box. Soon we fill it up and call all the goodies "My Posessions". We become inordinately proud of all the valuables we have there-in. So much so that we refuse to entertain an exchange or change.

Why is it so important to be "Never Wrong"?..... and to prove the others “Always in error�?

Silence and quiet - think well in silence before acting

By painting everything clearcut in black and white we do a disservice; specially when we compare and lay them side by side with our prejudices. There

3

are always two sides to everything and many shades in between.

There is a great freshness in the impudent beauty of the intelligent and learned novice.

A good teacher is like a well. The well couldn't care who is drawing water and does not go all over the place asking people to look for its water.

Until we learn to see life with objectivity, don’t expect much. People are afraid to see the bitter side of life even though somewhere in a deep corner of their hidden self they are aware of it.

4

First we need to accept then alone transformation would be possible. Forcing oneself to look at life with rose-tinted glasses in the name of positivity is equal to escapism. ... the mind sets haven't really changed.

We are still solving problems all over the world by killing the people involved.

It is the cultured moneyed thugs that bother me more. The arrogance of the nouveau-riche is insurmountable and that is where the violence comes from - sometimes deliberately.

We are so programmed to think in a fixed pattern that we do not realise the different stages of relationships and behavior patterns that happens between people & specially the baby and parents.

5

The baby grows but the parents don't always grow with them.

There is always possessiveness, selfish-ends involved in all the decisions that parents take for their children.

Few adults are able to detach themselves from the ownership angle vis-a-vis their children or use emotional blackmail towards their own profit.

People use all kinds of stratagems to interfere in the life of others for personal profit & gain thereby creating irritations and untoward incidents. Often just the need to be clever or taking clever short-cuts or not following certain general rules is enough to create serious accidents and occasions for regret.

6

We are all growing all the time and our relationships and equations have to change and do change. That is why people come and go in our lives.

But who wants change? Specially when the old pattern is so profitable!

If it is taken as a spiritual experience, these self-centered people are goading us to seek balance by being an irritant and sowers of discord.

The image we maintain for the world at large and the life we lead in reality are always two very different things.

The moment you restrict yourself by needs of society or any other reason like following a 7

philosophy or set of morals or religious precepts, you are projecting something other than your real self.

No flaw is seen and the plan is put into execution with deep confidence in the Universe that things will go along as planned for the simple reason that she wants it so. And she cannot see her wishes not being granted.

The refrain is always “listen to me”. All subterfuges are used to make others see their side of the story – like a little exaggeration or lying. And they use “screaming” as a weapon very effectively if thwarted.

8

We are so intent on building our castle that we forget the way and others who are there with us.

We do end up building our castle and then soon realize that we have also locked ourselves in.

Life can flourish when we water it with care and compassion but observe around – we fill it more with self-indulgence, prejudice and segmentation.

Our need to be seen as king is more important than be accepted as a person.

We let lose our anger, disdain and biting words without restrain in serious righteousness. And then wonder why this world is such a malefic place.

The mass of humanity is still operating from the level of physical-habit-instinctive mind, sensations 9

and needs; the emotional mind adds to the complexity of everyday needs. The mental mind is actively in cahoots with these two and does only what these two demand - supplies them with justifications & shows them the means.

Errors hurt our self-esteem and often great sadness too envelops us from the chain of events.

This is the moment that for a while we stop to reflect and this reflection is the first step towards learning from within.

Humans have this great need to go out and earn loads of something that they can go and exchange for loads of other things. Where will they find time; as it is there are only 24 hours, and they can’t find time for sleep!

10

We are more self destructive than we would ever agree to. It is so stupefying how some people constantly misconstrue everything to fit into their anger mode.

What do we ever know? People who have been married for decades often never know certain deeper feelings and thoughts about their partners.

Some words or image from the Guru that is right for us always hits us when we get started on the way. Later it may plane out till the balance between your inner spirit gets ready for change with the outer being.

Why do some people put so much effort in being unhappy by constantly raking the past and deliberately dwelling there; even when there is no 11

reason to do so? They not only make it a matter of pride but also use the past to blackmail events and people around them emotionally and this can never really be a constructive act.

The idea of love and "happiness" from selfish humans is ridiculous. We serve each other's purpose. No more. No less.

It is the ability to be our own witness and to be able to see at ourselves as another that gives us power to improve and better our selves. This gives objectivity.

The Sufi way: -All, everybody, all of them - are teachers they are all around us. Whenever a word, story, phrase "hits" you, see it as a teacher speaking to you.

12

Live Consciously - do every act with absolute awareness and keep an eye on your thoughts and wishes. This is all that needs to be done as an integrated way. Every second of the time.

Self pity is a huge hole. People wallow in it because sentimentally they find support from others. So this brings us to the next step - who to associate/live with and who to avoid?

Some people are really lucky. They have limited needs, simple minds and they don’t suffer with vivid imaginations to bother them with fear and possibilities – good and bad. They always have more than they need and they are quite happy to be left alone to their devices.

13

It may be the information age but nobody is reading or bothering to inform oneself.

Perseverance is weakening and tempers shortening.

It is a sad age.

There is much to read, easily available but lesser number of people actually bother to make the effort to read – they are happy with the pictures and a few headlines.

Yes. I see whole lives spent in policing others.

Looking for faults and getting irritated and irritating others. Just so any focus from oneself can be avoided. And then feel superior as well.

Do you know anyone closely who carry "Resentment" as a crown?

They give the impression that there is no way that the world can ever please them.

14

There is an imperative need to stand out; vanity insists. But it is shadowed by an imperative fear of being alienated from the crowd.

Consider: When my time comes what will I be taking along with me and what shall I be leaving behind.

I have learnt much only because some kind teachers went out of their way to take me under their wing.

Let us keep our doors open to every person and instance that comes to us in askance and needs us as a teacher or friend. If we are afraid of being involved then it is a mistake.

15

Why do all the elders, without fail, always show their concern by noticing how weak or frail you have become!

This reminded me of a quote by Richard Greenberg: “There’s a vanity to candor that isn’t really worth it. Be kind.”

The tendency to think for others is in all of us. It is a kind of arrogance that is terribly well couched. In the guise of a “DOING GOOD” mask of being kind, nice and helpful, we permit our egos full liberty to interfere in the lives of others.

We behave like Supermen, blinded by our own thoughts of indispensability.

Everybody has so much to say. Everybody knows so much and understands so little; this is the crux. We are surrounded by second-hand information and wisdom and we are actively perpetuating it as our own.

16

How speedily faults are found in the statements of others; as if superciliousness is in fashion.

Jostling and pushing and behaving even in a crowd as if nobody else was there is a gift that only we have.

Our propensity to ignore what goes against our wishful-ness is astounding.

Today when a smile is coming your way, you immediately think in terms of ‘Now, what does this guy want?’ Does becoming friends with our children make us into weak dependants?

17

Will our manliness be shadowed and emasculated by letting our child stand tall along with us?

Let us ask ourselves quickly and sincerely if we have not allowed ourselves to be desensitized, become callous and somewhat sadistic?

Look around closely. How often do you see people agreeing and accepting each other and in comparison how often we are crossing each other out?

I do remember being scolded often for misdeeds but I don’t remember one incident where I was made to understand what I had done wrong.

18

In the heart of hearts everybody is fully aware of his/her errors and shortcomings. Owning up errors would in my opinion only make others see our greatness and our magnamity.

We subsist on hope and pray intensely but selfishly, have long discussions but rarely take the initiative.

Success brings with it the problem of too much.

The world is what it is and we need to accept it as it is although we don’t have to like it.

19

We can reduce our stress by cutting out all that can be cut out. Learn to ignore. Running the world is not our responsibility.

Go back to the child in you. Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. Don’t overdo and kill yourself but also don’t just sit there. It will kill you anyway.

Create a small impenetrable corner where you can be yourself. Let the world go to Jericho if it wants to.

Two very self-defeating habits that I feel are the worst. One is the fact that our impatience is so acute that we do not think twice to butt in a conversation and the second is that we do so

20

without ensuring that anyone is listening to us or not.

We are quite certain about our wisdom and abilities and we even prove it and justify ourselves by quoting earlier “Greats & Gurus” Subconscious patterns, inculcated since the day we are born are deeply embedded in us and we have to literally fight against their hold on our everyday lives.

Their opinions are final, their arguments are full of holes and their attitudes are pompous; not that you could dare oppose or even try to put in a word edgewise.

They “Demand” respect as a right. These grand guys see others as totally incapable nincompoops and in their anger there is an element of disgust

21

at the incompetent lowly oafs they have to live with.

Balance is the operative word; Work, rest, sleep, laughter, hobbies, friends, family and all that have to be mixed judiciously with ambition and responsibilities.

In our calculations we always forget that the world is in constant forward movement. We are just too warped up in ourselves.

If we could, we would want the rest of the world on a tight leash always happily bearing with us while we live with abandon and total unconcern for anything or anybody.

22

In life we always get the treatment we allow ourselves to be given.

It has always been my contention that what is basically in our subconscious mind comes to our lips.

We look for answers but only those that satisfy our own view or desire will find favor with us.

Showing confidence? If you are certain about your point and yourself, then why not show it?

What is your face saying? Are you sure that your expressions are saying the same things as your words are?

23

The inhumanity of man towards his own kind is nothing new of note; but visiting our devilishness on the helpless child needs a streak of barbarism beyond the animal in us.

The only way things will change is when we can inculcate into the children this philosophy of concern and care because when one becomes an adult it is already too late.

Failures there will always be. They are part of the learning process. And hopefully they can be kept in the limits of what can be called “affordable�.

Considering that we have only a limited number of years on this planet, whatever work can be avoided is a goal in itself.

24

It is a wise man who allows himself to flow with the plans of others wherever and whenever possible.

It is as if the human race is not a group but only unconnected singletons, living in isolated boxes with not even an invisible silk thread to bind them.

Millions of people living alone together.

Today we have a problem of information overload but none of it seems to penetrate deeply enough into anyone’s consciousness to make a change.

Our misplaced optimism sees Life as only getting better, accidents happen to others and we are doing our best in the circumstances.

25

It is our karma and destiny that is at fault and all failures can be traced to somebody or something outside our control.

It is very easy to lose one’s temper & go overboard, specially when one is in a position of authority or clearly where the opposite side has no way to retaliate. It feels so good.

Humans are still in a state of insincerity. They are very happy with their cleverness.

Creative people are recruited because fresh talent and creativity is required to rejuvenate the organization but then once “in�, the new recruits are put under pressure to conform to the older and staid rules of thinking and behavior. Alas; this is life!

26

Once in a position of influence every individual regales in it. Bosses browbeat their juniors, teachers ask for silence, Police order baton charges, husbands batter their wives into submission, mothers-in-laws are already famous for it and wives shut up their husbands nice and proper. Why do we first create a relationship and then go all out to break it?

We certainly need to reduce the irritants around us and often a little show of anger will help in demarcating borders.

What is the most important question bothering you today? The answer to which would change/helpyou-reach-your-goal in life.

27

What in the name of heaven is the hurry? I have never really understood the need to bring speech so hurriedly and in such quantity and intensity in our lives.

I am just amazed at the continuous talking I see around us. How much can we have to say? Don’t these people get tired of talking? After all, where is all this energy that goes into speech coming from?

Being connected has become an addiction. Our callousness is so great that we will not stop from disturbing everybody else around us.

Well I refuse to fall in line. I also follow the rule that visitors will have to shut off the phone at my place as I am not interested in seeing them doing their business while I sit there like a fool

28

watching them; on call to them when they are free to do so!

There is an element of cowardice, inertia, carelessness and irresponsibility in everything and every aspect of our lives and we are extremely comfortable with it.

The positive vibrations can stimulate healing at the basic level where the whole body metabolism defies medical knowledge of today and effectively goes into a self-healing mode.

Certain pieces of music have been tried and evaluated in many cases and studies. There can be no doubt anymore. Mozart’s symphonies have been 29

used to make cows give more milk. Schizophrenics behave better.

Childbirth was found to happen more happily and with less fatigue to the mother with music from Schubert and even our own raags like Bageshwari and Yaman.

Harmonic vibrations are taught in physics in every school. So this concept of using music to alleviate pain and stress is not that far fetched.

The entire social management on this earth is based on the presumption that human being are upright and honest beings loaded up to the gill with positive attributes. Added to this is the blinkered view that the human animal is always 30

looking forward, progressive, dying to excel, reasonable, committed, clear in his mind, basically sincere in word and action.

This attitude needs to be nurtured. If we become too much of the teacher or the disciplinarian we risk alienating the relationship and a heavy price would have to be paid later in life if a great distance and distrust gets created between the parent and child.

The truth is that we stop the child when it is not convenient to us. The child is not here for our convenience. Period.

I know I am being manipulated but then my mother, wife, colleagues and everyone I know is doing it so what is new? I just wait for my

31

opportunity to have my own tantrums one of these days.

There is a resistance to change that creeps in even with the first sentence exchanged. When this is coupled with our tendency to take short-cuts and soft options, we push ourselves into a hole and then pine and mope.

Does not the child have a right to be NOT born?

So I come to my basic premise. THE CHILD HAS RIGHTS TOO. The child has a right to NOT to be brought into this world which is obviously and visually not adequately ready to bring it up!

32

Living in cramped and often dirty surroundings with no respite in sight and with an underlying subconscious thought that life has dealt them a miserable hand – makes them uncaring.

I have often wondered why as a people we are so callous about the cleanliness of public spaces.

When shall we insist on getting the best? Because as Somerset Maugham says: Those who insist on the best normally get it!

To the snobs who think that they can impress others by a show of being busy, I have only a word of caution; you are fooling nobody and eventually even those who are impressed at first, will know that you are bluffing and all your credits will go down the drain.

33

The subconscious minds forever remain at the age of four at best. Chronologically people age but at heart they are children and show all the psychological traits of kindergarten kids!

Why is happiness so sought after and yet so few seem to have found it? Or is it that we have become a little set in our ways of yearning that there is always something to be discontented about?

The unpalatable truth is that cribbing is one way of showing our superiority. The manufacturers survive on it. They make their fortunes while we sulk.

34

They can only see themselves moving forward and none to beat them. After all, time and time again have they not proven themselves as top-class and top of the class? It is so surprising to see this smug lot, not willing to acknowledge that a new crop of more-with the-times people are joining the world every year.

Guns come out of the closet at little or no provocation. Lovers throw acid on their beloved because their love is so deep that their amourpropre cannot tolerate a “NO�.

We vociferously condemn prostitution. We even go to the limit of hating these hapless young women as depraved and unfit for being seen in the company of the virtuous who are responsible for keeping the trade going.

35

So finally what is this talk of virtue and its flaunting if not a trap, a good excuse to look the other way in our virtuous envelopes?

We as a people pride in breaking laws. The guy who can break a law and get away with it considers himself "greater".

The movies have been influencing and teaching the masses for 60 years. Study the story lines of our movies. They all encourage, anger, arrogance, cheating, molestation and all.

Humans today have organized themselves to commercially benefit each other from titillating the baser instincts. They have thereby created a self perpetuating cycle of misery and now of course this is reaching proportions that threaten our own lives.

36

0 to 60 in 6 seconds or something to that effect; so impressive and so useless. People do get swayed by these clinically presentations that impress but are actually of no factual use.

There are always lesser endowed people than us and when we compare ourselves, we mostly do so with the ones who have less than us.

Let us stop for a while, like we may be forced to do in a hospital bed when we realize that the world runs quite well in our absence. Let us ask for once “QUO VADIS�?

37

Jobs are taken but we do not give ourselves fully to it, marriages are made but we keep most of our-self back, we register for courses but mentally are elsewhere; in short we want the world to come to us when be beckon but we keep our doors closed.

I raise the points that there is too much freedom to have sex and behaving irresponsibly by having children but not preparing oneself for them either psychologically, financially or intellectually.

How many of us are really thinking and creating anything in our lives? Leave people alone for some time, and they are lost; really lost both in spirit and purpose.

38

Come out of your cocoon. Listen to the world around without having to comment or direct anything. Let the world run itself for a moment.

There will be withdrawal symptoms but tolerate them just for a while and then you will know peace and really see!

A completely well person is rare to find. Humans have never been very careful with the care of their bodies. The industrial development has only expanded the range of misuse.

The wife on her side had a simple explanation: “I don’t think I nag him. He just doesn’t do what I want him to”.

I do wonder why we give so much importance to death and make it such a grim and solemn affair.

Why do we reserve the eulogizing for the dead

39

while the living ones who were dying to hear a kind word have to literally die to hear one!

How easily we convince ourselves and concoct up proof to support our thoughts and thinking process to our advantage. We all know what is good and bad, correct and incorrect, right and wrong; that is by our society’s standards but yet when it is in our self-interest we look the other way without any qualm of conscience.

You know your problem and you understand the answer.

Now you will have to use your willpower to listen to your reason.

40

Just imagine letting ourselves go and becoming one with the universe; will our SELF still exist? But it is a fact that when we let our selfish selves go we do feel a release and a friendlier atmosphere builds up around us.

Humans have a cruel streak. The elements of vanity and arrogance make them vulnerable.

Whenever and wherever they get a chance to exercise their power over others, they do - often with sadistic tendencies; from Dictators downwards to the clerk, from the patriarch to the cook, from Director in a school to the bully‌ just about everyone.

People will not change. No point in wasting our energy on them.

41

The hold of the subconscious is very strong and most of the time it is quietly & surreptiously running the show. That is why we need to be careful with what children might be absorbing.

Criticizing instead of softly correcting, scolding/beating and doing the thinking for the child instead of letting him discover and play; thereby preempting him at every point are the worst things that leave indelible marks and form his adult nature.

First we stunt their personalities and then ask them to go and make a mark in the world –and that too in our image. How myopic can one get?

42

It has been my contention that we should learn to let go after the age of 40 and after 60 the letting go should be total; easier said than done though. Not only let go but even withdraw from controlling interests; continuing to live fully at the personal level but ready for the transition that has to come eventually sooner or later.

The first question is why did things in the relationship come to the impasse where they needed to be mended at all; secondly I am prone to ask rather insensitively if there was a relationship at all and if you are not better off without the relationship hanging around your neck.

Normally we are born with a lot of kindness but the harsh condition the child meets later changes the basic nature in many different ways.

43

It will be called improper but it has to be said that we are opportunists. We are also very easily offended.

Why not let a broken relationship be? Take it as a sign from providence. Rarely anyone wishes to continue with a relationship that has no benefit in it.

If a state of argument exists then the first principle that it is not the truth is already at work. Many people use the vehicle of incrimination to keep the others off guard.

There is not only an element of purposeful insincerity but also a malevolent intent. It is bullying in the most gentlemanly manner.

44

It is the same old clash of two desire entities that we encounter everyday, everywhere and with everyone, each wanting its own way to the exclusion of consideration for the other.

The trait of accusing and keeping a front of being offended is very common. How did this trait become so dominant in our ethos, I wonder?

It seems as if the partners are forever saying “Be reasonable. Do it my way�.

There are even impossible demands when the partners are taken for granted.

We live much harried lives. What we think, feel and speak about are never the same things. We are hiding so much.

45

Lets never forget if the other party is grating on our nerves, then we are no angels. Have we ever tried to find out how we are grating on other people’s nerves?

Forgive and forget if you have been mildly wronged.

Show your appreciation often and learn to remain silent in as many languages you can.

The technique of using arguments to bypass the main issue is an old one and understood instinctively.

Then there are the “attackers�; I wonder where they learn the technique from.

So I suppose, they are really being pragmatic.

Deep down they know their worth and their limitations.

What can we do? Nothing! They are what they are.

46

Quite often we are simply blocked by our ego and refuse to accept that there might be alternatives to our way of thinking or even a different way to the approach we have opted for. We become possessive of our thoughts.

What I wish to know is this need of everybody to explain everything to me. All I have to do is make a statement and the person will start analyzing my motives and reasons & let me know so.

Humans tend to remember faults and forget the plus points far faster than we would imagine and most often the faults get embellished with time.

47

You are too attached, involved and expecting too much from your family. This permits them to hold your life to ransom.

In relationships, if we were truer, honest and candid, we would not pose nor compromise our feelings at every step. We would have the courage to say NO when we want to and only YES when we really mean it. We would also pay attention and listen to the other, especially when the other is trying to say NO.

Pride is what we think of ourselves and vanity is what we wanted others to think of us Keep a close watch on your thoughts and try to fit them into either “pride” or “vanity” category.

It is quite a difficult task if we are sincere about it.

48

We are busy doing too many things at the same time and doing all of them badly; thereby laying ourselves open to negative karmic points with pending files remaining open and following us like wolves.

The course of our lives is based more on the things that were NOT DONE; the decisions which were not taken. 2) that at every moment we are given a simple choice of saying “yes” or “no” ; this determines the course of our lives.

It is a rare person who can pass thru the barrier of words to experience anything. Words are self limiting.

49

The only way to acquire knowledge is by going through the mill. I see so much of the printed word which is available as an exercise in futility.

Listening insists that attention be paid, being alert and aware. Who in the name of heaven really wants all that? We live in a very self-centered world and are content to be there.

We have to give to get. We may think we are enjoying things free of cost, but are we really?

Cash or kind, payment is always in the pipeline.

It is this thinking for others that is the bane of working together or living together. Why do we have to show off our intelligence in things that are not ours to worry about?

50

This trait of interfering is universal and in force in every small act or word in our lives. We should make a concerted attempt to reduce this factor to live happier and better lives.

There is also this over dependency on the education system to instill all the worldly, social, inter-personal and other knowledge required to navigate thru life.I now understand the comments being made by management seniors that our young people are not really employable. It is so sad.

Indignation is good but it is terribly self destructive if allowed to go on and control us.

Matured and self-assured people know how to shake it off.

51

Books and lectures may open your eyes but they rarely help you change your long ingrained habits.

This needs persistent hammering and you will need will power and courage to stand up to it.

And then; why focus on my person and my need to change so much? Why can’t you resolve not to irritate me a little less? Am I asking too much?

Under the calm exterior there is always some undercurrent of judgmental thoughts flowing quietly which, keeps the mind perpetually irritated about something or the other.

Most of us live lives immersed in a sea of denials.

We do not see because it is not convenient to see.

We do not listen because it is not convenient to hear.

52

The human mind at its present level of development is a collector. It collects data for data's sake. It also feels very knowledgeable and can spout quotes and passages on every subject and considers itself wise.

Are we being true to ourselves and the universe which is organizing our lives around us? There is so much expectation from the universe but to receive we have to be in the club of givers without premeditated calculations of why & what.

The best givers are intensely alive and very involved in life. When you drop the critical, calculating and the judgmental attitude, there is an aura of compassion which builds up around you.

Then you can only give.

Rarely do we have the courage to distance ourselves from what others think of us. Many pattern their entire lives on the thought “What will they say?�

53

Somebody copying us is flattery all right. But are we looking for flattery?

At the actual moment of need, people always behave, act or/and react in a predictable manner which is their basic personality.

If we focus sincerely on what is happening in us we soon see that it is not the person that we are attracted to but the basic characteristics of the opposite sex and proximity plays a big part in these affairs of Love.

Life is no Happy Ever After deal at all. But people go through the motions of being happily married, fully occupied and well, totally unhappy with their lot.

54

Always tackle a situation immediately. Never let an unsavory situation to get off the ground. A stitch in time saves nine.

So much heart break and ill will can be avoided by complaining softly before egos get involved. This can be called being tactful.

My guess is that humans have never given and do not wish to give much thought to “thinking & planning and living within reason�.

Intuition: All it needs is a little silencing of the spirit, quietening of the din of desires and predecided goals so the voice from within can be heard.

55

Very important to connect the nature in us with the Nature out there. Walk in the grass, sing in the rain and sleep on the sand. Mother Earth will cradle you, sing you lullabies and hug you back into whole.

The human rogue element only can be coerced and frightened but not made to understand or learn to control himself - he is too much in awe of his own strength and intellectual ability + totally controlled by his habits and subconscious patterns.

People can, if they wanted, delve deep into their own selves and know and feel the aura of others if they would simply permit themselves the joy of living in the intuitive world.

56

Often relationships last because an emotional dependency is also established.

Some people also do not protect themselves or do not know how to and these poor souls are often vampirised.

We all depend on words to communicate but we rarely allow them to penetrate or register. The spoken word is just a mosquito buzz around the ears and the written word is just a blot on the landscape.

It is my experience that most of us are simply asking questions, seemingly giving the impression to look and feel wise and then simply exist focusing on the few essentials that take our fancy or nature's 'demands 57

My understanding of the human psyche is that it progresses best under duress. Anything coming to it free and easy is taken for granted and soon personal effort/sense of responsibility goes out of the equation. It then becomes a weakening factor instead of a helpful and progressive one.

Life without an excuse and something to blame on others can be very dull and frightening.

When we understand each other’s needs then discussion is a way to reach a joint venture status. The word "differences" is an anomaly.

I hate lecturing and believe in answering "live" genuine questions asked by need and not curiosity.

58

The answers take on a life and they are then powerful to bring in change only when they are in response to a "seeking" question.

When opening up to the Cosmos, sensitivity rather openness is needed. I am not sure too much human contact and hugs from all and sundry has ever been considered a good idea when in this mode.

The character of patience will always remain a virtue.

Gratitude should be something that we are. It is unfortunate that it has to be told and induced by will into our acts.

Honesty is a good concept. It exists in text books -the concept is a possibility but that, generally 59

speaking, does not make it a reality. Every thought, tiniest of them, if you look deeply, has some governing reason behind it in which self interest will be seen.

But often that which comes to the lips is what has been hiding in the thoughts although with exaggeration.

Have courage to go and do your thing. Live life the way you want it and are convinced it should be. Only be careful not to step on too many toes and egos.

60

By not letting people learn the hard way, we do them a disservice. We delay the advent of their destiny. So be very careful when you are being "too" kind.

Often thoughts have to be "placed" in the "heads" of others. Their wheels turn only when jump started from an external source. (The entire science of advertising/campaigning is based on it)

The Sufi should be accorded the exalted place of a mirror. He shows not only you in the mirror but also the image of things around you and often invisible. This can be overwhelming.

61

The solution to a nagging past is growth. Growth of the persona. Like trees renewing themselves.

Most people want the past to just disappear while their present stays as it is - without effort or change; this is childish in the extreme.

.....with heads full of words, like pearls in a bag. When will the necklace be made?

On the Q of Believer/non-believer or atheist or whatever :- It is like a discussion - will it be a boy or a girl. Totally without any sense or import but great to keep the petty minds busy.

62

There is a point at which we need to become defenders and caretakers of this world and remove our cloak of virtuousness.

Some succumb to their own demons that have been aroused without their knowledge - not their fault really. There is no guarantee to what you will attract and playing safe should be our aim.

I think we are better off with the smoke screens between us - I live what I profess and do not put up a pose - the result is that I am shunned and seen as of no value to their interests and they fear my candidness.

63

The beauty, perfection and strength with which flowers bring forth life and joy to existence is a marvel and makes us feel so small in comparison.

Let us not talk of Truth at all. It is such a "cloud in the sky" subject. Let us focus first on topics like: Why are we making so much garbage, why are we buying things we don’t like/need, why are we watching so much TV, why are we talking so much to say nothing.......

Every idiot thinks (Nay – he is absolutely certain) he is the only one who would know what needs to be done.

64

Never got down to making a reputation - the others did it for me.

People, specially in the family, judge from what they know of you from the long gone past. They have no idea of you as a person today and couldn’t care.

If somebody is comfortable with his chains (mental chains/ideals and dogmas), it is best to let him be. Schools/professors/gurus are for those looking for change and instructions to unchain themselves.

Like contrasting colours, Nonsense brings out the flavour in Sense and Seriousness. It also helps in tangential thinking to show us the folly of our seriousness and self-important thinking. It helps to break the cage of our mental trappings.

65

People will block roads, stand or walk in the middle of it, leave things around and litter when they feel they can get away with it.

The thinking is: What will you do to me? Hang me by the nearest tree? Skin me alive?

So what can you do with these people- we let them stay in the mud that they are; save ourselves.

I say what I think already so no point in phrasing the question with a "Don't you think…..''.... What if I just said NO or Yes and let the conversation die out at this point? This is called a “loaded” question and is considered bad manners in my book.

66

Clever people do not recognise intelligence. They are too busy appreciating themselves.

Children need clear-cut guidance at this age. This is not repression. They are allowed to play.

Only we need to teach them the habit of making choices and explain to them why we do not like what we do not like etc so that later they can judge for themselves.

Look for the funny side with intention and this will help you destroy many of your castles that you have built in your mind.

67

Learnt very early from life that it is best to do it, enjoy it, worry about consequences later the worst that can become of it is a scolding from father but it needed to be done before he said "NO".

It is the reinterpretation that many do to reduce the words of others to fit into heir own thought structure that I do not agree with or for that matter any need to criticise anybody's writing because it does not go in concordance of our own way of seeing.

It is also possible he is discussing matters which are outside our experience yet. Dissecting the words won’t take us anywhere. We may most probably miss the possibility of learning something new.

68

The body ( note I specifically focus on the body) has a simple memory system that records everything. Too many activities at the same time or in speedy succession can confuse it and deregulate its memory and cause stress.

Laughing at others, specifically at their errors and physical disabilities. - It shows our vulgar and low middle class side.

Respect and Gratitude. They do not come free yet as free Apps with the Explorer/Chrome or any other.

69

As long as you are seeking with the ordinary human, semi animal mind that is common, you can only gather bits and pieces and attempt to analyse/sort and try to make sense out of them. The truth within you can be reached only when you have entered the intuitive mind.

Bad friends have always been and will be. It is how the world runs and how our choosing system works.

We do make errors in choices in life due to many odd reasons.

It goes for both males and females that the mistaken stand people take in life of their situation is of a finite nature and the situation they are in is permanent and absolute; so they drop their guards and become intolerant and intolerable till the lid blows off.

70

We have to pay serious attention to the original language used by the author. We cannot paraphrase or substitute words/expressions to suit and fit into our pre-existing personal concepts.

Talk within the limits of "your" reality; your personal experience that you can personally vouch for. THE REST IS JUST PLAY OF WORDS.

Unhappy people are those who take things too seriously and themselves even more so. Once we realise how little we are and not-so-really grand, we start seeing things in their correct value and perspective

71

It is not that in one moment somebody becomes a monster. It is a pile up of a life long trend of insensitive behaviour, mistaken inputs from social and electronic media and + parents who are never there for their children.

If only people could go beyond their need of pleasure sensations from the sexual source and know the pleasures of loving with the rest of the persona, through the fingers, ears, eyes (closed and open), by happiness given through gestures etc etc

When the artist's eye meets Mother Nature’s creativity.

So many life-giving fountains around us, even in the most dreary locations - but we miss them all in our pursuit of pre-fixed destinations in our mind's eye.

72

The child has need of us to learn and discover this world and itself. It cannot be left to others. We gave it birth and it is our duty. Those who leave it to nannies and TVs are doing irreparable harm.

If the individual does not care for his safety, why should anyone else? This big brother attitude is killing all progress and self-development. We should educate, warn and let things take their course.

Our Soul has worked hard to bring us where we are. We have to go further and all the instruments are given to us for this work,

73

Gentleness is one thing, kindness totally another.

Kindness by intent is a show of virtuousness which can grate on the nerves.

Compassion is our true nature. We should rediscover it. How did our precious life fall into the hands of the demons of self-centredness?

Money is not inert. The banknote maybe. The concept it carries and the purchasing power it carries is an energy that is at present at its peak in human affairs and not under the control of Divine Forces.

The mind when immature cannot wait, reflect nor quieten and it jumps to speedy conclusions.

Superficiality is the hallmark.

74

Remaining silent has been so completely trampled underfoot that even a few moments of quiet are a surprise nowadays.

My observance is that we are basically lazy.

There is a lot of inertia in the basic nature (the inconscient) and whatever psychologists may say, this has overall control over our lives in general.

People not only do not think for themselves, they would rather not do anything else if they can avoid it but they are very good at rationalising as it requires little effort besides wagging the tongue.

There are some over clever ones who are very appreciative of their own wit and are showing off 75

all the time. Don’t get involved with them or try to upstage them.

We create a screen, a foundation of our "Virtuousness" of not needing/wanting/allowing others to approach us until implored and then when we do relent, it is as a "virtuous" gesture.

The piece of iron being made into a horse shoe just imagine what it has to bear. But to become into something useful and then later serve its purpose, it has no other way.

Words are the only vehicle available to convey our thoughts but it can all be a great waste - the process of penetration and registering is extremely faulty in the spoken or/and written format - the 76

receiving end instrument (human brain with its conscious/subconscious patterns) is designed and normally programmed by our education and selfishness to filter out and block.

Unattachment cannot be practised. When we understand the impermanence and the transitory existence, we lose our appetite and become more detached.

A Discriminating intelligence is a gift but which normally inflates both abilities and arrogance; creating as result the irritated, superior complexed angry type.

In the present state humans are open to many elements that blow through them. It is virtually a public place at the cross roads. We are affected 77

by things like weather, food, colours, personal relations & considerations and thoughts and other subtle influences.

I have always felt that too much is being told to those who cannot relate with the info. Most people live in a small bubble and anything beyond that is normally outside their field of comprehension.

We need to consider the notion of rising above one's self and one's limitations/lower propensities.

To rise above the mundane, we need to focus on our positive qualities such as tolerance, compassion, ability to ignore, not meddle, laugh it off, not making everything into an ego issue etc.

Everything serves a purpose but it is wisdom to know when to let go, discard old thoughts and habits and adopt new measures.

78

We mask our insincerity which includes traits like laziness, cleverness etc with all acceptable tools available - created by humans like laws, customs, unprovable lies and everything else we can use.

Precarious, life may be, but are we ready for anything else? Is there anything else?

I feel life has always been fine. It is we who want to rub it the wrong way. When we are scratched, we howl in disdain & pain.

Too much stress is laid on the sex aspect by people living in the physical mind. Those who rise above this, shift totally out of the physical 79

bindings and go into the intuitive mind, see only the person and are interested deeply but only in the “persona�. Everything else becomes a bore.

Finally, all said and done it is your call and destiny. The most natural thing to you is what you will do and the most natural thing to the other person is what he will do.

It re-enforces my own view that at the base we are a nasty & narrow-minded people. More interested in imposing ourselves than anything else. We impose some control on ourselves only when we are afraid & know that the other party can do us harm in sheer spirit of selfpreservation.

Humans have the same appetites. Only the dogmas/prejudices we entertain are different. But

80

the pride with which consider our selves separate & exclusive/superior is the same.

When the mind is constantly kept a buzz with something or the other; it cannot receive or get out of the vortex it has created for itself. It is unable to quieten itself. If it has nothing better to do, it will simply go around in circles.

Lies between us are important. The facade is too fragile.-

To connect with other we have to make hole in our personal shield. Therefore it is essential to choose who we hole-up with, with discrimination.

If the goal of our wanting is creative and productive for the general good and in tune with Mother Earth's plans and the music of the Cosmos then it is always a joy in the end.

81

WE all have a personal destiny but also a common bond between everything we are with. I am born here and you are born there. It is not as random as you may think.

Everything has karma. Even a piece of rock has been standing still since thousands of years is playing a part. In reality if you can feel the pulse of the Cosmos in action, you will see there are very few individuals.

It IS all role playing. An intelligent take on what will sell and what will not. The real individuals, who have crossed over to the intuitive world, see the mayhem around them and try to hide behind a screen but their individuality will always seep through.

82

If only we would consent to let the Light work in us and take us where it would. Humans want enlightenment but only in the form of enhanced powers to increase their pleasure quotient.

Why changing religion can be bad. There is a basis in the fact that subliminal conditioning can play havoc with the persona. But once you start putting whatever "learning" you have into practice, the truth is bound to dawn on you and become the guiding Force; you like it or not.

Deep inside we all know what we are and our worth. But pride is the persona of the lower chakras and this will not accept to show itself in its "real" picture.

83

Focus on romantic interludes as going to a Spa or to the beach or watching a lovely sunset. Not as the goal of life. Enjoy it for the little while it lasts and then back to the serious business of life.

No rich guy ever thought to start a project to create a job. Jobs get created because the rich want to get richer.

There is much harm being done by floating around concepts of effortlessness, love for oneself and the like. This gives the self-centered people a good excuse to be their merry selves and make everyone unhappy.

84

The moralities are the same as ever. The possibilities have increased. The corruption was always there. Gadgetry and globalism has only given more opportunities and frustrations

Discussing merits and superiority of a religion is childish. It is and can be only of value on a personal level and therefore should be a personal matter.

Humans will always discriminate. This is their way of validating their own selves. They can show themselves superior only by denigrating others.

85

Marriages, though they give stability but do so at a price. One must enter into it with this thought firmly understood.

If you have to talk about it, then it is not love.

I hear so much on love. The basic is that once we have achieved the state of "love" we do not feel the need to talk about it as there is no more explaining left to do.

The letting go in all sincerity has to come first so as to permit the Grace to act. When its Action is seen and embraced, the awesomeness makes one humble.

86

Love does not grow cold. Our desires do. Our perceptions change. Our needs change. Boredom sets in from the same coming and goings everyday.

Very difficult to know what is the right thing to do for us or the other person in a relationship that we are getting tired of. Whichever way we act, it will have deep karmic ramifications.

Sages and teachers help us often by speeding up the process but I wonder if I would be anywhere near that level so would advise myself to desist.

The possibility of getting caught up in other's negative karmic turmoil are immense

87

it is so difficult to control the vehemence in our bellies that screams to be let out when we know we have been wronged and can prove it.

This is the operative word: Withdraw. By 70 it should be total - limited to only one's personal tastes and preferences, leaving the world to its own peccadilloes.

Not asking anyone to follow the path of talking or exchanging or otherwise. Just asking not to waste time in proving a point or points; we have very limited time given to us. Just remember that.

One good reason behind the excessive mental activity is that we have forgotten our place in the 88

universe. One night out in the open, under the stars brings this truth home.

Can our future be changed?

It is just a matter of changing the tracks. If you continue with your old pattern of being, it cannot be changed but the moment you shift focus, everything around you has to reassemble itself and the track of destiny can change.

Finally it matters only on how we have dealt with our own selves. Do we understand our every move, thought and reactions? Are we in control or not?

Big money is behind everything-every penny exchanged anywhere. Always has been. As long as there are spenders, non-thinking ones at that, 89

this world will roll on as it is just now. Greed with absolutely no remorse will always prevail.

Unfortunately, we bring up our children to be dependent and afraid. Then later in life they just cling to something, anything that will take responsibility for their lives.

To be genuinely kind, one has to travel from selfcenteredness to gratitude. There is nothing happening in any direction until gratitude is cultivated. The rest follows in spite of everything.

90

Nobody has ever wanted money-possessionsproperty etc for their material value alone. It is not a matter of money at all. It is amourpropre/vanity.

It takes a lifetime to understand that we need not know and understand everything. If we can understand our place in this universe for this moment we have achieved the ultimate.

It is unfortunate that humankind pays attention only to another in sickness and sadness. Even mothers give out this signal. In later years people imagine/wish themselves into real sickness to get attention.

91

You eventually get enveloped and swallowed by what you fight. As my teachers said, therefore you should fight the Divine.

The need is to learn to enjoy without craving.

Our disregard for the other's space is phenomenal and legendary. Both Physically/materially and spiritually. So is our ability to then blame others, never accept fault and try to bluster away out of the mess by taking an attacking posture.

There is a cruel streak in humans; people love ramming things down the throat of others. They are so on a high of their own state of perfection that they can afford to judge everyone with a sword in their hands which they feel God has entitled them to use to improve the world.

92

Considering the average education of the average guy, the average vocabulary and the average exposure to this world that each one of us enjoy, how much can there be to say?

The Universe is what it is. We cannot argue with it - we can only learn to live with it. Let us not forget how puny we are; how inconsequential in terms of size and never forget for it is IN(within) this Cosmos and by its Grace that we live.

Living with walls and barriers. Slowly they reduce us, eat into our Spirit and starve all our elements that need openness like gratitude, forgiveness, generosity etc.

93

One should plan, analyse and learn from others and from one's mistakes but as Krishna said not be too sure or attached to the outcome. Many people are so strong on hope that they don’t look deeply into the pros and cons.

When you take on the path to self perfection or even improvement, the Higher Consciousness deliberately makes your life more difficult than it need be. This is to make certain that your trust in it is unshakable. It speeds up the process for those who are sincere - just dreaming, talking about it, reading about it or wanting is not enough.

Right you are. Reading won’t change much except orient your thinking in that direction. The mind has to be trained like a dog or horse otherwise it loves wallowing in its own comfortable little pond.

94

Silence and inactivity are so under-rated yet are the essential conditions for flowering/assimilation and nurturing growth.

Go back to when you were 6 or 7 or 8. That was the time you were you. Can you still dance, sing and play with the same abandon?

True feelings? Are there untrue feelings - the concept escapes me.

95

The shell is the same but priorities and factors change with every passing moment. I am important to you today; tomorrow I may be a burden.

The woman I loved passionately is today only another person, a bit of a nuisance really. The music I could not live without, no longer is enticing.

They see only my temper, not their absurdities nor today that I couldn't care, nor for their judgements, nor for their relationship but would be happy to see them without remembering the past - but will they?

The thinking of others in our lives is feedback.

Important only from that angle.

96

Now ask them, if they are going cut down all the trees and just stay in buildings locked in embrace with Lady Pleasure, how long shall we last?

If my pronouncements make others uncomfortable, then it is so because there is some kernel of uncomfortable truth there.

The lessons have been repeating themselves since eternity. The answers are floating around but every new birth starts the game all over again.

Is it the ego or our closed minds that do not want to see, acknowledge or hear about anything outside the small compound of the house we have made?

97

Close friends are not others; that is how it should be and - they become part of us - virtual extensions.

My experience is that once we find that person who complements our weaknesses, we become complacent and enjoy life instead of improving ourselves.

Then let your words speak clean and true with no shadows.

When we need somebody, it is the people around us that we call upon. A strong supportive community is more important than a millionaire business partner thousands of miles away.

98

It is alright if you don’t have time to spend with me or my company is not worth the trouble. But stop complaining that time is responsible.

Sit down, reflect, I agree there is a lot to be done but the opposite of letting things be not done is equally true and for listening, one needs to be silent, withdraw from the outward projection (of our persona) we live in.

History is the enumeration of the world’s symptoms of not being in tune with music of the Cosmos. Human happenings are the result of chemistry between mental concepts, wishes and

99

the Music of the Cosmos - mostly in discordant notes.

All my troubles/miseries in life had roots in my cleverness and insincerity. But I am a fast learner. Soon I realised that my - even little white lies have a tendency to rebound in a terrific backlash.

So by force of necessity I became totally sincere or at least try to. Now my troubles stem from too much truthfulness and correctness & people do not take me seriously at all!

It is another consciousness needs change Mostly, when

matter that as you grow in and sensitivity to the Cosmos, your and you change your habits too. you near Buddhahood, your appetite 100

patterns change because you also learn to absorb and take in energy from the air directly. A little easy to digest food from the plant world are found to be more than enough.

You are expecting "sincerity of purpose" from this HUMAN race. My friend you will die but not see this race change in a hurry.

Manipulating others through words (or body language, colors, shapes, dĂŠcor etc) - the entire science of media-marketing is based on it. And as long as INsincerity is in vogue we should expect vested interests to be at work without exception.

I don’t think they really understand it at all.

What they have is a mentalised picture born out of their niceness. But Truth is another matter.

101

A lot of people fool themselves by adopting one or two ideas/recipes and think they have done their part and nature will do the rest. Good health needs a little more commitment than that.

Haven't you experienced how easy it becomes when we procrastinate, make insincere promises and give assurances that we do not mean?!!!!

In regular medical tests/screening today, the problem is psychological and "the mistakes" + avarice of the healing industry. Secondly the 102

element of "Fear" gets added in the subconscious that can do a lot of harm, even sow the seed of illness which was not there to begin with.

Most human decisions and goals are laced with a heavy dose of wishfulness And disdain for the natural order. Often change comes when you give up and leave the doors open.

Too much hope based on our own concepts of what should be can close all doors. Often change comes when you give up and leave the doors open. It is double edged: a light and a trap.

Imponderables being pondered by pandered people.

When the vibes change, habits change.

103

Joy is exactly what is not wanted to be given to humans. The Gods want us in pain so that "men" would wander a bit towards The Supreme and eternal JOY - whatever that means.

Unfortunately our own sense of guilt and security entraps us into a pattern.

My experience in India has been:

104

- Kindness in words results in people thinking you "soft" and they will cheat and lie because they feel they can get away with it.

- Kindness in thinking results in people thinking of you as a weak, lacking in winning instinct

- Kindness in giving results in people taking you for somebody who is a softy and can be taken for granted.

On the question of educating (“teaching") the world: 105

Every generation has to be re-taught from scratch. This is the world's enigma. All the secrets I have gathered will go with me.

Women are far superior and men do not have the eyes to see this nor do they feel any need although they can’t do without the comfort of their embraces. Generally speaking of course.

Life should not be seen as an argument to be won.

That is a waste of powerful energy. The egoistic & opinionated stands are what create these problems.

106

Step back and you will see a wider picture of things and mentally mull over all the possibilities of a situation. Go behind the words and shut off your judgemental side.

- Quotes are helpful in herding the mind back to the point.

- The problem is in the words used - Quite often the words are so general and universal in nature, that deeply meaningful quotes become meaningless ... because they are open to literally open-ended interpretation; Example: the words "Love" & “Consciousness".

- Quotes in a simple unambiguous language which leaves nothing to interpret are solid markers and do the job of highway markers as mile-stones.

107

Too much schooling, too much talk are only tools for commercial activity. In reality life and our life's program is already laid out for us. We just need to be there and live it up.

Running away is a "sure" solution but then you carry yourself with you so you will in the long run most probably get into another similar relationship.

Words like many other words such as Love, Risingconsciousness, etc mean nothing at all to most.

They would immediately talk of Beer, Sex, Mathematics, and Oncology or just about anything.

108

It is outside words......they said.

Then why use them so much? Specially giving answers to questions that are not even there?

Quotes that touch you are the ones where the awakening has already taken place. But as a tool spreader of knowledge – they are good only when the novice is open and in small doses.

From the very mundane angle, I think women know that they have nothing great to give and in the short span of a year or two when their charm is overwhelming, they need to establish an economical and pragmatic home base to last them a life-time.

Thinking is a random activity; from one illusion balloon into another, some good and some not so.

109

Depending on our mental conditioning, some saddening and some not so.

In the “easy come-easy go” equation, “easy come” is liked but the easy go tends to disorient and shake them rather.

Of course the other side of the coin is equally true but a lot lesser.

The tragedy of successful people. The human brain as a whole has nothing left to do except attend to very desire that bubbles up.

We are all without exception, stuck in an egoistic frame-work in which anger, jealousy, envy, 110

cleverness & cunning, selfishness etc are also highly prominent. Although the opposite elements also exist side by side and are considered as our real self.

The idea of life, to really be in joy and happiness is to be in the framework of love, empathy, kindness and compassion, honed intelligence, patience etc We open ourselves to better things only when the shield of self-centeredness is shattered and this is what suffering tends to do.

Teaching is the regular flow of practical know-how from upper echelons to downwards to the lains/sea. All in the way get flooded. Therefore look upwards.

Saying sorry.

It’s all on the surface.

111

Means nothing where it matters but helps in keeping up the faรงade,

I was simply wondering when we shall wake up to see that if we do not change then fortune may have to bash us up a bit with tragedy of some sort.

My Reality is what is in my head. And this goes for all of us without exception. I suppose we are in agreement on this.

Even the ant becomes a big element in our growth if that is what is needed and the circumstances will organise around us in such a way that we end up gaining something from it.

112

Our lives are so beautifully choreographed in every detail that it is astounding. It is a funny tragic novel by Wodehouse with a detailed plot like that of an international thriller.

The beauty is that everyone of us is enjoined in some way or the other and all of us play a little in part in each other’s lives and yet our own plot remains so individualistic and complete in every detail that you can only wonder and pray for Grace.

Well one of these days you will find wanderlust is good in the learning process but then freedom becomes a yoke and the only way left is to stay put and take life as it comes without stepping back.

113

Oh you are welcome to believe whatever you want as others are. But I suppose it is also a matter of mental conditioning to what our mind has been prepared to accept. Anything else automatically becomes foreign to it and there is always enough knowledge to explain in some way or the other every phenomenon.

Find love, Become love, Love thyself etc are anomalies. Advice that is totally useless. Those who give this advice obviously have only a mental image to go by.

I wonder if we don’t put in more effort in blasting our lives and than making something of it.

114

Love is not something one looks for. Love is not a character. Nor is it a state ...that one enters by will.

It is part and parcel of the life component in us.

We keep it shut away by ignorance & arrogance.

When the screen of selfishness recedes, loves shines out on its own.

Let my experiences and Intuition guide me. I would live my life by the Truth of my convictions.

Of course I would also listen to disinterested well-meaning advice from others evidently superior to me.

There is no hurry, there is NO NEED to hurry but "hurriedness" is devouring them.

115

Between the “time” a thought comes into our head and our reaction to act upon it.... how much time do we give to reflect upon it?

To become an efficient guy!

Balanced information backed by practical- go out in the mud and do - "doings" and others things like curiosity, wish to excel (by one’s own standards) and do well by others are behind the final actual results.

On the illusion of separateness and that: We are all one.

I don’t disagree with this statement but don’t see the need to bring it up either. This is a necessity in the present world order otherwise we would end being a muddled blotch of jelly fish with no spark or goal and no need to reach out to each other.

116

As Parkinson used to say - the minor things get more attention because they are more comprehensible to the average mind.

I now see that too much of a yogic stance from the Indian point of view is not really achieving anything either. It only unbalances most people.

I welcome disagreement in approaches. I am a big boy and can take correction.

Yoga, the subconscious and all that crap maybe what sainthood needs but for the average householder simple uplifting of spirits & positive advice is good and in greater balance with actualities.

117

Envy, Greed, Superiority complex and the Fear of the unknown are still too big players in the human make-up. Minor undercurrents of personal gain & satisfaction (above all) runs in every decision and act of human behaviour.

The distraction of the cities are so fulfilling and numerous that there is no end to the time we can spend there and lose all track of it. All we need to do is keep indulging till our body sheath drops dead of fatigue and over-use.

People are losing their power to judge by deSOULising in management techniques. Now they don’t know how to take decisions on hiring or in throwing out.

Decisions are taken on the parameters collated by computers and it is all done in some back office far away from the action.

118

CONFUSION = An idea that has not concretised, is not properly worded by commonly accepted standards and then poured into ears that are not open and finally churned by a mind that is more interested in justifying what it wants.

Trying to make sense of it all is not a happy game. We live our lies; the others live theirs.

The moment we realise that some info is outdated or new one has entered into the equation, immediately without second thought, rearrange the entire mental make-up. In an instant something from that moment on becomes garbage and new practices replace the stance.

Anybody going out just to make a living does not become a professional. It remains only a part of his bread-earning program.

119

My remarks are just to perk up the human mind to not waste time on conjectures.Advice and sermons is all a waste to a non specific general public.

Until the question is "live" the answers have no meaning.

Real professionals are happy wherever they are; they use their minds to rise to the occasion: they take their lives seriously and do well in all relationships.

Pick 20 or so quotes/proverbs etc that strike you/ touch you deeply as relevant to your soul. Read them everyday and try to incorporate them in your life. Life will take you along perfectly well on the route your soul has chosen.

120

From the moment we are conceived, we are taking guidance from someone or thing and everything around us. When the mind has grown, it gets cloaked by its self-importance. Do you think the subconscious and your mind will just let you go off into the "yonder" just like that and lose their power over you?

There are people and people. Ordinary people.

Extra-ordinary people hiding and trying to be ordinary and ordinary people trying to pose as extra-ordinary - and of course the thousands of shades of grey in between. It is like a maze. The right one, the right path - which where - good question.

121

Certain things speak with such force that words collapse like bearings in an overheated crankshaft.

You are left speechless. QUIET prevails and the whole Being sings a song of joy.

But as I see it, people, prefer discussing the path rather than following it. By expounding our knowledge of philosophy, books and scriptures, I suppose we are just being virtuous in our showoffing. In many ways it is a profession.

Three things keep us stuck.

1) Lack of opportunity to experience new things.

2) Lack of ability to learn from the experience and knowledge of others.

3) Lack of inclination to jump into new situations – avoid learning.

122

Rather it has jolted me into wondering of what purpose it is to try and inform others about anything? Most will live and decide only by the light of their own little world and the knowledge and experience they have collected.

I am saying what I am saying. You can make of it what you want and which ever you wish to interpret.

This world is a joke. The Divine is having fun. All we need to do is join Him in the fun.

For The Divine created this Universe is an experiment and experience. A change from his Eternal Quiet.

123

We live life from a distance. Touching it with long tongs. A little bit like an experience and a little bit like an experiment. Once we are isolated in our little created world, we sit in our rocking chairs and observe the world through opera glasses.

We venture out once in a while just like a millionaire who goes walking or dining by candlelight leaving his limousine and chandelier alone fully well aware that they can always return to their mansions when they are tired of it all.

People complain that they have to live in a world not of their making. So wrong.

We all have created a world in our imagination that is particular to us and we are proud of it.

124

Death shocks us to wake up from our self-centric attitudes. The only time when we literally profit from the demise of another whom we loved. After that who cares?!

When you paint a sunset do you really try to reproduced an exact likeness accurately and discuss its date and time and place? Will you accept its beauty only when you have these nonessential data?

The mind is not an instrument that will permit you to go beyond itself. Until the Soul from within comes in the forefront nothing of import will happen.

125

Do we …… ……go up and down because a staircase is available?

Or ….eat because the fridge is full? ….travel because we have a car? …….then why are we conversing incessantly because gadgets and company are available?

Then we are very judgemental types and we tend to be overtly critical so lose more friends than we make them.

....and at the back of my mind is the thought perhaps it was not love at all, it was a fault of my perception and it was nice while it was there. So let’s be grateful for the episode. ….. A romantic escapade.

126

A teacher can only clarify and substantiate and thereby make the way clearer but even He cannot teach you something beyond your experience and the limits of your mind. (He can talk about it but you will understand the words only when your own experience corresponds to it)

For the Soul to break through even slowly, the cycle of birth and the painful adventures are the best teacher. If we can we should make people understand that a guide/guru/teacher can only help speed up the process - not instigate it.

The brain is just an instrument which is being hardly used properly or only as a programmer.

There are other parts in our Being that we are not using at all. We have the capacity to be as large as the Universe.

127

One is the instinctive knowledge of the body and the other is the Intuitive aspect. Then we are rarely using the input from our senses - correctly and without deformation.

No "real" teacher ever intrinsically said that the Ego has to go (annihilated). This is an error of the human interpretation. The EGO is the Life Force.

IT has to be purified of its arrogance and hurtful tendencies and channelised like a great life giving river.

Do we notice the bars?

Most people see the bars but conclude the rest of the world is behind them.

128

They prefer to wallow in their pond having as yet no concept of the unlimitedness of the ocean.

We in India live on the opposite pole. We WANT a teacher/parent/elder or somebody to take our lives in hand and thereby avoid the weight of being responsible.

Every time a topic is brought up for discussion or sharing it is immediately assumed that the person in question is facing a problem and it is assumed he needs advice because of course he needs help to get around it; explanations and suggestions follow.

129

Refusal to “look”, staunch resistance to change and holding on to what is, gives rise to anxiety.

Anxiety = wishful desiring backed by wishful thinking not happening. Laziness & inertia is the strongest part of the character of our subconscient nature so this is to be expected.

In Naturopathy, I see people practising and failing because they are not taking into account the newer elements of pollution and additives in our lives. The process works but with enhanced dosages and often other practices like “restrictions” which people do not wish to incorporate.

The chances are that you will not fall sick and even if you have minor disturbances like a little fever or sniffles, you would know by experience to take care of yourself by judicious diet + safe medication like homeopathy/herbs/naturopathic practices.

130

Most people have certain tendencies Bodywise(illness) and psychologywise(actions/reactions) that are repeating all throughout the life-cycle - that they soon learn to cope and live with but rarely try to transcend. A little self-study and keeping a record of what helps us is enough to take us through this life comfortably. All that is asked for is a little diligence and the desire to learn about one-self and one's way of living and "Grandmother Medicine"

Soon it will be back to where we came from. And in this short period, how often we will have gotten angry indignant impatient and and on a short fuse full of our arrogant know-it-all snobbic ...frustrated agitated disdainful and ungrateful......etc etc etc 131

and in comparison ‌..compassionate, forgiving or generous?

132