NEW BEGINNING FOR THE NEW WORLD

The beginning of the New World is linked to “Shiva Jayanti”, which is the birthday of God Shiva who is incorporeal and beyond the cycle of birth and rebirth; who is Supreme Father of all souls, and who does not have any father or mother. What a paradox indeed!

Still, Brahma Kumaris and Brahma Kumars, the world over are celebrating “ Trimurti Shiva Jayanti” on the day of “Shiva Ratri”. This being the 14th darkest night of Phalgun, the last month of the Hindu calendar. Why the advent of Shiva is traditionally celebrated as “Shivaratri” and not as Shiva Jayanti? What is the significance of the word “Ratri” (Night) and how is it associated with Shiva?

spiritual SIGNIFICANCE OF SHIVARATRI

The word “Shiva” literally means benefactor of all. “Shivaratri” implies that Incorporeal God Shiva incarnates into the corporeal world at such a time of human history, when the night of utter darkness prevails. The word “ratri” here does not connote the darkness that falls after sunset, but it signifies the darkness of extreme ignorance and unrighteousness in the world.

This is why Shivartri is celebrated on the 14th darkest night of the dark phase of moon, a night before Amavasya or new moon. The month of Phalgun, being the last month of Hindu calendar signifies that God Shiva’s advent takes place at the end of the eternal cycle (kalpa) of human his- tory. Shiva’s descent, a night before Amavasya, implies that His incarnation takes place a few years before the end of Iron Age when the world is under the spell of extreme darkness of ignorance, unrighteousness, moral turpitude, spiritual lassitude and religious decrepitude. God Shiva, being incorporeal and beyond the cycle of birth and rebirth, and being the Supreme Father of all souls, does not have any father or mother; He being self- existent, the advent of Shiva is traditionally celebrated as “Shivaratri”, and not as ‘‘Shiva Jayanti.’’

SIGNIFICANCE OF TRIMURTI SHIVA JAYANTI

The word “Trimurti Shiva Jayanti” signifies that Shiva, the Incorporeal Supreme Father, is the Creator of the subtle deities - Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar - through whom God carries out His three Supreme Acts of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction, respectively. Since we are celebrating the “Trimurti Shiva Jayanti”, we know that Incorporeal God Shiva descended to the corporeal world in 1937, and with His incarnation, He created “Tridevas”: Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar simultaneously. What a wonder, the Creator and His creation are born together! It is evident that the three subtle deities represent the three functional titles of one and the same Soul whom the Supreme Soul adopts as His consort.

The male body of this soul was over 60 years old at the time of adoption. This soul was having the experience of 83 births in this kalpa or cycle of the eternal World Drama. With the entry of the Incorporeal Supreme Soul into his body, the person called Dada Lekhraj is renamed as “Prajapita Brahma” signifying the beginning of the 84th birth of this soul, in the 83rd body. This is how Brahma happens to be the only deity shown to be an aged, bearded person in the Hindu scriptures. God Shiva, the Supreme Teacher trains Brahma in the three faculties of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. Thus, Brahma’s soul attains simultaneous triple graduation in the faculties of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction.

Being the Master Creator, Prajapita Brahma performs the role of Spiritual father to his mouth-born children, the Brahma Kumaris and Brahma Kumars. It is said, in scriptures, that Brahma creates a new world through the power of thought. In fact, what Brahma does is to practice the Supreme Direction of God Shiva: “Manmanabhava - Madhyajibhava” which means constantly remembering the Supreme Father and the inheritance of Golden-Aged world sovereignty. This practice enables him to create clear vision of the new world for himself as well as for his mouth-born children. It is through positive thought-vibrations of Brahma and his children that the sapling of the new Kalpa Tree (human family- tree) is generated during the Confluence Age. In this way, the act of creation or generation is in fact an act of regeneration or rejuvenation of the human souls by changing their vicious sanskars into divine sanskars. Prajapita Brahma and Jagadamba Saraswati, play the role of Adi Dev and Adi Devi transforming themselves and their spiritual children to the status of devi-devatas (deities) of the Golden Age. This period of transition from Iron Age to Golden Age, from hell to heaven is the most auspicious period in the whole Kalpa which repeats identically every 5000 years, as revealed by God Shiva.

Brahma, the corporeal medium of Shiva plays the role of Master Sustainer; simultaneously by giving the sustenance of a mother and father to his mouth-born children. The subtle deity Vishnu is depicted as four-armed and holding four ornaments representing the four subjects: Knowledge (discus), Service (conch), inculcation of divine virtues (lotus) and Yoga (mace). As Brahma excels in all these four subjects, he represents the subtle deity Vishnu at the functional level during the Confluence Age. The same soul plays the role of Shri Narayan, the world sovereign in Golden Age, as revealed by God Shiva.

Side by side, Brahma plays the role of the subtle deity, Shankar who is responsible for the destruction of the old, vicious world. Shankar is shown to be naked signifying the soul-conscious stage which Brahma attains him-self and also helps his children to do the same. The third eye of Shankar represents the spiritual knowledge and Brahma becomes an embodiment of the same. Shankar is depicted to be anointed with ashes, signifying his asceticism which Brahma has clearly demonstrated. The garlands of snakes adorning Shankar represent the transformation of vices into virtues, and this Brahma have not only achieved himself, but also helps his children to do likewise. Shankar is shown to be in deep meditation which Brahma and his mouth-born children practice to achieve self-transformation and world- transformation which means destruction of the vicious world of Iron Age, to make way for the virtuous world of Golden Age.

We can now appreciate how God Shiva performs His three Supreme Acts of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction simultaneously through the subtle deities: Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar using His consort, Prajapita Brahma as the instrument.

HOW TO CELEBRATE THIS BIRTHDAY OF TRIMURTI SHIVA

A befitting way to celebrate the Trimurti Shiva Jayanti is to have a firm resolve to emulate Prajapita Brahma by becoming an embodiment of gyan, yoga and virtues, and to have an unending enthusiasm to convey God Shiva’s message to each and every soul so that no soul remains deprived of the God-Fatherly inheritance of liberation (mukti) and fruition or liberation in life (Jevan Mukti).

Further more, we have to surrender all the vices in us to Shiva, and not simply offer the wild flowers ‘Ak’ and ‘Dhatura’, which are poisonous and are symbolic of the vices in us. We must treat the whole of Confluence Age as Shiva-ratri, and we have to keep awake and vigilant to follow the Supreme Guidance of God Shiva during the entire Confluence Age, and not merely keep awake and observe celibacy for one night. By understanding and following Shiva in this way, we will be blessed with the treasures of peace, purity and joy.

We must tell our brothers and sisters belonging to other faiths that they should also follow the Supreme directions of God-Father, whom their respective, prophets represented and worshipped. Let everyone understand that by observing this Shivaratri, the Shiva Jayanti in an appropriate manner as explained above, one can ensure one’s place in the forthcoming Golden Age, a glimpse of which is given below:

The Golden Age marks the beginning of a New World Order wherein there is a hierarchical society based on divine virtues, each one playing the role to which its qualities are best suited. Everything in this world is at its highest stage of purity and beauty. Everything needed is in abundance, there being no shortage and misery. The science here comprehends and harnesses the forces that govern this planet without destroying or polluting the environment. Love is the universal law there. The collective actions there bring in complete harmony in the social fabric. Men and women here are absolute masters of their mind, body and environment. Their bodies being made of pure elements, and the hormonal systems being different, enable reproduction without sexual union. Hence, procreation there is not motivated by ego, lust or attachment. The society runs smoothly because all are in tune with nature and each other, there being no thought of competition. Family life is in perfect unity because relationships are based on mutual respect and equality. The rulers in the kingdom of heaven treat their subjects as their own progeny. They do not need any ministers or advisors be- cause of their wisdom and divinity. There is neither enforced authority nor submissive subordination.

Faith And Rituals

Is spirituality difficult?

Today, humanity in general lives life for pleasure. We have created so many ways to gratify the senses that we have completely forgotten our responsibility as human beings towards nature and our own true nature. Human beings are a replica of the universe and have to be guided by nature’s supreme intelligence for growth and bliss.

When humans with a pride of ego and doership create their own ways of getting temporary bliss they fall from grace. In such circumstances, the mind tuned and conditioned by the environment and social pressures tries to find its own balance by the application of reasoning based on egoistic acquired knowledge, to win over the anxieties, thus finding solace and justifying his actions --- ‘Oh! I am experiencing spirituality and bliss,’ he says.

 Little knowing that this is a grave pitfall, not spirituality. It is a transition from the falsehood of living in hypocrisy to the other of living in false spirituality. This is the massacre of spirituality. Spirituality needs real wisdom, more than that required in the most ardent religious paths.  It stands for being fearless and courageous enough to take responsibility for ourselves. Everyone is born spiritual. It is not something to be created or discovered, it is there. It simply exists.

Spirituality is the natural inner force in totality, which is to be realized by being truthful. To be connected is to be on a permanent high. Intoxication of thyself.

Each letter of the word 'spirituality' has a representing meaning.( chicken soup for the soul )
'S' stands for Seva, to think beyond yourself and reach out to others. Seva --- selfless

'P' signals two aspects, the first of which is the passage of life. None of us are immortal.

So on this passage of life as William Penn, the poet wrote,
"I expect to pass through the life but once, if there be any kindness I can show, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way once again."
And even as you do so, please do it with a sense of perseverance for perseverance can move mountains. So run your own race in very act of life.

Moving on to the three 'I's in the word 'spirituality', these reflect three distinct values.

Integrity, Inner Voice and Inspire - be inspired and inspire others....

Integrity is character. Inner voice is the stairway to spirituality as it always goads you to do what is right, to live by one's conscience and by values.as you so rightly said
which is to be realized by being truthful. ... Now coming to
'R' is to learn to smell the roses on your way. Being positive is so restorative. You will never feel that you are ever in the midst of a storm. Every situation can then be faced with equanimity and fortitude. For one knows that this, too, shall pass.... It teaches you , makes you stronger more learned , more matured ...

'T' stands for transcendence, so transcend with inner reflection, meditation, yoga, self-control and compassion. The second 'T' says, if you practice these creative ways of looking at life, you will surely attain tranquility and be at peace with yourself.

'U' is all about the universality and oneness of humankind. On realizing this, increasingly you are able to brush aside prejudices. Differences cease to matter. Aren't each one of us just a speck in the universe?

'A' is for acceptance. Accept yourself and others unconditionally. 'A' also entails the total negation of arrogance, and with humility being the ACE in your chosen field.

And this brings us to the letter 'L' that reminds you to have the largeness of heart to remember only the goodness of people and blanket out any pain or hurt that is encountered in varying degrees of relationships. The past and future are of no relevance as we cannot control or predict either. Most important, learn to travel light. The Moment is now. Life is too short, so cherish every moment.life is unpredictable , so just be happy .

'T', the second last letter in spirituality, stands for Trust.

And finally - 'Y' - the last letter, stands for You - and for me, too. Only YOU / I can make this happen.
May peace, happiness and universal love continue growing in our heart.

Self Improvement

Switching attention

Barring unusual circumstances, if you look at your life right now chances are you will have some problems you are grappling with and some things to be grateful for. If you focused on things to be grateful for, it would give you much joy and satisfaction; if you focused on problems you are facing you would invite anxiety and negativity. What will you choose? 

 

Choosing to focus on things that you are grateful for does not mean not ignoring your challenges or problems. On the contrary, it means attending to your challenges with vigour derived from gratitude. When you feel grateful and blessed, you exude peace, calm and confidence, which invite creativityand innovation. 

 

Switch your attention to what is going well for you, and tackle the things that need attention with renewed energy, zeal and enthusiasm. Before long, you will be on top of your challenges!

.The word 'meditation' has been used to designate a variety of practices that differ enough from one another so that we may find trouble in defining what meditation is. There remains no definition of necessary and sufficient criteria for meditation that has achieved universal or widespread acceptance within the modern scientific community, as one study recently noted a "persistent lack of consensus in the literature" and a "seeming intractability of defining meditationIn popular usage, the word "meditation" and the phrase "meditative practice" are often used imprecisely to designate broadly similar practices, or sets of practices, that are found across many cultures and traditions.Some of the difficulty in precisely defining meditation has been the need to recognize the particularities of the many various traditions.There may be differences between the theories of one tradition of meditation as to what it means to practice meditation. The differences between the various traditions themselves, which have grown up a great distance apart from each other, may be even starker. The defining of what 'meditation' is has caused difficulties for modern scientists. Scientific reviews have proposed that researchers attempt to more clearly define the type of meditation being practiced in order that the results of their studies be made clearer. Taylor noted that to refer only to meditation from a particular faith (e.g., "Hindu" or "Buddhist")
is not enough, since the cultural traditions from which a particular kind of meditation comes are quite different and even within a single tradition differ in complex ways. The specific name of a school of thought or a teacher or the title of a specific text is often quite important for identifying a particular type of meditation.Patañjali Statue (traditional form indicating Kundalini or incarnation of Shesha)
The table shows several definitions of meditation that have been used by influential modern reviews of research on meditation across multiple traditions. Within a specific context, more precise meanings are not uncommonly given the word "meditation. For example, 'meditation', is sometimes the translation of meditatio in Latin, which is the third of four steps of Lectio Divina, an ancient form of Christian prayer. 'Meditation' may also refer to the second of the three steps of Yoga in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a step called dhyāna in Sanskrit. Meditation may refer to a mental or spiritual state that may be attained by such practices, and may also refer to the practice of that state.This article mainly focuses on meditation in the broad sense of a type of discipline, found in various forms in many cultures, by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind (sometimes called "discursive thinking or "logic into a deeper, more devout, or more relaxed state. The terms "meditative practice" and "meditation" are mostly used here in this broad sense. However, usage may vary somewhat by context – readers should be aware that in quotations, or in discussions of particular traditions, more specialized meanings of "meditation" may sometimes be used (with meanings made clear by context whenever possible)

Three Planes of Consciousness

Essentially there are three planes of consciousness:  enjoyment, renunciation, and devotion.

1. Enjoyment

In order to survive, the environment is geared towards exploitation. Why? Because of selfishness. We put ourselves in the center and this results in conflict as everyone has a different center.

2. Renunciation

It is taught that there can be no peace in this material existence because everything is temporary and there is so much conflict. To renounce everything and have a deep dreamless sleep – no more pain and suffering, everything is just peaceful! Yet death is not the end, so the problem is that you are going to be reborn according to your karma.

3. Devotion

This path recognizes that the highest of all solutions is to understand who we are, and who is our origin, and to live in harmony with that. We are meant to serve and to be selfless, to put God in the center and eternally be connected to Him. Harmony is there because we have a common interest.

The path of devotion transforms the material world to the spiritual world through consciousness. We need to find the spiritual world within ourselves – to find the love, peace, compassion within ourselves and to be instruments of that within the world.      

Three planes of consciousness or three levels of understanding? Standing on the first level, man understands life as enjoyment, but realizing contradictions and suffering pain he may become wise so as to give it up. Moving on to the second level, he gets to understand that renunciation may bring peace, but that is not enough. Then, going to the third level, he understands that it is devotion or service that can restore him his true being, and transform his world into the spiritual where he may find love, peace and compassion.

Burden of Negativity

FORGIVENESS one day, the sage gave the disciple an empty sack and a basket of potatoes. 'Think of all the people who have done or said something against you in the recent past, especially those you cannot forgive. For each of them, inscribe the name on a potato and put it in the sack.'The disciple came up with quite a few names, and soon his sack was full with potatoes. 'Carry the sack with you wherever you go for a week,' said the sage. At first, the disciple thought nothing of it. Carrying the sack was not particularly difficult. But after a while, it became more of a burden. It sometimes got in the way, and it seemed to require more effort to carry as time went on, even though its weight remained the same. After a few days, the sack began to smell. The carved potatoes gave off a ripe odor. Not only were they increasingly inconvenient to carry around, they were also becoming rather unpleasant.Finally, the week was over. The sage summoned the disciple. 'Any thoughts about all this?''Yes, Master,' the disciple replied. 'The potatoes smelled & I'm tired of carrying this weight"."Negative feelings are like rotten potatoes. When we are unable to forgive others, we carry negative feelings with us everywhere, much like these potatoes. That negativity becomes a burden to us &, after a while, it festers. We must forgive to lighten our load & make our lives happy' " What about the sack" the disciple asked 'The sack is... that which allows you to hold on to the negativity. It is something within us that makes us dwell on feeling offended....Ah, it's your inflated sense of self-importance. And if you get rid of sack then you don't have a place to put the potatoes. That means no more weight to carry around, & no more bad smells. The secret of forgiveness is the conscious decision to not just to remove some potatoes... but to relinquish the entire sack.'

To forgive someone is a very bold, courageous and rewarding action.

It may be even better to focus on the qualities of self/nature/source.. and experience what happens when these qualities are expressed.... (focus on the negativities, keeps the focus on negativities, which is counter productive)... negativities will be diluted in the process automatically..

Right understanding of self and wisdom/rules of life is the key to a great life.... This can happen in a systematic, scientific, simple but powerful, self-exploratory manner through formal education at the right stage of life... Excellent working models are available....with amazing results...

one can get aware and empowered for life at the right stage of life...to lead a mutually wonderful, joyful, meaningful, fulfilled life

Join Hands with Truth

The human of today knows all facts, yet is not ready to awaken, or perform karm because the mechanical mind of Kaliyug keeps thinking and wondering -‘what would be the benefit of awakening the consciousness?’ In earlier ages, waves of people arose due to the power of the pen. People were ready to even sacrifice their lives.

It is Law of Nature that no technique that existed earlier works blindly in a new situation, neither can a readymade formula be applied to the same. Since the base of the ladder from which any movement or revolution reaches its peak is essentially the penance of a sadhak of truth, the form of which changes according to the time requirement, some things are to be left and others added to earlier solutions, according to the need of the hour, through dhyan and wisdom.

Whatever the age, the path is always one, so where ever even the slightest amount of truth is visible, drop the ego and join in, to make the line of truth bigger, so the line of falsehood is automatically reduced. Because now the time has come when falsehood will kill falsehood.

The duty (karm) of truth is just to remain firm in itself, increasing its radiance (tej) so that it becomes ‘mercurial’ like mercury, and merges with other truthful ‘mercurys ’ increasing their form so much that falsehood cannot clasp  it within its pinch!

Time for a big LEAP is here …to come to Truth. Now more than ever it is important to bring forth people who have been working silently on Truth, people who are evolved and are nearing perfection in their field. It is time to create a new kind of satsang of such like-minded people so as to form a force. So come together to create such a platform and to spread all around vibrations and waves that were thus far only localised. This is one way to justify your humanexistence.

Seek out evolved people working on themselves silently, moving towards perfection in their field, bring them forward, help them spread their light. Being in their aura and evolution will have a positive affect on you too.

Expansion happens only out of perfection. When you perfect yourself at one level, only then you are able to expand yourself to the next level. So increase your sensitivity, expand your aura so you can connect with Supreme.

We Don't Eat Only With Our Mouth!

All that we collect through all our sense preceptors is also our food. We don’t eat only with our mouth. All that we see or hear is not just what we see and hear, but they are our food for ourmind, for our soul.

Mindfulness is to be aware that whatever we ingest into our body-mind creates its own levels ofvibrations either uplifting us or pushing us into an unhappy state of mind.

So, be watchful what you take in!! This liberty to choose is our human privilege!

All that we collect through all our sense preceptors is also our food. We don’t eat only with our mouth. All that we see or hear is not just what we see and hear, but they are our food for our mind, for our soul. and in perceptible world, all sorts of 'funky fast foods' are selling like 'hot cakes' and in consequence we suffer from 'indigestion' and all sorts of other problems !!

Re-plan to Succeed

When you fail in your life, take it as a result of lack of planning. So, in such situations, try to do re-planning and you will certainly reach success. When you accept your mistake, you correct yourself and save yourself from living in falsehood. When a person discovers this fact, accepting his mistake will become a very pleasant deed for him.

Defining the concept of a Friend

n Sanskrit there are four words for “friend”, but they are not identical to one another. They may be similar. Those four words are bandhu, suhrd, mitram and sakhá. Bandhu means “those within the bondage of love”. That is, when one cannot tolerate the idea of separation one is called bandhu. Now, have you got any bandhu in thisworld? No. Even your friend, your best friend, did not come at the same time as you, and after leaving the cremation ground there is permanent separation. He will be with you up to the cremation ground. After your cremation he will not be with you. So he is not bandhu, he is not a friend, for he can tolerate the idea of separation. So who is the real friend? Parama Puruśa. When you are in this physical framework, in this quinquelemental framework, He is with you, with your body, with your mind and with your spirit. After death, He will be with your mind, with your soul. When the body is lost, the body will become one with the earth but mind and spirit will remain. He will be with you. So He is the real friend, He is the real bandhu[[, and there cannot be any mundane friend, mundane bandhu. It is a false utterance to say that a mundane friend is the best friend. Nobody is your friend. Only Parama Puruśa is your friend, and nobody else is your friend.

The second word is suhrd. Suhrd means “with whom there is never any clash, clash of ideology”. You must see in your family there is psychological clash amongst brothers, sisters, husband and wife. So everywhere there is psychological clash.]] In that respect nobody is your friend or comrade. So many fissiparous tendencies exist in the realm of intellectuality. [[So]] can there be asuhrd [[in this world]]? No. But your ideas are always respected by or approved by Parama Puruśa. Because they are approved by Parama Puruśa, you get the scope to express your views. So He is the only suhrd. No one else in this world is your suhrd.

The fourth one is sakhá. (About the third one I will speak later.) [[The root meaning is]] “one entity in two different structures”. That is, structures vary but the entitative flow does not vary. With your friends or relatives or even amongst family members there is no such love [[– that the physical bodies,]] the physical structures, vary, but the inner self does not vary. It is not the case with anybody in this world. But it is the case with Parama Puruśa because He is within. So there are differences in entitative structure, but there is no difference in ectoplasmic structure. So Parama Puruśa is the only sakhá. Nobody else can be your sakhá.

The third one is mitram. Mitram means “colleague”. Two physicians are mitram. Two thieves, two pleaders are also mitram; that is, they have a similar duty and profession. When the duty is similar, the term “colleague” is used – the Sankrit term of which is mitram. [[You may have mitram in this world but they are colleagues and nothing else. You have seen that mitram may or may not be friends.]] Two physicians of a small village are not friends – they are at best colleagues because there is competition between them. Parama Puruśa alone is your real friend. It is your duty to strengthen the hand of your real friend, that is, of Parama Puruśa. How can you do it? Just be a moralist – move along the path of spirituality and help His ectoplasmic structure with that of yours. Be a machine in the hands of Parama Puruśa and help Him in creating a more beautiful world and a [[more]] beautiful human society.

Sacred Space: Life Is A Book

Life is like a book with three chapters. Two are already written by God –Birth and Death. The chapter in the middle is empty; fill it with your smile, love and faith.

Some chapters in the Book of Life tell of tragedy, others of triumph.  Some chapters are dull and others are exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit a tough chapter.

Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.

Every chapter in the Book of Life defines our character and tells us who we are.

Life is like a 1,000 page book. You want to quit halfway through, but then you realise you have a lot left to look forward to.

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Some chapters in the Book of Life tell of tragedy, others of triumph. Some chapters are dull and others are exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit a tough chapter.