The Soul of Friendship

 

The Soul of Friendship

Can you imagine a body without soul? You won’t take a moment to think about your reply.  No one can imagine a soulless being. Likewise, friendship, the eternal bond, also has a soul. Understand the attributes of this beautiful soul by the timeless story of friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama.

The story is a shining example of real friendship. The tale describes the rare bond of selfless love between two friends. Very few connections can be compared to this oneness. Both were childhood friends and schoolmates. Both took education at a Gurukul and studied under the guidance of Guru Sandipani.

At Gurukul Lord Krishna asked, will you be my friend, Sudama? Sudama said, I am a poor Brahmin and you are from a royal background. Friends help each other, but I have nothing to offer you. So, we cannot become friends.

To this Lord Krishna said, promise me that we will always be friends, come what may, and I promise that as your friend, I will never ask you for anything you cannot offer.

And so, Sudama accepted Lord Krishna's offer and this friendship turned out to be one of the most beautiful stories.

A Story of Empathy, Love and Trust

The story of their bond is all about love, empathy, care, trust and loyalty with a profound lesson for everyone.  Sudama was dirt poor while Lord Krishna was a king.

No difference could hamper the bond between Lord Krishna and Sudama.

Even after losing touch for many years, they did not leave the hope of meeting again. Sudama always had his friend in his heart and soul. The entire episode when Sudama met Lord Krishna after many years is so touching.

No one can hold tears while listening to this episode and thinking of their pure bond.

When Sudama went to meet Lord Krishna, He ran to the gate leaving everything behind with tears in His eyes. He was so pleased and eager to meet His old friend.

A Selfless and Pure Connection

Lord Krishna hugged Sudama without any pre notions. That emotional outburst out of sheer respect feels like the foundation of the term ‘Friendship’. When Lord Krishna met Sudama, He asked gently, what was the reason for visiting Dwarka? Sudama, replied softly, he visited just to meet Him and he does not have any requirement.

Sudama had brought a humble gift for his friend, but he felt ashamed of the modest flattened rice he had brought. But Lord Krishna took the bag of rice, and affectionately put a handful of the tasteless rice in his mouth. He ate it with immense relish.

When Sudama reached home after meeting Lord Krishna, he could not find his humble hut. Instead, his wife came out from a huge palace. Sudama never told Lord Krishna about his deprived situation, but He understood that and gave wealth to his dear friend.

Needless to say Sudama’s life was transformed after meeting his friend.

The beautiful story of Lord Krishna and Sudama showcases the real meaning and value of Friendship.  Ahead of the Friendship Day, inscribe this story in your heart and try to instil the virtues of a real friend in yourself.

The Soul of Friendship

Understand that the soul of friendship is positioned in Righteousness, Sharing, Mutual Respect, Faithfulness and Trust.

Imbibe these qualities and consider creating the bond of friendship a spiritual practice as well that requires patience, sacrifice, and nurturing.

It is a life-enriching relationship in which our personalities get refined and we understand our strengths and weaknesses. It’s a gift from God as He doesn’t want us to stay isolated.

So, be a good friend, choose your friends wisely and know that friendship is actually an important part of your spiritual growth that ensures your wellbeing, peace and happiness.

Have a beautiful Friendship Day!

 

Shivoham Meditation | शिवोहम ध्यान | Dr. Archika Didi

Sawan, the Month of Ultimate Devotion

 

Sawan, the Month of Ultimate Devotion

‘Devotion’ is a beautiful word. It comes from the Latin word, devovēre, meaning 'to vow, to make a solemn pledge or promise. So, a devoted person completely surrenders himself to the service of God. And Sawan is the month of such ultimate devotion.

This holy month is the most pious month for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Due to their devotion, they consciously choose to worship Lord Shiva in this Sawan month and their devotion is fueled by endless love. They believe that Lord Shiva will bless them with prosperity and everlasting happiness. As a result, nothing can stop devotees from expressing their deep adoration for Mahadev during Sawan.

Unwavering Love for Lord Shiva

During the holy month, many devotees endure immense hardship by going on an annual pilgrimage to seek His blessings. The pilgrimage, that has been suspended this year due to COVID-19, is very challenging. Devotees collect water from River Ganga and offer at Shiva temples. They visit various places, including some really difficult terrains, like Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, to fetch water.

Walking barefoot with kavads (special vessels with Holy Water from The Ganges) on their shoulders, devotees move towards their destination ignoring the excruciating physical pain. Their profound devotion gives them such great endurance. By undertaking this arduous journey, they show their unwavering love for Lord Shiva. It seems that devotees have become akin to Lord Shiva and He is filling them with courage.

It is their devotion that pushes them beyond physical limits to serve their Lord Shiva. It is a festive dedication of their whole self to Him. The prayerful devotion also manifests itself through their Satvic lifestyle and daily prayers. Many devotees practice fasting on Mondays or even for the entire month. They seek to be near Lord Shiva, persevere and spend time in prayers and meditation.

The Month of Receiving Blessings

Scriptures say that Lord Shiva can be pleased quickly and Sawan is the best month to please Him. Further, He can be pacified by anyone and so one of His names is ‘Ashutosh’- one who is pleased very quickly. His devotees belong to all castes and creeds and walks of life. Lord Shiva loves all and fulfills their wishes.

He fulfils the materialistic desires of worshippers by bestowing the choicest blessings upon them. He  blesses the simple-hearted with religious zeal, grants peace to pious devotees, and connects with seekers who meditate on Him.

Devotion is the Answer to all Questions

Life is all about change. We always face questions like what to do in life, which direction to choose, what choice should we make, what should we do for a living, how to meditate regularly, etc.  These are just some of the many questions that we face in our day-to-day life and will continue to face. But where can the answers be found?

Devotion is the answer here. God guides His devotees to follow the appropriate path and make the right choices in life. For this inner awakening and guidance, we need to ask Him with full devotion and for the same purpose devotees choose this month of Sawan.

They sit before Lord Shiv and pour out their heart in His Holy presence and seek His blessings. And being ‘Bholenath’ He fulfils the wishes of all.

So, in this auspicious month of Sawan, let’s celebrate the presence of Shiva element in our inner world and feel akin to Him. Let us offer prayers, meditate on Shiva and also do noble deeds like serving the needy.

Om Namah Shivaye!

Guru Purnima; a Day of Devotees

 

Guru Purnima; a Day of Devotees

It’s natural to think Guru Purnima as the day of Gurus. But it’s not the complete truth. On this day we revere our Gurus, meet them and receive their blessings, that’s true. Along with that, the Day is even more momentous for true devotees, such devotees who don’t seek anything but want to rejoice in the love of their Guru; devotees who don’t care whether they received any divine knowledge or not. They also don’t care as to whether they turned virtuous or not. But in every moment, they are immersed in profound love and respect for the Guru and that feeling is enough for them.

They understand the importance of the Guru in every walk of their life and this Guru-Shishya bond is their lifeline. On this day they celebrate their Guru, introspect on their spiritual journey over the past year, and renew their vows for the upcoming year. Indeed, without the spiritual wisdom of the Gurus and the yearning of devotees, any society cannot grow to its full spiritual potential.

The Celebration of a Beautiful Relationship

The Devotee-Guru relationship is a beautiful relationship that is visible on the occasion of Guru Purnima. The day is celebrated in the memory of the great sage Maharshi Veda Vyasa, the saint behind ancient scriptures like The Vedas, Puranas and Mahabharata. On the pious day, the spiritual seekers worship Maharshi Vyasa and the devotees worship their Gurus. For them, the day is like the beginning of a new life.

So, on this blissful Day, they pay respect to their Guru, offer their salutations in His Holy Feet, seek forgiveness for their errs, and seek blessings for a happy and spiritually awakened future. They meditate on the Guru and listen to his discourses and reflect upon his teachings. Devotees also resolve on the pious day to continue their spiritual journey in accordance with the guidance of the Guru.

A Devotee Always Seeks the Proximity of the Guru

On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, many devotees want to sit close to their Guru and just enjoy the presence. Because for them, no happiness is bigger than staying close to the Guru.

This story proves the point.

Once, one of Lord Buddha’s disciples gained enlightened and then Lord Buddha asked him to move into the real world, preach and continue His work.

The disciple went, but became very sad while doing his work. When people asked him why he was so sad despite enlightenment, the disciple said, “I don’t care about my enlightenment. For me the joy of staying close to my Guru was so pure and I was satisfied just by being a devotee. I would have preferred my proximity to Guru than this enlightenment.”

Such is the devotion of a true seeker. For him the aura of his Guru is the most precious.

So, this Guru Purnima, think of all your Guru’s blessings to be grateful for and due to Covid, connect virtually with your Guru. Receive blessings from your Guru and move forward in life.

Have a blessed Guru Purnima!

 

Dr Archika Didi

YouTube

Ways to inculcate Self Love! | Dr. Archika Didi

सद्गुरु जिसके साथ चलें, वो दुःख कैसे पावे

 

सद्गुरु जिसके साथ चलें, वो दुःख कैसे पावे

सम्बुद्ध सद्गुरु सौभाग्य से मिलते हैं। नरेन्द्रनाथ स्वामी रामकृष्ण के यहां नौकरी मांगने गये थे, स्वामी जी ने कहा ‘‘जाओ अंदर मंदिर में, माँ काली से मांग लो।’’ नरेन्द्र अंदर जाते, नौकरी मांग ही न पाते, कई बार अंदर गये, खाली आ जाते, स्वामी जी ने कहा ‘‘तुम्हारा जन्म नौकरी के लिए नहीं हुआ। तुम्हें भारत के सोये लोगों को जगाना है।’’ गुरु की कृपा हुई, उनका आशीर्वाद मिला और नरेन्द्रनाथ स्वामी विवेकानन्द बन गये, सारे विश्व में उनकी ख्याति हुई। वह अमर हो गये, आगे तक याद किये जायेंगे। गुरुकृपा में बड़ा चमत्कार है।

सद्गुरु जिनके साथ चलें---, इसका अर्थ है जो शिष्य अपने जीवन में सद्गुरु के उपदेशों का पालन करता है, जीवन में उन्हें उतारता है, दुःख उसके पास नहीं आता। शिष्य जागृत हो जाता है। उसका विवेक, उसकी बुद्धि निर्मल हो जाती है। उसके विचार सात्विक हो जाते हैं, उसकी ईश्वर में आस्था बढ़ जाती है। वैसे व्यवहारिक दृष्टि से तो न गुरु के साथ बराबर पर चलना चाहिये, न ही आगे, हमेशा गुरु के पीछे चलना चाहिये। गुरु की बात को भी नहीं काटना चाहिए। गुरु की आंखों में आंखें डालकर बात नहीं करनी चाहिए, आंखें झुका कर बात करें। गुरु के सामने चेहरे पर कोमलता, विनम्रता और आदर के भाव होना जरूरी है।

गुरु ही पथ प्रदर्शक हैं, सच्चे मार्ग पर चलने की सर्वदा प्रेरणा देते हैं। गुरु से ही संसार का वास्तविक, सच्चा, कल्याणकारी ज्ञान मिलता है। गुरु के बिना मनुष्य का जीवन दिशाहीन है। तभी तो हमारी भारतीय परम्परा में गुरु की शरण में जाने की हर किसी को प्रेरणायें दी जाती हैं। योगीराज भगवान श्रीकृष्ण तक ने श्रीमद्भागवद् गीता में अर्जुन को गुरु की शरण में जाने का उपदेश दिया।

                तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया।

                उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः।। (4/34)

अर्थात् तुम गुरु के पास जाकर सत्य को जानने का प्रयास करो। उनसे विनीत होकर जिज्ञासा करो और उनकी सेवा करो। स्वरूप सिद्ध व्यक्ति  तुम्हें ज्ञान प्रदान कर सकते हैं, क्योंकि उन्होंने सत्य का दर्शन किया है।

अर्जुन की मनः स्थिति उस समय भ्रम में थी, वह संशय में था, वह मोहग्रस्त था, उलझन में था, निराश था, अवसाद में था। कृष्ण ने उसे मार्ग बताया, जीवन का सत्य जानने के लिए गुरु की शरण में जाओ। वैसे उलझन की स्थिति में अर्जुन ने पहले ही भगवान श्रीकृष्ण से उसे अपना शिष्य बनाने की प्रार्थना की थी। अर्जुन ने कहा था-

                कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः

                पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः।

                यच्छ्रेयः स्यन्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे

                शिष्यस्तेऽहंशाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ।। (2/7)

अर्थात् अब मैं अपनी दुर्बलता के कारण अपना कर्त्तव्य भूल गया हूँ  और सारा धैर्य खो चूका हूँ । ऐसी अवस्था में मैं आपसे पूछ रहा हूँ  कि जो मेरे लिए श्रेयस्कर हो उसे मुझे निश्चित रूप से बतायें। अब मैं आपका शिष्य हूँ  और आपका शरणागत हूँ । कृपया मुझे उपदेश दें।

अब दो प्रश्न पैदा होते हैं, एक तो गुरु कैसे हों और दूसरे शिष्य के गुरु के प्रति क्या भाव हों? गुरुगीता में भगवान शिव और माँ पार्वती का गुरु के बारे में विस्तृत संवाद है, मां गौरी के पूछे जाने पर भगवान शिव ने गुरु के सम्बन्ध में तीन बातें बताई, जो मूल हैं और महत्वपूर्ण हैं।

आदि गुरु अर्थात् सबसे पहले गुरु स्वयं परम पिता परमात्मा हैं। गुरु का सम्बन्ध आदि गुरु से होता है। परमात्मा वह सब शक्तियां गुरु को देते हैं जिनसे मानव कल्याण सम्भव हो।

सामान्य व्यक्ति  सांसारिक सम्बन्धों को ही स्थाई और सच्चे मानकर अपने सारे क्रियाकलाप करता है। जबकि सद्गुरु उसे सच्चे सम्बन्ध का बोध करवाते हैं कि परमात्मा के साथ सम्बन्ध ही सच्चा और स्थायी सम्बन्ध है। और तीसरे इस प्रकार गुरु मनुष्य को अज्ञान रूपी अंधकार से ज्ञान रूपी प्रकाश में ले जाते हैं। उसे लौकिक और पारलौकिक ज्ञान देते हें। इससे मनुष्य को सत्य मार्ग पर प्रेरित कर उसके मनुष्य जीवन को अर्थपूर्ण बनाते हैं। विद्वत वाणी है-

ब्रह्मबीज के गुरु सन्धाता

शिष्य सराहे कृपा विधाता

शब्द देखने पढ़ने में समान्य लगते हैं, किन्तु इन आठ शब्दों में ब्रह्म अर्थात् परमात्मा, जो आदि गुरु है, उन्होंने कृपा करके सम्बुद्ध सद्गुरु की शरण दे दी, गुरु ने शिष्य पर कृपा की, उसे सन्मार्ग बताया और उसे जीवन में सच्चे अर्थों में जीना आ गया, तो शिष्य परमात्मा का धन्यवाद कर रहा है कि प्रभु आपकी कृपा से सद्गुरु मिले। तो इस पवित्र वाणी ने परमात्मा, गुरु और शिष्य के रिश्तों को सत्य शब्दों में संजो दिया। यह शब्द किसी उच्च कोटि के विद्वान के विवेक से निसृत सुन्दर पुष्प हैं, जिनमें इन तीनों (परमात्मा, गुरु और शिष्य) के रिश्तों की खुशबू आती है।

‘‘मन बेचे सतगुरु के पास, तिस सेवक के काहज रास’’ जिसने अपना चित्त गुरु चरणों से जोड़ लिया, उसके आठो चक्र जागृत हो जाते हैं। बस अपना मन गुरु को दे दो, पार हो जाओगे।

गुरुपूर्णिमा की आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत बधाई।।

 

Dr Archika Didi

YouTube

 

Never Doubt God’s Plans

 

Never Doubt God’s Plans

“No eyes can see the real forces; we can only see the results. Put out self, lose it, forget it; just let God work, it is His business.”

-Swami Vivekananda

In faith, doubt is negative. As a worshipper who is moving on the right path in life, you should never doubt God’s plans and complain over small matters. You might have failed in a few endeavours, but still, you have the capability to fulfil your most unbelievable dreams. Believe in your capability. And for that, all you need is continuing with your wise actions and a total trust in God.

With God, your achievements can even exceed your wildest imagination. So, believe in the higher power, stay energized and keep moving.

Never Curse Destiny & God

Some people, however, fall prey to prejudices. They start complaining about everything. If they feel they are not living a comfortable life despite struggles, they start complaining. They say, O God, you have not provided me with anything worthy despite my hard work. I wanted a life full of luxuries, but you gave very little. I desired an abundance of wealth and worldly possessions. I wanted competent and obedient children. I wanted everything to be perfect in my life.

But I don’t have anything. My children do not listen to me, they are doing as they wish and I don’t have enough wealth as well. Why such injustice despite my complete faith in you? In such circumstances, some people start cursing destiny and God. They think God did that to them and there is no justice in this world.

It’s Not Easy to Understand God’s Plans

Understand that we perceive what is present before our eyes, but often fail to understand what happened in the past. Also, we don’t want to reflect upon our Karma in the present and past incarnations. The truth is- no one can understand the game of Karma and plans of God.

All of us ought to eat the fruits of our deeds. We have to face the results of our past births’ Karma as well. Therefore, sometimes we come across such people, no matter how much good we do to them they continue to despise us. Sometimes, the account of the past birth is not clear and so, in the present birth, that person will have such a mind-set that he will hurt us only.

You cannot alter your past deeds; they have become your destiny. You have to face them and bring them to a closure.

Have Strong Trust in God’s Plans

So, what should we do in order to move in life according to God’s plans?

Make sure your present deeds are wise and fair. Always choose wise actions and perform virtuous deeds according to your capability. Do not waste your present time by constantly thinking about your grief. And most importantly, learn to trust God and always believe in His timing. He never fails those who perform their duties while leaving the results in His hands. He never lets you down.

He knows you and your aspirations and He plans for you accordingly. And have total trust in your spiritual power as well while surrendering your destiny to God's plan. Everything will be alright eventually.

Dr Archika Didi

You Tube

How Seekers Get Connected to God

 

How Seekers Get Connected to God

The place where seekers obtain the ultimate bliss is the shelter of God. Without this shelter, they don’t really see anything worthwhile. And to get there, seekers need to be pure in heart – they need to focus only on God. It is when they endeavour to purify all the layers of their soul. A soul which is wrapped inside five layers-‘Pancha Kosha’ in the body- must be pure.

The Five Layers

Food Sheath (Annamay Kosh)

This is the physical body. The intake of food sustains it. It includes the organs of perception and the organs of action. The personality, as well as traits of a seeker, depends on the condition of this sheath. It is a materialistic realization of existence wherein a seeker identifies him in a confine of flesh and blood.

Pranic Air Sheath (Pranmay Kosh)

This is the Pranic layer. The force that holds together the body and the mind makes it. Its physical manifestation is the breath. Correct breathing techniques strengthen the lungs and purify this sheath. Some pranic foods also help in this process.

Mind Sheath (Manomay Kosh)

This layer allows a man to think, feel and seek. The mind along with the five sensory organs constitutes this layer. The mind causes man’s bondage to the materialistic world, and liberation, too, is caused by it. Meditation and a restful mind help in purification of this layer.

Intellect Sheath (Vigyanmay Kosh)

Intellect builds it; the faculty which separates and also ascertains. The thought process associated with the organs of perception makes this sheath. The subconscious mind and the conscious mind must be pure to strengthen this layer. There are numerous techniques and strategies to achieve this. Some of them are mindfulness, relaxation, living in the present and knowledge of the truth. 

Bliss Sheath (Aanandmay Kosh)

This is the fifth and the innermost layer in close proximity to the Soul.  It is the most subtle of the five levels of self. It is a reflection of the three divine qualities of the Soul- Sat, Chit and Anand.  This layer becomes pure when one’s ego fades away and when one lives every moment in joy without complaining.

Seekers’ Spiritual Evolution

The purification and development of all these layers is necessary for man’s complete spiritual evolution. By purifying all these layers, seekers start treading the path of self-realization and move towards the ultimate bliss- liberation (Moksha). 

What’s the Right Offering to God? | Dr Archika Didi

जन्म मरण का चक्र कैसे टूटे? | How to break through the circle of rebirth...

Each Act of Kindness Matters!

 

Each Act of Kindness Matters!

Kindness is not an ordinary virtue. It’s like a superpower that anyone can practice every day. Kindness is a strength that significantly impacts life. But it is also a fact that kindness isn’t a skill that comes naturally to human beings. The virtue, however, can be learned and inculcated in the personality in order to live a fulfilling and better life.

Nevertheless, in day-to-day life, many people ignore random acts of kindness. They think nothing will change in the world if today I remain unkind. Understand that not a single act of kindness is worthless. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says all of us are a collection of our deeds. Whatever we have tried in our lives- no matter how little the effort is- all of them become an integral part of our Karma. At times, we think they are unimportant and we forget those efforts.

Keep in mind whatever you have done till now and whatever you have thought, all of them become a part of your life. You cannot do away with them. Each Karma, thought, and emotions stay connected to your whole life. Whatever you have thought, all good or bad, or any sentiment that you have to help someone, all stay with you. You might have failed in your efforts, but you wanted to help someone. That’s enough.

God Doesn’t Forget Anything

Human beings receive the fruits of Karma according to their sentiments and thoughts. All Karma, thoughts and sentiments start getting connected with you as you go on with your life. You forget them in the course of time, that’s a different matter. Even what you have done in your past births, what mistakes you have committed, what you went through you forget them eventually but always remember, God doesn’t forget anything.

With the passage of time, all your past actions start getting attached to you. They never go away. God says whatever you have done in your past births; you might have travelled on the path of wise actions, or you might have helped someone, whatever you would have done, you receive their outcomes in your current birth. Sometimes, you may receive the result unexpectedly.

Any Kind Act Can Bring Sweet Fruits Anytime

Sometimes a person receives superb results without any big effort and he thinks how I received such a sweet fruit. He forgets Karma is seldom linked with the current birth only. We are a part of a link of countless births. And all the fruits are the results of our Karma in all those incarnations. So, whatever we have done in an instant and whatever we have achieved is linked to various previous births.

A human being is not a separate entity. And so, any instant thought or any random act of kindness could be a thought or act of transformation that can change the whole life.

Moreover, for general well-being as well, random acts of kindness work in a wonderful way. They enhance our bonding with friends, relatives and strangers; add to our experience of positive emotions, increase self-esteem, bring positive change in mood, relax our soul and most importantly, reduce stress.

Needless to say, you should never give a miss to any opportunity of showing your kindness. An act of kindness can be as simple as smiling at a child who is crying, listening to someone attentively, complimenting someone, or saying ‘thanks’ to someone with a smile and also helping someone in a big way to come out of a life’s predicament.

So, be kind always. Each act of kindness really matters!

 

Dr Archika Didi

Youtube

 

 

योग निद्रा (आध्यात्मिक नींद)

 

योग निद्रा

(आध्यात्मिक नींद)

नींद भगवान् का सबसे बड़ा वरदान है, जो थके हारे मनुष्य को अपनी गोद में लेकर आराम पहुंचाती है। यदि यह नींद हमारी समाधि बन जाए, तो 6-7 घंटे बेहोशी में न बीतकर परमात्मा के चरणों में समर्पित हो जायें। भक्ति परवान चढ़ने लगे, मानव का चोला सार्थक हो जाए।  इसका सरल तरीका है योगी की तरह सोना सीखें।

योग निद्रा का अभ्यास करने से रात्रि में समाधि का आनंद और दिन में सतत ध्यान का आनंद रस जीवन को सहज पुलकित कर देगा।

योगनिद्रा के प्रयोगः

• योग निद्रा के लिए पहले पूरा शरीर ढीला छोड़ते हुए आराम से सीधे लेट जाएं।
•  मन ही मन ईश्वर को याद करें और उसके  नाम की लगन की मन में आयी प्रेरणा के लिए परमात्मा को धन्यवाद दें।
• शरीर को रिलैक्स करने के लिए गहरे लम्बे सांस लें और छोड़ें।
• शरीर के एक-एक अंग को मन की आंखों से देखें और मन ही मन शांत होते हुए, अपने को शिथिल करते जाएं।
• इस क्रिया को सिर से प्रारम्भ करें और पैरों तक जाएं, और फिर पैरों से वापस सिर तक लौटें।
• तत्पश्चात् इसी अवस्था में सीधे लेटे हुए मन को अपनी नाभि में केन्द्रित कर लें।
• इसी क्रम में कल्पना करें कि आसमान से जल की एक मोटी-सी बूंद उतरी और नाभि से होकर उदर में समा गयी। इस जल के अमृत प्रभाव से वक्ष-मंडल में प्रेम और करुणा की ऊर्जा प्रवाहित होने लगी।
• उदर-मण्डल, हथेलियां, कंठ, सब ऊर्जा से भर रहे हैं। मुखमण्डल और सिर के ऊपरी भाग से ध्यान ऊर्जा अंदर प्रवेश कर रही हे। एनर्जी की बारिश हो रही है और मैं इसमें पूर्णतया भींगकर कर  आह्लादित  अनुभव कर रहा/रही  हूँ ।
• आनंदित होने का अर्थ है आप ईश्वर से जुड़ चुके हैं। यही समय है उस परम प्रिय से मन की बात करने की। इसी क्षण
• प्रार्थना का बीज बो दीजिए, इच्छा प्रकट कर दीजिए और उस इच्छा को पूरा होते हुए दृश्यात्मक अनुभव कीजिए।
• भाव करें आप एक चुम्बकीय शक्ति से युक्त हैं और ब्रह्माण्ड से अपनी इच्छित वस्तु को अपनी ओर खींच रहे हैं, आपकी झोली भर गयी और कृतज्ञता से आपकी अश्रुधारा बह कर आपके गुरु, ईश्वर के चरण पखारने लगी है।
• फिर सांसों पर मन को केन्द्रित करें और कुछ देर यूं ही स्थिर रहें।
• अब अपने तन का एहसास करते हुए हाथ-पांव को थोड़ा-थोड़ा हिलाएं, दोनों हथेलियों को नाभि केंद्र पर रखें और उसे ऊर्जा दें।
• अंत में आज के इस अवसर के लिए धन्यवाद दें और बाएं करवट से उठ कर बैठ जाएं। अगर रात्रि का समय हो तो लेटे ही रहें। स्वयं ही गहरी नींद आ जाएगी और जब आप प्रातःकाल जागेंगे तो मन में बहुत आह्लादित अनुभव होगा, लगेगा मैं कहीं की दिव्य यात्र से वापस लौटा/लौटी   हूँ ।

Dr Archika Didi

YouTube

 

Deal with Fear Bravely!

If you read the Vedas, you will find this word always repeated — fearlessness — fear nothing. Fear is a sign of weakness. A man must go about his duties without taking notice of the sneers and the ridicule of the world

-Swami Vivekananda

Indeed fearlessness is a great virtue. It is behind great accomplishments and one must deal with fear courageously. But also understand that a little bit of fear is normal in life. It helps you unconsciously protect yourself from any harm. It might also alert you when you’re about to do something avoidable helping you to make a better choice in life.

Yet sometimes you might find yourself fearful of certain circumstances that are not actually dangerous, like appearing in an interview. Your fear of facing competition might prevent you from getting ahead in your career or participating in ordinary outdoor activities like a sports event.

For example, if you want to visit Lord Shiva’s abode, Kailash Mansarovar, your dread of mountains may stop you from having an amazing spiritual experience. And when such anxieties become a pattern of life, they create big problems.

So, if you find that your fright holds you back or is creating problems in your growth, this is the time to deal with it bravely. Facing your anxiety would help you learn to control it and ultimately overcome it.

Here’s how you can do it.

Accept Your Fear

Know your fear first in order to gain the strength to deal with it. Do not ignore it rather focus your mind on it. If you try to ignore it, your panic grows. Start facing it bravely and you’ll find that its intensity is lessening in course of time. So, accept your situation as a lesson and let it guide you, and not control you. Those who stare fear in its face shall overcome every kind of fear in life.

Be Informed

Most of the time, we are afraid of something unknown and our fear is based on a lack of the right knowledge. If it is so, get the accurate information or knowledge for examining the situation from the core and understand everything about it. Always make decisions based on facts and not on assumptions.

Seek Support & Help

Whatever you’re afraid of, a lot of people have already dealt with it. You can easily find a mentor or a like-minded person to help you through it. Sportspersons have coaches; research scholars have mentors; students have teachers, and seekers have a Guru.

There are many people out there who can provide you with the needed support.

Control Your Breathing

Breathing is a wonderful phenomenon. Usually, anxiety starts with shortness of breath. Overcome such a condition by controlling your breath and for that start with taking a deep breath. Take a deep breath, and slowly let it out; your exhale must be one and a half times longer than your inhale.

This technique helps you attain physical calm so that you can take better decisions despite anxiety.

Practice Yoga & Meditation

Through various Yoga and meditation techniques, you can become more aware of your fright. This awareness helps you manage your fear and overcome it strategically. The practice of meditation can help stabilize your emotions in the face of apprehension. Thus, you will be able to cope with anxiety in a positive way.

And finally, even if you are totally challenged by fear, don’t ignore other aspects of life. It is possible to find wellbeing in them while dealing with your condition. So, be courageous, be kind to yourself and tackle your trepidation intelligently for moving forward in life.

 

Dr Archika Didi

YouTube

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The Real Meaning of Dharma | Dr. Archika Didi | Meditation | Spiritual |...

सत्य स्वरूप सत्ता को पहचानों

  

भगवान के भाव में जीवन जीना ही मनुष्य जीवन का परम उद्देश्य है। भगवान के भाव में जीने का अर्थ है अपने जीवन की प्रत्येक गतिविधि में उसके अस्तित्व का एहसास रहे। गुरुदेव परम पूज्य सुधांशु जी महाराज  फरमाते हैं अपने जीवन के कर्त्तव्यों का निर्वाह ईमानदारी से करो, किन्तु अर्न्तदृष्टि उस परमपिता के स्वरूप, शक्ति और सत्ता पर टिकी हो अर्थात् उसकी परमसत्ता को स्वीकार करें। कैसे कबीर जी के दोहे सुनाकर उन्होंने हमें समझाया गया कि जैसे हिरण मधुर आवाज को सुनकर ठहर जाता है, उसके पीछे शिकारी भाग रहा है, उसकी उसे परवाह नहीं, वह तो मधुर आवाज के साथ जुड़ा रहा और जान गंवा बैठता है। वैसे भगवान के लिये जान भी गवानी पड़े तो गंवा दो।

महाराजश्री गरीब का उदाहरण देते हुए कहते हैं कि उसके पास कुछ पैसे हैं, उसका ध्यान अपनी जेब पर ही रहता है, सोता है, आराम करता है, उसका हाथ अपनी जेब पर ही रहता है। नवविवाहिता मायके जाती है, तो भी ध्यान पति की ओर ही रहता है आदि-आदि। उसकी हर गतिविधि की ओर उसका ध्यान जाता रहता है। बस ऐसी प्रीति करो परमेश्वर से गुरुदेव जी हम सबसे कहते हैं कि कभी परमेश्वर की कृपाओं को याद करके उसका धन्यवाद करो, जो उसने तुम पर की है। परमात्मा की सबसे बड़ी कृपा तुम्हें मानव रूप दिया। 84 लाख योनियां हैं।

मनुष्य जीवन श्रेष्ठतम योनि

संसार के भोगों का आनंद लेने के लिए तुम्हें बहुत औजार दिये। सुंदर मुख पर दो नेत्र दिये, संसार के सौंदर्य को देखने के लिए प्रज्ञा पुरुष इन नेत्रें से ही प्रभु दर्शन करते हैं। दो कान दिये, संसार के स्वरों को सुनने के लिये, मीठे भी कड़वे भी, हर तरह के बोल, प्रभु वाणी भी दी, नाक दिया, मुंह दिया, केश दिये, बुद्धि दी, टांगें दी, पांव दिये, उदर दिया, खाने के लिए दांत दिये, बोलने की जिह्वा दी, खाना पचाने के लिए पेट में अग्नि, प्राणों को जीवन के लिए हाथ दिये, बाजुओं के आगे का भाग कुछ अलग सा, हथेली, उंगलियां, फिर जगह-जगह जोड़ लगाये, नहीं तो तुम मुड़ते कैसे, झुकते कैसे, तुम्हें हंसने, मुस्कराने, सोचने की शक्ति दी। मस्तिष्क न हो तो क्या हालत हो, ऐसी व्यवस्था कि दिन बनाया, रात बनाई, दिन में काम करो, रात को आराम करो।

नींद बनाई, सब कुछ शान्त केवल मन को छोड़कर। मन तो मनमौजी है, इसे अपने आधीन रखो तो यह मित्र है, इसे खुला छोड़ दो, तो शत्रु बन जाता है।

पांच ज्ञानेन्द्रियां  - पांच कर्मेन्द्रियां 

भगवान श्रीकृष्ण गीता में कहते हैं, मनुष्य का मन उसका शत्रु भी है और मित्र भी, बन्धन का कारण भी है, मुक्ति  का साधन भी है। थोड़े शब्दो में भगवान ने मनुष्य को पांच ज्ञानेन्द्रियां, पांच कर्मेन्द्रियां, मन, बुद्धि, चित्त, अहंकार दिये, इनका प्रयोग करना भी तुम्हारे हाथ में है ओर इन सबका राजा, स्वामी-संचालक भी तुम्हारे अंदर बैठा दिया आत्मा के रूप में, जो परमात्मा का अंश ही तो आत्मा है। उसी के कारण सब आदेश चलते हैं। सब कार्य होते हैं, वह चला जाये, तो जीव एक मुर्दा, फिर उसे कोई छूना भी नहीं चाहता, आत्मा है तो जीव है। ईश्वर का खेल बड़ा निराला है। अतः उसकी सत्ता, उसकी शक्ति, उसके सत्य को जानो-पहचानों और मानो।

सत्य स्वरुप ईश्वर की रचनाओं को देखो

जल, पृथ्वी, वायु, आकाश और अग्नि, सूर्य-चमकता गोला, सारे विश्व को प्रकाशित करता, अनेक सूर्य, हजारों सूर्य, कितने ही ब्रह्माण्डों की रचना, सबका रखरखाव, संतुलन, हजारों नदियों की सुमधुर गति, समुद्र, चन्द्रमा, पर्वतों की श्रृंखलाएं, पर्वतों पर हिम का जमना, चमकना, पिघलना, घास पर बूंदे, समुद्र से जल का भाप बनना, बादल बन बरसना धरती की प्यास बुझाना, धरती में अनाज, अनेक वनस्पतियों का अंकुरित होना। बड़ा होना, पकना और पशुओं को भोजन देना। वायु कितना बड़ा वरदान, थोड़ी देर के लिये रुक जाये, तो सारे प्राणी धराशायी, कितनी तरह के जीव-जन्तु सबके लिये भोजन की व्यवस्था करना। आकाश से स्पेस मिला, खाली स्थान मिल गया, कितनी तरह के पेड़-पौधे, फूल, हजारों जातियों के फूल, सुनसान पर्वतों में फूलों की वादियां, मीलों मील तक फूल ही फूल, सुगन्ध ही सुगन्ध।

कहां इतनी बुद्धि है इंसान में, जो उसकी रचनाओं का, कृत्यों का वर्णन कर सके, वह तो अवर्णनीय है। भगवान सबके अर्न्तयामी हैं, सब प्राणियों के हृदय में विराजमान हैं, किन्तु परदे में छिपे हुए हैं, जानने में नहीं आते, किन्तु जिसने अपने चित्त को, बुद्धि को प्रभु के चरणों से जोड़ लिया, वे सूक्ष्म-बुद्धि उस परम को जान लेते हैं। भगवान श्रीकृष्ण गीता का उपदेश करते हुए अर्जुन से कहते हैं

श्रीमद्भगवदगीता 12/8

मय्येव मन आधत्स्व मयि बुद्धिं निवेश्य |
निवसिष्यसि मय्येव अत ऊर्ध्वं न संशयः ||

अर्थात् तू मुझमे अपने मन को लगा, अपनी बुद्धि को लगा, इसके उपरान्त तू मुझमें निवास करेगा, इसमें कुछ भी संशय नहीं है। इसलिये मनुष्य के चाहिए वह ईश्वर की शक्ति और सत्ता को पहचाने। संसार के सब कार्य करे, कर्त्तव्य करे, उपयोग करे, आनंद ले, किन्तु मनुष्य को चाहिए कि वह इसे ही जीवन का उद्देश्य न मान ले। अपनी इन्द्रियों का प्रयोग प्रभु मिलन के लिए भी करे। ईश्वर का विधान देखिये, जो नश्वर है, अस्थाई है, अनित्य है अर्थात् शरीर, वह दृश्य है और जो अनश्वर, स्थायी, निरन्तर और नित्य है अर्थात् आत्मा, वह अदृश्य है, दिखाई नहीं देता, किन्तु शरीर का स्वामी है, संचालक है। यही तो माया है उसकी, यही सत्य है और यही प्रभु की श्रेष्ठता है।

इन्द्रियों क प्रयोग मनुष्य कैसे करे? सांसारिक दृष्टि से ऊपर बताया गया है। आध्यात्मिक श्रेष्ठजन कहते हैं, नेत्रों का प्रयोग प्रभु दर्शन के लिए करें, कानों का प्रयोग प्रभु के पावन नाम श्रवण के लिये करें, पावों का प्रयोग धार्मिक स्थलों व तीर्थ दर्शनों के लिये करें, जिह्वा का प्रयोग प्रभु के पावन नाम का सिमरन करने के लिये करें, हाथों का प्रयोग प्रभु सेवा के लिए करें। यही पुण्य कमाने और पापों के नाश का मार्ग है। अतः सद्गुरु की सीख को सीख लो, उतार लो मन के आंचल में, सत्य की शक्ति और सत्ता को पहचानो। उसे जानो और मानो, उसी में तुम्हारा कल्याण है।

Dr Archika Didi

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