Value: Self-honesty - April 2025

Second Week: Be a close witness

In a place of worship, we typically act as devoted followers of God by performing salutations, circumambulation, prayers, and other rituals. The reason for this behavior is that we find ourselves in His presence, where the Lord observes our actions. If we bring a non-believer with us, they may not behave in the same manner for obvious reasons.

Most of us tend to act more appropriately when we know someone is watching. However, we often overlook the fact that the presence of God within us is always observing. In the Bhagavad Gita (13:23), Lord Krishna states, "He who is the close Witness, the Permitter, the Sustainer, the Experiencer, the great Lord, and who is also referred to as the transcendental Self is the supreme Person in this body.” Recognizing this truth begins with having faith in His presence both within us and around us.

Observe your behavior when you think no one is watching.

Are we being true to ourselves? Do we need someone else to guide our behavior to bring out the best in us? Self-honesty involves constant self-evaluation. When you take an ornament to a goldsmith to create a new design, the first thing he does is check if the piece is actually made of gold. Similarly, to achieve true freedom in our lives, we must honestly assess whether we are free from falsehoods and pretensions.

When you are genuinely hungry, you don’t pretend to eat; you satisfy your hunger until it is gone. We should approach the pursuit of liberation with the same sincerity, seeking it earnestly until we attain a state of effortless peace within ourselves.

See if you are living up to your own commitments, especially if it is regarding your spiritual upliftment. The values that we have discussed so far should have become yours by this time.

Align your thoughts, speech, and actions.

You are the sole witness to your thoughts. No one else knows them until you express them through speech and actions. If your speech and actions contradict your thoughts, you may feel as though you have two conflicting personalities, leading to a constant internal struggle. The Upanishads say, "द्वितीयाद्भयं भवति" - fear is the outcome of duality.

The nature of wise individuals is the alignment of their thoughts, speech, and actions: "मनसि एकं वचसि एकं कर्मणि एकं महात्मनाम्" - what they do aligns with what they say, and what they say is consistent with what they think.

Why aren't we aligned? It's because our thinking tends to be self-centered. We often focus on how we can benefit from what we say and do. However, if we shift our perspective to consider how everyone can benefit from our words and actions, our thoughts will become more unselfish, which will, in turn, align our speech and actions positively.

When we eliminate the internal conflict, we can easily attain inner peace and tranquility. We become instruments of God, helping those around us on His behalf.

April Week 2 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

Defining my life goals is challenging. There are many facets- health, relationships, spirituality, work, and family. It’s a long list. I know that ultimately, all of them will lead to a better version of myself. However, I am unsure what to focus on and how to quantify it.  

• There is one simple life goal for everyone: to be happy. However, the paths to achieving this happiness can vary greatly. You don’t want to stay in an unhappy relationship, and you may be willing to change jobs for a better salary or improved opportunities. The key focus should be on what helps you maintain or enhance your state of mind. Can more money in an unhealthy work environment really satisfy you? 
• It’s important to explore ways to achieve inner tranquility and peace through self-study and reflection, even amidst external changes. Never underestimate the power of inner strength acquired through the right knowledge and proper guidance. Your level of inner peace is determined by how well you can maintain it despite external challenges.

Value: Self-honesty - April 2025

First Week: Self-alignment

One of the core values highlighted in the Bhagavad-Gita is straightforwardness (आर्जवम्) that stems from the root word ऋज्. The name "Arjuna" is also derived from the same, reflecting his character as an honest and strong warrior. It is this aspect of Arjuna that led him to question the purpose of the war.

 

An honest person does not conceal their opinions; they are bold and forthright. This quality can sometimes lead to displeasing others. As a value, we should focus on being honest with ourselves rather than expecting honesty from others.

Take time to define your life goals.

Often, we may find ourselves unsure about what we truly want from life. Are we simply following the same patterns as everyone else? Is our existence monotonous? Honest self-reflection is essential.

 

Sanatana Dharma outlines four life goals: Integrity (धर्म), Wealth (अर्थ), Pleasure (काम), and Enlightenment (मोक्ष). Interestingly, while wealth and pleasure do not directly lead to enlightenment, integrity plays a crucial role in helping an individual refine themselves to achieve enlightenment.

 

Self-honesty is at the core of integrity. Even when it comes to acquiring wealth and seeking enjoyment, there should be limits. As many religions advise, wealth should be earned through one’s own efforts, and pleasures should be indulged in mindfully, avoiding perversion, excess, or addiction.

If you are a sadhaka seeking enlightenment, your personal goals should align with that objective. For example, if you seek peace, you should strive to avoid confrontation entirely. If you seek self-knowledge, you should prioritize it above everything else.

Continuously assess whether you are meeting your expectations

Minimize your expectations of others, but do expect more from yourself than you currently do. This is the only way to achieve progress.

 

Keep a journal to clearly write down what you wish to accomplish by the end of each day, week, month, and year—goals that depend solely on your efforts. Regularly check if you are making progress toward these goals. Be honest in this exercise.

For instance, if you decide to meditate or practice japa for 10 minutes each day, focus on maintaining this consistency for a week. Continue this practice for a whole month before considering an increase to 15-20 minutes. Set achievable goals and avoid pushing yourself too hard at the beginning.

Try not to take on too many changes at once. Once you build confidence in your consistency and feel enthusiastic about dedicating more time to your growth, you can take on additional practices. Remember, do not compare your journey with others; everyone must walk their own path.

April Week 1 Guidance Audio:  

 

  Value: Let Go the Ego - March 2025

Fourth Week: In contemplation, shift awareness from the mind to the Self

The ego is an illusion; it lacks real substance. Nevertheless, it has the power to generate emotions and thoughts that can significantly impact an individual's life and the lives of those around them. Vedanta identifies the ego as the primary obstacle to happiness.

Both children and saints share a spontaneous sense of joy. While it is clear that a saint is not a child and vice versa, the childlike happiness evident in a saint stems from the absence of ego. The ego emphasizes individuality and self-importance. Overcoming it requires significant life changes.

Not by chance, but by conscious choice and consistent effort, the saint transforms his identity from the mind, the abode of ego, to the Self, which embodies infinite bliss.

Stop expecting others to treat you as a special person in their lives.

While the ego wants everyone to treat you as special, it is unrealistic to expect that you are the only special person in everyone else's life. For example, your children may not have the same time and attention to give you as they pursue their own priorities and relationships. Be prepared for that inevitable situation. Some may even disappear from your life!

The only stable relationship you can maintain is with the deity of your heart. This relationship is special for you, and you are special to Him! Yet, you cannot own Him and the ego will die a natural death in this relationship, failing to assert individuality and possessiveness!

Daily engagement at His altar can alter the ego for good. He alone is special in your life, in fact in everyone's life.

In God's creation, everything and everyone is replaceable. You are in this world to fulfill His purpose.

No one is indispensable in this world, yet everyone has a purpose in His creation. Just as every limb of our body, both known and unknown, is necessary for our well-being, everything in His creation is essential for everyone’s survival.

You may not have seen the face or known the name of your great-grandmother's grandfather, but your existence now is a result of his existence in the past. Understanding this perspective can help you develop respect for everyone and everything in His creation.

Recognizing the purpose of our existence and striving to fulfill it before we depart is crucial. But how can we know what that purpose is? The Taittiriya Upanishad suggests, "If there is doubt about what to do at any stage of life, emulate the actions and conduct of wise individuals who have devoted their lives to liberation."

There is nothing wrong with admitting your ignorance to a Guru. In fact, surrendering the ego is the only way to gain true wisdom. When you give up your ego, you do not become weak - you will become stronger than ever before.

Wisdom is never taught, only caught. Only the dry wood can catch fire!

Play your role diligently in every relationship. Help others improve their life through your support and actions.

Every relationship in our lives is important. A mother's role is not the same as the father or a brother, just as a spouse plays a different role than friends or colleagues. Each relationship has something unique to offer us, as well as something we can contribute. 

Play your role diligently in everyone's life to help them live better on their own, without much dependence on you. Dependence will drown anyone in the endless cycle of samsara causing strong likes and dislikes.

Gurudev always reminded us: 'Give maximum to the world and take minimum from it.'

March Week 4 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

Is there any material you can guide me to understand the role of attachments and how to release them?

Attachment can be viewed as dependence. A child forms an attachment to their parents because those parents fulfill the child's needs. Do parents also depend on their child? Yes, they often derive joy and fulfillment from the child. Interestingly, as a child matures into a teenager or adult, their dependence on the parents may diminish, but the parents' dependence on the child often continues.

When we tie our happiness to people and possessions, believing that we cannot be happy without them, we are experiencing a lack of clarity in our thinking. It's essential to free yourself from this mindset by recognizing that no object or person can provide lasting joy. Achieving this perspective requires the right mindset and conviction. Engaging in the study of scripture with proper guidance can be beneficial in this process.

 Value: Let Go the Ego - March 2025

Third Week: Identify with God & His vision

In the land of Bharat, where many schools of philosophy originated and flourished, each school's perspective is referred to as 'darshan,' which literally means 'vision.' For example, there are 'Yoga darshan' and 'Sankhya darshan.'

Advaita Darshan, as taught by the Rishis in the Upanishads and by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of elevating our perspective on life to align with that of the creator. This alignment is essential for living a purposeful life and for liberating oneself from the endless cycle of birth and death.

Release the tendency to label others based on your strong preferences

Diversity is inherent in creation. No two flowers look alike, no two species behave the same way, and similarly, no two individuals think alike. However, humans tend to label others based on differing perspectives. 

The ego can negatively emerge when someone disagrees with us, but it also manifests positively in favorable situations. As we interact with others in our daily lives, we often overlook how our minds become preoccupied with this labeling process driven by ego. 

It also impacts our decisions, attitudes, behaviors, and reactions. Once certain patterns become established in our psyche, letting go becomes difficult, even with spiritual learning and guidance from knowledgeable individuals.

Notice when you find yourself labeling others around you. Instead, try to see everyone as a reflection of the same divinity that resides within you and in everyone else. Recognize that all the people in your life are there to teach you valuable lessons.

Spend quiet time in nature and acknowledge God's creative power

One of the simplest ways to move past our fixation on individuality or ego is to immerse ourselves in the appreciation of God's creation. Consider this: Flowers bloom for whom? Fruits are not consumed by the trees that bear them!

God's creation brings forth beauty and abundance without concern for who benefits from it. When we emulate this aspect of nature, we not only bring out the best in every action we take, but we also free ourselves from attachment to the outcomes. The ego, which thrives on the concepts of 'doership' and 'enjoyership,' will diminish in that process.

Next time you find yourself in a garden, take a moment to observe the flower as a perfect work of art created by Him. He smiles at you through His creation!

Mirror the love of God that overlooks imperfections in others

Nature does not possess individuality; it is a reflection of God's mind. When we emulate nature, we too become mere reflections of God, allowing His divinity to express itself through us.

A mirror simply reflects the person standing in front of it, without judging their appearance. A saint's mind operates similarly; it responds to those who approach without prejudice or preconceived notions.

When individuals reach the presence of saints, they become aware of their own imperfections and are motivated to overcome them, just as we correct ourselves when we see our reflection in a mirror. Does the mirror encourage you to do so?

March Week 3 Guidance Audio:  

 

 Value: Let Go the Ego - March 2025

Second Week: Read & reflect on the life of the egoless saints.

Read a few pages daily about the life of a saint

Nature is never in a hurry because the Creator continually creates everything perfectly. Similarly, the life of a saint unfolds at a steady pace. Gurudev explains that a person with "steady wisdom" embodies perfection. In essence, a steadfast intellect coupled with perfect knowledge defines true wisdom.

Inner perfection is achieved by gradually reducing mistakes and misconceptions, which represents slow yet steady progress in our lives. What we do, say, or think incorrectly goes unnoticed until we become aware of these errors, often with the guidance of those we respect. Among them, the saints of every age deserve our utmost respect and reverence.

Almost all saints have attained their saintliness after facing numerous challenges, both internal and external. Their personal reflections on life, God, liberation, and most importantly, the conquest of ego, can guide us on our path to complete freedom from all afflictions.

Take time to reflect on how they transformed their lives

In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda wrote: 'Vedanta is not a philosophy that heartlessly keeps the sinners out of its halls of wisdom. It does not believe that there is any lost soul who will ever wander among the heathens, and who can only be redeemed if he enters the portals of the Church of Vedanta.'

'To rediscover that in reality, the ego is nothing other than the Self in us, and to live thereafter as the Self of all is called true 'wisdom.'

This weblink will give you a glimpse of the saints whose lives are truly inspiring. Read daily and reflect on them in solitude. You are also encouraged to share your thoughts with fellow seekers to remain inspired.

Rewrite their wise sayings in your own words, and keep them on your desk to remind yourself to repeat them regularly.

When we think back on an experience, we refer to it as "smriti," which means 'memory.' However, knowledge acquired through listening, self-study, and similar means can also be retained and remembered; this ability is known as "medha," or the power of retention. 

The wisdom of saints is not solely based on our personal experiences. Rather, it involves regularly reflecting on their teachings and considering their relevance to our daily lives. To truly internalize this wisdom, try rewriting their sayings in your own words, based on your understanding. This practice will enhance your ability to apply their insights when needed.

March Week 2 Guidance Audio:  

 

 Value: Let Go the Ego - March 2025

First Week: Detect and reduce strong identifications & possessiveness

The essence of the ego is identification. It starts with the belief, "I am the body," and expands to include the senses, mind, and intellect. This identification further extends to everything that one perceives as "own," encompassing opinions, beliefs, faith, family, traditions, culture, and even objects as well as other people.

For example, when someone disagrees with something you consider as your "own," the ego reacts defensively, much like a venomous serpent raising its hood and hissing in retaliation.

Create a list of all that you consider as 'yours' and reflect on how much it affects your thoughts and emotions.

No one truly enjoys someone else's ego. Interestingly, we often fail to recognize our own egotistical behavior. To change this, we need to put in the effort to reflect on ourselves.

List those that you feel possessive about and observe how your thoughts revolve around them throughout your day. Consider how these attachments influence your emotions, feelings, priorities, and habits.

Don't confuse possessiveness with love; possessiveness is actually a form of attachment. Many painful experiences stem from these attachments. While love offers freedom, possessiveness seeks to control.

Work on reducing the tendency to compel others to behave or act according to your wishes.

Each one of us is born independently. According to most Eastern religious teachings, our birth is meant to fulfill our karma. Your own children may rely on you until they develop their individuality. Once they become more self-assured, their unique perspectives and approaches to life will emerge.

As a parent, it is essential to guide the next generation by educating them and instilling the right samskaras (values) to help them thrive. However, you cannot force them to behave according to your wishes; their karma will ultimately shape their lives beyond your control.

Your influence will be even less with those who are not closely related to you. As a leader of a group, department, or institution, your role is to provide vision, direction, and inspiration so that everyone understands their tasks and can work toward achieving them.

Make a list of things you feel you cannot live without, and consciously spend some quiet time without thinking about them.

We are often possessive not only about our Body, Mind, and Intellect but also the objects that we have. These attachments can dictate our happiness, allowing inanimate objects to control our minds. 

Taking a break from these possessions for a little while each day can help us diminish the ego's strong sense of identification. For instance, consider giving yourself a holiday from your iPad, TV, coffee or tea, sweets, and texting—one each day. 

Replace these habits or addictions with healthier alternatives, and observe how your feelings change as a result.

March Week 1 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

If someone speaks rudely or ill about someone in our family, and we feel hurt and angry, how is that ego? It seems to be a normal response to misconduct. How are we to respond instead to hurtful words or comments or false accusations?

• Ego is tied to identification. If a particular family member isn't truly someone you consider family, or if it's someone you don't like, you won't be affected in the same way by their actions or words. The phrase "my family" is an identification that affects our reactions. However, it's important to recognize that any rude comment or criticism should be objected to, even if it pertains to a stranger.
• As a seeker on a spiritual path (sadhaka), you should engage with the person and try to understand the reasons behind their dislike. Reflect on whether there is any truth in their words. Your practice (sadhana) involves rising above mere reactions and transforming them into thoughtful responses. Start by viewing the situation as an isolated event, without any preconceived notions or biases about the individual. 
• If this person's behavior is consistently negative toward many others as well, it’s likely a situation you cannot resolve. In such cases, it’s best to let them be and instead pray for their well-being.

Should I refrain from actively participating in WA conversations with schoolmates, after repeated inappropriate and condescending comments on our culture, and religion with respect to recent events (Ayodhya, Tirupathi Prasad contamination, MahaKumbh )? This is even after correcting the misinformation, and justifying the significance of these events.

• If the participation only adds more agitation to your mind, leave the group. Please understand that we are here to correct our own mistakes which elevate us to gain inner peace and tranquility. Correct their understanding with appropriate information and let go. 

 Value: Non-violence - February 2025

Fourth Week: Do mindful actions and practice tolerance.

Before beginning any action, mentally chant a prayer to offer all actions to God

We do actions at various levels and all of them are prompted by our own inherent tendencies.

• Vasanas are the root of all actions and are countless in nature. Internally, they generate desires, while externally, they attract situations that align with those desires. 
• The expression of vasanas in our intellect (buddhi) manifests as modifications of thought, also known as 'temperament.' Sankhyan philosophers refer to these temperaments as gunas. 
• These temperaments are conveyed as emotions or feelings in the mind, typically as reactions to various situations. We often recognize vasanas at this level of expression. 
• Our reactions are expressed through sensory activities, leading to either engagement or withdrawal based on our desired outcomes. These actions serve as a means of experiencing life. 
• The physical body, which houses our senses, is the vessel for these experiences. 

Understanding that our daily actions are driven by our tendencies, we should begin our actions with a prayer of submission to God. Taking ownership of the results of our actions reinforces our vasanas, while surrendering them to Him can weaken their grip on us. 
Adi Shankaracharya explains the word 'Narayana' as "नराणां समूहः नारः तस्य अयनमेव नारायणः" – meaning the abode of all humans. Therefore, offering to Narayana equates to offering to all people in the world.

Every night pray to God for forgiveness:  

Do not go to bed feeling remorse, regret, or guilt. Not all problems can be solved by ourselves. Some will resolve with time, while others will be addressed by God.

 

If you recognize that you are the cause of a problem, admit it and ask for forgiveness from God. Even if you don’t see yourself as the cause, at the end of the day, leave everything to Him to handle unsolvable issues. After all, He created you to live in His creation, and He alone will show you the way to navigate life.

 

It will not go unpunished when we habitually or unknowingly do wrong to others. The same applies to those actions which we fail to do, which we must. This isn’t because God is cruel; rather, it reflects the impersonal nature of the law of karma. The way to lessen the consequences is by seeking forgiveness from Him. If the President of a country can forgive and overrule, why not God?

Renounce thoughts of intolerance related to religious traditions, faith, and beliefs.

Every religious tradition had its visionary, someone followed by many who served as a manifestation of God's guidance for people in a specific region and culture. While we may not fully understand the circumstances that shaped a particular belief system, if it helped people to become noble, ethical, and devoted to God, it deserves respect.

 

Just as the laws and regulations of one country differ from those in another, so too do the faiths and traditions of different cultures. Intolerance is a sign of immaturity; it can be compared to a child who cries at the sight of a syringe, mistakenly believing that the doctor is there only to inflict pain. Similarly, only fanatical and ignorant individuals react negatively to faiths that differ from their own.

By embracing, we expand our understanding and we emulate the qualities of compassion and love of God with which He has been maintaining His creation.

This is the temple entrance of Jagadeeshwara Temple at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai - the Chinmaya Mission Monastery. It has the Buddhist traditional entrance archway, with dances of Shiva carved in its pillars and Urdu inscription at the top!

February Week 4 Guidance Audio: