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:  

 

Value: Non-violence - February 2025

Third Week: Show compassion and reverence

Replace vengeful thoughts with compassion by praying for their welfare

Why do we feel restless when experiencing negative emotions like anger or jealousy? It happens because we distance ourselves from our true Self when we strongly identify with these feelings. In contrast, when we are in love or expressing compassion, we find ourselves in harmony with our peaceful Self. 

If you seek peace in your life, consciously work on replacing negative emotions with positive values. Come closer to your own peaceful Self. Be patient and allow yourself enough time to practice this.

Every living being has God's presence. Respect everyone irrespective of age and maturity.

As human beings, we often consider ourselves the most intelligent creatures. However, a closer and more impartial observation reveals that every living being is created with intelligence by a higher power. All life forms, including plants, manage to meet their needs without relying on direct support from other species.

 In contrast, we humans depend on the entire ecosystem to satisfy our endless greed and desire for sensory pleasures. This reliance often leads us to harm other living beings to fulfill our demands. 

The principle of non-violence should extend to respecting every living creature. Sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, points out that in the presence of those who practice non-violence, even creatures that are traditionally regarded as enemies discard their enmity.

    अहिंसा प्रतिष्ठायां तत्सन्निधौ वैरत्यागः (सर्वप्राणिनां भवति) || 2.35 

Every object is God's creation. Consciously do not misuse or abuse anything.

No human can claim to be the creator of the world. Even objects that seem inert are creations of God. Just as we value all living things, we should also appreciate those that are inanimate.

 

When you hold a mango in your hand, you can visibly see its water and earth elements. It also contains the element of air in the form of energy prana, and fire, since it is digestible. Additionally, it occupies space.

 

Although these five elements are considered inert, when combined, they allow the mango to sustain your life. This principle applies to all things in the world. God has not created anything that is useless.  Everything is important to someone, somewhere at some time. Therefore, show your reverence for Him by protecting His creations with love and respect.

February Week 3 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

If I were to practice non-violence, What do I do with the rats, mosquitoes, cockroaches, etc., which roam about in my house?  

• If they intrude on your daily life, you need to remove them not necessarily kill them. But if the situation is serious, take serious action against them. A gardener may kill the weeds in your backyard when they affect the health of the other plants. 
• In human society, it is necessary to punish criminals for their interference in others' lives. It is unsafe to let them go unpunished.  This is not violence, it is prudence.

How can we practice ahimsa in our thoughts, beyond just avoiding harsh words or actions?

• Words and actions are expressions of thoughts. Only when we start to closely identify with the mind of the creator who created everything out of love, we will not hurt anyone even in our thoughts.

If simplicity is about reducing unnecessary complexity, how can we apply it to our decision-making process in daily life?

• Decisions are made based on the priorities. That which is important in your daily life needs no discussion. Do you discuss if you should eat breakfast or not? Where there is choice, there is a need for discussions and decision-making. Decide first on what needs immediate attention and action, and then move on to the next.

What is the connection between ahimsa and self-discipline? Can avoiding harm to oneself (e.g., overcommitting, burnout) also be considered a form of ahimsa?

• Ahimsa itself is a self-discipline. Our animal tendency is usually reactive. To act, one should pause, think, and respond. And in that thinking, one must make sure that the action is not harmful to oneself and others.

How can we distinguish between essential responsibilities and self-imposed obligations that complicate our lives?

• Responsibilities are usually what you are expected to fulfill. When you become a householder through marriage, you have assumed the responsibility of taking care of your spouse and children. 
• Self-imposed obligations are based on what you give importance. If you want to excel in your workplace or you feel that your child should excel in whatever he or she does, it is self-imposed. 

If every living being has God's presence and deserves respect, regardless of age or maturity, how do we reconcile the consumption of animal products with this belief? Does taking the life of animals or using their products align with the principle of universal respect, or is there a way to justify it within spiritual, ethical, or practical considerations?

• Being more sensitive (not sentimental) is natural for a spiritually evolving person. When you know that the product is obtained by harming animals, and if you are sensitive to that fact, avoid it. Some justify that the animals are not harmed though the material to make the product is obtained from them (after they die).

How do we handle becoming overwhelmed by life or samsara while practicing the Sadhanas cumulatively?

• Nothing changes overnight on this journey; it requires maturity to blossom, much like a bud that transforms into a flower. Clarity of understanding, which comes from regular contemplation, will reveal the illusory nature of samsara. Once we recognize this illusion, the reality of worldly ways will appear weak and fragile.

⁠If, while practicing Sadhana, we feel ourselves straying from the Path, what are some ways to correct ourselves/bring ourselves back?

• Believe in yourself. The deviation may occur due to strong impressions (vasanas) accumulated over many lifetimes. Keep specific affirmation statements near your bed, on your workspace, and even in your car. Examples include: "I am Awareness, not just a bundle of thoughts," "I am a witness to the mind, not a victim," and "My peace is my choice." I hope this helps.

In the practice of Ishwara Pranidhana, how does one balance enduring difficult circumstances with the need for self-care and protecting one’s dignity?

• There is a famous saying: "God helps those who help themselves." When you slip and fall on the floor, you use the same floor to push yourself back up. In life, the world treats the wise and the ignorant the same. The wise learn from their mistakes, get up quickly, and strive to do better, while the ignorant tend to repeat their errors time and again. You should only surrender those problems to Him that you cannot resolve on your own.

 Value: Non-violence - February 2025

Second Week: Speak only words of kindness

Avoid the exchange of harsh words, and replace them with true words of concern.

Words you utter carry intent, emotion, and your opinion. Even those words that you send as text messages or emails will carry emotions for those who know you. For, most people when they read, they actually hear those words in your voice.

Much more is the effect of the words when you speak in person. Remember, the words that are unpleasant to your ears are equally unpleasant to others as well.  

Make your speech carry the emotion of concern and care. Even a smile accompanied by 'Hari Om' will make another person's heart happy. Perhaps he or she needed someone to acknowledge their presence!

Even when you are upset or angry, pause before you respond and think of replacing harsh words with appropriate words that will serve your intent. 

Begin the day with Universal Prayers such as the following:

Let all be happy, free of debilitation; let all see goodness, and let there be no victim of sorrow. Om peace, peace, peace. 

This prayer is universal because it transcends specific religions and is intended for all living beings. Each day should begin with a clear purpose, particularly the intention to avoid deliberately harming anyone.

Universal prayers serve two important purposes: first, they connect us to the powerful forces that govern the universe; second, they reach out to the deities that oversee both our inner and outer faculties.

Mentally repeat 'Shanti (peace)' three times at the end of your conversation.

In India, it is a tradition to end daily meals with sweets or mukhwas. Why is that? Even though eating is a routine activity, it should always conclude with a sense of contentment and joy.

 

This idea extends to our conversations with others, too. We often say “bye,” “see you,” or “have a nice day,” but do we truly mean it?

 

To show that we genuinely care about the other person, we should silently send a peaceful thought for their well-being. Even if there have been disagreements during the conversation, it’s important not to hold onto any grudges when we part ways. This practice is especially crucial for those we don’t meet often.

February Week 2 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

When people around me, whether relatives or colleagues are trying to cheat me or cause financial and emotional harm for their own reasons, it can be difficult to refrain from feeling vengeful. Although I try to hold back those feelings, I find it challenging to seek blessings for them. I also understand that the people in my life serve as instruments through which I experience my karma in this life. How can I find peace in this situation?

• Take one step at a time. Lord Krishna suggests endurance, equanimity and then forgiveness (तितिक्षा, समत्त्व, क्षमा). Endurance is not just holding back alone; it is the absence of instant reaction followed by substituting with appropriate action to express your concern about the situation. Do not remain passive.
• Equanimity is possible only when you do not feel victimized by the situation. Forgiveness is saintly which is the outcome of spiritual maturity.