Best Praanayaam

Response Depends on How You Ask

A man asked a priest "Father ! Can I smoke while I pray ?

Priest got Angry. "No... you cannot do that" he said.

Another man asked "Father. Can I Pray while I smoke?

Priest said "Sure ...... You can pray any time"

           Response  depends on how you ask .......... 

Four Steps towards Union with Almighty (Part 2)

Received few questions and suggestions through emails and comments to expand further on the concept of ‘Milaaya’ and ‘Paaya’.

As mentioned before, in my opinion there is a significant difference in the meaning of ‘Milaaya’ and ‘Paaya’.

I remember once Baba Hardev Singh ji giving an analogy on this topic.

Suppose, we are browsing in a mall when a beautiful sweater, displayed in a store’s window catches our eye. We stop and look at the sweater through the window glass and admire it for few moments. Just by looking at it, does it mean that we have ‘got it’?

Then we walk into the store and look at it very closely by standing right next to it. We touch it to feel the fabric and texture - it feels very good. But by looking at it so closely and even touching it -
have we really ‘got it’? ‘Paa liya’?

Now we take it to the try room and try it on. It’s a ‘perfect fit’. It feels so good and pleasing; blissful. 
Even though we are wearing it, has it become ‘ours’? 

All these stages are of ‘Milaaya’; we have seen it and enjoyed it temporarily, for a few moments. 
But it’s not ours yet – it’s not ‘Paaya’. 

Until we pay the price, we have not really ‘got it’. 

Now… here comes a crucial - very vital question. 

What is the ‘price’ and to whom it should be paid. 

There can be many different and controversial answers depending on each individual’s own perception. 

Here is one point to consider, to find our own answer.

Spirituality is pertaining to the ‘spirit’ not to the body or the physical world. 

Giving money or rendering physical services, helping the needy etc. are all wonderful traits and virtues, but they all belong to the body and physical world. 
Without the feelings of ‘selflessness’ - though still very helpful for the others and for our own mental satisfaction – they may not be very helpful for the ‘spirit’ or to ‘our own world of spirituality’.  

According to all Holy Scriptures, the price to be paid is ‘shedding the Ego’. 

Satguru Kabeer ji says: 
“Prem-gali hai Saankari, taa-me do na Samaaye”

 “The street or place of love is so narrow that two (love and ego) cannot stay together” 

“Prem na baadi upajay, Prem na haat bikaaye
  Raja Prajaa jehn ruchay, sees de lai jaaye”

“Love (of God) does not grow in the fields, nor it can be bought in the stores. But a king or a layman – anyone who wants it - can give his ‘head’ (ego) and get it.

Giving up the ego is the ‘Price’... 
Not to be shown to others, but to be paid to our own ‘Self’.  

Praying to others and seeking blessings may help, 
but in the end - we have to walk our own path. 

 'Rajan Sachdeva'

Remembering Abba (Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib)

Sweet Memories with the Greatest Sitarist 

- Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib - 

My mentor, my guru, my inspiration - 

Lovingly called Abba ji ....

  (August 28,1928 to March 13, 2004)

बदलाव करके देख / Badlaav Kar ke Dekh

शब्दों के इत्तेफाक़ में 

           बदलाव करके देख ...

तू देख कर न मुस्कुरा...

           बस मुस्कुरा के देख ...

Shabdon ke Ittefaaq me 

                   Badlaav Kar ke Dekh 

Tu Dekh kar Na Muskura 

                 Bus Muskura ke Dekh

A Bitter Truth

Thoughts and ideology changes with time and according to the circumstances. 

If a fly falls in a cup of tea, we throw the tea

But if it falls in a pot full of butter, 

We throw the fly and keep the butter.

Happy Janma-Ashtmi to All

Janma-Ashtami is celebrated by millions of people all over the world as the birthday of Lord Krishna. He came on this earth about five thousand years ago; who touched the lives of billions of people and ruled their hearts. Multitude of people have been taking directions from His life and His teachings in the form of Bhagavad-Gita to find the Truth and solace in their own lives. 

Bhagvad Gita, which is a part of the Shanti-Parva of Mahabharata, is not only a Holy Scripture that teaches the ways of spirituality, it also teaches the ways to live a practical, just and balanced life -without any prejudices whatsoever. 

Krishna is a symbol, an icon, not a myth. 

Even the details of his birth have great symbolic meanings. 

Krishna was born in the darkness - according to the Indian calendar - during the eighth night of Krishna-Paksha, the second half of the month when the nights were becoming darker and darker, the moon was going down; losing its shine.
He was born in the locked confines of a jail.

However, according to the Bhaagavatam, at the moment of his birth, all the guards fell asleep, the chains were broken and the locked doors gently opened by themselves.

Similarly, when the moon, the symbol of life, is going down, losing its charm and purpose, and the mind is filled with the darkness of ignorance - if Krishna - the symbol of Chetana (Awareness) takes birth in our minds, then all darkness fades away.

All chains of Ego and false attachments; I, Me and Mine are broken.

All prison doors of the acquired beliefs and concepts that keep us confined in, are opened immediately and we can freely move forward on our spiritual journey.

Celebrating Janmaashtmi means understanding and bringing Krishna’s teachings into our life - without which, it would be just a social, cultural fun-fair with no real meaning.  

Lord Krishna was not just a human being in flesh and body who lived about five thousand years ago in India. He was a symbol of Truth and Reality. 

“Avyaktam vyaktimaapanum Manyate maamabudhayah
param Bhaavam-ajaananto mum-avyayam-anuttamum” 
                                                                   (Bhagavad Gita 7:24)
“Moodho-Ayam Naabhijaanati Loko Maam-ajamavayayam”
                                                                   (Bhagavad Gita 7:25)

“Ignorant people, without realizing the nature of my real being (the Param-aatman), think of me as a mortal human being (by looking at the body only) 
                                                        (Bhagavad Gita 7:24)

“Without the ‘light of Gyana’, with the veil of ignorance covering their minds, they do not see my reality. 
The ignorant do not recognize that I am beyond the birth and death”       
                                                                    (Bhagavad Gita 7:25)

Let us all strive to understand the ‘Truth’

                      ‘Rajan Sachdeva’ 

Judgment of Character

In a seminar, the speaker asked this question to the audience:

“Can you judge who is the better person with high character out of these three?

Mr. A - Associates with bad politicians, consults astrologers to make his decisions, has two wives, drinks alcohol eight to ten times a day and a chain smoker.

Mr. B - was kicked out of office twice, sleeps till noon, used opium in college, had many affairs & drinks whiskey every evening.

Mr. C - A decorated war hero, a strict vegetarian, didn't smoke, didn’t drink and never cheated on his wife”.

Every one said “Mr. C”

“Alright” the speaker said. 

“Now, let’s see who these people are:

Mr. A was Franklin Roosevelt! (32nd President of the USA) 

Mr. B was Winston Churchill!! (Former British Prime Minister)

And Mr. C - Was ADOLF HITLER!!!


Before passing judgment about the character of a person, we should look at the complete picture; and consider the overall achievements and qualities of a person.


     Courtesy of : Harpinder ji (Toronto Canada)

Tit For Tat ?

Back in the days when Germany was divided, a huge wall separated East and West Berlin. One day, some people in East Berlin took a truck load of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side.
The people of West Berlin could have done the same thing, but they did not. Instead they took a truck load of canned goods, bread, milk and other provisions, and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side.

On top of the stack they placed this sign:

         “EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS"

Lay-Man's Thinking

An engineer in a car manufacturing company designed a world class car. The owner was impressed with the outcome and praised him. 
But while trying to bring out the car from the manufacturing building, they realized that the car was couple inches taller than the entrance door. 
The owner was upset that why the engineer did not notice this before designing the car. Everyone, including the engineer were feeling bad and wondering.... how to take it out of the building. 

The painter said they can slowly drive the car through the door - there will be some damage to the roof of the car and few scratches on the top - which later on, can be fixed and repainted. 

The engineer said that instead of damaging the car, they should break the entrance door and fix it after taking the car out. 

The owner was not happy with any of these ideas. He did not want to break the entrance door or to damage the car.

The doorman was watching all the drama. He approached them and said that he can bring the car out of the building without damaging the door or the car. 

They smiled and wondered what a doorman could tell them what the experts could not. But nonetheless, they asked him to share his idea anyway.

The doorman said “since the car is only a couple inches taller than the entrance - if they release some air from the tires, the height of the car will be lowered and can be easily taken out.

Everyone was amazed at this simple solution and clapped!!

 MORAL :

Never under-estimate any one; do not judge people from their status or clothing. 

Don't always try to solve problems from the expert’s point of view. 
There is always a Layman’s point that might give a better solution. 
••••••• •••••••• •••••••••

Life issues are also the same.

Many a times we find ourselves ‘taller’ than our friends and associates; especially if the doors to their heart and wisdom fall short by 'few inches', we feel even taller!!

Release some air of ‘Ego’ and adjust your height. 

          (Courtsey of Aashi Ahuja, Michigan USA)

Four Steps towards Union with Almighty

The ‘Four Laavan’, that are recited at the time of a wedding ceremony in the Sikh tradition, are in fact the four steps or stages towards the union of soul (Aatma) with the Super-Soul (ParamAatma).

One has to invest some time and effort, and go through different stages in life to achieve any desired goal, and it is certainly helpful to know what steps to take and what stages to go through to accomplish what we want.

Guru Ramdas ji, the fourth Guru of the Sikh tradition, has beautifully explained this process in these, very elegantly composed verses:

हरि पहिलड़ी लाव परविरती करम द्रिड़ाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

बाणी ब्रहमा वेदु धरमु द्रिड़हु पाप तजाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

धरमु द्रिड़हु हरि नामु धिआवहु सिम्रिति नामु द्रिड़ाइआ ॥

सतिगुरु गुरु पूरा आराधहु सभि किलविख पाप गवाइआ ॥

सहज अनंदु होआ वडभागी मनि हरि हरि मीठा लाइआ ॥

जनु कहै नानकु लाव पहिली आरंभ काजु रचाइआ ॥१॥

In the first stage, a devotee, who is interested in knowing the Truth, starts the journey with the Karam-Kaand- the ritualistic worship. He puts his mind in the reading of the Holy Scriptures- the sayings of Brahmaa, the Vedas etc. and establishes his mind firmly in Dharma by giving up sin. Established in Dharma, he meditates upon the name of the Lord. By worshiping, adoring and being in the company of the perfect Guru, the sins are dispelled. By the great fortune, the name of the Lord sounds sweet and blissful to the mind. ‘Nanak’ says in the first stage, the journey towards the union with Almighty thus begins.

हरि दूजड़ी लाव सतिगुरु पुरखु मिलाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

निरभउ भै मनु होइ हउमै मैलु गवाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

निरमलु भउ पाइआ हरि गुण गाइआ हरि वेखै रामु हदूरे ॥

हरि आतम रामु पसारिआ सुआमी सरब रहिआ भरपूरे ॥

अंतरि बाहरि हरि प्रभु एको मिलि हरि जन मंगल गाए ॥

जन नानक दूजी लाव चलाई अनहद सबद वजाए ॥२॥

Second step: The true Guru leads the soul to the Almighty (by the grace of the Guru, soul meets the Super-soul). Keeping the fear of ‘the Fearless’ in mind, the dust of false ego is eradicated. By the ‘Nirmal Bhau’ - ‘Pure fear’ - which is purely out of love and respect - not from the fear of being punished, he sings the glory of God and sees the Lord’s presence right in front of him.  Lord, the Supreme Soul, the master of the universe is pervading and permeating everywhere. There is one; only one God within (everything) and outside as well. ‘Nanak’ says in the second stage, the ‘Anahad Shabad’* is played.

हरि तीजड़ी लाव मनि चाउ भइआ बैरागीआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

संत जना हरि मेलु हरि पाइआ वडभागीआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

निरमलु हरि पाइआ हरि गुण गाइआ मुखि बोली हरि बाणी ॥

संत जना वडभागी पाइआ हरि कथीऐ अकथ कहाणी ॥

हिरदै हरि हरि हरि धुनि उपजी हरि जपीऐ मसतकि भागु जीउ ॥

जनु नानकु बोले तीजी लावै हरि उपजै मनि बैरागु जीउ ॥३॥

In the third stage, the mind becomes astonished and enthusiastic (towards God) and un-attached (to the worldly affairs). Having found the immaculate Lord, one constantly sings His praises, and tries to explain what cannot be explained in words. By the destiny inscribed on the forehead, the name of the Lord constantly vibrates in the mind. ‘Nanak says, in the third stage, feelings of ‘un-attachment’* fills the mind.

हरि चउथड़ी लाव मनि सहजु भइआ हरि पाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

गुरमुखि मिलिआ सुभाइ हरि मनि तनि मीठा लाइआ बलि राम जीउ ॥

हरि मीठा लाइआ मेरे प्रभ भाइआ अनदिनु हरि लिव लाई ॥

मन चिंदिआ फलु पाइआ सुआमी हरि नामि वजी वाधाई ॥

हरि प्रभि ठाकुरि काजु रचाइआ धन हिरदै नामि विगासी ॥

जनु नानकु बोले चउथी लावै हरि पाइआ प्रभु अविनासी ॥४॥२॥

In the fourth stage, the mind achieved the ultimate state of ‘Sehaj’ and found ‘Union’ with the Lord. 

The Lord seems so sweet that day and night, mind is absorbed in Him.

Lord's name (now) resonates cheerfully because the reward of mind's desire - the Lord master - has been obtained. 

‘Nanak’ says in the fourth stage, union with the Immortal Lord God is achieved (soul comes in union with God).

It’s interesting that in the second stage, the Guru says: “Satguru Purakh Milaaya” (Satguru lead me to the Almighty) and in the fourth stage he says “Hari paaya Balraam jio” and “Hari Paaya Prabhu Avinaashi”, accomplished the union with Almighty Immortal God.

There must be a reason for Guru Ramdas ji to use two different words while explaining second and the fourth stages, as there is a significant difference in the meaning of ‘Milaaya’ and ‘Paaya’.  

Milaaya means meeting and ‘Paaya’ means achieved, accomplished or united.

'Meeting God', as in the second stage may not necessarily mean 'union with God'.

Therefore, in order to enter the fourth stage of ‘Union’, one has to pass through the third stage of ‘Bairaag’. 

                                 'Rajan Sachdeva'

*Naad and Anahad Naad –

The 'Naad' or Sound can only be produced by the following three actions.

1.     By hitting: like clapping, things dropping on the ground, playing instruments by hitting such as drums, Tabla, Dholak, Sitar, Guitar & Piano etc.

2.   By rubbing: like rubbing hands or fast wind rubbing against trees or other objects, musical instruments such as Violin, viola, Saarangi etc. in which a bow is rubbed against the strings.

3.   By wind passing through a narrow hole: as in Flute, Clarinet or the vocal chords.

However, in the eastern Holy Scriptures there is a concept of another kind of sound which is produced by none of the actions mentioned above and cannot be heard or measured by any worldly means. It’s called Anaahat or Anahad Naad; 'un-struck sound' that is not of this world.

** Un-attachment is different than detachment.

सोच को बदलो - Soach ko Badalo

सोच को बदलो - सितारे बदल जाएंगे 

नज़र को बदलो - नज़ारे बदल जाएंगे 

कश्तियाँ बदलने से कुछ भी न होगा 

दिशा बदलो - तो किनारे बदल जाएंगे 

Soach ko Badalo - Sitaare Badal Jayenge 

Nazar ko Badalo - Nazaare  Badal Jayenge 

Kashtiyaan Badalne Se Kuchh Bhi Na Hoga 

Dishaa Badalo - To Kinaare  Badal Jayenge 

         

Commandments of a Robber

In the Mahabharata, there is a story of a robber named ‘Kaayavya’. 
Because of the unfavorable circumstances, he became a robber but he was a gentle and kind robber. He never terrorized a poor, old or weak person and never took from anyone all they had. 
After keeping very little; just enough for his own and his family’s survival, he always distributed his ‘prize’ among the poor and needy people and those, who came to him seeking help. 

There were many other robbers in the area who were very cruel and would not hesitate to even kill if their demands were not met.
When Kaayavya became old, he retired from his profession of robbery and started living a life of discipline and Dharma.

One day, all the robbers from the surrounding areas gathered together and unanimously decided to choose Kaayavya as their leader. They went to him and said “we want you to become our leader and guide. You know the area well. You are also very wise. You have knowledge of the right places and appropriate times when people are more vulnerable. Please become our leader, and guide us as parents would guide their children.”

“Very well” Kaayavya said. 
“But only if you promise to follow certain rules.”

“We will obey all your commands without question. Please tell us the ‘rules’ you want us to follow”, they asked.

Then, as their leader, Kaayavya told those robbers these Rules - these ‘commandments’ in the verses 135:13 through 135:22 of the ‘Shanti-Parva’ of Mahabharata. 

• You shall never kill a woman, a child, a feeble or an ascetic.
• You shall never kill anyone who is unarmed and not in combat with you.
• You shall never hold a woman by force.
• Absolutely do not kill or rape a woman
• You shall look to the welfare of poor and noble, especially of those who are devoted to learning. If necessary, you shall even fight for their sake.
• You shall not destroy a harvest in the fields.
• You shall never obstruct a marriage ceremony nor create trouble where the gods, elders, and guests are respected.
• You shall not use any force if they are willing to give you something voluntarily.
• You shall always remember that the force is meant to be used only against the wicked, not against those who are old and frail, or those who are courteous to you. 
• You shall never deprive the others of all their possessions. These are considered very low acts even among the robbers.

He further added, by following the Dharma (ethics) and watching their conduct towards others, even a robber can acquire a higher state of being. 

On hearing this, they said “To that, we give you our pledge”.

Later, by following all these rules, all of them gradually gave up the violence and robbery altogether and became ‘saadhu’ (noble). 

Kaayavya did not give them long lectures on the topics of ‘non-violence’ or ‘robbery is bad’ etc. Instead, he used a different approach altogether to show them a better way of life. 

                                  ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Note: 

• Shanti-Parva (Book of Peace) is the 12th of the 18 books of the Mahabharata and has 366 chapters.
• The literal meaning of ‘Saadhu’ in Sanskrit is Noble. It is also used for saying ‘Shabaash’; very good or Well-done. 

NAMASTE…

The divinity within me

Salutes –

To the divinity within you 

I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. 

I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace.

When you are in that place in you, 

and I am in that place in me,

----WE ARE ONE----

                                          NAMASTAY 

चित्त जेथा भयशून्य Where the mind is without fear

Where the mind is without fear 
and the head is held high; 
Where knowledge is free; 
Where the world has not been broken up 
into fragments by the domestic walls;

Where words come out from 
the depth of truth; 
Where tireless striving stretches its arms 
towards perfection
and flow without any hindrance;

Where the clear stream of reason and thoughts 
has not lost its way 
into the dreary desert sand of lowly habits and deeds; 
Where the valor is not divided in hundreds of different pieces;

Where the mind is led forward by thee 
into ever-widening thought and action–
Into that heaven of freedom, 
my father, let my country awake. 

            By: Rabindranath Tagore

Hindi Translation - 
By: कवि शिवमंगल सिंह "सुमन" 

जहां चित्‍त भय से शून्‍य हो 
जहां हम गर्व से माथा ऊंचा करके चल सकें
जहां ज्ञान मुक्‍त हो 
जहां दिन रात विशाल वसुधा को खंडों में विभाजित कर 
छोटे छोटे आंगन न बनाए जाते हों 

जहां हर वाक्‍य ह्रदय की गहराई से निकलता हो
जहां हर दिशा में कर्म के अजस्‍त्र नदी के स्रोत फूटते हों
और निरंतर अबाधित बहते हों 
जहां विचारों की सरिता 
तुच्‍छ आचारों की मरू भूमि में न खो जाती हो
जहां पुरूषार्थ सौ सौ टुकड़ों में बंटा हुआ न हो 
जहां पर सभी कर्म, भावनाएं, आनंदानुभुतियाँ तुम्‍हारे अनुगत हों

हे पिता, अपने हाथों से निर्दयता पूर्ण प्रहार कर
उसी स्‍वातंत्र्य स्‍वर्ग में इस सोते हुए भारत को जगाओ


      Original Bengali version

चित्त जेथा भयशून्य ,उच्च जेथा शिर ,
ज्ञान जेथा मुक्त जेथा गृहेर प्राचीर
आपन प्रांगणतले दिवसशर्वरी
बसुधारे राखे नाइ खण्ड खण्ड क्षुद्रकरि,

जेथा वाकय हृदयेर उत् समुखहते
उच्छ्वसिया उठे , जेथा निर्वारित स्रोते
दशे देशे दिशे दिशे कर्मधारा धाय
अजस्र सहसबिध चरितार्थताय-

जेथा तुच्छ आचारेर मरुबालुराशि 
बिचारेर स्रोतःपथे फेले नाइ ग्रासि,
पौरुषेरे करे नि शतधा-नित्य जेथा
तुमि सर्व कर्म चिन्ता आनंदेर नेता-

निज हस्ते निर्दय आधात करि पितः,
भारतेर सेइ स्वर्गे करो जागरित।

ये कैसा दौर है (Times have Changed)

'राजन' ये कैसा दौर है कि अपनों को भी हम 

कहना चाहें कुछ अगर - तो कह नहीं सकते

'Rajan' ye kaisa daur hai ki apno ko bhi hum
Kehnaa chaahen kuchh agar to keh nahin saktay 

(Daur = Time / period)

Sometimes We Must Get Hurt

Sometimes we must get hurt in order to grow

Sometimes we must fail in order to know

Sometimes we must lose in order to gain
Some lessons in life are learned through pain

Sometimes we must fall, to learn how to rise
Sometimes must struggle, in order to be wise

Sometimes - our vision only clears
after eyes are washed away with tears

Then it's time to see everything wisely
and must realize the 'truth' precisely

Some say that 'strange are His ways'
Are they really? or is it 'destiny' that plays

We keep on asking 'why - why- why?
But why not give 'Acceptance' a try?

The life goes on - the world stops not
It doesn’t really matter if we want it or not

Narrow or bumpy, the path we should follow
Without the 'True Gyana' the faith would be hollow 

Accept the ‘Reality’ - and pain will cease
‘Surrender’ is the key to remain at peace

    ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Note: Inspired by reading few different versions of a famous quote and added few more lines to it: 
“Sometimes we must get hurt in order to grow”

Lord Buddha's Final Words

When Lord Buddha was on his death bed he noticed his young disciple Ananda was weeping. 

'Why are you weeping, Ananda?' he asked. 

'Because the light of the world is about to be extinguished and we will be in darkness.' 

The Buddha summoned up all his remaining energy and spoke what were to be his last words on earth: 

"Ananda, Be a light unto yourself. 

Everything that arises passes away. 

Strive for what does not arise". 
       

Interpretation

Our senses constantly keep gathering information from the outer world and sending it to the brain. The brain then analyzes the information received and interprets it by comparing it with the previously stored information in its memory bank.

There is no understanding or feeling without interpretation.

Therefore, all that we experience is subjective.

We create our world; we all interpret and see and experience everything according to our own perceptions.

Since our mind knows the world by drawing conclusions from the information provided by our senses and from memory, all that we know is filtered and interpreted. We cannot truly see the world as it is.

Therefore, there is no such thing as objectivity or direct

knowledge. Everything is relative because we are all sentenced to our specific conditioned frames of mind. As long as we all have different perspectives, as long as our perception relies on our senses and memory, we cannot realize the absolute truth. All knowledge based upon perception and interpretation is imperfect and conditional. Only when we stop to interpret, we see the truth.

Inner truth is only glimpsed by disconnecting the mechanism of interpretation.

As Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita:

“Yatha deepo Nivaatastho Naingatay Sopmaasmrita

 Yogino YatChittasya Yunjato Yogmaatmanah”  

                                                                   (6: 19)

“As a lamp in a spot

Sheltered from the wind

Does not flicker,

This simile is used for the subdued mind

Of a yogi practicing meditation on Brahman” (Gita 6:19)

  

Just as a flame does not flicker in a windless place, similarly

if we can withdraw the activities of the senses and

isolate that part of the mind responsible for filtering sensory input, then we can temporarily shut off the ongoing process of interaction with the outside world and turn inward.

We will then be in a neutral place that is free of interpretations. We will then be in an absolute state, entirely without distinction or relativity.

This is called ‘Nothingness’, and it is the truth underlying all things.

How To Surrender

                             The answer is "Practice"    

Trying to maintain control in this life is like trying to maintain control on a roller coaster. The ride has its own logic and is going to go its own way, regardless of how tightly you grip the bar. There is a thrill and a power in simply surrendering to the ride and fully feeling the ups and downs of it, letting the curves take you rather than fighting them.

When you fight the ride, resisting what’s happening at every turn, your whole being becomes tense and anxiety is your close companion. When you go with the ride, accepting what you cannot control, freedom and joy will inevitably arise.

As with so many seemingly simple things in life, it is not always easy to let go, even of the things we know we can’t control. Most of us feel a great discomfort with the givens of this life, one of which is the fact that much of the time we have no control over what happens.

Sometimes this awareness comes only when we have a stark encounter with this fact, and all our attempts to be in control are revealed to be useless.

In such difficult situations that are beyond our control, when we realize our helplessness, then only we become aware of the fact that there is nothing we can do other than to "Surrender".

Kare karaave aape aap, Maanas ke kichh nahin haath”

“Tera bhaana meetha laage, Naam padaarth Nanak maange”

 

We can cultivate this awareness in ourselves gently, slowly by simply making surrender a daily practice.

Occasionally remembering this Mantra; a part of the Sumiran "Me Teri Sharan" - मैं तेरी शरण - “I surrender to thee.” and repeating it with the awareness of its deeper meaning, can prepare us to face the future unpleasant situations calmly.

This simple mantra has a great power if remembered and spoken with the awareness of its meaning and should be repeated as many times throughout the day, especially when we find ourselves in those situations that are beyond our control.

We can give in to our fear and anxiety, or we can surrender willingly with courage. When we see people on a roller coaster, we see that there are those with their faces tight with fear and then there are those that smile broadly, laughing loudly with their hands in the air, carried through the ride on a wave of joy.

This powerful image reminds us that often the only control we have is choosing how we are going to respond to the ride.