Protect the mind

Protect the mind

Sri Sri: That is a big job. In the Geeta it is said, even the most brilliant people are confused about what to do and what not to and how to handle the mind. Protecting the mind is a very great task but do it with knowledge. Upto this moment, see all that has happened so far. This Moment. It's all gone! Finished.

Wake up.

When you are full of energy, prana, you suddenly see it's all gone. Now! All that happened is ok. Think about what to do now. Sometimes 100 percent of what you do will be successful, sometimes not. A farmer knows that not every seed that he sows, will sprout. He takes the seeds and throws them in the field and does not worry that this seed will sprout, this won't.

From now on, it's a new chapter. Everyday is a new chapter. Bring up this awareness again and again. The whole world is filled with my atma (soul) – it's all Me. It's one chetna (Consciousness). This one consciousness works through one person in one way, through another person in another way. It is one ocean with many waves.
If this vision comes to you even for just five seconds then there will be such a major transformation in your body and mind. Then a realization will spring in you 'Aho!'

 

                                                     Jai Gurudev

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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Schulz Philosophy

Schulz Philosophy (This is marvelous!!   Scroll   thru slowly and read carefully to receive and enjoy full effect)   The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions.   Just ponder on them. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant. 4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.   The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.   Here's   another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!! 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.   Easier? The   lesson:   The people   who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials. . the most   money...or the most awards. They   simply are the ones who care the most   Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your   life, like I did. 'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !' ''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

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Q / A Session with Sri Sri in Bad Antogast, 25 Oct 2009

Q / A Session with Sri Sri in Bad Antogast, 25 Oct 2009

Q: How can we strengthen our Sankalpa (intention)?

Sri Sri : With devotion. If there is devotion, Sankalpa is strong. If you are hollow and empty, Sankalpa is strong.

Q: Guruji, how can we get the best out of ourselves? How can we help to make the world better?

Sri Sri : You can get the best out of yourself when you are aware of your
lethargy, your laziness, and you get over it; then it will automatically happen. The only enemy to talent is laziness, nothing else.
Two things: patience and getting out of laziness.

Q: In difficult situations, sometimes it's hard to know if I am running away, or retreating strategically. How to resolve this conflict?

Sri Sri : When you see your strength is less, you cannot face the fight, that's when you want to run away. So, when you see that, you have to bring more strength to yourself. You should take time. When you are clear about this; "OK, I should do more, I should meditate, I should strengthen myself, and at the right time I will strike, I will tackle the problem." That is one way.
Second one is prayer. Your worries dominate you if your emotions are dry. When you have pain, you have no worry. When you have worry, you are stuck in the head. There are no emotions. If you are in emotion, you laugh, cry, pray, and you get over it. Worry is wanting to win and having no strength to win. When you realize, "I don't have any strength and I can't do anything about it," then you pray. Prayer is with emotions, feelings.

Q: Guruji, what is the purpose of creation?

Sri Sri : Well… I don't know the purpose of creation, but before asking the
purpose of creation, you should ask: "What is the purpose of your life, human life?" We don't know why so many galaxies are created, I have no idea! (Audience laughing)
Some galaxies, planets, have life. I don't know why they are all in round shape, why there were no cubes! (Audience laughing) What is the purpose of keeping everything round? I have no idea!
But what is the purpose of your life? You will have to find that out. You can find that out. Your purpose of life is to enjoy the creation. What is the purpose of creation? Is it to bring joy to you? I have no idea! (Audience laughing)
The purpose of your life is to bring joy and happiness to the maximum number of people around you. Isn't it?

Q: Can you say something about how to make a relationship last?

Sri Sri : There are various ways but the best is intuitive, your intuition. If in the relationship, both come from the point of giving then there will be no problem, but if both want to take, there will be fights. I am here to contribute, what I can do for you? Then your relationship will last longer.

Q: When there is a problem in life and you don't see a solution to this problem and time is running out, what one should do?

Sri Sri : A problem can be in different dimensions. If it is financial, you have to take action. It is not good to simply sit and wait for money to come from somewhere or run to an astrologer. You have to take alternative precautions. Don't be too choosy about your job. Take whatever job is available and move on. This is very important. You should have positive thinking and attention and then move ahead.
Similarly, where a relationship is concerned, you don't sit and wait, not doing anything. In Sanskrit there is a saying "One who puts effort, one who is industrial, and who is courageous, towards such a one, the wealth runs." So, Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) goes to him, who is putting effort and who is like a lion- brave and courageous.
But when we are concerned with enlightenment, we cannot just do, do, and do. Relax. Do nothing. Pray. Then knowledge comes.

Q: To change a habit I take 40 days to do something to change it, but I don't even see it through.
Sri Sri : Then again you start 40 days, you keep going. It's good if after 38 days it breaks. (Audience laughing) Then you can do it again for 40 days.

Q: How are we able to get rid of very old patterns?

Sri Sri : You have to make an effort and change it. Serve, serve and serve. In serving you are giving, when you are in the trip of only getting, then you cannot get over your patterns. But if you say: "I don't want to be like that, I only want to give, I want to serve," when you make that big shift, everything changes.
Why are you going to Satsang, for example? Are you there to get joy for yourself or are you going there so you can help, contribute. You go to Satsang and give some juice and cookies to everybody or do you just go and enjoy your meditation and kriya and walk out? These delicate, small things make the difference.

Q: I know you have a vision how in big corporations there can be spirituality. The corporate culture and spirituality conference is happening in only two weeks. I work for one such a big corporation and I struggle from the inside because when the times are tough, those values don't seem to matter.

Sri Sri : Don't get frustrated, at least you be strong. Have hope. Things will change.
Yesterday night I was watching on CNN about a problem on how young girls and children are being sold in Nepal and India and all these places. Why don't we all do something? We already freed 600 girls from going to Bombay for prostitution - teaching them and making them economically strong. I think we can duplicate that in all these places. We can raise more funds in that irection and help so many women and save them from financial crises.
We should all focus on doing something about that problem.

Q: What went wrong that so many people lack self-esteem and what can we do to lessen this effect?

Sri Sri : 'Yes!+' and 'Yes We Can' programs are good for that. We have 'Yes We Can' program in Europe. 140 youths from all over Europe participated. You should see how they came, and how they are after the program, how much self-esteem they gained.
You know, in companies the big difficulty is the middle people, someone in between the supervisors. They want to gain the favor of the top management, so they complain about people below them. Then people below them complain about the boss and everything becomes messier. Many companies broke down because of that; because of lack of skillful, honest communication. There is no honest and skillful communication. You have to tell your boss your honest opinion and he will appreciate you because of that. First, he may not like it, but later on he will appreciate you. If you tell him lies and one day he discovers that you misled him, then he will be unhappy with you also. So, a skillful presentation of facts, honest, even if it is bitter, and put in nice manners, is needed. These skills come when you become a yogi, skillful in action. Yoga means skill in action. When does this come? It comes when you unite with your Self in meditation.

© The Art of Living Foundation

 
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                Sri Sri fashions
Street Selskokhazaistvennaya 12B.
Moscow, Russia, 129226
Tel : +7 (495) 181 0951 (Tel/Fax)
Cell : +7 (915) 130 77 77 (Rajesh)
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Email : SriSriMoscow@Live.Com

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IDEAL WORSHIP

For a flame to go up, you need space above. In the same way, for a man to rise up in his life, he needs an ideal, he needs something to adore and worship. Worship is the culmination of love and appreciation. Worship prevents love from turning into hatred or jealousy, and appreciation into low self-esteem. In life, if you do not adore or appreciate anything, you will be filled with negativity.

And a person who has nothing to worship or adore is sure to fall into depression.(Refer How to deal with our emotions? - Sri Sri ) Lack of adoration has led to many emotional, psychological and social problems in the society. If you have nothing to hold up high in life, selfishness, arrogance and violence are sure to follow. Adoring and honouring each other in society eliminates stress and fosters compassion and love.

In the previous century, it was thought that worshipping was an uncivilised and unintelligent thing to do. Worship was thought to rise from a slavish mentality. On the contrary, worship can only happen through gratefulness.

In worship, a sense of belongingness, love, honour and respect all come together. Without a sense of belongingness, worship or idealism can bring low self-esteem. The ancient people knew this so they insisted that people should feel part of what they worship. They encouraged people to worship the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, plants, animals and people.

Worship in a true sense is a sign of maturity and not weakness.
Reason is reeling in the known.
Faith is moving in the unknown.
Reason is repetition.
Faith is exploration.
Reason is routine.
 Faith is adventure.
They are completely opposite, yet an integral part of life.

Not having faith itself is misery; faith gives instant comfort. While reasoning keeps you sane and grounded, no miracle can happen without faith. Faith takes you beyond limitations. In faith you can transcend the laws of nature but it needs to be pure. Faith is beyond reason, yet you need to have faith in your own reasoning! (A sentence to be pondered on). Faith and reason cannot exist without each other. Every reason is based on some faith. Whenever reason or faith breaks, confusion and chaos prevails which is often a step for growth.

There are two types of faith.

 Faith out of fear, greed and insecurity;
 and faith born out of love like the faith between the mother and the child, the master and disciple. Whereas the faith out of love cannot be broken, faith out of fear and greed is shaky.

An atheist bases himself on reason, and a believer on faith. A believer uses God as an insurance policy! He thinks he is special. In the eyes of God there is no `mine' and `others'; all are the same. An atheist rationalises to keep his eyes shut to reality. Only a yogi - a wise one - remains unshaken. For that person has transcended both reason and faith.

You need a balance between faith and reason.
 
Jai Gurudev

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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EVIAN WATER BABY AD : TOOOOOO CUUUUTE

 

 

Knowledge From Chicago - Discourse on Bhagwad Gita by Guruji on Guru Poornima

Knowledge From Chicago - Discourse on Bhagwad Gita by Guruji on Guru Poornima

Actions that are unintended, without effort they are our nature e.g. when we are thirsty, this action is routine and so does not create an impression.  Certain actions when we look for result create impressions.   So routine is a part of your life and those actions don't bind you.    Ex.  If you are an expert in your field then the job is effortless.  Seva is your nature… service  is a part of you, like your breath. Violence is taught in the military, people are being taught to be insensitive… such actions bind us, they cannot set us free.
When your mind is obsessed with too many desires then actions become imperfect… Do one thing at a time, be free from feverishness of the mind.  Act without expectations, then the actions become perfect and free from blemishes.  Otherwise even the best of actions has negative repercussions when done with feverishness.  Comparison with ones own performance is healthy.  Being free of jealousy, have an equanimous mind do not think of whether you will succeed or not.. give your 100% and don't worry whether you win or lose.  Then it is a real game… Work is like a game…  a yogi considers work as a game.  Yogi means one who does little things in perfection due to an equanimous mind.  That is YAGYA… it is that action which does not bind you…  but brings only good to you.  Realising your unity, oneness, is honouring the divine and knowledge.
 
There are 3 types of YAGYA's : 
1.  Deva Puja :  honouring and offering the elements
2. Sangati Karana:  taking all along with you. 
3.  Dana:  gifting and honouring.

The whole universe is a YAGYA.  All the elements help each other, they are all purifiers.    Breath itself is a YAGYA. Meditation and Seva they purify.
Anashudhi, grace before eating, during this time we put one spoon full of ghee on the rice.. actually according to the nutritionist, digestion takes a little longer with the ghee in the rice and it is better for you.  Dhanushudhi:  a portion of your income should be used in charity (money becomes pure when a little percent is put toward charity.
Sound, listening, pranayamas all are Yagya's.   Fasting is also a Yagya.  All traditions of the world, note that fasting and prayer are for body cleansing, not for God.  Withdrawing the mind from the senses that is Yagya, how beautiful, fresh it feels when you withdraw from the senses.

The wise, does Yagya by transcending to the level of Prana, Prana gets dissolved.  In meditation we offer our self.  The whole self, universe is Brahman..   Fire is Brahma, the one who makes an offering into the fire is Brahma in Dravya Yagya (offer 108 herbs)the offering itself is Brahma.   When you do Yagya, often the rain comes.  Agnihotra is being revived in India again from Peru.  Real action of Brahman is Samadhi… uniting with the cosmos is Yagya.

Tapo Yagy , sitting together, singing together, listening to knowledge together is all
Yagya.  All purify the planet.    The spirit being uplifted, feeling the support from nature that is Yagya.. One who does not engage in Yagya cannot be happy in this world or the other.  There are many different types of Yagyas…. Take pride in it…
Gyana Yagya is being immersed in knowledge, in self knowledge all action ends in knowledge.  When well founded in knowledge delusion does not come.   It is good to sit with the enlightened ones, serve them sit with them in knowledge.   Then you will not fall into delusion, knowing this you can act. 

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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Guru and Teacher

 

A teacher takes responsibility of your growth

A Guru makes you responsible for your growth

 

A teacher gives you things you do not have and require

A Guru takes away things you have and do not require

 

A teacher answers your questions

A Guru questions your answers

 

A teacher helps you get out of the maze

A Guru destroys the maze

 

A teacher requires obedience and discipline from the pupil

A Guru requires trust and humility from the pupil

 

A teacher clothes you and prepares you for the outer journey

A Guru strips you naked and prepares you for the inner journey

 

A teacher is a guide on the path

A Guru is a pointer to the way

 

A teacher sends you on the road to success

A Guru sends you on the road to freedom

 

A teacher explains the world and its nature to you

A Guru explains yourself and your nature to you

 

A teacher makes you understand how to move about in the world

A Guru shows you where you stand in relation to the world

 

A teacher gives you knowledge and boosts your ego

A Guru takes away your knowledge and punctures your ego

 

A teacher instructs you

A Guru constructs you

 

A teacher sharpens your mind

A Guru opens your mind

 

A teacher shows you the way to prosperity

A Guru shows the way to serenity

 

A teacher reaches your mind

A Guru touches your soul

 

A teacher gives you knowledge

A Guru makes you wise

 

A teacher gives you maturity

A Guru returns you to innocence

 

A teacher instructs you on how to solve  problems

A Guru shows you how to resolve issues

 

A teacher is a systematic thinker

A Guru is a lateral thinker

 

A teacher will punish you with a stick

A Guru will punish you with compassion

 

A teacher is to pupil what a father is to son

A Guru is to pupil what mother is to her child

 

One can always find a teacher

But A Guru has to find and accept you

 

A teacher leads you by the hand

A Guru leads you by example

 

When a teacher finishes with you,

you graduate

When a Guru finishes with you,

you celebrate

 

When the course is over you are thankful to the teacher

When the discourse is over you are grateful to the Guru.

 

Jai Gurudev
Rajesh Gehani

Regular health mistakes

Regular Health Mistakes   All of us make  little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run -  simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of  the most common mistakes made by  many of us.   Crossing our  legs Do you cross  your legs at your  knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the  lady-like elegant  way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't  want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs  and compromise your  health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the  other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the  floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both  legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider  crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is  a classically elegant  way to sit, and is far better for your legs and  your health than  sitting with your legs  crossed at your knees. Not changing our  toothbrush How often do  you change your toothbrush? Most of  us wait until most of the bristles have  either fallen off, or are in such bad  shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However,  since not many of us need to pull out our  brush in public, we carry on with our  frayed one until we lose it. Replace your  toothbrush often. Damaged  bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your  gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you  might as well be  doing it right. Imagine going through the  annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a  day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your  teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised  otherwise. Eating out  often There are oils  that are high in  cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better  for your heart.  However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to  eat too much of it.  Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian  food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita,  who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook  chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish.  No wonder the  customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt  so stuffed and heavy  afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting  served light and healthy food. Skipping  breakfast Never, ever  skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been  around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at  any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day,  and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a  light dinner. Here are some more  common health mistakes we make.  Being informed and making a few  changes can help make us feel a whole lot  better. High  heels High heels sure  look great, but they're  murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of  stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear  them when going out for lunch or dinner -  when the only walking you will be  doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are  going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest  in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you  love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will  then enjoy your flats as  much as you do your heels. Sleeping on a soft  bed You don't have  to sleep on the floor be kind to your back,  but do make sure you have a firm  mattress. Although a mattress on springs  is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank.  Similarly, if your mattress is  old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your  neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If  you will be spending  hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you  completely sink into are not the best idea. Pillows No matter how  comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist.  Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick.  If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow  if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on  your back, to give your neck adequate support. Not  exercising So all of us  know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a  health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse  to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people  only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal.  Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle  change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in  top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a  world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty  minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't  exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.   Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short. Forgive quickly. Love truly. Laugh often, and never regret anything that made you smile.

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 "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 
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centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science

Bangalore (India), May 25: HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the key note speaker at the centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.

http://www.artofliv ing.org/intl/ wisdomblog/ tabid/183/ Default.aspx

"Are you feeling at home?" asked Sri Sri right at the onset. He then shared: "Our ancient scriptures have always said that true learning happens in a relaxed environment where an exchange of ideas takes place through enquiry and questioning."
A Q&A session followed in the relaxed atmosphere of the auditorium.

Excerpts:

Q. Is life governed by free-will or destiny?

Sri Sri: Life is a combination of both. There are some things which are beyond your control. That is your destiny. Then there are things where you have a choice. That is free-will. If it's raining outside, it's your destiny as you have no control over the weather. However, to be wet or remain dry is your free-will.
Past is your destiny, future is your free-will. And be happy in the present. A foolish person looks at the past as free-will with regret, future as destiny and is miserable in the present.

Q. What is true love?
Sri Sri: If you have a doubt, it is true love. We always doubt the positives. We doubt our capabilities. We doubt our happiness but are 100 percent sure of our depression. We doubt a person's honesty and doubt the existence of higher power. So what is true love? Time will tell you.
Love is what we are made up of. All negative emotions are off springs of true love.
Love without wisdom makes life miserable…love with wisdom is bliss.

Q. How can we attain that wisdom?
Sri Sri: By adopting an attitude of enquiring.

Q. How can love move science?
Sri Sri: When love for science is intense, it is already moving the world.
The ultimate aim of a researcher is not to earn a livelihood. If the main aim of a researcher is to earn a livelihood, it is not a best quality research. It has to lead to a soul-search. Research is to know. The joy of knowing is itself the goal. Getting recognition is immaterial.

Q. How do you know what level of spirituality you are at?
Sri Sri: It depends on how often your buttons can be pushed. If you have no buttons to be pushed then you are very strong.

Q. Who am 'I'? And what 'that' is? Can these two questions coexist?
Sri Sri: Of course. Yes. The theory of relativity has already accepted this. The observer has an impact on the observed. This was taught some thousands of years ago. But people kept it a secret. This is where we missed out.

Q. What is true happiness?
Sri Sri: Know the reason of your unhappiness. If you remove it, then there will be happiness. Meditate. Just do the Sudarshan Kriya and you will find out.

Q. Why do thoughts come and where do they originate from? Why do the thoughts rule us?
Sri Sri: Where do the thoughts come from? From the mind, or the body? Close your eyes and think about it. That itself becomes a meditation. Then you will reach the point or space within you from where all the thoughts come. And that is fantastic.

Q. Some people have positive thoughts, while some have negative thoughts. How does one control this?
Sri Sri: By keeping a stress-free mind. If you have a stress-free mind, your thoughts will be positive.

Q. How do you know all these things?
Sri Sri: Life is a journey from an angry "I don't know" to a beautiful "I don't know!"

Q. What is wrong and what is right?
Sri Sri: Which gives you short term pleasure and long term misery is wrong and vice-versa.

Q. Why do other people's feelings inflict us?
Sri Sri: Because you are not a single individual but a part of a single collective consciousness.

Q. In spite of having so many great saints why is there so much of communal violence, cascades, conflicts. What is the problem with India? Are we going wrong somewhere?
Sri Sri: People who have been involved in these activities have never been in touch with any of these spiritual leaders.

Q. Why don't you suggest government to include spiritual knowledge at the level of class 10th, at least in India?
Sri Sri: I have been telling it. Now, you all should give voice too.

Q. How to forgive and let go of things?
Sri Sri: When you see a culprit from a broader perspective, forgiveness becomes natural.

Q. What do you consider success?
Sri Sri: A smile that nobody will take away from you - that is the greatest achievement.

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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THE GINGHAM DRESS

 

This is an example of how some of us pre-judge people. If we don't take time to hear what someone has to say, we may never learn what is in their heart; regardless of their outer appearance, THE GINGHAM DRESS  A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun  threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston and walked timidly  without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer  office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods,  country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve  to be in Cambridge .  "We'd like to see the president," the man said softly.  "He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.  "We'll wait," the lady replied.  For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would  finally become discouraged and go away.  They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to  disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.  "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to  him.  He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance  obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested  gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. The  president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.  The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He  loved Harvard. He was happy here. But, about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to  him, somewhere on campus."  The president wasn't touched. He was shocked.  "Madam," he said, gruffly, "We can't put up a statue for every person  who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a  cemetery."  "Oh, no," the lady explained quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue.  We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and  homespun suit and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea  how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars  in the physical buildings here at Harvard."  For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he  could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said  quietly, "Is that all it cost to start a university? Why don't we just  start our own?"  Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and  bewilderment.  Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo  Alto, California where they established the university that bears their  name, Stanford University , a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer  cared about.  You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those  who they think can do nothing for them.  ---- A TRUE STORY by Malcolm Forbes "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did.  But people will never forget how you made them feel."

 

Knowledge Sheet 208 - Blessed Are Those Who Are Bored

 

Knowledge Sheet 208 - Blessed Are Those Who Are Bored June 16, 1999 Arenal Volcano, Tabacon, Costa Rica Only a conscious, alert and dynamic person can get bored. A dull and inert person doesn't get bored. If you get bored, it indicates you are more alive and human. It is a sign that you are growing, that you are evolving. An animal, for example, keeps doing the same thing. It never gets bored. Cows, horses, birds do the same things over and over all their lives. People eat, watch television, change jobs, change partners to escape boredom. And they get frustrated. And frustration takes them back to inertia and unconsciousness. Only in two states the boredom does not occur: in a state of total inertia or in a state of Divine Consciousness. If you are bored, it indicates you are evolving. Boredom moves you. Jim: Boredom moves you towards the divine. Guruji: Yes. Be proud of your boredom and celebrate!!! !!!

Jai Gurudev

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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