Definitions

DEFINITIONS

Sage Patanjali has defined Yoga in many ways. One definition that i am using here appeared in the Times of India yesterday. Patanjali says in the Yoga Sutra ,"Yoga is the process of becoming free from the limited definitions of the field of consciousness."

I wish to draw our attention here, not to Yoga, but to the way we define.

We can define in a manner that limits the phenomenon we are dealing with. In this process we put something that is free and limitless in its essence in a box, possibly for our convinience. The phenomenon in its original form is too complex and diverse for our understanding. We are unable to interact with it meaningfully in its original form. So we put it in a box. In the process the phenomenon is badly deminished and disfigured. At the same time the process puts us also into a box. What we are doing to it happens to us too, in exactly the same measure. We get trapped by these limited definitions and struggle all our life, without even realising what we are struggle for.

To escape this trap some recommend that we don't define. This will leave us on a loose end. I recommend that we look at the process of defining and improve it qualitatively.

Let us define but in a definitive way. Let us make it open ended. After all we don't know every thing about that which we are defining. In making an open ended definition we are only acknowledging this fact. This openness leaves room for new information and new understanding to enter our field of consciousness. We only stand to gain in this way.

Definning is one step. For this to become a functioning part of our life, regular practice is required. Otherwise it will remain just a slogan, a talking point. I present one example. L.I.C. has the slogan,'Yogah karmasu kaushalam". It means the practice of Yoga leads to effective action. One doesn't see much of this in LIC's functioning. It was probably felt, that giving oneself a slogan and refering to it from official platforms is enough. No one probably gave much attention to the practice of Yoga.

with love to all

Ganoba

Listening to our bodies

Listening To Our Bodies
Illness Lessons

When our body, mind, and spirit are in balance, we experience good health. But sometimes we get caught up in life's parade of change and movement, and things get out of balance. Just as there are seasons in nature, our bodies go through times of cleansing and times of activity. Illness is one way our bodies restore the balance they seek, as it cleanses the buildup of unwanted manifestations of negative energy in our system. When we are not feeling our best, we can go beyond addressing the physical symptoms to listen to our bodies as they tell us the changes needed to restore balance.

Our bodies give us signals, but if we don't listen when they tell us that they are tired or stressed, then the imbalance increases and a stronger message is required, one that is generally expressed by illness or dis-ease. The first step to regaining equilibrium involves slowing down, eating healthy food, getting more rest, and taking soothing remedies. Once we have nurtured ourselves with these things, we can begin examine our illness for the message. A heavy head may be a sign that we have been thinking negatively, harboring anger, resentment, or guilt. A sore throat may be telling us we have been speaking without integrity-gossip, insults, twisting the truth, or even speaking ill of ourselves, all of which can knock us off balance. A sore throat and swollen glands can also mean you are cleansing and processing some powerful emotions at present. Stomach problems could mean that we are having trouble accepting or "digesting" something. Only you have the knowledge of your th!
oughts and choices that will allow you to decipher the messages from your body. All it takes is time and attention.

When we take the time to listen to our bodies we can learn how to restore our balance and improve our lives. By honoring the messages of our bodies, we can turn a time of illness into a constructive time of restoration, healing, and revitalization.

The Message of Hope

What is the message of hope?

That somehow the future may offer us something better than what the present is offering.

This is dishonouring the gifts offered to us by the present moment.

The present moment is the only truth. Every thing else is an illussion, a product of human dissatisfaction.

This is the flaw.

If we accept and honour the present there is no need for dreams and hope.

Belief is not knowledge.

We certainly need self knowledge but not self belief.

Belief is needed, to proceed inspite of doubt and the consequent fear, towards knowledge.

Belief can do only this much. Wonders are produced by knowledge, which is one name of God.

with love to all.

Ganoba

Life comes in Pairs

Life comes in pairs;
high and low,
white and black,
pleasure and pain,
success and failure,
male and female
and so on.
They are held together
by an infinite force.
We can neither choose between them,
nor can we seperate them.
The only choice we have
is to let them play in love.
They are always in perfect balance
dynamic and creative.
Ganoba

Creative Flowing

Creative Flowing

Long ago I was facilitating a program for Voltas Officers. At one point I found that ideas were not flowing around playfully in the rather confined space of the conference hall. So we all moved out. In the yard Some fresh mud had been dumped probably for landscaping. We formed four groups and then I asked them to build models around four different themes using the mud. If I remember right the themes were Sharing, Togetherness, Love and Flow. Very soon the grown up officers began to play like children and created wonderfully creative models. The models also seemed to connect the themes. I don't know what did the trick. May be it was the open space in the outdoors, the moist mud and or the spirit of playfulness.
anyway keep playing with ideas.
lots of love
Ganoba

Process of Learning

The Process of Learning

The purpose of education is not acquiring of marks, ranks, degrees,qualifications and then lucrative assignments (jobs or positions) but learning. To do this we need to focus our attention on the subject of study and not on any thing else.
For example when studying, it does not matter who the teacher is, whether male or female, harsh or gentle. The place and time where you are studying also does not matter. If attention shifts to these, then you will lose focus on the subject and learning will suffer.
Do not skip a step if you have not understood it fully. If you do that, you will find all subsequent steps slippery and learning will become a painful experience.
The approach to learning is as important as the subject of study. It is the foundation of all learning.
In the beginning a new subject appears to be difficult to grasp. This is not the quality of the subject but an essential part of learning. In the beginning you will be confused. This also is a part of learning. Stay with it and apply your full attention to the subject. Gradually confusion will go away and clarity will come. At this point it will all become enjoyable and easy.You are now ready for the next step.
Difficulty and confusion will appear again. Remember it is the initial part of the learning process.
To master the learning process, we need to do both;
learning ourselves,
and helping others to learn.
I wish you become learned and wise, which is the key to supreme happyness.
Lots of love
Ganoba

Life seen as a river

Life seen as a River

I was talking to Ria, my new grand daughter, about the way life unfolds, because she was upset about some events that unfolded in her tiny life screen.
I used the metaphor of a river, because she has recently experienced white water rafting and enjoyed it. It immediately made sense to her. Most of us carry in our minds the juvenile notion that life is or ought be a smooth sailing expedition. so when the turns and twists come or the ride gets bumpy we begin to complain about life, calling it unfair or harsh and so on. Alternately we start finding scape goats for our travails.
If, on the other hand, we accept for life the metaphor of a river gliding along its course, we will be able to enjoy all these events and even look forward to them, just as we would do if we were taking a ride on a white water raft.
Ria has cheered up and got busy with her daily routine. Kumud was listening to our dialogue and I notice a perceptible change in her mood too.
Let us have fun. Having you as a friend is a special gift from God.
Love to all
Ganoba

Path of Love

Path of Love

When I walk with you or someone like you, on the path of love and they agree to hold hands, then my own journey becomes very beautiful and enjoyable. All worries, about results and the difficulties along the way, are extinguished.
thanks.
Ganoba

Spiritual Journey

Spiritual Journey

Physical ailment is an opportunity to change course of life and rise to a higher level of consciousness. However, many of us see it only as an impediment to be got rid of by some kind of treatment. This course of action, whatever the method employed, ensures that we remain stuck to the physical plane.
Recently I suffered from a stroke, as a result physically the strength, stamina, sense of balance and other parameters are impaired. My family wants me to follow a course of medication and physio-therapy etc. I also go along with them for the sake of domestic peace.
The important fact from my point of view is the substantial spiritual growth I have experienced since then.
Lots of love to all
Ganoba

The future

The Future
There is no future and there is no past
The present moment is the only reality, all else is illusion, a trick that we allow our mind to play with us.
All methods of predicting the future are ways of encashing people's dis-satisfaction with what ever is happening to them in the present. They are selling hope.
Events which are supposed to happen in the future are already taking place in the mind.
They are HAPPENING NOW AND HERE.
The seers do not predict the future, they describe the present, events and happenings that many of us choose not to see.
have fun
Ganoba

Joy

Joy
Most of our knowledge is of the comparative type. Thus we realise light as the absence of darkness. To enjoy something we are expected to experience its deprivation first. This kind of knowledge is relative and contextual. It is not of universal value. In fact it leads to the formation of sects and is the principal cause of much violence and suffering.
Joy, as absence of suffering, is transient and of a lower order.
Joy that comes with the realisation of the value of suffering is eternal and can be called ANAND or CHIDANAD.
Yes, struggling against a state or situation is a waste of time and energy as it is based on the rejection of that state or situation.
Leela is a play. Playing produces learning at the same time as it is happening and with joy; not later and with pain.
I am enjoying this conversation.
Thank you and with love
Ganoba

Focus

Focus
When we identify with the body, as most of do, our focus is necessarily outwards. All our senses are designed to pick up signals from the outside world. When we are focused outward, we are limited in our perception and in our expression. Advanced technology cannot overcome this short coming. As a result we are unable to know what is going on in the mind and life of our friends (or enemies). We are also unable to convey to them what exactly is on our mind.
Then our wants remain unfulfilled and leave a dull pain inside. There is no external medication for this ailment. Over time it developes into various chronic conditions.
The only real solution is to turn inwards.
As soon as we turn inwards we get in touch with the core which is boundless, then we don't have to wish even. All that is needed just happens effortlessly, gracefully.
The experiences and pictures are stored in the memory. Just close your eyes (turn inwards) and they will flash on the mind screen in full glory.
There is no need to read learned books, attend discourses or practice difficult austerities.
Being in touch with the core is enough.

Shopping Malls

Shopping malls
These are the temples of the modern world.
They are a consumerist den. One can get all kinds of goods and services at these malls. Since the ware offered is of little value, the malls are made very attractive and seductive. Sales and discounts of various kinds are offered. We also have the option of returning a product if we don't like it, no questions asked. So we end up buying many things that we don't need.
Now a day we also have spiritual shopping malls. All kinds of spiritual ware is offered here on very attractive terms. The so called experts make a lot of noise ( of course in a subtle way) to attract clients and to sell their wares. The most important slogan is that it really works. another one for modern era is that it is scientifically tested and proven. they only sell illusions.
The weary traveller needs to be on guard. Your purse is surely lightened. No other light would be found.
No wonder there is no peace of mind.
In God's scheme there is no need of experts or gadgets. Ordinary people like you and me live here and all that nature provides is good enough tool of enlightenment.
with love
Ganoba

Ganoba's blog

Ganoba's blog
who am I?
This question is the most important question that we need to answer. There are innumerable answers to this question. thw thing to note is that our reaction to various life situations is determined by our answers.
for example, how we respond to the middle east situation will depend on what our answer to this question is. If I say I am a Jew then i am likely to say that the Hezboolah are the party to blame. On the other hand, if my answer is lebanese then I would put the blame squarely at the door of the Israil. I hope I make myself clear on this count. The answer decides our identity for the time being. Many answers bring out the many shades and aspects of the identity. hence our responces to life situations are rather complex and unpredictable.
The answers all determine other peoples expectations of us. If I say I am an Engineer, then they would expect me to solve technical problems and if i am not able to solve their technical problrms they would be disappointed. they may even get angry and denounce me.
Iam facing these problems every moment. When I am clear in my mind about my identity then I am able to handle them with equanimity. when I am not clear then I am disturbed.
"Who am I?" therefore is a central question for me.

To Be Human
Putting People On Pedestals

When we fall in love with someone or make a new friend, we sometimes see that person in a glowing light. Their good qualities dominate the foreground of our perception and their negative qualities. They just don't seem to have any. This temporary state of grace is commonly known as putting someone on a pedestal. Often times we put spiritual leaders and our gurus on pedestals. We have all done this to someone at one time or another, and as long as we remember that no one is actually "perfect," the pedestal phase of a relationship can be enjoyed for what it is-a phase. It's when we actually believe our own projection that troubles arise.

Everyone has problems, flaws, and blind spots, just as we do. When we entertain the illusion that someone is perfect, we don't allow them room to be human, so when they make an error in judgment or act in contradiction to our idea of perfection, we become disillusioned. We may get angry or distance ourselves in response. In the end, they are not to blame for the fact that we idealized them. Granted, they may have enjoyed seeing themselves as perfect through our eyes, but we are the ones who chose to believe an illusion. If you go through this process enough times, you learn that no one is perfect. We are all a combination of divine and human qualities and we all struggle. When we treat the people we love with this awareness, we actually allow for a much greater intimacy than when we held them aloft on an airy throne. The moment you see through your idealized projection is the moment you begin to see your loved one as he or she truly is.

We cannot truly connect with a person when we idealize them. In life, there are no pedestals-we are all walking on the same ground together. When we realize this, we can own our own divinity and our humanity. This is the key to balance and wholeness within ourselves and our relationships.

To be divine
What has been described is the last stage in our humanness. The first step in our journey to be divine is the realisation that my own perception and meaning making process is contaminated by being bound to the body, the seat of impermanence and imperfection. Then we can start the process of discovering our true identity, which is pure consciousness or nothingness. We will then begin to see all duality for what it really is, an illusion created by our grounding in the body. We would now be free to soar with consciousness to our divine nature. All duality vanishes now.
Hari OM
Ganoba

Being a Good Person

To begin with find out whether the image that you are trying to live upto is yours or someone else's, for example your mother's image of a good son, or a good brother, a good husband and so on. Similarly you may have an image of a good employer, a good professional, a good philonthrophist and so on.
Once these images are formed they get a strangle hold on us, because we are supposed to have role models. Then we try to be like someone else. Also in being role models for others we tie ourselves down.
I have discarded both concepts. No one is a role model for me. I admire many people but I am not going to be like them. I also do not want any one to follow me.
Doing this was not so difficult as you make out.
Try it out once, for a while,and experience the lightnesss that comes with it. You will not go back to being a good person.
You will be a good person, that you in deed are.
Lots of love
Ganoba

I have a dream

I have a dream. It is very fascinating. I am passing through a tunnel at a leisurely pace. it is nice and comfortable. Suddenly the tunnel begins to get smaller. As this happens my speed increases correspondingly. The tunnel is shrinking at a fast pace and i am now travelling at a break-neck speed. I am afraid that I will hit something and get hurt. At this speed the smash up would be real bad. However, I find myself gliding smoothly through the tunnel. It is winding and twisting but I follow the profile expertly. The fear is gone now. I seem to understand all that is happening. I am not solid, so my form changes to adjust to the tunnel. it is real small now and I am moving with dizzying speed. It is very exileating. It is now as small as the smallest orifice that can be. I am ejected from the orifice at the speed of lightening. All of a sudden there is unlimited space. It is all pitch dark. I cannot see any thing. I am falling now. There is an empty feeling in the stomach. Is it fear? Then I find myself floating like a feather. It is light now. I am light too, very very light. I have become one with my surroundings. The experience is beautiful. I am free. I can do anything I wish effortlessly. I only have to wish and it begins to happen. There is no burden of expectations, mine or some one else's. Nothing to achieve, no standards to attain.
And then I wake up. What a dream. Was it a dream? or the ultimate reality.
Ganoba

WHO AM I?

WHO AM I?

This is a question of identity. Many people think this is a metaphysical question and hence evince no interest in answering the question. But the fact is that we are being asked this question all the time. If we are seeking a job, we will be asked this question in many ways. If we were trying to buy or sell something, either for personal use or for professional gain, we would have to answer this question till the other person finds us dependable enough to transact with. In fact I find that almost all conversation revolves around this question. Interestingly all of us are all the time, through words and deeds, speaking about ourselves.

Why then do we dodge this question so often? Why do we feel awkward responding to queries about ourselves? Why this great obsession about privacy? In simple terms, that which is inside an arbitrary boundary is termed private and called I or me. That which is outside the same boundary is termed public and called you or they, the other. What is the relationship between the two? Are they aliens, apart from each other? Are they harmful to each other, so they need to be kept protected from each other? Is there a need to have a wall between them? In moments of rationality we would answer these questions negatively. We would agree that the relationship needs to be open and friendly. Life as we experience it depends entirely on the nature of this relationship. If it is open and friendly, life is free flowing. If it is defensive and guarded, life becomes a struggle of varying intensity.

Let us come back to exploring the awkwardness we feel when responding to questions about ourselves. Let me begin with myself. Now a day I am quite free talking about myself. In fact I enjoy the conversation when it is about me. Awkwardness comes but rarely when the conversation moves towards aspects of me, which I have not quite accepted, which I hold in shame or guilt. I ought to welcome these questions because they provide an opportunity to understand and assimilate these aspects. But I carry this stupid notion that I ought to work that out first in the privacy of my mind. My experience tells me that it does not get resolved in privacy. The mind has a vested interest in keeping the myths alive. The minds existence depends on these myths. If there are no myths there is no mind. It is in our interest to have an empty mind. An empty mind is not the devil’s workshop. An empty mind is open, receptive, compassionate and creative.

It is thus obvious that for me to live a free flowing life, I need to know and accept all aspects of myself, inside and out. I have been created in love and so all of me is lovable. It is perfect in all respects. Why should I hide it then? Life in all its beauty is created by the playful interaction of that which is inside and outside. Why then should I interfere in this play or create obstacles? I AM FORM AND NO-FORM and the interplay. That which has formed is matter or the body. That which has no form (or not yet formed) is space (the Buddhists call it emptiness). Without space there can be no body. Without space it cannot be identified. Life being in the play space becomes essential for the body to move. Without space no body; without body no space. They are inseparable. Thus IAM both BODY AND SPACE.

Wow. Silence, Stillness and Peace. No more questions. No more answers. No directions. No coming and going. End of journey. May be a new beginning.

Ganoba

Emotions

Emotions

Today I wish to explore the universe of emotions and their role in guiding us to lead a life in love enjoying the resplendent beauty of creation.

When I read the available literature on emotions (or feelings) I find them to be a product of the rational part of the mind. This part is circumscribed by the boundaries of the social, cultural, ethnic and political system in which we live. It has to be correct according to the dictates of the people in power of the system. The rational thought is thus essentially enslaved, even though it may flaunt itself as free, emancipated and liberal. This thought is dualistic and subjective. It is based on comparative studies and is thus regulated by the chosen benchmark.

I find it to be quite funny. Take for example the difference made out between head and heart. Head is supposed to be the seat of intellect the instrument of thinking. Heart on the other hand is the seat of emotions. The scientifically oriented change the words head and heart into the left and right side of the brain. Both treat these as if they are independent organs at war with each other. The whole body and persona is divided using the same logic into warring factions. Isn’t that funny, when all sensible observations indicate that we have one beautifully coordinated body? The scary part is the conclusions, the learned theories on which the strategies of living and relating are worked out. These force me to speak in defense of the holiness (wholeness) of life.

All created beings have a body and a soul (or spirit). The body is the manifested soul. The soul is the seed of the body. The two continually communicate with each other. The virtual medium through which they communicate is the mind. The body informs the soul about the outside world as experienced by it. The body of the world appears as physical sensations like hard-soft, hot-cold and so on. The soul of the outside world appears as emotions. The soul informs the body about the appropriate response, again in terms of physical sensations or emotions. Physical sensations call for action and the body is activated accordingly. This requires a surge of energy, which is provided by emotions activating appropriate glands (valves regulating the flow of energy). Emotions and thoughts appear together. If we read them together we would know what action is to be taken, what is to be its intensity and duration and where it is to be applied. Sometimes it is to be applied to the outside world, but most of the time it is to be applied to oneself. If the response is to be spiritual (as is the case most often) no response is called for. We allow the status quo to continue and continue to observe and enjoy life as it is unfolding. This is what sages do often, not because they don’t care but because they see no need to intervene in the divine manifestations.

For this system to work efficiently we have to keep the body, mind and soul clean Over time sages have evolved practices to keep them clean. They are essentially simple rituals which when performed produce immediate results of beauty, clarity and joy. If we slip in the practice for any reason they start appearing difficult and cumbersome. Take for example the practice of getting up before sun rise and going outdoors to be part of the awakening. This is a part of all our residential programs. Initially the participants grumble a lot and a lot of gentle cajoling is needed to get them out of their beds and rooms. However, once the process is begun and the results begin to flow in, they begin to do it with enthusiasm and conviction. We have many other elements in our program, which have the same effect. The breaking of old unhealthy habits is the real problem.

Emotions are an experience. They need to be experienced fully before doing any thing further. They do not have to be expressed. In any case how do we express an emotion? Do we do it in words? If so, in which language? Then language ability would tie it down. This leads to the notion that illiterate people do not feel. This is then extended to animals and plants. Isn’t that a dangerous hypothesis? In any case the important thing is not that people around understand how one is feeling, but the person himself/herself. No language is required for this understanding. What is needed is just staying with the experience. Even in the case of a person with another body, mind and soul, understanding comes by being fully with the other. One word in English for this is EMPATHY. In Sanskrit it is called sahaanubhooti, shared experience. We are so busy trying to get somewhere, trying to become somebody that we find it difficult just to be. That is seen as a passive state and in the present milieu we have to be constantly active, if not we would be lost. In fact the opposite is true. We are lost because we are in a state of perpetual motion.

Try staying still and silent to realize the value of this presentation. Just be and enjoy life as it unfolds.

May all be happy.

Ganoba

Generosity

It is our nature to be generous. It comes from knowing that the source is always oveflowing and we need not fear shortages. So we share whatever we have with a free hand without expecting anything in return, knowing full well that all our needs will be fulfilled as they arise. There won't be even a moments delay.
Philonthrophy is not quite the same thing, though the well springs are about the same. Philonthrophy is mired by a sense of guilt at having aquired more than one needs and in the process depriving someone needy. The curse of aquiring and the greed that is the source of it is also there in traces. That is why people set up charities in their names. A variation is to call it in the name of a family member. The desire for name and fame shows clearly.
A smart camoflague is to institutionalise the charity. No names appear but the control of the funds remain with the giver or his family.
The foundation in the name of Bill Gates and his wife is of this kind. The richest man in the world now has the biggest charity going in his name. Why does it have to be done with so much fanfare?
The charities that rope in the so called celebrities to raise funds for their activities are providing a screen for the rich and famous to wash their ill gotten wealth and the sin associated with it. How diiferent are these from political fund raisers? A dis- proportionately large part of the money raised goes towards mentaining the lavish life style of the rich and famous.
I have always stayed away from all such jumbo functions, which I find vulgar.
To be generous we don't need material wealth. A healing touch, a kind word, a small tear in empathy are much more potent than all the wealth in the world to alleviate pain and suffering. They do not strip the reciepient of dignity as the gifts of money do.
Those who need tax rebates to open their clenched fists are actually mocking the benevolent spirit.
If we give generously tears would come in the eyes of both the giver and the recepient. This is an indication of true bonding. The tears are an overflowing of love and life blossoms. Let there be more such blossoms.
Ganoba

Journey of Exploration

I bigin this journey today in the blog land, However, this is a journey which has been going on all the time. It's beginning is shrouded in mystery. It's end is beyond the realms of imagination. In simple terms it is without a beginning and an end. It is an unusual journey in more than one way. It has no particular destination or purpose. It follows no maps. It is quite unpredictable. There is no repeating and no retracing. Every step along the way is original. There is nothing to fall back on. There are no bench marks or points of reference.
Some may find it scary. But it is neither that nor is it exciting and adventurous. To go one has to become a part of it. One cannot stand apart as a mere observer, although keen observation of all that emerges is necessary to go on.
One more thing before I take leave for the time being. After all the coming and going, one remains essentially at the same place. Nothing would have changed, although the journey does create and illusion of movement and time.
Let us have fun.
Ganoba