Unexpected Strength

My Reflections: This article has drawn my attention to the importance of the value of seeing objects, situations, people, relationships and above all my own self. There is a wise saying in Sanskrit: Yatha dristihi tatha sristihi: The world appears as we see it. People, objects, situations, relationships and above my own self are perceived according to my inner mind state: with a clear mind state like the clear sky or the cloudy state. We tend to project our inner world onto our world. Our perception creates the outer world. Our mind, our inner vision is the cause of inner freedom or inner bondage. As the Bhagavad Geeta says: Manaha eva manushyanam karanam bandhmokshayho. As I am advancing in age and as I am getting older, my inner world has been getting more free from the inner bondage I myself have created. I have learned the significance of seeing and relating to people clearly, empathetically and compassionately. The first teachers in my life were my parents. My father taught me the value of mindfulness, awareness and meditation. My mother helped me follow the path of loving people unconditionally and acting selflessly-Bhakti Yoga- Yoga of Devotion and Karma Yoga- Yoga of Selfless Service. It is a path of serving people with no expectation of getting any reward for power, pleasure and prestige. It is a path of non-attachment called Anasakti Yoga. Both of my parents practiced different spiritual paths of living without any conflicts. Growing up this way laid the foundation of my spiritual life and I am very deeply grateful to them. Practicing non- judgemental awareness and Mindfulness Meditation have been very helpful to me for living holistically. Namaste! Jagdish P Dave