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Soul Sustenance 31-08-2012
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The Three Mirrors For Inner Beauty (Part 2)
In yesterday's message, we had discussed the first mirror, the mirror of spiritual knowledge. Elaborating further, this mirror will also show you the Supreme Soul and it will remind you about His virtues and actions which will help you check where you stand in comparison to Him in terms of virtues and actions and will influence you to follow him by imbibing those virtues and performing actions in the similar way. Lastly this mirror will remind you of your relationship with the Supreme and forging a deep and personal connection with Him in different ways which will benefit you and others.
The knowledge read every morning will help you see and realize what mistakes you have committed in the last 24 hours while performing actions and also in maintaining a connection with the Supreme and also see what you have done positively in the same regard during the same time, which will encourage you further to do the same in the future. The mirror of knowledge will also help you remain careful for the day ahead and perform actions and experience a relationship with the Supreme based on what you have read. It is a common experience of a lot of people that the spiritual knowledge read in the morning is always what the need of the moment for them is. The spiritual knowledge read is very commonly an exact reflection of the activities and mental state of your last 24 hours and/or something which you require for the coming day for the self, for your relationships, for facing different types of obstacles in your personal and professional life. This is the Law of Spiritual Attraction that works in each one's life, but to different extents. Our consciousness and inner requirements attract towards us the spiritual knowledge of a similar nature.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
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Message for the day 31-08-2012
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To have respect for the self constantly is to experience progress.
Expression:
The one who has respect for the self is not dependent on external inputs for having a good state of mind. To have respect for the self means to have the right state of mind and the right way of working with the self specially when things are not going well. It means to constantly express the positivity that is within.
Experience:
When I am able to give respect for the self under all circumstances I am able to experience constant progress. Especially when I am not able to achieve the desired results or when I am not able to be successful, at that time I need to be good to myself. Then I will be able to be the best and do the best with what I have. So I will be able to experience constant progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 30-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 30-08-2012
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The Three Mirrors For Inner Beauty (Part 1)
“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” are famous words. To check our external beauty or tidiness, we look into the mirror on the wall each day. But on a mental, emotional and spiritual level, what is the mirror that helps you to see if there is anything wrong with your inner face or self or to realize what is happening to you and what you have to do to maintain your inner fairness or beauty?
There are three types of mirrors, which one can use to see or check the internal self:
The first mirror is the mirror of spiritual knowledge – Spiritual knowledge is the knowledge related to spiritual self-development i.e. of the soul and also of the Supreme Soul. Each day, in the morning, you can look into this mirror for 5 minutes at least. Looking into this mirror means listening to or reading a piece of spiritual knowledge for at least 5 minutes that connects you to your inner essence, increases your emotional and spiritual intelligence as well as reminds you of your true purpose.
You will see yourself very clearly in this mirror as this mirror will show you:
* the knowledge of the original and ideal virtues of the soul like peace, love, bliss, purity, power, joy etc.;
* how these virtues can be imbibed in the self to benefit the self and others;
* the knowledge of the different types of weaknesses that can arise in the soul like anger, greed, ego, hatred, fear, attachment, jealousy, sorrow, etc., the roots of all which lie in mis-identification with the physical self and forgetting the spiritual self and how these weaknesses can harm the self and others;
* the knowledge of overcoming these weaknesses.
All of these things which you see in the mirror will help you to check where you stand in comparison to the right code of conduct for thoughts, feelings, attitudes, emotions, words and actions, where you are going wrong and how you can make the required corrections in the same. On looking into this mirror you will be reminded of the Law of Karma (the Law of Action and Reaction), which will motivate you to make these corrections.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
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Message for the day 30-08-2012
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To contribute specialties is to have the power to cooperate.
Expression: Each individual is unique with his own unique set of capabilities. The one who is aware of his specialties and contributes them to any task is the one who is able to cooperate under all circumstances and with all people. There are no conditions attached to contribute these resources.
Experience: When I contribute to every task with my own specialties I have double satisfaction. I have the satisfaction of having contributed something and I am also free from expectations from others. I also find that because I am able to give unconditionally, others too are able to cooperate with me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 30-08-2012
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The Three Mirrors For Inner Beauty (Part 1)
“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” are famous words. To check our external beauty or tidiness, we look into the mirror on the wall each day. But on a mental, emotional and spiritual level, what is the mirror that helps you to see if there is anything wrong with your inner face or self or to realize what is happening to you and what you have to do to maintain your inner fairness or beauty?
There are three types of mirrors, which one can use to see or check the internal self:
The first mirror is the mirror of spiritual knowledge – Spiritual knowledge is the knowledge related to spiritual self-development i.e. of the soul and also of the Supreme Soul. Each day, in the morning, you can look into this mirror for 5 minutes at least. Looking into this mirror means listening to or reading a piece of spiritual knowledge for at least 5 minutes that connects you to your inner essence, increases your emotional and spiritual intelligence as well as reminds you of your true purpose.
You will see yourself very clearly in this mirror as this mirror will show you:
* the knowledge of the original and ideal virtues of the soul like peace, love, bliss, purity, power, joy etc.;
* how these virtues can be imbibed in the self to benefit the self and others;
* the knowledge of the different types of weaknesses that can arise in the soul like anger, greed, ego, hatred, fear, attachment, jealousy, sorrow, etc., the roots of all which lie in mis-identification with the physical self and forgetting the spiritual self and how these weaknesses can harm the self and others;
* the knowledge of overcoming these weaknesses.
All of these things which you see in the mirror will help you to check where you stand in comparison to the right code of conduct for thoughts, feelings, attitudes, emotions, words and actions, where you are going wrong and how you can make the required corrections in the same. On looking into this mirror you will be reminded of the Law of Karma (the Law of Action and Reaction), which will motivate you to make these corrections.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
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Message for the day 30-08-2012
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To contribute specialties is to have the power to cooperate.
Expression: Each individual is unique with his own unique set of capabilities. The one who is aware of his specialties and contributes them to any task is the one who is able to cooperate under all circumstances and with all people. There are no conditions attached to contribute these resources.
Experience: When I contribute to every task with my own specialties I have double satisfaction. I have the satisfaction of having contributed something and I am also free from expectations from others. I also find that because I am able to give unconditionally, others too are able to cooperate with me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 29-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 29-08-2012
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The Flight Of Harmony
There are two faces to one coin; a person who wishes to live fully as a human being needs to understand that the existence of one's unique individuality has to be acknowledged, as well as the existence of the group or collective. One cannot exist without the other. Individuals who are developing spiritually feel a personal sense of value. They clearly recognize their uniqueness and have the feeling that there is the freedom to be whatever they choose to be. At the same time, their sense of personal independence allows them to come close to others and work with them. They do not have selfish independence. They get close to others because they have found fulfillment in their own self. Someone who has truly found the value of the self above and beyond labels, name, fame and approval can effectively cooperate within the collective or group and interact appropriately. Such people not only feel themselves to be a part of the whole but, even more importantly, the group or collective feels them to be a part of the whole.
In nature, when birds have to fly to a warmer climate in winter, they flock together and start their journey as a group. The success of the journey depends on the group: if an individual bird does not join the group, it cannot reach the destination on its own. Birds fly in a particular formation, with an appropriate space between them as they fly. If they fly too close to each other, their wings get entangled; they lose their balance and fall. If they remain too far from each other, the formation cannot be created properly, and they are not able to ride the currents of air, which help to propel them in their flight. Furthermore, the leader of the formation does not remain the leader throughout the whole flight, but moves back and allows another to take its place. This repositioning continues throughout the flight until the destination is reached, allowing individual birds to contribute to the success of the journey.
The reality of life is that we are individuals within a collective whole. Just like the birds, we are all a part of an unlimited Flight of Harmony.
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Message for the day 29-08-2012
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To be committed towards one's own progress is to help others to move forward.
Expression: The one who is committed towards his own self-progress, is free from criticizing others when he sees them make mistakes. Having realised what is wrong, such a person makes corrections immediately. He is able to realise his own mistake in a second and take the chance for self-improvement. This naturally gives the ability to help others also to bring about a change for the better.
Experience: Since I am committed to my own self-progress, I am able to become stronger and stronger with each passing situation. I find that I become a source of inspiration for those around, as I continue to learn from all that happens. I don't put people down for their mistakes, but am able to give them the help to be better.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 29-08-2012
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The Flight Of Harmony
There are two faces to one coin; a person who wishes to live fully as a human being needs to understand that the existence of one's unique individuality has to be acknowledged, as well as the existence of the group or collective. One cannot exist without the other. Individuals who are developing spiritually feel a personal sense of value. They clearly recognize their uniqueness and have the feeling that there is the freedom to be whatever they choose to be. At the same time, their sense of personal independence allows them to come close to others and work with them. They do not have selfish independence. They get close to others because they have found fulfillment in their own self. Someone who has truly found the value of the self above and beyond labels, name, fame and approval can effectively cooperate within the collective or group and interact appropriately. Such people not only feel themselves to be a part of the whole but, even more importantly, the group or collective feels them to be a part of the whole.
In nature, when birds have to fly to a warmer climate in winter, they flock together and start their journey as a group. The success of the journey depends on the group: if an individual bird does not join the group, it cannot reach the destination on its own. Birds fly in a particular formation, with an appropriate space between them as they fly. If they fly too close to each other, their wings get entangled; they lose their balance and fall. If they remain too far from each other, the formation cannot be created properly, and they are not able to ride the currents of air, which help to propel them in their flight. Furthermore, the leader of the formation does not remain the leader throughout the whole flight, but moves back and allows another to take its place. This repositioning continues throughout the flight until the destination is reached, allowing individual birds to contribute to the success of the journey.
The reality of life is that we are individuals within a collective whole. Just like the birds, we are all a part of an unlimited Flight of Harmony.
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Message for the day 29-08-2012
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To be committed towards one's own progress is to help others to move forward.
Expression: The one who is committed towards his own self-progress, is free from criticizing others when he sees them make mistakes. Having realised what is wrong, such a person makes corrections immediately. He is able to realise his own mistake in a second and take the chance for self-improvement. This naturally gives the ability to help others also to bring about a change for the better.
Experience: Since I am committed to my own self-progress, I am able to become stronger and stronger with each passing situation. I find that I become a source of inspiration for those around, as I continue to learn from all that happens. I don't put people down for their mistakes, but am able to give them the help to be better.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 28-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 28-08-2012
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Does Greed Fulfill?
The false intention and assumption behind greed, in the form of a thought and feeling, is 'the more I have, the more I am'. It is a combination of trying to add to the value of the self through material possessions, position, role, talent or achievements and then becoming attached to these as a form of identity, finally leading to personal collapse. To try to add to the sense of self in this way has the effect of diverting oneself from the real self, which is why, in many cases, a person who has everything material is left with the feeling of being empty, disorientated and even fearful.
We cannot accumulate, or rely on the external, to create a sense of personal value.
People often try to fill the void of personal inadequacy or emptiness through greed, but this 'method' goes against natural, universal laws. All that I am, all that I can be, all that will make me truly happy must begin from inside the self. We have to start from the inside out, not the other way round, otherwise we create desires that have no end, like the ten-headed Ravana - every time Ram cut off one of his heads, another grew in its place. Ravana did not die until Ram aimed for his heart. Desires are created from wanting one thing or another, believing that we will find achievement when those desires are fulfilled. This pattern of behavior keeps deceiving us and the proof of this is seen in the state of discontentment and emptiness people find themselves in.
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Message for the day 28-08-2012
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The one who is the master is the one who creates positive thoughts under all circumstances.
Expression: The one who is the master of himself is always able to create the right kind of thoughts according to the circumstance. Never is there the dependency on situations or people for the right kind of responses. Since there is mastery over thoughts, there is also mastery over all words spoken and everything done.
Experience: When I am able to be a master of myself, I am able to constantly create positive thoughts. I am in touch with the inner resources and I am able to make use of these resources in a timely way. I never get confused or pressurized with outside situations, but am able to be in control in all situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 28-08-2012
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Does Greed Fulfill?
The false intention and assumption behind greed, in the form of a thought and feeling, is 'the more I have, the more I am'. It is a combination of trying to add to the value of the self through material possessions, position, role, talent or achievements and then becoming attached to these as a form of identity, finally leading to personal collapse. To try to add to the sense of self in this way has the effect of diverting oneself from the real self, which is why, in many cases, a person who has everything material is left with the feeling of being empty, disorientated and even fearful.
We cannot accumulate, or rely on the external, to create a sense of personal value.
People often try to fill the void of personal inadequacy or emptiness through greed, but this 'method' goes against natural, universal laws. All that I am, all that I can be, all that will make me truly happy must begin from inside the self. We have to start from the inside out, not the other way round, otherwise we create desires that have no end, like the ten-headed Ravana - every time Ram cut off one of his heads, another grew in its place. Ravana did not die until Ram aimed for his heart. Desires are created from wanting one thing or another, believing that we will find achievement when those desires are fulfilled. This pattern of behavior keeps deceiving us and the proof of this is seen in the state of discontentment and emptiness people find themselves in.
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Message for the day 28-08-2012
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The one who is the master is the one who creates positive thoughts under all circumstances.
Expression: The one who is the master of himself is always able to create the right kind of thoughts according to the circumstance. Never is there the dependency on situations or people for the right kind of responses. Since there is mastery over thoughts, there is also mastery over all words spoken and everything done.
Experience: When I am able to be a master of myself, I am able to constantly create positive thoughts. I am in touch with the inner resources and I am able to make use of these resources in a timely way. I never get confused or pressurized with outside situations, but am able to be in control in all situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, August 27, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 27-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 27-08-2012
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Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 2)
There are interesting spiritual parallels to the way the physical sciences differentiate energy and power. In physical terms, energy is defined as the capacity of doing work. Power is defined as the rate of doing work.
Similarly, we can look upon spiritual energy as our capacity for experiencing the original qualities of the soul. We all have this capacity, but to different degrees. Spiritual power is then seen as the extent to which we put these qualities to work in difficult situations and in our relationships. Spiritual power helps us remain in a state of truth, in the face of the various tests that come. Also, our actions and relationships give us an opportunity to utilize the power we have accumulated.
The qualities of God experienced in meditation are also the original qualities of the soul, but the link with God is essential for us to enhance these qualities inside us. In fact God, too, needs the connection with us, despite having these qualities to the highest degree, in order to exercise his power to restore truth to the world.
There are eight key spiritual powers (power to tolerate, accommodate, face, pack up, discriminate (or discern), judge (or decide), withdraw and co-operate) in terms of their application in everyday life - all of which we have discussed and shared with our readers previously.
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Message for the day 27-08-2012
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To be free from desires is to have the experience of attainment.
Expression: The more there are desires, the more it becomes difficult to appreciate what is there and what is attained. Life becomes a constant struggle for attaining something else. One desire is fulfilled and before it can be appreciated all energies are focused on the fulfillment of ten other desires.
Experience: When I continue to run after desires, I am not able to have the experience of having attained anything. Running for desires is like running after the shadow, I can never get it. But when I turn my back on it, it runs after me. If I am free from desires, I am rich because I am content with whatever little I have and I am happy putting in effort to be better with that little.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 27-08-2012
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Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 2)
There are interesting spiritual parallels to the way the physical sciences differentiate energy and power. In physical terms, energy is defined as the capacity of doing work. Power is defined as the rate of doing work.
Similarly, we can look upon spiritual energy as our capacity for experiencing the original qualities of the soul. We all have this capacity, but to different degrees. Spiritual power is then seen as the extent to which we put these qualities to work in difficult situations and in our relationships. Spiritual power helps us remain in a state of truth, in the face of the various tests that come. Also, our actions and relationships give us an opportunity to utilize the power we have accumulated.
The qualities of God experienced in meditation are also the original qualities of the soul, but the link with God is essential for us to enhance these qualities inside us. In fact God, too, needs the connection with us, despite having these qualities to the highest degree, in order to exercise his power to restore truth to the world.
There are eight key spiritual powers (power to tolerate, accommodate, face, pack up, discriminate (or discern), judge (or decide), withdraw and co-operate) in terms of their application in everyday life - all of which we have discussed and shared with our readers previously.
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Message for the day 27-08-2012
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To be free from desires is to have the experience of attainment.
Expression: The more there are desires, the more it becomes difficult to appreciate what is there and what is attained. Life becomes a constant struggle for attaining something else. One desire is fulfilled and before it can be appreciated all energies are focused on the fulfillment of ten other desires.
Experience: When I continue to run after desires, I am not able to have the experience of having attained anything. Running for desires is like running after the shadow, I can never get it. But when I turn my back on it, it runs after me. If I am free from desires, I am rich because I am content with whatever little I have and I am happy putting in effort to be better with that little.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 26-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 26-08-2012
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Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 1)
An important aspect of God or the Supreme Being, remembered throughout history in all cultures and traditions, has been the concept of God being an Almighty Authority. The interpretation of this concept has been varied, however:
Some have conceived a God who is fearsome and revengeful and one who punishes. That is very different from the experience of God, in meditation, as a gentle, benevolent (generous), merciful parent; as a teacher of absolute spiritual wisdom or knowledge, but a wisdom that has total humility, and is free from the demands of ego.
Yet, it is also the experience of the soul that God is the Almighty Authority, the source of all power and strength. When I meditate and connect with the Supreme, I experience a state of truth in which the combination of all the original qualities of the soul — peace, love, purity, wisdom and happiness — fills me with a positive power — a power that overcomes negativity in myself and others, so that those I am connected with become better able to experience their own truth. This power also extends to my physical surroundings, transforming the atmosphere around me.
(To be continued tomorrow ...)
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Message for the day 26-08-2012
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To switch on the power of awareness is to be free from being mood off.
Expression: To be mood off means to find excuses and reasons to feel negative - to have negative thoughts for the self or for the others. But if there is a strong powerful awareness in the mind, a positive thought about the self, there will not be a chance for a negative thought to enter the mind. So there will never be any reason to be mood off.
Experience: When I am able to maintain a single powerful thought, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not dependent on the external situations for the internal state of mind. Nor do I make external situations as an excuse to further weaken my own thoughts. So there is constantly a feeling of positivity under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 26-08-2012
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Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 1)
An important aspect of God or the Supreme Being, remembered throughout history in all cultures and traditions, has been the concept of God being an Almighty Authority. The interpretation of this concept has been varied, however:
Some have conceived a God who is fearsome and revengeful and one who punishes. That is very different from the experience of God, in meditation, as a gentle, benevolent (generous), merciful parent; as a teacher of absolute spiritual wisdom or knowledge, but a wisdom that has total humility, and is free from the demands of ego.
Yet, it is also the experience of the soul that God is the Almighty Authority, the source of all power and strength. When I meditate and connect with the Supreme, I experience a state of truth in which the combination of all the original qualities of the soul — peace, love, purity, wisdom and happiness — fills me with a positive power — a power that overcomes negativity in myself and others, so that those I am connected with become better able to experience their own truth. This power also extends to my physical surroundings, transforming the atmosphere around me.
(To be continued tomorrow ...)
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Message for the day 26-08-2012
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To switch on the power of awareness is to be free from being mood off.
Expression: To be mood off means to find excuses and reasons to feel negative - to have negative thoughts for the self or for the others. But if there is a strong powerful awareness in the mind, a positive thought about the self, there will not be a chance for a negative thought to enter the mind. So there will never be any reason to be mood off.
Experience: When I am able to maintain a single powerful thought, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not dependent on the external situations for the internal state of mind. Nor do I make external situations as an excuse to further weaken my own thoughts. So there is constantly a feeling of positivity under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 25-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 25-08-2012
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Neutralizing Anger
What is a good neutralizer for anger? Peace you would say. It’s not only peace, but a combination of truth, peace and love, in equal amounts. Truth and peace are the two inner states, which never ever leave us. Both remain permanently within each one of us. We already know, inside our subconscious and sometimes even consciously, the truth about anger and we can call our inner peace whenever we want – it’s there to be used. But what happens in real life situations is that we lose awareness of what is true i.e. the truth that anger is harmful and the truth of 'who I am'. And we also forget the practice of peacefulness because some negative situation or experience temporarily blocks our access to the peace of our heart.
Peace is also deeply connected with love and we all have experienced many a times that it is impossible to feel loving and angry at the same time. Both cannot co-exist. In fact it is love that is the healing balm for our heart, that we our self have stabbed and wounded by indulging in many anger habits since we were young. But what happens is that we search for love and peace from the hearts of others. That means we have not yet realized that we already have what we search for, within our own hearts. To heal the wounds of anger, which can be in different forms like irritation, resentment, hatred, revenge, rage, etc., it is essential to rediscover the truth of who we are and the peace and love of what we are.
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Message for the day 25-08-2012
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The one who follows the right method gets easy success.
Expression: When there is a clear aim of what has to be done and how one has to go about doing it, then there is accuracy in all words and actions. Whatever effort is put in is according to the system and is naturally accurate. So when there is accuracy in all that is done, the fruit of that is also right.
Experience: When I have been following the right method for whatever I have to do, I am able to remain happy for the effort that I have put in. I am also able to be patient and wait for the fruit of my effort to come at its own time. I am never in a hurry, so I always experience success whatever the outcome of the task may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 25-08-2012
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Neutralizing Anger
What is a good neutralizer for anger? Peace you would say. It’s not only peace, but a combination of truth, peace and love, in equal amounts. Truth and peace are the two inner states, which never ever leave us. Both remain permanently within each one of us. We already know, inside our subconscious and sometimes even consciously, the truth about anger and we can call our inner peace whenever we want – it’s there to be used. But what happens in real life situations is that we lose awareness of what is true i.e. the truth that anger is harmful and the truth of 'who I am'. And we also forget the practice of peacefulness because some negative situation or experience temporarily blocks our access to the peace of our heart.
Peace is also deeply connected with love and we all have experienced many a times that it is impossible to feel loving and angry at the same time. Both cannot co-exist. In fact it is love that is the healing balm for our heart, that we our self have stabbed and wounded by indulging in many anger habits since we were young. But what happens is that we search for love and peace from the hearts of others. That means we have not yet realized that we already have what we search for, within our own hearts. To heal the wounds of anger, which can be in different forms like irritation, resentment, hatred, revenge, rage, etc., it is essential to rediscover the truth of who we are and the peace and love of what we are.
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Message for the day 25-08-2012
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The one who follows the right method gets easy success.
Expression: When there is a clear aim of what has to be done and how one has to go about doing it, then there is accuracy in all words and actions. Whatever effort is put in is according to the system and is naturally accurate. So when there is accuracy in all that is done, the fruit of that is also right.
Experience: When I have been following the right method for whatever I have to do, I am able to remain happy for the effort that I have put in. I am also able to be patient and wait for the fruit of my effort to come at its own time. I am never in a hurry, so I always experience success whatever the outcome of the task may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, August 24, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 24-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 24-08-2012
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The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 2)
With reference to the sun and the earth (explained yesterday) - in certain situations and moments we need focus (like the sun), that is, a concentration of thought, will power and understanding. These three need to be together in one focused point if we are to reach depth and newness. However, if we become over-focused, then rigidity and pressure gradually set in. This subsequently leads to an imbalance that makes us lose our creativity and openness to new vision. Once we have learnt to focus, then it will require less effort and, eventually, the flow (like the earth) will become natural.
In focus, we find vision, inspiration and understanding, and in the flow, we find expression, experimentation and experience.
It is important not to over-flow, otherwise we get lost in a flood of over-thinking, over-speaking and over-doing. In such a state, there is no direction to guide the expression and things become unclear and delicate. At such a point, we need to recognize that it is time for focus again.
According to necessity, a human being needs to move between focus and flow and it is only through the ability to discriminate, that we can know when and how to do this. Everything has its time. We are eternal beings working in time, so we need to know the balance between focus - where we find truth and purpose - and the flow of time - where we find expression and experience.
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Message for the day 24-08-2012
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To have the spirit of sharing is to be constantly happy.
Expression: There are lots of resources in each one's life that can be shared with others. The more there is the consciousness of giving there is the ability to give and share these inner resources with others. New treasures are discovered and used for the benefit of all and also for the self.
Experience: There is constant satisfaction in my life when there is the spirit of giving. There are no expectations from others, but only an awareness of what I have. Life becomes more and more satisfactory and I feel richer for having given unconditionally. There are also constant good wishes that I receive from others.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 24-08-2012
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The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 2)
With reference to the sun and the earth (explained yesterday) - in certain situations and moments we need focus (like the sun), that is, a concentration of thought, will power and understanding. These three need to be together in one focused point if we are to reach depth and newness. However, if we become over-focused, then rigidity and pressure gradually set in. This subsequently leads to an imbalance that makes us lose our creativity and openness to new vision. Once we have learnt to focus, then it will require less effort and, eventually, the flow (like the earth) will become natural.
In focus, we find vision, inspiration and understanding, and in the flow, we find expression, experimentation and experience.
It is important not to over-flow, otherwise we get lost in a flood of over-thinking, over-speaking and over-doing. In such a state, there is no direction to guide the expression and things become unclear and delicate. At such a point, we need to recognize that it is time for focus again.
According to necessity, a human being needs to move between focus and flow and it is only through the ability to discriminate, that we can know when and how to do this. Everything has its time. We are eternal beings working in time, so we need to know the balance between focus - where we find truth and purpose - and the flow of time - where we find expression and experience.
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Message for the day 24-08-2012
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To have the spirit of sharing is to be constantly happy.
Expression: There are lots of resources in each one's life that can be shared with others. The more there is the consciousness of giving there is the ability to give and share these inner resources with others. New treasures are discovered and used for the benefit of all and also for the self.
Experience: There is constant satisfaction in my life when there is the spirit of giving. There are no expectations from others, but only an awareness of what I have. Life becomes more and more satisfactory and I feel richer for having given unconditionally. There are also constant good wishes that I receive from others.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 23-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 23-08-2012
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The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 1)
If we look at the sun and the earth, we appreciate a basic and fundamental law of life, which we as human beings can learn from, that is of great help in the right movement of life. By means of light, the sun gives life to the earth; in addition, the sun is fixed in its position (a symbol of focus) to enable the earth (a symbol of flow) and all the other planets of our solar system to continue in their rhythmic, harmonious orbit. Otherwise, there would be chaos, upheaval and great damage. The earth on the other hand, constantly moves in repetitive cycles around the sun. This movement allows for changes and expression on the earth, which have a beginning, middle and end. In other words, the phenomenon of time is created as a direct result of the earth's balanced and harmonious cyclic movements. Both the fixed position of the sun and the movement of the earth are necessary for life. The earth has all the potential for life but, without light from a fixed source, there would be no life. In the same way, the sun has the power to give life, but if the moving earth did not hold the potential, even with light, there would be no sustenance of life.
Tomorrow we shall explain how this fundamental law involving the sun and the earth can be applied to real life (the principle of focus and flow)…
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Message for the day 23-08-2012
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To listen to others fully is to be able to be free from repeating mistakes.
Expression: When there is criticism that comes one's way, it should be carefully analysed to see if there is any truth in it. If there is correction can be made accordingly. On the other hand, if others' criticism is ignored or there is a tendency to defend oneself, there cannot be any correction and mistakes are repeated.
Experience: When I listen to others with honesty, I am able to discover even the most negligible aspect in my behaviour which I can change. So I find myself constantly improving and progressing and moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the criticism that comes my way stops.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 23-08-2012
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The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 1)
If we look at the sun and the earth, we appreciate a basic and fundamental law of life, which we as human beings can learn from, that is of great help in the right movement of life. By means of light, the sun gives life to the earth; in addition, the sun is fixed in its position (a symbol of focus) to enable the earth (a symbol of flow) and all the other planets of our solar system to continue in their rhythmic, harmonious orbit. Otherwise, there would be chaos, upheaval and great damage. The earth on the other hand, constantly moves in repetitive cycles around the sun. This movement allows for changes and expression on the earth, which have a beginning, middle and end. In other words, the phenomenon of time is created as a direct result of the earth's balanced and harmonious cyclic movements. Both the fixed position of the sun and the movement of the earth are necessary for life. The earth has all the potential for life but, without light from a fixed source, there would be no life. In the same way, the sun has the power to give life, but if the moving earth did not hold the potential, even with light, there would be no sustenance of life.
Tomorrow we shall explain how this fundamental law involving the sun and the earth can be applied to real life (the principle of focus and flow)…
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Message for the day 23-08-2012
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To listen to others fully is to be able to be free from repeating mistakes.
Expression: When there is criticism that comes one's way, it should be carefully analysed to see if there is any truth in it. If there is correction can be made accordingly. On the other hand, if others' criticism is ignored or there is a tendency to defend oneself, there cannot be any correction and mistakes are repeated.
Experience: When I listen to others with honesty, I am able to discover even the most negligible aspect in my behaviour which I can change. So I find myself constantly improving and progressing and moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the criticism that comes my way stops.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 22-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 22-08-2012
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The Power To Face
Situations arise where it may not be enough to tolerate or accommodate, but where I need power to face very unpleasant and perhaps threatening realities. What we are talking about here, in effect, is courage. Meditation helps enormously.
First, the practice of the awareness of myself and others as eternal souls greatly reduces fear of death, an ever-present reality that we spend much time, money and mental and emotional energy trying to avoid. If soul-consciousness is firm enough, I'll have the absolute conviction that when someone dies, it's not that they are no more, just that they have moved further on their eternal journey. This faith makes it much easier to face the departure of someone close to me. It also removes much or all of the fear I might otherwise suffer about leaving my own body. I'll still value my life greatly - probably even more than before, because of having the burden of fear removed. But I won't let concern for the body stop me from facing what I must.
Secondly, meditation makes it easier for me to oppose evil. It does this by allowing me to differentiate clearly between the actor and the action. Spirituality helps me understand that the original qualities of every soul are peace, love, happiness and so I have no hatred in my heart for anyone. This helps me become fearless and stand firm against wrongdoing. With a clean heart, a clear understanding of good and evil, and connection with the divine, I am much more likely to have the faith and courage with which to stand up for what is right.
Thirdly, if the negative behaviour I am opposing activates negative tendencies within my own personality, the fight will soon wear me out and I'm unlikely to be victorious. Power absorbed from the Supreme in meditation helps me remain positive and above negative tendencies and hence face someone’s negative behavior and emerge victorious.
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Message for the day 22-08-2012
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To find reasons to be happy is to increase happiness.
Expression: When the mind searches for reasons to be sad and sorrowful, even situations with no great significance are seen with a vision of negativity. So there is constantly an expression of words and actions that reflect the need for sympathy and reassurance. On the other hand, when there is the search for happiness, then everything is positive giving happiness..
Experience: When I am happy, I start perceiving everything with that vision. It is like wearing coloured glasses. Whatever colour my glasses are, the whole world is coloured with it. Then, I am no longer able to perceive and recognize negativity and I am able to remain happy with everything.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 22-08-2012
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The Power To Face
Situations arise where it may not be enough to tolerate or accommodate, but where I need power to face very unpleasant and perhaps threatening realities. What we are talking about here, in effect, is courage. Meditation helps enormously.
First, the practice of the awareness of myself and others as eternal souls greatly reduces fear of death, an ever-present reality that we spend much time, money and mental and emotional energy trying to avoid. If soul-consciousness is firm enough, I'll have the absolute conviction that when someone dies, it's not that they are no more, just that they have moved further on their eternal journey. This faith makes it much easier to face the departure of someone close to me. It also removes much or all of the fear I might otherwise suffer about leaving my own body. I'll still value my life greatly - probably even more than before, because of having the burden of fear removed. But I won't let concern for the body stop me from facing what I must.
Secondly, meditation makes it easier for me to oppose evil. It does this by allowing me to differentiate clearly between the actor and the action. Spirituality helps me understand that the original qualities of every soul are peace, love, happiness and so I have no hatred in my heart for anyone. This helps me become fearless and stand firm against wrongdoing. With a clean heart, a clear understanding of good and evil, and connection with the divine, I am much more likely to have the faith and courage with which to stand up for what is right.
Thirdly, if the negative behaviour I am opposing activates negative tendencies within my own personality, the fight will soon wear me out and I'm unlikely to be victorious. Power absorbed from the Supreme in meditation helps me remain positive and above negative tendencies and hence face someone’s negative behavior and emerge victorious.
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Message for the day 22-08-2012
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To find reasons to be happy is to increase happiness.
Expression: When the mind searches for reasons to be sad and sorrowful, even situations with no great significance are seen with a vision of negativity. So there is constantly an expression of words and actions that reflect the need for sympathy and reassurance. On the other hand, when there is the search for happiness, then everything is positive giving happiness..
Experience: When I am happy, I start perceiving everything with that vision. It is like wearing coloured glasses. Whatever colour my glasses are, the whole world is coloured with it. Then, I am no longer able to perceive and recognize negativity and I am able to remain happy with everything.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 21-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 21-08-2012
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Living Life On The Surface
In an ideal situation, the thoughts that run in my mind, should be exactly those that I would like and I want. We do exert this control, that we possess, over our thoughts, but it is not complete and it is only sometimes. The more we become completely engrossed in our daily routine, the more our thoughts tend to become ‘reactions’ to what goes on outside us. That’s when they go out of control and our lives move in an unfocused way. As a result things don't work out as we might have desired. Then we develop a habit of blaming other people and circumstances, or we justify our pain by telling ourselves we are not very worthy or powerful enough. Often, these two inner strategies go together. The trouble is, both are cover ups, preventing us from going for a long-term solution.
In this way, we tend to live our lives on a very superficial level, without taking the time to find the solution to what is going on wrong inside. Deeper difficulties remain hidden inside. I move from one scene of life to another - eating, watching television, studying in college, getting married, changing jobs, buying a new car or house, etc. without ever stopping. All these are part of living, but if I make them my whole and sole, my foundation, it’s as if I skate across the surface of life without being in touch with the core. As time progresses, an inner shallowness develops. Then the feeling keeps growing inside that 'there must be more to life than this'. I then, find that my relationships are not working out as I would have hoped and they are lacking in depth.
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Message for the day 21-08-2012
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Every reaction to situations is a reflection of one's own self-respect.
Expression: To the extent that there is a high degree of self-respect, to that extent there is a positive response to even the most negative situations. If there is low self-respect, even the smallest situation brings forth a strong negative reaction. This reaction only makes matters worse.
Experience: When I am able to maintain my own self-respect even in the worst situation, I am able to have a hold, control over these situations. But if I have a low self-respect I continue to blame situations and use them as excuses to feel helpless. So I am not able to do anything about these situations and just continue to have negative feelings.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 21-08-2012
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Living Life On The Surface
In an ideal situation, the thoughts that run in my mind, should be exactly those that I would like and I want. We do exert this control, that we possess, over our thoughts, but it is not complete and it is only sometimes. The more we become completely engrossed in our daily routine, the more our thoughts tend to become ‘reactions’ to what goes on outside us. That’s when they go out of control and our lives move in an unfocused way. As a result things don't work out as we might have desired. Then we develop a habit of blaming other people and circumstances, or we justify our pain by telling ourselves we are not very worthy or powerful enough. Often, these two inner strategies go together. The trouble is, both are cover ups, preventing us from going for a long-term solution.
In this way, we tend to live our lives on a very superficial level, without taking the time to find the solution to what is going on wrong inside. Deeper difficulties remain hidden inside. I move from one scene of life to another - eating, watching television, studying in college, getting married, changing jobs, buying a new car or house, etc. without ever stopping. All these are part of living, but if I make them my whole and sole, my foundation, it’s as if I skate across the surface of life without being in touch with the core. As time progresses, an inner shallowness develops. Then the feeling keeps growing inside that 'there must be more to life than this'. I then, find that my relationships are not working out as I would have hoped and they are lacking in depth.
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Message for the day 21-08-2012
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Every reaction to situations is a reflection of one's own self-respect.
Expression: To the extent that there is a high degree of self-respect, to that extent there is a positive response to even the most negative situations. If there is low self-respect, even the smallest situation brings forth a strong negative reaction. This reaction only makes matters worse.
Experience: When I am able to maintain my own self-respect even in the worst situation, I am able to have a hold, control over these situations. But if I have a low self-respect I continue to blame situations and use them as excuses to feel helpless. So I am not able to do anything about these situations and just continue to have negative feelings.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, August 20, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 20-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 20-08-2012
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The Energy Of Faith
What we believe becomes reality. It has been said that faith can move mountains. The highest mountains are our negative thoughts, feelings and ideas, which block our capacity to rise beyond our limits.
Faith is the energy of understanding that enables us to realize anything is possible even if it is not visible in front of our eyes.
The success that comes from faith is closely linked with 'letting go'. It is only when we let go of what we are used to, or what we have learnt to depend on, that new perceptions and new possibilities will present themselves to us. All that is needed are a few basic facts and then we can take action. When we drive a car, do we insist on knowing how the engine works in detail before driving it? Do we know the mechanical details of a lift before we use it? Most people are only aware of the basic functions and this is all they need to carry out the action. However, they do have the faith that the car has been correctly constructed to do its job safely and that by pressing a few buttons the lift will raise them to wherever it is they want to go. In the modern life-style, there is a tendency to over-think, to want to control and direct every outcome, but such a life lacks spontaneity and simplicity.
Although we do need a framework, it must be flexible enough to allow space for the unexpected, the unpredictable and the great surprise. Such a space is the window through which the light of innovation can enter. When life is over-planned, we become cemented in, unable to grow, or flow, into new horizons. Faith allows us to realize that optimum results can happen without always having to structure or plan. Such faith is the basis for new vision and allows us to reach beyond our limits; because we believe we are more than what meets the eye. Such faith is the inspirational energy of every pioneer in whatever field.
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Message for the day 20-08-2012
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To recognise one's own fortune is to be constantly happy.
Expression: When there is an awareness of one's own fortune, there are no expectations from people and situations. Due to this I am able to recognise and use my own resources for my own benefit and also for the benefit of others. One's happiness also spreads out to the others and they too become happy.
Experience: When I recognise constantly my own fortune, I am able to make the best use of it. I constantly remain content and am able to move forward with happiness. I never become upset with the various unexpected situations that come my way, but am able to see them as test papers that will help me move on to the next step. So I never get tired of continuing to put in effort.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 20-08-2012
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The Energy Of Faith
What we believe becomes reality. It has been said that faith can move mountains. The highest mountains are our negative thoughts, feelings and ideas, which block our capacity to rise beyond our limits.
Faith is the energy of understanding that enables us to realize anything is possible even if it is not visible in front of our eyes.
The success that comes from faith is closely linked with 'letting go'. It is only when we let go of what we are used to, or what we have learnt to depend on, that new perceptions and new possibilities will present themselves to us. All that is needed are a few basic facts and then we can take action. When we drive a car, do we insist on knowing how the engine works in detail before driving it? Do we know the mechanical details of a lift before we use it? Most people are only aware of the basic functions and this is all they need to carry out the action. However, they do have the faith that the car has been correctly constructed to do its job safely and that by pressing a few buttons the lift will raise them to wherever it is they want to go. In the modern life-style, there is a tendency to over-think, to want to control and direct every outcome, but such a life lacks spontaneity and simplicity.
Although we do need a framework, it must be flexible enough to allow space for the unexpected, the unpredictable and the great surprise. Such a space is the window through which the light of innovation can enter. When life is over-planned, we become cemented in, unable to grow, or flow, into new horizons. Faith allows us to realize that optimum results can happen without always having to structure or plan. Such faith is the basis for new vision and allows us to reach beyond our limits; because we believe we are more than what meets the eye. Such faith is the inspirational energy of every pioneer in whatever field.
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Message for the day 20-08-2012
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To recognise one's own fortune is to be constantly happy.
Expression: When there is an awareness of one's own fortune, there are no expectations from people and situations. Due to this I am able to recognise and use my own resources for my own benefit and also for the benefit of others. One's happiness also spreads out to the others and they too become happy.
Experience: When I recognise constantly my own fortune, I am able to make the best use of it. I constantly remain content and am able to move forward with happiness. I never become upset with the various unexpected situations that come my way, but am able to see them as test papers that will help me move on to the next step. So I never get tired of continuing to put in effort.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 19-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 19-08-2012
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Are You Dependent On The Look Of The Other?
We have to trust that, being ourselves, we will be well-received and loved by the world. If we are here, why have we been incarnated on Earth? To satisfy the look of the other or to bring what is unique and exceptional in us? We all have two eyes, a nose and a mouth but no face is the same. We are all a being of conscious energy, a soul, but each one has a colour, an art, a creativity and something different to contribute. Let us trust in ourselves and use our talents to bring our difference.
You can be your best friend. Imagine that someone accompanies you in your life, values everything that you do and finds it to be great: what you do, what you say; you are the best; extraordinary; a shining being; a star. Now imagine that you have that person next to you day and night. How do you feel? On top form and you are fine. This happens in relationships. When someone loves you very much, they practically only think about you; they ring you, they send you text messages, maybe they write you letters or emails. You feel unique, special and loved. But this does not last forever and, nowadays, it lasts less and less. The difficulty is that if you depend on the look of the other to feel fine, sometimes you will be fine if the person looking at you does it well, but if not, you won't be fine. How do you look at yourself? This unconditional friend that loves you so much and that supports you is what you have inside. You can be your best friend. This gives you security and trust. If someone else likes you or doesn't like you and criticizes you, you won't collapse within because to be fine you do not depend on the look of the other.
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Message for the day 19-08-2012
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The way to be rid of waste thoughts is to maintain a powerful thought.
Expression: When the intellect is accomplished with powerful thoughts, waste thoughts cannot enter. Only when the intellect remains empty that there is place for waste thoughts to enter. To be busy with elevated thoughts is to keep the mind free from waste. All it needs is to turn on the switch of one powerful thought, then wastage finishes. This is just like a switch which brings light and finishes darkness. Then there is no wastage in words and actions too.
Experience: When I make the pracitce of keeping a single elevated thought in my intellect, I am able to be free from the bondage of wastage. I find that a lot of time and energy of mine is saved. Even when there is an external situation of conflict, chaos and confusion, there is no internal chaos and there is only power in my thoughts. So I make decisions easily and quickly and I enjoy all the situations that come my way.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 19-08-2012
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Are You Dependent On The Look Of The Other?
We have to trust that, being ourselves, we will be well-received and loved by the world. If we are here, why have we been incarnated on Earth? To satisfy the look of the other or to bring what is unique and exceptional in us? We all have two eyes, a nose and a mouth but no face is the same. We are all a being of conscious energy, a soul, but each one has a colour, an art, a creativity and something different to contribute. Let us trust in ourselves and use our talents to bring our difference.
You can be your best friend. Imagine that someone accompanies you in your life, values everything that you do and finds it to be great: what you do, what you say; you are the best; extraordinary; a shining being; a star. Now imagine that you have that person next to you day and night. How do you feel? On top form and you are fine. This happens in relationships. When someone loves you very much, they practically only think about you; they ring you, they send you text messages, maybe they write you letters or emails. You feel unique, special and loved. But this does not last forever and, nowadays, it lasts less and less. The difficulty is that if you depend on the look of the other to feel fine, sometimes you will be fine if the person looking at you does it well, but if not, you won't be fine. How do you look at yourself? This unconditional friend that loves you so much and that supports you is what you have inside. You can be your best friend. This gives you security and trust. If someone else likes you or doesn't like you and criticizes you, you won't collapse within because to be fine you do not depend on the look of the other.
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Message for the day 19-08-2012
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The way to be rid of waste thoughts is to maintain a powerful thought.
Expression: When the intellect is accomplished with powerful thoughts, waste thoughts cannot enter. Only when the intellect remains empty that there is place for waste thoughts to enter. To be busy with elevated thoughts is to keep the mind free from waste. All it needs is to turn on the switch of one powerful thought, then wastage finishes. This is just like a switch which brings light and finishes darkness. Then there is no wastage in words and actions too.
Experience: When I make the pracitce of keeping a single elevated thought in my intellect, I am able to be free from the bondage of wastage. I find that a lot of time and energy of mine is saved. Even when there is an external situation of conflict, chaos and confusion, there is no internal chaos and there is only power in my thoughts. So I make decisions easily and quickly and I enjoy all the situations that come my way.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 18-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 18-08-2012
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Self Empowerment
Meditation, in practice, means to enter, and re-enter, the reservoir of peace inside us whenever we need to during the course of the day. This exercise increases self-control and prevents the explosions and reactions of anger that drain our strength. The easy method is not to expect but to accept: then tolerance and respect make our life far more comfortable.
There may be many shadows and pollutants inside us, but usually our pain is centered around these: I own, I need, I want, mine and I expect. If we learn to recognize the characteristics of such a consciousness, we are in a position to overcome difficult situations and thoughts before they overwhelm us. We simply have to remain awake, and that state of alertness stops these shadows from overpowering us and making us unconscious.
Our needs and wants are truly fulfilled in a healthy way by tuning in to the original resources of the soul, because their fulfillment is not dependent on anyone, or anything from outside. When we sustain ourselves from the inside, then our well-being is secure and progressive. As a result, when we express and show our original qualities of the self to others, whether it is peace, happiness or love, they naturally increase inside. The more we give unconditionally, the more we have. This miracle of 'quality being' is the result of natural purity, the original state of selflessness, which God always has and good meditators aspire to return to.
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Message for the day 18-08-2012
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As is the consciousness, so are the thoughts, words and actions.
Expression: To have the right consciousness means to identify oneself with one's own specialities and powers and not to work with weaknesses. When there is such an elevated consciousness, then there is power in all thoughts, words and actions. Effort need not be put for specially making them powerful and effective. Even if they are tried to be made powerful without changing the consciousness the effort put goes in vain.
Experience: As I have a powerful consciousness and I am set firmly on this seat, no outside situation or person can disturb me or my internal state of mind. I am free from negative and waste and also from being ordinary. I am free from labouring and of having to fight with my thoughts in order to maintain the right thoughts. And I find that there is only speciality within. Others too are able to take benefit from this speciality.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 18-08-2012
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Self Empowerment
Meditation, in practice, means to enter, and re-enter, the reservoir of peace inside us whenever we need to during the course of the day. This exercise increases self-control and prevents the explosions and reactions of anger that drain our strength. The easy method is not to expect but to accept: then tolerance and respect make our life far more comfortable.
There may be many shadows and pollutants inside us, but usually our pain is centered around these: I own, I need, I want, mine and I expect. If we learn to recognize the characteristics of such a consciousness, we are in a position to overcome difficult situations and thoughts before they overwhelm us. We simply have to remain awake, and that state of alertness stops these shadows from overpowering us and making us unconscious.
Our needs and wants are truly fulfilled in a healthy way by tuning in to the original resources of the soul, because their fulfillment is not dependent on anyone, or anything from outside. When we sustain ourselves from the inside, then our well-being is secure and progressive. As a result, when we express and show our original qualities of the self to others, whether it is peace, happiness or love, they naturally increase inside. The more we give unconditionally, the more we have. This miracle of 'quality being' is the result of natural purity, the original state of selflessness, which God always has and good meditators aspire to return to.
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Message for the day 18-08-2012
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As is the consciousness, so are the thoughts, words and actions.
Expression: To have the right consciousness means to identify oneself with one's own specialities and powers and not to work with weaknesses. When there is such an elevated consciousness, then there is power in all thoughts, words and actions. Effort need not be put for specially making them powerful and effective. Even if they are tried to be made powerful without changing the consciousness the effort put goes in vain.
Experience: As I have a powerful consciousness and I am set firmly on this seat, no outside situation or person can disturb me or my internal state of mind. I am free from negative and waste and also from being ordinary. I am free from labouring and of having to fight with my thoughts in order to maintain the right thoughts. And I find that there is only speciality within. Others too are able to take benefit from this speciality.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, August 17, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 17-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 17-08-2012
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The Relationship Between The Soul And The Body – Explained With Interesting Examples
Human being means the consciousness, the soul or being (living energy), experiencing life through the physical body, the human (non-living). The body is perishable and temporary, whereas the soul is eternal and without physical dimension.
• The soul is the driver; the body is the car.
• The soul is the actor; the body is its costume.
• The soul is a diamond; the body is the jewelry box.
• The soul is the musician; the body is the instrument.
• The soul is the guest; the body is the hotel.
• The soul is the deity; the body is the temple.
I can use a knife to chop vegetables. I can use the same knife to kill someone. The knife neither decides (outwards) nor experiences (inwards), but can be washed easily under water. Now look at the fingers which held the knife. They neither decide nor experience the actions. They too can be washed under water. It's easy to realize that the knife is an instrument, but it is more difficult to realize that the fingers as well as the arms are instruments too. The legs are instruments for walking, the eyes for seeing, the ears for hearing, the mouth for speaking, the tongue for tasting, the heart for pumping food and oxygen (via blood) around the body, and so on. Even the brain is an instrument used like a computer to express all thought, word and action programs through the body and to experience the results. If every physical part of the body is an instrument, who or what is it that is using this instrument? Very simply it is "I", the self, the soul. The soul uses the word "I" for itself and the word "my" when referring to the body; my hands, my eyes, my brain, etc. I am different from my body.
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Message for the day 17-08-2012
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The one who is powerful finds one or the other means to finish waste.
Expression: Life brings lots of situations which naturally bring about waste thoughts. But the one who is powerful searches for ways and means to finish this waste. Such a person is like a skilled player who is waiting for an opportunity to give his best. So each situation is used as a means to use of all the resources in the right way. Even if there is one method that doesn't work, there is always a search for a new method to bring about the right solution.
Experience: When I am able to remain powerful even in the most difficult situation, I am able to recognise the powers that are within me and use them for overcoming that situation. I am never afraid of difficult situations, nor do I wish for life to be smooth without difficulties. Instead, I use each problem as a challenge to bring out the best from within me. So with each challenging situation, I find myself becoming more and more powerful.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 17-08-2012
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The Relationship Between The Soul And The Body – Explained With Interesting Examples
Human being means the consciousness, the soul or being (living energy), experiencing life through the physical body, the human (non-living). The body is perishable and temporary, whereas the soul is eternal and without physical dimension.
• The soul is the driver; the body is the car.
• The soul is the actor; the body is its costume.
• The soul is a diamond; the body is the jewelry box.
• The soul is the musician; the body is the instrument.
• The soul is the guest; the body is the hotel.
• The soul is the deity; the body is the temple.
I can use a knife to chop vegetables. I can use the same knife to kill someone. The knife neither decides (outwards) nor experiences (inwards), but can be washed easily under water. Now look at the fingers which held the knife. They neither decide nor experience the actions. They too can be washed under water. It's easy to realize that the knife is an instrument, but it is more difficult to realize that the fingers as well as the arms are instruments too. The legs are instruments for walking, the eyes for seeing, the ears for hearing, the mouth for speaking, the tongue for tasting, the heart for pumping food and oxygen (via blood) around the body, and so on. Even the brain is an instrument used like a computer to express all thought, word and action programs through the body and to experience the results. If every physical part of the body is an instrument, who or what is it that is using this instrument? Very simply it is "I", the self, the soul. The soul uses the word "I" for itself and the word "my" when referring to the body; my hands, my eyes, my brain, etc. I am different from my body.
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Message for the day 17-08-2012
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The one who is powerful finds one or the other means to finish waste.
Expression: Life brings lots of situations which naturally bring about waste thoughts. But the one who is powerful searches for ways and means to finish this waste. Such a person is like a skilled player who is waiting for an opportunity to give his best. So each situation is used as a means to use of all the resources in the right way. Even if there is one method that doesn't work, there is always a search for a new method to bring about the right solution.
Experience: When I am able to remain powerful even in the most difficult situation, I am able to recognise the powers that are within me and use them for overcoming that situation. I am never afraid of difficult situations, nor do I wish for life to be smooth without difficulties. Instead, I use each problem as a challenge to bring out the best from within me. So with each challenging situation, I find myself becoming more and more powerful.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 16-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 16-08-2012
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Overcoming The Subtle Desire For Revenge
Ask yourself very honestly how many times in your life did you feel joy, even a slight trace of it, when something negative happened with someone who had harmed you or hurt you or insulted you in any way in the past – either in the immediate or distant (far-away) past. When this kind of joy, which is an impure form of joy, is seen inside you, even if it is at your extremely subtle thought level (if not in your words or actions), you need to remember that this is nothing but a feeling of ‘subtle revenge’, even if physically you haven’t got back at any point of time at the person who has harmed you, when he did so. It may not sound very nice, but this kind of joy is enjoying the pain of others and is obviously an extremely low grade form of joy. Sometimes, as a way of justifying our joyful revenge, we call it justice.
The driving energy or fuel behind this kind of revenge is hatred or anger. It is a feeling of: "I really enjoyed it when ‘when what they had done to me came to them’ - I was so happy to see them suffer for what they had done, this is their punishment … tit for tat." It is a type of joy that only increases our accounts of negative karmas with the other person, which as a result, increases our sorrow, instead of decreasing it, although it may give us an impression for a while that it is decreasing our sorrow. This kind of joy will only cause the radiation of a negative form of energy to the other person, which will not only give pain to the other person, but will also cause the radiation of the negative energy of hatred from the other person to us that will never bring us long term joy. Imagine someone meeting with an accident on the road and in a lot of pain and instead of helping that person immediately we smile at that person happy with what has happened to him or her. What energy will such a person send us in return? This example is on a physical level, but the same principle applies on a subtle level. So the next time something like this happens in our life, we need to remind ourselves only if we don’t have the slightest trace of joy inside us that we can safely say that we are free from any desire for revenge, even though it may be very subtle.
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Message for the day 16-08-2012
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To look at and appreciate specialties is to become special.
Expression: Life constantly offers opportunities to look at specialties. The one who has the habit of looking at these specialties is able to imbibe these specialties within himself. He is able to become more special with looking at only specialties constantly. So also, the one who looks at others' weaknesses subconsciously imbibes those weaknesses within himself. And these weaknesses are expressed in one's actions too.
Experience: When I form a habit of looking only at specialties, I am able to become richer. My personality changes positively as I have imbibed the habit of looking only at the positive aspects of the others. Also for having looked at others' specialties I find that others also begin to look at my specialties. Thus I am able to win the love and regard of all, and I become truly special.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 16-08-2012
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Overcoming The Subtle Desire For Revenge
Ask yourself very honestly how many times in your life did you feel joy, even a slight trace of it, when something negative happened with someone who had harmed you or hurt you or insulted you in any way in the past – either in the immediate or distant (far-away) past. When this kind of joy, which is an impure form of joy, is seen inside you, even if it is at your extremely subtle thought level (if not in your words or actions), you need to remember that this is nothing but a feeling of ‘subtle revenge’, even if physically you haven’t got back at any point of time at the person who has harmed you, when he did so. It may not sound very nice, but this kind of joy is enjoying the pain of others and is obviously an extremely low grade form of joy. Sometimes, as a way of justifying our joyful revenge, we call it justice.
The driving energy or fuel behind this kind of revenge is hatred or anger. It is a feeling of: "I really enjoyed it when ‘when what they had done to me came to them’ - I was so happy to see them suffer for what they had done, this is their punishment … tit for tat." It is a type of joy that only increases our accounts of negative karmas with the other person, which as a result, increases our sorrow, instead of decreasing it, although it may give us an impression for a while that it is decreasing our sorrow. This kind of joy will only cause the radiation of a negative form of energy to the other person, which will not only give pain to the other person, but will also cause the radiation of the negative energy of hatred from the other person to us that will never bring us long term joy. Imagine someone meeting with an accident on the road and in a lot of pain and instead of helping that person immediately we smile at that person happy with what has happened to him or her. What energy will such a person send us in return? This example is on a physical level, but the same principle applies on a subtle level. So the next time something like this happens in our life, we need to remind ourselves only if we don’t have the slightest trace of joy inside us that we can safely say that we are free from any desire for revenge, even though it may be very subtle.
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Message for the day 16-08-2012
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To look at and appreciate specialties is to become special.
Expression: Life constantly offers opportunities to look at specialties. The one who has the habit of looking at these specialties is able to imbibe these specialties within himself. He is able to become more special with looking at only specialties constantly. So also, the one who looks at others' weaknesses subconsciously imbibes those weaknesses within himself. And these weaknesses are expressed in one's actions too.
Experience: When I form a habit of looking only at specialties, I am able to become richer. My personality changes positively as I have imbibed the habit of looking only at the positive aspects of the others. Also for having looked at others' specialties I find that others also begin to look at my specialties. Thus I am able to win the love and regard of all, and I become truly special.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 15-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 15-08-2012
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The Law of Expectation
In our relationships with others, it is good to want the best: "I hope you do very well, I am sending you my positive energy and this is my way of encouraging you and giving you courage. However, if you don't achieve what I think you are capable of, I will not feel frustrated. I will not be dependent on you satisfying my expectations, but I will always want the best for you."
If you have faith and confidence that something will happen, it is a prophecy that must come true. The expectations we have of someone, whether negative or positive, do have an effect on the person we are relating to.
Many investigations into this question confirm the influence that the expectations of educators have, both in the performance and in the behaviour of their students. Everything points to the conclusion that the teacher's expectations form one of the most influential factors in the academic performance of their students. If a teacher expects good results from their students, their performance will be much closer to their real capacity than if their teacher is expecting poor results.
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Message for the day 15-08-2012
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To make use of situations in a positive way is to experience constant progress
Expression: Each and every situation comes with a hidden blessing – a hidden opportunity. It of course brings challenges, challenges that could bring out the best potential from within. But the one who is caught up with only weaknesses never gets a chance to use these challenging situations as opportunities. On the other hand, the one who uses his potential is able to be from his weaknesses also.
Experience: When I am able to use all situations as opportunities to recognise and use my inner potential, I am able to be free from the influence of my weaknesses. This freedom gives me the ability to enjoy this moment without filling the mind with unnecessary doubts and questions. It gives the ability to bring about progress in my life, whatever the circumstance may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 15-08-2012
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The Law of Expectation
In our relationships with others, it is good to want the best: "I hope you do very well, I am sending you my positive energy and this is my way of encouraging you and giving you courage. However, if you don't achieve what I think you are capable of, I will not feel frustrated. I will not be dependent on you satisfying my expectations, but I will always want the best for you."
If you have faith and confidence that something will happen, it is a prophecy that must come true. The expectations we have of someone, whether negative or positive, do have an effect on the person we are relating to.
Many investigations into this question confirm the influence that the expectations of educators have, both in the performance and in the behaviour of their students. Everything points to the conclusion that the teacher's expectations form one of the most influential factors in the academic performance of their students. If a teacher expects good results from their students, their performance will be much closer to their real capacity than if their teacher is expecting poor results.
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Message for the day 15-08-2012
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To make use of situations in a positive way is to experience constant progress
Expression: Each and every situation comes with a hidden blessing – a hidden opportunity. It of course brings challenges, challenges that could bring out the best potential from within. But the one who is caught up with only weaknesses never gets a chance to use these challenging situations as opportunities. On the other hand, the one who uses his potential is able to be from his weaknesses also.
Experience: When I am able to use all situations as opportunities to recognise and use my inner potential, I am able to be free from the influence of my weaknesses. This freedom gives me the ability to enjoy this moment without filling the mind with unnecessary doubts and questions. It gives the ability to bring about progress in my life, whatever the circumstance may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 14-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 14-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 3)
In order to have a wider perception and not to drown in any negative situation i.e. not to get affected by it, you can position yourself in a positive way. Instead of losing respect for the self and developing a negative consciousness, if you make your consciousness positive and stabilize yourself in respect towards yourself, in maintaining your positive and powerful self-esteem and a healthy distance (not necessarily physical distance, but rather by not letting the situation absorb you), you will be able to have an eagle's vision. From above, everything looks smaller. It is easier to get over something small. You can. “I am a victorious soul” or “I am a destroyer of obstacles” are examples of positive consciousness.
Whatever happens, it is important to always be aware that you create your thoughts and you allow the situations to have greater or lesser impact inside you, according to how you see them. Learn to create thoughts full of courage, trust and determination. Spirituality and the practice of meditation helps you do just that. Those thoughts, charged with positive energy, will help you to allow each situation to pass; to really overcome it and leave it behind; for it not to remain alive in your thoughts or in your memory. With the power of a mind that creates thoughts full of good energy, wherever you go, you will create a pleasant atmosphere. Your vibrations will create spaces full of beauty, love, trust and peacefulness; spaces where all those who enter will remove their masks and will connect again with their true self.
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Message for the day 14-08-2012
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To change means to experience progress.
Expression: Whenever there is a desire to bring about a change, there is also a simultaneous intense feeling to find a change instantly – and fully. Yet this does not always happen. However, true change is that in which there is at least a little change. When there is constant effort put in to be better and to do better, then naturally the best results are visible, even if there is not perfection seen overnight.
Experience: When I bring about a change constantly, in whatever little way I can, I am able to experience constant progress. I do not have great expectations, but will be satisfied with the little changes that I make and will have the confidence to go on putting in effort. Even with the little results that I attain I will be able to take encouragement constantly. I am thus able to move on towards perfection.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 14-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 3)
In order to have a wider perception and not to drown in any negative situation i.e. not to get affected by it, you can position yourself in a positive way. Instead of losing respect for the self and developing a negative consciousness, if you make your consciousness positive and stabilize yourself in respect towards yourself, in maintaining your positive and powerful self-esteem and a healthy distance (not necessarily physical distance, but rather by not letting the situation absorb you), you will be able to have an eagle's vision. From above, everything looks smaller. It is easier to get over something small. You can. “I am a victorious soul” or “I am a destroyer of obstacles” are examples of positive consciousness.
Whatever happens, it is important to always be aware that you create your thoughts and you allow the situations to have greater or lesser impact inside you, according to how you see them. Learn to create thoughts full of courage, trust and determination. Spirituality and the practice of meditation helps you do just that. Those thoughts, charged with positive energy, will help you to allow each situation to pass; to really overcome it and leave it behind; for it not to remain alive in your thoughts or in your memory. With the power of a mind that creates thoughts full of good energy, wherever you go, you will create a pleasant atmosphere. Your vibrations will create spaces full of beauty, love, trust and peacefulness; spaces where all those who enter will remove their masks and will connect again with their true self.
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Message for the day 14-08-2012
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To change means to experience progress.
Expression: Whenever there is a desire to bring about a change, there is also a simultaneous intense feeling to find a change instantly – and fully. Yet this does not always happen. However, true change is that in which there is at least a little change. When there is constant effort put in to be better and to do better, then naturally the best results are visible, even if there is not perfection seen overnight.
Experience: When I bring about a change constantly, in whatever little way I can, I am able to experience constant progress. I do not have great expectations, but will be satisfied with the little changes that I make and will have the confidence to go on putting in effort. Even with the little results that I attain I will be able to take encouragement constantly. I am thus able to move on towards perfection.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, August 13, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 13-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 13-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 2)
The challenge lies in knowing what the strategy is to learn to live through negative situations without allowing them to influence our emotional and mental state.
In order to achieve that, in the first place, we should change our interpretation. Instead of interpreting the situation as an obstruction, interference or barrier to our path, we need to change our perception. We can ask ourselves questions like: What has this situation taught me? What does it say to me? Remain detached, observe and listen before reacting immediately. From detachment, observation and listening we can have a more practical and wider perception.
We are the creators of our realities. Reality, in itself, does not create for us stress, pain or unhappiness. It is our way of looking and interpretation of reality that brings about these reactions. Therefore, we have to review how we perceive situations and with what beliefs we interpret and judge them. Reinterpreting the situation, the concrete reality, implies allowing the old perception to die in order to make room for a new vision. Without the old dying, the new cannot be built correctly. Instead of seeing people or situations as obstacles on the path, we can see them as opportunities to practice patience and tolerance, to know how to listen, thank and love. They allow us to widen our capacity to co-operate and enlarge our heart so that we might be more generous.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 13-08-2012
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To be fully responsible is to inspire responsibility in others.
Expression: When there is true responsibility, there will be freedom given to others too to be responsible. Ones ideas are not forced on to others but there is full freedom for others to make their own choice. Support and guidance of course are given and people are able to become independent and responsible.
Experience: When I have learnt to take up the responsibility of my own life, I am able to become self-sufficient and independent and also constantly be available for those around me to become independent and responsible too. There are enough resources in me for those around to take benefit from.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 13-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 2)
The challenge lies in knowing what the strategy is to learn to live through negative situations without allowing them to influence our emotional and mental state.
In order to achieve that, in the first place, we should change our interpretation. Instead of interpreting the situation as an obstruction, interference or barrier to our path, we need to change our perception. We can ask ourselves questions like: What has this situation taught me? What does it say to me? Remain detached, observe and listen before reacting immediately. From detachment, observation and listening we can have a more practical and wider perception.
We are the creators of our realities. Reality, in itself, does not create for us stress, pain or unhappiness. It is our way of looking and interpretation of reality that brings about these reactions. Therefore, we have to review how we perceive situations and with what beliefs we interpret and judge them. Reinterpreting the situation, the concrete reality, implies allowing the old perception to die in order to make room for a new vision. Without the old dying, the new cannot be built correctly. Instead of seeing people or situations as obstacles on the path, we can see them as opportunities to practice patience and tolerance, to know how to listen, thank and love. They allow us to widen our capacity to co-operate and enlarge our heart so that we might be more generous.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 13-08-2012
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To be fully responsible is to inspire responsibility in others.
Expression: When there is true responsibility, there will be freedom given to others too to be responsible. Ones ideas are not forced on to others but there is full freedom for others to make their own choice. Support and guidance of course are given and people are able to become independent and responsible.
Experience: When I have learnt to take up the responsibility of my own life, I am able to become self-sufficient and independent and also constantly be available for those around me to become independent and responsible too. There are enough resources in me for those around to take benefit from.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 12-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 12-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 1)
There are periods of life in which it seems to us that there is someone or something who gets in the way of our path. Circumstances, instead of going in our favor, go against us. They are barriers that make it difficult for us to reach our objectives; they are interruptions that prevent us from feeling satisfied; they are situations that seem to reduce our feelings of success.
When we find ourselves with these scenes that appear to block our progress towards the aims and objectives that we have set out for ourselves, we tend to have negative thoughts; we feel anger and rage, or we feel sad and unenthusiastic, as if we don't have the strength to either overcome or transform the situation. Rather it is the situation that overcomes or overpowers us and leaves us exhausted. Some people are not prepared for this to happen and put all their strength into fighting the situation. They do so with feelings of anger, revenge and injustice. Often it becomes a process that wastes their energies and leaves them exhausted, without achieving a true solution.
It is possible to live through situations without them causing such an emotional energy loss. That does not mean that we become cold and insensitive to what happens around us. It is a question of living through situations without drowning into them. If we drown ourselves in them we won't be able to help others or ourselves. We will be lost, like the shipwrecked, at the mercy of the waves, the tides and the winds. We will have lost the control of the steering wheel of our ship – our life.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 12-08-2012
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Words that do not give courage are waste.
Expression: When someone is facing a problem, if the words are not those that give courage to the one facing the problem, then such words are wasted. There would be no use of speaking such words. In fact, to speak such words is to discourage the other person further. So when attention is paid to speak only those words that are for the benefit of all there is a positive and a powerful impact on others.
Experience: Even when I keep attention on a simple thing like speaking only positive words, or words that bring benefit to others, I find myself having only powerful thoughts and words. I am neither discouraged by others' behaviour nor will I ever discourage others. I continue to have faith in others and allow this faith to colour my words and actions. So I find that there is benefit in whatever I speak.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 12-08-2012
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Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (Part 1)
There are periods of life in which it seems to us that there is someone or something who gets in the way of our path. Circumstances, instead of going in our favor, go against us. They are barriers that make it difficult for us to reach our objectives; they are interruptions that prevent us from feeling satisfied; they are situations that seem to reduce our feelings of success.
When we find ourselves with these scenes that appear to block our progress towards the aims and objectives that we have set out for ourselves, we tend to have negative thoughts; we feel anger and rage, or we feel sad and unenthusiastic, as if we don't have the strength to either overcome or transform the situation. Rather it is the situation that overcomes or overpowers us and leaves us exhausted. Some people are not prepared for this to happen and put all their strength into fighting the situation. They do so with feelings of anger, revenge and injustice. Often it becomes a process that wastes their energies and leaves them exhausted, without achieving a true solution.
It is possible to live through situations without them causing such an emotional energy loss. That does not mean that we become cold and insensitive to what happens around us. It is a question of living through situations without drowning into them. If we drown ourselves in them we won't be able to help others or ourselves. We will be lost, like the shipwrecked, at the mercy of the waves, the tides and the winds. We will have lost the control of the steering wheel of our ship – our life.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 12-08-2012
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Words that do not give courage are waste.
Expression: When someone is facing a problem, if the words are not those that give courage to the one facing the problem, then such words are wasted. There would be no use of speaking such words. In fact, to speak such words is to discourage the other person further. So when attention is paid to speak only those words that are for the benefit of all there is a positive and a powerful impact on others.
Experience: Even when I keep attention on a simple thing like speaking only positive words, or words that bring benefit to others, I find myself having only powerful thoughts and words. I am neither discouraged by others' behaviour nor will I ever discourage others. I continue to have faith in others and allow this faith to colour my words and actions. So I find that there is benefit in whatever I speak.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 11-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 11-08-2012
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Characteristics Of The World Stage
There are three things that we all have in common;
awareness - of ourselves and others
relationships - the sharing and exchange of energy with others
creativity - the ability to produce thoughts, ideas, concepts and feelings and express them.
The purpose of our life is nothing more than living life itself - to be self-aware (awareness), to be creative, to express ourselves to our highest potential (creativity) and to exchange the energy of love with those around us (relationships). But this cannot happen in the incorporeal, silent home of the soul (commonly called paramdham or shantidham). These characteristics of life require action, a costume (physical body) through which to express ourselves and a stage on which to act. The physical world provides the stage on which we can move, bring to life, create, relate and express all that is within us. For each of us the possibilities are infinite.
The moment we take birth in a physical form, we are constantly doing one of three things: acting, reacting, or interacting - sometimes all three together.
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Message for the day 11-08-2012
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To have a positive outlook is to remain in peace.
Expression: The more one hears and talks about positive things, the more one is able to be free from negative influences. The environment today doesn't give much of a chance for hearing to positivity because of the continuous flow of news about conflict and violence. But changing the theme of conversation and talking about what life gives is to change the responses to the world in a more positive way.
Experience: When I have a positive outlook, it creates in me hope and enthusiasm for the future. I also have a more positive view of the present reality. I remain in peace, whatever the challenges or negative situations I may have to face. I am able to be in touch with the inner peace and maintain this state of mind under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 11-08-2012
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Characteristics Of The World Stage
There are three things that we all have in common;
awareness - of ourselves and others
relationships - the sharing and exchange of energy with others
creativity - the ability to produce thoughts, ideas, concepts and feelings and express them.
The purpose of our life is nothing more than living life itself - to be self-aware (awareness), to be creative, to express ourselves to our highest potential (creativity) and to exchange the energy of love with those around us (relationships). But this cannot happen in the incorporeal, silent home of the soul (commonly called paramdham or shantidham). These characteristics of life require action, a costume (physical body) through which to express ourselves and a stage on which to act. The physical world provides the stage on which we can move, bring to life, create, relate and express all that is within us. For each of us the possibilities are infinite.
The moment we take birth in a physical form, we are constantly doing one of three things: acting, reacting, or interacting - sometimes all three together.
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Message for the day 11-08-2012
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To have a positive outlook is to remain in peace.
Expression: The more one hears and talks about positive things, the more one is able to be free from negative influences. The environment today doesn't give much of a chance for hearing to positivity because of the continuous flow of news about conflict and violence. But changing the theme of conversation and talking about what life gives is to change the responses to the world in a more positive way.
Experience: When I have a positive outlook, it creates in me hope and enthusiasm for the future. I also have a more positive view of the present reality. I remain in peace, whatever the challenges or negative situations I may have to face. I am able to be in touch with the inner peace and maintain this state of mind under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, August 10, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 10-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 10-08-2012
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What Is True Love? (A Spiritual Perspective)
Emotional love can flower into true love when the fire of emotions cools down and is substituted by a wiser and more mature relationship. True love needs a fresh and renewing atmosphere, without fears. When you feel spiritually full, you feel flowing over with pleasure, happiness, wellbeing, and that state helps you to accept the one whom you love as they are, because from your fullness you give and share and you don't need or expect anything from the other. While you need something that you want the other to satisfy, you will have expectations and the fear that those needs might not be satisfied, and you will get frustrated more easily. When you feel like a being of peace, a being of love, a tranquil being, a being that is spiritually full and satisfied, your relationship with others is a relationship of sharing on a level on which fear is not generated. You are not asking for or taking anything from the other. An elevated sharing of love, of happiness, of knowledge, of wisdom takes place, in which you do not generate a dependency on the other.
Attachments and dependencies, fears and insecurity, block our experience of love, of peace, serenity, freedom, happiness. When you have a feeling of love that takes you to a state of joy, to wholeness, but then you attach yourself to the object of your love, be it a person, or a property, automatically the feeling changes into fear: you fear to lose the object of your love and, instead of feeling wholeness and enjoyment, you feel fear. Over time that attachment turns into a dependency and you start to become inwardly empty: that is, your energy level goes down. Love in its purest form is a like a spring that pours forth for the benefit of others. Learn the art of loving, being free and allowing to be. Pure, true, love is an unconditional love that flows freely. Do not cling (hold on to). Love does not cling.
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Message for the day 10-08-2012
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Cooperation creates space for learning and growth.
Expression: The one who cooperates and inspires cooperation is able to create a conducive environment for the progress of all. To inspire cooperation means to be able to relate to the positivity in those around. Relating to the positive aspect naturally inspires others to use their specialities for the success of the task. Their good wishes for the task too emerge very naturally.
Experience: Since I am able to relate to others' positivity, I find myself enriched with it. I subconsciously imbibe what I perceive. I get a chance and a space to learn and progress. The journey towards success in itself is a joyful experience and there is harmony in working with others. Thus I find success too easy to achieve as there is the contribution of each one's speciality for the task.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 10-08-2012
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What Is True Love? (A Spiritual Perspective)
Emotional love can flower into true love when the fire of emotions cools down and is substituted by a wiser and more mature relationship. True love needs a fresh and renewing atmosphere, without fears. When you feel spiritually full, you feel flowing over with pleasure, happiness, wellbeing, and that state helps you to accept the one whom you love as they are, because from your fullness you give and share and you don't need or expect anything from the other. While you need something that you want the other to satisfy, you will have expectations and the fear that those needs might not be satisfied, and you will get frustrated more easily. When you feel like a being of peace, a being of love, a tranquil being, a being that is spiritually full and satisfied, your relationship with others is a relationship of sharing on a level on which fear is not generated. You are not asking for or taking anything from the other. An elevated sharing of love, of happiness, of knowledge, of wisdom takes place, in which you do not generate a dependency on the other.
Attachments and dependencies, fears and insecurity, block our experience of love, of peace, serenity, freedom, happiness. When you have a feeling of love that takes you to a state of joy, to wholeness, but then you attach yourself to the object of your love, be it a person, or a property, automatically the feeling changes into fear: you fear to lose the object of your love and, instead of feeling wholeness and enjoyment, you feel fear. Over time that attachment turns into a dependency and you start to become inwardly empty: that is, your energy level goes down. Love in its purest form is a like a spring that pours forth for the benefit of others. Learn the art of loving, being free and allowing to be. Pure, true, love is an unconditional love that flows freely. Do not cling (hold on to). Love does not cling.
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Message for the day 10-08-2012
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Cooperation creates space for learning and growth.
Expression: The one who cooperates and inspires cooperation is able to create a conducive environment for the progress of all. To inspire cooperation means to be able to relate to the positivity in those around. Relating to the positive aspect naturally inspires others to use their specialities for the success of the task. Their good wishes for the task too emerge very naturally.
Experience: Since I am able to relate to others' positivity, I find myself enriched with it. I subconsciously imbibe what I perceive. I get a chance and a space to learn and progress. The journey towards success in itself is a joyful experience and there is harmony in working with others. Thus I find success too easy to achieve as there is the contribution of each one's speciality for the task.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 09-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 09-08-2012
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Rajyoga Meditation For Beginners
Let us practise the steps of Rajyoga meditation:
1. I hold in my mind the words Om Shanti, ‘I am a peaceful soul’: Let us reflect on this statement, or mantra. A mantra is something that frees the mind from wasteful and negative thoughts, stress and worry. A mantra is usually repeated over and over again in order to get the desired results. However, in meditation it is not a matter of repeating words over and over again without truly understanding them. Otherwise it becomes forced concentration. Concentration of the mind should be natural because, when it is so, the mind can remain in a state of peace and relaxation for a very long time. The result of this is a recharging of the battery of the self, a renewal of energy from inside.
How do we achieve this state of natural concentration on the thought, I am a spiritual being, I am a peaceful being.
2. I reflect on 'OM’; the consciousness of I am.
What does I am mean? In this thought, the attention is drawn only to the present moment. I have no need to go into I was, I will be, I hope to be or I should be. To go deep into the self, I need to be completely in the present. This thought of 'I am' takes me into the consciousness of self-realisation.
3. I focus and concentrate on the thought until I stop thinking about it and experience it.
These are the primary steps of silence and must be mastered correctly.
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Message for the day 09-08-2012
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To be wise is to enjoy the beauty of life.
Expression: Wisdom gives the understanding that life does not function haphazardly. It teaches that everything that happens in this theatre of life has deep meaning and significance. Wisdom also brings the understanding that what is reaped today is a result of what was sown yesterday. So whatever actions are done now are filled with positivity and beauty - for, there is always the desire to reap better fruits.
Experience: When I have the true understanding I find myself satisfied and content with everything that is happening in my life. Yet there is the desire and the urge to go on being creative and using my resources for the benefit of all. I go on planting beautiful seeds of positivity and power. So I continue to enjoy the fruits of the seeds I plant. I never stop with obstacles but move forward with confidence.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 09-08-2012
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Rajyoga Meditation For Beginners
Let us practise the steps of Rajyoga meditation:
1. I hold in my mind the words Om Shanti, ‘I am a peaceful soul’: Let us reflect on this statement, or mantra. A mantra is something that frees the mind from wasteful and negative thoughts, stress and worry. A mantra is usually repeated over and over again in order to get the desired results. However, in meditation it is not a matter of repeating words over and over again without truly understanding them. Otherwise it becomes forced concentration. Concentration of the mind should be natural because, when it is so, the mind can remain in a state of peace and relaxation for a very long time. The result of this is a recharging of the battery of the self, a renewal of energy from inside.
How do we achieve this state of natural concentration on the thought, I am a spiritual being, I am a peaceful being.
2. I reflect on 'OM’; the consciousness of I am.
What does I am mean? In this thought, the attention is drawn only to the present moment. I have no need to go into I was, I will be, I hope to be or I should be. To go deep into the self, I need to be completely in the present. This thought of 'I am' takes me into the consciousness of self-realisation.
3. I focus and concentrate on the thought until I stop thinking about it and experience it.
These are the primary steps of silence and must be mastered correctly.
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Message for the day 09-08-2012
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To be wise is to enjoy the beauty of life.
Expression: Wisdom gives the understanding that life does not function haphazardly. It teaches that everything that happens in this theatre of life has deep meaning and significance. Wisdom also brings the understanding that what is reaped today is a result of what was sown yesterday. So whatever actions are done now are filled with positivity and beauty - for, there is always the desire to reap better fruits.
Experience: When I have the true understanding I find myself satisfied and content with everything that is happening in my life. Yet there is the desire and the urge to go on being creative and using my resources for the benefit of all. I go on planting beautiful seeds of positivity and power. So I continue to enjoy the fruits of the seeds I plant. I never stop with obstacles but move forward with confidence.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 08-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 08-08-2012
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Uprooting The Emotion Of Worry From The Consciousness (Part 2)
In yesterday’s message, we had explained how worry is the wrong use of the imaginative capacity of the mind and intellect. On the other hand, imagining possible positive outcomes or results will have a double effect of not only keeping the negative outcomes away from us (even if there is a possibility of them occurring), but will also attract the positive results towards us. But to ensure that both these processes happen, it’s important not to attach possible negative results to the same, even to the minutest extent, otherwise the probability of positive futures becoming a reality reduces. Worrying is another word for this attachment process.
Worry is a type of mental habit, which arises from the belief that it’s good to worry. This belief gets acquired during our childhood. And then it keeps getting strengthened from our life experiences. We start from this belief. That attracts negative circumstances; as a result the belief gets strengthened further, because you think that with life full of so many negative circumstances, it’s important to think of negative outcomes beforehand. You don’t realize that these negative situations occurred in the first place largely due to this belief. When we are faced with a negative situation, again we worry because we hold that belief. Again it’s the same result. In this way, we are caught in a vicious cycle. How do we come out of this cycle? By changing this belief to – ‘it’s not good to worry’. Once we do that, there is no guarantee that negative situations will completely stop arising in our life, because we have performed negative actions in the past (either in this birth or past births), which need to be settled in our present, but the extent of negative situations will be minimized. And even if they do come, they will bid goodbye sooner, if we have a worry-free consciousness.
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Message for the day 08-08-2012
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The breath of a true life is enthusiasm.
Expression: To live life, to live each moment with enthusiasm is to really live life. The quality of life, the quality of the work done, the quality of relationships, everything is enriched through enthusiasm. Where there is enthusiasm there is maximum recognition and usage of everything available. Enthusiasm spreads to others too, gives them the courage to do their best and enrich their lives.
Experience: When I am enthusiastic, I am able to enjoy everything that comes my way. The biggest obstacle seems like a game for me, and I pass it by easily, without experiencing any difficulty. Confidence builds up in me and gives me the courage to be the best in all I do. I slowly increase my own potential and steadily move on towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 08-08-2012
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Uprooting The Emotion Of Worry From The Consciousness (Part 2)
In yesterday’s message, we had explained how worry is the wrong use of the imaginative capacity of the mind and intellect. On the other hand, imagining possible positive outcomes or results will have a double effect of not only keeping the negative outcomes away from us (even if there is a possibility of them occurring), but will also attract the positive results towards us. But to ensure that both these processes happen, it’s important not to attach possible negative results to the same, even to the minutest extent, otherwise the probability of positive futures becoming a reality reduces. Worrying is another word for this attachment process.
Worry is a type of mental habit, which arises from the belief that it’s good to worry. This belief gets acquired during our childhood. And then it keeps getting strengthened from our life experiences. We start from this belief. That attracts negative circumstances; as a result the belief gets strengthened further, because you think that with life full of so many negative circumstances, it’s important to think of negative outcomes beforehand. You don’t realize that these negative situations occurred in the first place largely due to this belief. When we are faced with a negative situation, again we worry because we hold that belief. Again it’s the same result. In this way, we are caught in a vicious cycle. How do we come out of this cycle? By changing this belief to – ‘it’s not good to worry’. Once we do that, there is no guarantee that negative situations will completely stop arising in our life, because we have performed negative actions in the past (either in this birth or past births), which need to be settled in our present, but the extent of negative situations will be minimized. And even if they do come, they will bid goodbye sooner, if we have a worry-free consciousness.
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Message for the day 08-08-2012
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The breath of a true life is enthusiasm.
Expression: To live life, to live each moment with enthusiasm is to really live life. The quality of life, the quality of the work done, the quality of relationships, everything is enriched through enthusiasm. Where there is enthusiasm there is maximum recognition and usage of everything available. Enthusiasm spreads to others too, gives them the courage to do their best and enrich their lives.
Experience: When I am enthusiastic, I am able to enjoy everything that comes my way. The biggest obstacle seems like a game for me, and I pass it by easily, without experiencing any difficulty. Confidence builds up in me and gives me the courage to be the best in all I do. I slowly increase my own potential and steadily move on towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 07-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 07-08-2012
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Uprooting The Emotion Of Worry From The Consciousness (Part 1)
What is a good definition of ‘worry’? Worry is a process of imagining the worst possible outcome or result or future in a particular situation and creating a living and active image of it in front of the eye of your mind, and then using the energy of that negative image to flow inside your consciousness so as to completely overpower or weaken your spiritual and as a result your physical self to evoke fear in the self.
When people are asked about this process, a person who is attached to this process and is involved in the process very regularly the whole day in different types of situations, one who is a habitual worrier, responds "But it’s important t0 worry, it’s good to worry. If we don’t think of different possible negative outcomes, how will we prepare for them?" It’s important to realize that the belief, that by worrying, we prepare for the worst in the future is a false one. This belief causes us not to realize the truth that all worry is simply an incorrect and fruitless creation. It is a wrong use of the positive, constructive and imaginative capacity of our mind and intellect which, instead of empowering the mind and intellect, weakens it. Preparing for the future is important and necessary, but very often while doing that, we enter the territory of worry, which leaves us, defeated or weakened. There is an extremely fine line between proactive preparation (necessary preparation in advance) on the one hand and worry on the other. The preparation can be done without creating an excessive number of possible negative outcomes in the mind.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 07-08-2012
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The biggest gift is the gift of virtues.
Expression: Through out the day, each individual is involved in a series of activities. A simple thought to give the gift of virtues makes even ordinary actions special. Each act becomes special and the fragrance of this speciality spreads around and touches the lives of others too. Such an individual is able to contribute to every task with his own speciality and bring success in the task too.
Experience: When I am able to express and give the gift of my virtues, I am able to attain satisfaction with whatever I get to do. This satisfaction brings in me the inner urge to contribute some more. I achieve success outwardly too since I have actually been able to experience inner success. My relations with others are also harmonious and whatever task I do along with the others brings a productive result.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 07-08-2012
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Uprooting The Emotion Of Worry From The Consciousness (Part 1)
What is a good definition of ‘worry’? Worry is a process of imagining the worst possible outcome or result or future in a particular situation and creating a living and active image of it in front of the eye of your mind, and then using the energy of that negative image to flow inside your consciousness so as to completely overpower or weaken your spiritual and as a result your physical self to evoke fear in the self.
When people are asked about this process, a person who is attached to this process and is involved in the process very regularly the whole day in different types of situations, one who is a habitual worrier, responds "But it’s important t0 worry, it’s good to worry. If we don’t think of different possible negative outcomes, how will we prepare for them?" It’s important to realize that the belief, that by worrying, we prepare for the worst in the future is a false one. This belief causes us not to realize the truth that all worry is simply an incorrect and fruitless creation. It is a wrong use of the positive, constructive and imaginative capacity of our mind and intellect which, instead of empowering the mind and intellect, weakens it. Preparing for the future is important and necessary, but very often while doing that, we enter the territory of worry, which leaves us, defeated or weakened. There is an extremely fine line between proactive preparation (necessary preparation in advance) on the one hand and worry on the other. The preparation can be done without creating an excessive number of possible negative outcomes in the mind.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 07-08-2012
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The biggest gift is the gift of virtues.
Expression: Through out the day, each individual is involved in a series of activities. A simple thought to give the gift of virtues makes even ordinary actions special. Each act becomes special and the fragrance of this speciality spreads around and touches the lives of others too. Such an individual is able to contribute to every task with his own speciality and bring success in the task too.
Experience: When I am able to express and give the gift of my virtues, I am able to attain satisfaction with whatever I get to do. This satisfaction brings in me the inner urge to contribute some more. I achieve success outwardly too since I have actually been able to experience inner success. My relations with others are also harmonious and whatever task I do along with the others brings a productive result.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, August 06, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 06-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 06-08-2012
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Rising Above The Expectation Of Praise From Others
Sometimes, we get offended or ill almost on purpose in order to receive special treatment. Out of a lack of self-esteem and insecurity, we depend on the appreciation and affection of the other, for them to value us, praise us and always to speak kindly to us. Even though they have given us many signs of appreciation, if for a few days they give us none, our inner world or our self-esteem collapses. We become dependent on what others do, or don't do, in relation to us, whether or not they nourish our self-esteem, and then what happens? We are always waiting for the other to give us something when in reality we can give it to ourselves.
Spirituality makes us experience our internal treasures of bliss, happiness, love and power. It makes us aware that we are givers, emitters and radiators of these qualities rather than takers. This consciousness helps us rise up above the above discussed dependencies and remain seated, stable on our throne of self-respect.
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Message for the day 06-08-2012
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The one who is responsible is the one who constantly has good wishes.
Expression: To be responsible means to recognise the importance of one's own role. That means there is the understanding that others' transformation is dependent on one's own transformation. When there is the recognition of one's responsibility, there is naturally alertness. This alertness brings good wishes for even the ones who are not being positive.
Experience: When I am able to maintain good feelings for all those I come into contact with me, I find my relations gradually improving. I also find that I am ready to take up the challenge of changing myself before I can think of changing others. Due to this, others continue to take inspiration from me and bring about a change in themselves too.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 06-08-2012
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Rising Above The Expectation Of Praise From Others
Sometimes, we get offended or ill almost on purpose in order to receive special treatment. Out of a lack of self-esteem and insecurity, we depend on the appreciation and affection of the other, for them to value us, praise us and always to speak kindly to us. Even though they have given us many signs of appreciation, if for a few days they give us none, our inner world or our self-esteem collapses. We become dependent on what others do, or don't do, in relation to us, whether or not they nourish our self-esteem, and then what happens? We are always waiting for the other to give us something when in reality we can give it to ourselves.
Spirituality makes us experience our internal treasures of bliss, happiness, love and power. It makes us aware that we are givers, emitters and radiators of these qualities rather than takers. This consciousness helps us rise up above the above discussed dependencies and remain seated, stable on our throne of self-respect.
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Message for the day 06-08-2012
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The one who is responsible is the one who constantly has good wishes.
Expression: To be responsible means to recognise the importance of one's own role. That means there is the understanding that others' transformation is dependent on one's own transformation. When there is the recognition of one's responsibility, there is naturally alertness. This alertness brings good wishes for even the ones who are not being positive.
Experience: When I am able to maintain good feelings for all those I come into contact with me, I find my relations gradually improving. I also find that I am ready to take up the challenge of changing myself before I can think of changing others. Due to this, others continue to take inspiration from me and bring about a change in themselves too.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 05-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 05-08-2012
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Detached Observation – A Spiritual Skill
Detachment is the basis of our ability to be positive and affectionate with others while we interact with them. This is what is known as commitment and the relationship of detachment and it begins with what is known as a spiritual skill: the skill of being a detached observer.
On needs to be a detached observer in two dimensions: one within and one outside:
The inner art of detached observation is the ability of separating ourselves from our own thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behavior. On the external level, the art of detached observation is the art of being witness to the scenes that take place around us. While we detach ourselves and observe how the game of life develops, without being active participants, we are able to see the "big picture" with greater clarity. That makes it easier to see clearly what role we have to play and where our contribution lies. We are creators, and our thoughts, emotions and attitudes are our own work.
In reality, detached observation is the first step towards personal strengthening. If we don't manage to detach ourselves from our thoughts and emotions, they will turn into our owners and will consume our energy.
For the practice of meditation it is essential that you act as a witness of everything you think and feel, and, once some time has passed, you will find that the practice simultaneously frees you and offers power.
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Message for the day 05-08-2012
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To finish waste questions is to find a solution.
Expression: When a difficult situation comes up there are waste questions in the mind either about the past or about the future. Questions like 'why did it happen like this?' or 'What will happen now?' are very common. But to keep the mind busy with waste questions is to block it from using its capability of finding solutions. On the other hand, to finish waste questions, means to keep the mind free for finding solutions.
Experience: When I keep my mind free from waste questions, I am able to be alert and find the right answer to every problem. I have the confidence and I know that every problem has a solution. When I keep my mind in the present by freeing myself of waste questions, I am able to quickly and easily find the solution and find myself moving towards success even in all challenging situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 05-08-2012
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Detached Observation – A Spiritual Skill
Detachment is the basis of our ability to be positive and affectionate with others while we interact with them. This is what is known as commitment and the relationship of detachment and it begins with what is known as a spiritual skill: the skill of being a detached observer.
On needs to be a detached observer in two dimensions: one within and one outside:
The inner art of detached observation is the ability of separating ourselves from our own thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behavior. On the external level, the art of detached observation is the art of being witness to the scenes that take place around us. While we detach ourselves and observe how the game of life develops, without being active participants, we are able to see the "big picture" with greater clarity. That makes it easier to see clearly what role we have to play and where our contribution lies. We are creators, and our thoughts, emotions and attitudes are our own work.
In reality, detached observation is the first step towards personal strengthening. If we don't manage to detach ourselves from our thoughts and emotions, they will turn into our owners and will consume our energy.
For the practice of meditation it is essential that you act as a witness of everything you think and feel, and, once some time has passed, you will find that the practice simultaneously frees you and offers power.
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Message for the day 05-08-2012
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To finish waste questions is to find a solution.
Expression: When a difficult situation comes up there are waste questions in the mind either about the past or about the future. Questions like 'why did it happen like this?' or 'What will happen now?' are very common. But to keep the mind busy with waste questions is to block it from using its capability of finding solutions. On the other hand, to finish waste questions, means to keep the mind free for finding solutions.
Experience: When I keep my mind free from waste questions, I am able to be alert and find the right answer to every problem. I have the confidence and I know that every problem has a solution. When I keep my mind in the present by freeing myself of waste questions, I am able to quickly and easily find the solution and find myself moving towards success even in all challenging situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 04-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 04-08-2012
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Experiencing And Maintaining A State Of Contentment
To reach, experience and maintain a state of contentment or fulfillment you have to first realize what true freedom is and then learn how to use it so that it strengthens you and also helps you to achieve the full potential of your individual self. Freedom is the key to contentment. You also need to check what brings you close to the state of fulfillment and what takes you away from it. Fears of different kinds are one of the main obstacles in experiencing contentment. Any weakness, inability to apply any virtue or spiritual power required in any situation, lack of focus, inner instability, etc. will cause a leakage of the energy of positivity that is required to feel content. Free yourself of any personality trait that hinders your progress and does not allow your inner being to manifest itself and express itself with all its potential. To live in contentment, you should be in charge of your inner mental and emotional world. If not, you will only be able to experience temporary periods of fulfillment.
To achieve fulfillment you not only have to have inner control, but you also need to check whether there is any door open to allow any weakness to enter the room of your personality. Because if you strengthen yourself on the one hand and on the other you are weakened, you will never reach the desired state of inner power. E.g. you keep a bucket of water under a tap of water. If it has even a single crack, however much water you pour into the bucket, it will never get filled completely. In the same way, this can happen to you. Because of this, you need to check, which cracks are present in your personality through which there are leaks of energy, because of which your efforts to become content do not give you the results you hope for.
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Message for the day 04-08-2012
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To be a master means not to be cheated by one's own weaknesses.
Expression: When there is any weakness working within me it means that the internal power is not working at that time. To be a master means there is total control over all the internal powers. Whether it is the power of concentration, or the power to decide or the power to be stable, whatever power is required is used according to the right time. So no weakness is expressed but only inner strength is revealed.
Experience: When I am able to use all my powers at the right time, I experience mastery – over situations and over others. But most of all I find that I am a master of myself and my own feelings and emotions. I am always in control of my emotions, however challenging the situations outside may be. So I find that I am never cheated by my weaknesses.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 04-08-2012
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Experiencing And Maintaining A State Of Contentment
To reach, experience and maintain a state of contentment or fulfillment you have to first realize what true freedom is and then learn how to use it so that it strengthens you and also helps you to achieve the full potential of your individual self. Freedom is the key to contentment. You also need to check what brings you close to the state of fulfillment and what takes you away from it. Fears of different kinds are one of the main obstacles in experiencing contentment. Any weakness, inability to apply any virtue or spiritual power required in any situation, lack of focus, inner instability, etc. will cause a leakage of the energy of positivity that is required to feel content. Free yourself of any personality trait that hinders your progress and does not allow your inner being to manifest itself and express itself with all its potential. To live in contentment, you should be in charge of your inner mental and emotional world. If not, you will only be able to experience temporary periods of fulfillment.
To achieve fulfillment you not only have to have inner control, but you also need to check whether there is any door open to allow any weakness to enter the room of your personality. Because if you strengthen yourself on the one hand and on the other you are weakened, you will never reach the desired state of inner power. E.g. you keep a bucket of water under a tap of water. If it has even a single crack, however much water you pour into the bucket, it will never get filled completely. In the same way, this can happen to you. Because of this, you need to check, which cracks are present in your personality through which there are leaks of energy, because of which your efforts to become content do not give you the results you hope for.
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Message for the day 04-08-2012
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To be a master means not to be cheated by one's own weaknesses.
Expression: When there is any weakness working within me it means that the internal power is not working at that time. To be a master means there is total control over all the internal powers. Whether it is the power of concentration, or the power to decide or the power to be stable, whatever power is required is used according to the right time. So no weakness is expressed but only inner strength is revealed.
Experience: When I am able to use all my powers at the right time, I experience mastery – over situations and over others. But most of all I find that I am a master of myself and my own feelings and emotions. I am always in control of my emotions, however challenging the situations outside may be. So I find that I am never cheated by my weaknesses.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, August 03, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 03-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 03-08-2012
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Meditation To Experience My Inner Beauty
Experience the following thoughts one after the other:
I sit in a relaxed position, I am comfortable…
I let my body relax, keeping my back straight, my legs supported comfortably on the floor, I breathe deeply...
Now I begin to carefully observe my mind…
What kinds of thoughts arise in my mind? Are they positive, negative? How are they moving? Slow, fast...
I carefully observe my mind and remember that I can choose my thoughts…
Consciously, I begin to redirect my thoughts...
I create positive thoughts about myself...
I think about my good qualities, I identify a specific quality that is special to me and which I feel makes me a unique being…
Perhaps the quality is being tolerant, sweet, patient or affectionate…
I create a space in my inner self to discover my best quality, and for a few moments I think about it…
In my mind I see the beauty of this quality and observe how I feel...
I am sweet, I am kind, and as I experience these special qualities, I begin to feel better about myself…
Now I imagine using this quality in my interactions with others. How do I feel when I express and put this quality into practice?
Using a quality makes me grow, at the same time the good feelings I have about myself as a unique human being also makes me grow…
I enjoy these feelings for a few moments and little by little, breathing deeply, I am aware that I am here; I express my inner beauty…
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Message for the day 03-08-2012
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There is magic in each day for those who have the eyes to see.
Expression: The ones who are happy, always find something new. Even in the most ordinary and routine situations, they are able to find something interesting. So they are able to use everything that is with them in the best possible way. They are the ones who bring newness with enthusiasm and make the best use of the resources available.
Experience: When I have the eyes to see the magic of each day, I have the ability to appreciate even small beautiful things of life. I constantly find myself content with whatever is happening and whatever I attain in my life. My contentment also brings creativity and I am able to experience progress by making use of all that is with me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 03-08-2012
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Meditation To Experience My Inner Beauty
Experience the following thoughts one after the other:
I sit in a relaxed position, I am comfortable…
I let my body relax, keeping my back straight, my legs supported comfortably on the floor, I breathe deeply...
Now I begin to carefully observe my mind…
What kinds of thoughts arise in my mind? Are they positive, negative? How are they moving? Slow, fast...
I carefully observe my mind and remember that I can choose my thoughts…
Consciously, I begin to redirect my thoughts...
I create positive thoughts about myself...
I think about my good qualities, I identify a specific quality that is special to me and which I feel makes me a unique being…
Perhaps the quality is being tolerant, sweet, patient or affectionate…
I create a space in my inner self to discover my best quality, and for a few moments I think about it…
In my mind I see the beauty of this quality and observe how I feel...
I am sweet, I am kind, and as I experience these special qualities, I begin to feel better about myself…
Now I imagine using this quality in my interactions with others. How do I feel when I express and put this quality into practice?
Using a quality makes me grow, at the same time the good feelings I have about myself as a unique human being also makes me grow…
I enjoy these feelings for a few moments and little by little, breathing deeply, I am aware that I am here; I express my inner beauty…
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Message for the day 03-08-2012
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There is magic in each day for those who have the eyes to see.
Expression: The ones who are happy, always find something new. Even in the most ordinary and routine situations, they are able to find something interesting. So they are able to use everything that is with them in the best possible way. They are the ones who bring newness with enthusiasm and make the best use of the resources available.
Experience: When I have the eyes to see the magic of each day, I have the ability to appreciate even small beautiful things of life. I constantly find myself content with whatever is happening and whatever I attain in my life. My contentment also brings creativity and I am able to experience progress by making use of all that is with me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 02-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 02-08-2012
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The Power To Co-operate (cont.)
The more I practice meditation, and develop and live with the consciousness that I am a non-physical soul, a being of light, the quicker the ego associated with all the physical factors (explained yesterday) melts away. Coloring myself with the Supreme or God's company, I see others as the children of the Supreme Soul. I know myself as part of the family of human souls who have the same original qualities as me. In soul-consciousness, there is no way I can feel superior to others, though I'll value their specialties. We are brothers - equal yet different.
In this consciousness, a natural humility or egolessness develops, a genuine respect for each other. There is a strength and happiness in the awareness of being a child of God, but I'll see others also as the same. There is neither the ego of feeling superior, nor the inverted ego of an inferiority complex. I am not negating myself, I am recognizing the value of the self, but I'm also appreciating the value and qualities of all others around me. In that spirit of mutual respect, it becomes easy to work together.
The future of the world and the transformation of the planet actually depend on this transformation in each one of us, from ego and self-glorification to humility, respect and co-operation. Meditation, by lifting me beyond the factors that divide us, makes me deeply aware that we are one family, sharing one home, this beautiful planet, for which we have a common responsibility. In the awareness of where we are, and to whom we belong, there also comes the recognition of what we as a family must do together - create a world which is filled with the virtues of the Supreme Soul, by first imbibing those virtues inside us.
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Message for the day 02-08-2012
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The first step of courage is to consider oneself fortunate at every step.
Expression: The one who is courageous never has a doubt of being fortunate. Even if there are difficult situations and challenges, the faith of being fortunate never fades away. This faith enables such a person to recognise and use the available resources in a worthwhile way. Even during difficult situations, there is never a need to stop as faith gives courage to move on.
Experience: When I consider myself to be fortunate I never experience fear inspite of difficult situations. I am always happy with whatever is happening. Along with it I also have the enthusiasm to make effort to better the situation. I never worry but am able to enjoy each and every moment and make the best use of it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 02-08-2012
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The Power To Co-operate (cont.)
The more I practice meditation, and develop and live with the consciousness that I am a non-physical soul, a being of light, the quicker the ego associated with all the physical factors (explained yesterday) melts away. Coloring myself with the Supreme or God's company, I see others as the children of the Supreme Soul. I know myself as part of the family of human souls who have the same original qualities as me. In soul-consciousness, there is no way I can feel superior to others, though I'll value their specialties. We are brothers - equal yet different.
In this consciousness, a natural humility or egolessness develops, a genuine respect for each other. There is a strength and happiness in the awareness of being a child of God, but I'll see others also as the same. There is neither the ego of feeling superior, nor the inverted ego of an inferiority complex. I am not negating myself, I am recognizing the value of the self, but I'm also appreciating the value and qualities of all others around me. In that spirit of mutual respect, it becomes easy to work together.
The future of the world and the transformation of the planet actually depend on this transformation in each one of us, from ego and self-glorification to humility, respect and co-operation. Meditation, by lifting me beyond the factors that divide us, makes me deeply aware that we are one family, sharing one home, this beautiful planet, for which we have a common responsibility. In the awareness of where we are, and to whom we belong, there also comes the recognition of what we as a family must do together - create a world which is filled with the virtues of the Supreme Soul, by first imbibing those virtues inside us.
----------------------------------------------------------
Message for the day 02-08-2012
----------------------------------------------------------
The first step of courage is to consider oneself fortunate at every step.
Expression: The one who is courageous never has a doubt of being fortunate. Even if there are difficult situations and challenges, the faith of being fortunate never fades away. This faith enables such a person to recognise and use the available resources in a worthwhile way. Even during difficult situations, there is never a need to stop as faith gives courage to move on.
Experience: When I consider myself to be fortunate I never experience fear inspite of difficult situations. I am always happy with whatever is happening. Along with it I also have the enthusiasm to make effort to better the situation. I never worry but am able to enjoy each and every moment and make the best use of it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 01-08-2012
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Soul Sustenance 01-08-2012
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The Power To Co-operate
In India, there is a saying that when everyone gave a finger of co-operation, the mountain of sorrow was lifted. If we look with open eyes at the world of today, and at current social, financial and environmental trends, it's clear that there is widespread suffering and sorrow, that it is likely to get worse, and that to remove this sorrow will be a task like lifting a mountain. Meditation ignites a conviction inside us that the task will be done. Although we have such different backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and so on; meditation shapes our personalities in such a way that it becomes easy for us to share our resources, work together, and give our own finger of co-operation in the task.
The way meditation achieves this is interesting. Look at the other side - at what prevents co-operation: it is ego, where I am in a state of self-glorification, hungry for personal praise or fame, and not concerned about the wellbeing of the team. In ego, I think I am the only one who knows, the one who is right. Ego kills co-operation. Ego is closely connected to body-consciousness. An enormous 'I and my' factor comes in when I think of myself as this body, and lose sight of the soul. My race, my color, my gender, my physical appearance, my education, my family, my job, my position, my possessions - all these become part of the build-up of ego. Working with others with co-operation, who may at any moment challenge my ego with their own different agendas and needs, then becomes stressful.
(To be continued tomorrow ....)
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Message for the day 01-08-2012
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To have love for God means to have love for all.
Expression: When there is love for God, there will be automatically love for all human beings, the children of the One God. There will be recognition of the speciality of all who come into contact and so words and actions will be beneficial both for one self and others. There will not be love for only some or love only sometimes.
Experience: When I am connected with the seed, God, I naturally find myself becoming an instrument for God's love reaching out and touching the lives of others. I will not have love only for a few people, but will have equal love for all. I will then be in a position to help others too, to get rid of their negativity.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Soul Sustenance 01-08-2012
----------------------------------------------------------
The Power To Co-operate
In India, there is a saying that when everyone gave a finger of co-operation, the mountain of sorrow was lifted. If we look with open eyes at the world of today, and at current social, financial and environmental trends, it's clear that there is widespread suffering and sorrow, that it is likely to get worse, and that to remove this sorrow will be a task like lifting a mountain. Meditation ignites a conviction inside us that the task will be done. Although we have such different backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and so on; meditation shapes our personalities in such a way that it becomes easy for us to share our resources, work together, and give our own finger of co-operation in the task.
The way meditation achieves this is interesting. Look at the other side - at what prevents co-operation: it is ego, where I am in a state of self-glorification, hungry for personal praise or fame, and not concerned about the wellbeing of the team. In ego, I think I am the only one who knows, the one who is right. Ego kills co-operation. Ego is closely connected to body-consciousness. An enormous 'I and my' factor comes in when I think of myself as this body, and lose sight of the soul. My race, my color, my gender, my physical appearance, my education, my family, my job, my position, my possessions - all these become part of the build-up of ego. Working with others with co-operation, who may at any moment challenge my ego with their own different agendas and needs, then becomes stressful.
(To be continued tomorrow ....)
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Message for the day 01-08-2012
----------------------------------------------------------
To have love for God means to have love for all.
Expression: When there is love for God, there will be automatically love for all human beings, the children of the One God. There will be recognition of the speciality of all who come into contact and so words and actions will be beneficial both for one self and others. There will not be love for only some or love only sometimes.
Experience: When I am connected with the seed, God, I naturally find myself becoming an instrument for God's love reaching out and touching the lives of others. I will not have love only for a few people, but will have equal love for all. I will then be in a position to help others too, to get rid of their negativity.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Posted by
Brahma Kumaris
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