Brahma Kumaris: February 2017

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 28-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 28-02-2017
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A Message From God (Part 2)

“As you had been playing your part on the world stage for a very long time, your purity and power slowly started to reduce. You forgot your own self and thought you were the body you were wearing and thus lust, anger, ego, attachment and greed came into your interactions. The love and harmony which was there amongst you was lost and you started cheating and fighting with each other. When you experienced pain and sorrow, you started calling out to me. You started looking for me, you had forgotten that I, your Father, stays in the soul world. You started looking for me in your own world. You had a faint memory that I like you, am a being of light, so you started building temples, where you made a symbol of my form to remember me.

Also, the world saw some pure children come to your world to guide you like - Mohammed, Jesus Christ, Gautam Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak. They came to teach you the right way of living. They reminded you of me and they came to connect you to me.

As time passed, you got divided in the name of religion, nationalities, caste and creed. You, my sweet children, started waging wars in my name. You built temples of your ancestors, the divine souls who had lived in your world in the Golden and Silver Age (or Heaven) - Shri Lakshmi Narayan, Shri Ram Sita …. You built temples to glorify them and you started looking for me in them. As your cries increased, your search for me became more intense. You even looked for me in nature. Some of you dedicated your life to search for me, but still could not find me. Some of you got so entangled in your world of science and technology that you even believed that I did not exist. This was the Copper Age (Dwaparyuga) and Iron Age (Kaliyuga).”

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 28-02-2017
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The one who fulfills promises with determination is the one who overcome all problems.

Projection:When I see some weakness working within me I usually make a promise to myself with a lot of enthusiasm. But if I face even a little opposition or difficulty in fulfilling this promise, I tend to lose hope and usually give up trying altogether.

Solution: In order to bring about a change in me and fulfill my promise, I need to use the virtue of determination. Every time I find myself becoming careless in it, I need to remind myself strongly of the importance of the promise that I had made. Then I will be able to win over all the obstacles that come my way in bringing my thoughts and words to actions.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, February 27, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 27-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 27-02-2017
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A Message From God (Part 1)

We all talk to God … in our prayers … hymns … and rituals. We thank Him for everything He has given us … we praise Him for His powers … we ask Him for help … we ask Him to forgive us for our sins … we talk to Him everyday … but have we paused to listen to what He has to say to us. This message from God can connect you to the one you have been looking for … can give you all that you ever wanted … let’s listen to Him …

“My sweetest children, you have all heard about me, read about me. But now the time has come for me to talk to you directly, to tell you the truth you have been looking for. Before I tell you about myself, let me remind you about yourself. Sweet children, you are not who you think you are – name, religion, profession, relationship … you are not even this body which you see. You are a pure being of consciousness, a tiny sparkling star of living energy, which uses the body to play many roles. You are a pure, peaceful, loveful, powerful soul.

Before coming into this world, you all lived in your home … the soul world … a land of complete silence and purity. But you, my sweet children, had to play your role on this earth, for which you left your home and came into this world. When you came to this world you were complete, perfect and divine. Each of you got a perfect physical costume to wear and this world was a perfect world … a world of divinity, love and prosperity, called Paradise, Heaven, Swarg, Jannat, Bahist … When your body would get old, you would just change and wear a new physical costume and continue to play your role. More and more children from home joined you in this world. You all were enjoying this world of happiness, called the Golden Age (Satyuga) and Silver Age (Tretayuga).”

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 27-02-2017
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The one who is free from desire is the one who is able to maintain positivity.

Projection:When I put forth my ideas to others I expect them to listen to me. My idea changes to desire and when it is not accepted I then tend to become irritated. And along with it also comes jealousy or dislike for the others and I find myself caught up in negativity.

Solution: I need to make sure that I share my ideas with others but at the same time I need to keep myself free from any selfish motive. When I put forth my idea in a detached way, I too will be open to learning and I will be able to accept any criticism or rejectance that comes my way. Thus I will be free from negativity.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 26-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 26-02-2017
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Enhancing Your Will Power Through Fasting

Fasting Strengthens Our Will Power And Enhances Self Discipline Which Helps In Soul Cleansing.

Almost all faiths and traditions advocate fasting as a tool to spiritual upliftment. Most of us today find ourselves saying that we cannot live without mobiles, the internet, a car, an AC, coffee, etc. At such times, the days of fasting make us aware of our own strength and will power which we are not using. Fasting creates a disciplined regime and self control which takes us on a path of higher consciousness. The discipline of fasting teaches us that once we create a determined thought, nothing is impossible. As we practice fasting on a physical level, we can also do it on a mental level. It is only a decision. We can decide that for a few days we will choose peace instead of anger, in every situation.

In every faith, the fast is not just purely for a few minutes or hours but for weeks or even a month or more, because it takes time to realize, appreciate and sustain changes at a deep-rooted level. During any fast it is important to give attention to intention. Are we doing it because our religion says we must do it; everyone is doing it so we must do it; have been doing it every year; to appease God; if we don't do it we will be punished... If it is any of these or similar intentions, then pause and consciously change the intention to a higher purpose. We do it so that it gives us the strength to connect to God, and to clean our self of our weaknesses of ego, anger, greed, jealousy and pain. Let us choose one sanskar of ours today, and let us make a firm resolve that for a few days we will abstain from it - irritation, criticism, anger... and use instead a sanskar of patience, appreciation, love. If we are holding any hurt or animosity, now is the time, create one powerful thought - Past is Passed, it's over. Forgiveness is the message of every religion, so let us follow religion. All religions teach love and unity, so let go of every negative thought. Let us not just cleanse our body, but cleanse the mind also. Religion gave us the tradition of fasting, so that it comes as a reminder for us to take out time for soul cleansing.

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Message for the day 26-02-2017
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The power of posititivity helps finish all negativity.

Projection:When I am faced with negativity in people or in situations, I too usually tend to have negative thoughts. When my mind is caught up with negativity of any kind-fear, anger or tension, I cannot think anything positive. I then find myself totally caught up in the situation finding no solution.

Solution: The only way to finish negativity is to work with positivity. I need to make a conscious effort to look at some positive aspect in the situation or person with whom I am facing difficulty. When I do this I can relate to them with this positivity which will slowly make the situation better again.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 25-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 25-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 6)

In yesterday’s message, we had explained how spiritual wisdom is the key to using spiritual strength in a particular situation which is required to use a certain power out of the eight main powers. In this message, which is the last part of this message series, we explain how we fill ourselves with spiritual strength because only wisdom is not enough to experience success in a particular situation. Spiritual wisdom will be incomplete without spiritual strength and will be like an axe without a sharp edge.

Spiritual strength is filled in the soul over a long period of time. It requires the practice of meditation, which is the only way a soul can empower itself after it has lost most of its powers in the cycle of birth and rebirth. Meditation, as taught at the Brahma Kumaris, is a technique of connecting the mind using thought power and intellect using visualization power, together with God. God is the Supreme Source of spiritual strength. In meditation, we take little steps of creating thoughts in the mind and creating mental images in the intellect. As a result, in a few minutes we reach a stage of higher consciousness of the realization of the soul and then God, the Supreme Soul which is the final step. Of course, after reaching an experience of a realization of the Supreme Soul, one needs to remain in that experience, which is a face-to-face deep connection with God. In this His power enters the soul and the soul is strengthened. So, this taking in of power or absorption of spiritual strength over a period of time naturally fills the soul with the eight powers. The 8 powers are the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate. It is important to note that in meditation we use the mind and intellect of the soul to connect with the Almighty source. As a result, spiritual power gets filled in the sanskaras of the soul. In this way, we become a master almighty or a spiritually powerful child of God, full of all the eight powers.

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Message for the day 25-02-2017
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The right kind of support makes people independent.

Projection:When I provide help and support to others, sometimes I find that they become dependent on me. They continue to expect the same kind of support that they had got from me before, when I am not in a position to give. Then my good gesture becomes a bondage or difficulty for me.

Solution: When I am providing help to someone, I need to check the kind of help that I am providing. True help is to provide assistance in such a way that slowly the person learns to rely on his own resources and becomes independent. Then there will be no expectations from me.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, February 24, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 24-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 24-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 5)

In yesterday's message, we had explained the importance of the first step of the day as a step of determination and the effect it has on the entire day after that. But it is important to note that along with determination we also need spiritual strength and wisdom to bring the eight powers into practice. Strength is the inner ability of the soul to emerge and bring these powers into action. Wisdom on the other hand is to know which power is required and when and is the key to making the strength work i.e. bringing the power into actual action. Both wisdom and strength are of equal importance.

Wisdom is learnt through the medium of spirituality. It includes the complete knowledge of the soul and how it works. Along with that the knowledge of karma which in short is the law of action and reaction. This means every good or bad karma causes a similar result, which the soul has to experience in the form of joy and sorrow. Also, a relationship with God and the knowledge of that as well as the knowledge of who is God and how we can connect with Him and fill ourselves with the eight powers. Along with that the knowledge of the world drama and how we come into the cycle of birth and rebirth and lose our eight powers and how we can regain them. Of course, lastly the knowledge of the eight powers and their practical use in day-to-day life. All these aspects of spirituality and their complete knowledge is spiritual wisdom. To attain wisdom, you do not need to leave your day-to-day life routine or your homes. It can be done while being a professional. On the other hand, the wisdom is required more if you are living a life in which you meet different types of people with different natures. This is only possible if you are living a life full of different relationships at the personal and professional levels. So, live in a family, go to office, run a business but do not forget to listen or read spiritual knowledge along with that. This is because without wisdom, you will not know how to use the eight powers and will not know how to be emotionally successful.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 24-02-2017
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The one who takes inspiration from others keeps moving forward.

Projection:When I look at the specialities of others, I sometimes tend to get discouraged. At such times my own weakness(es) look very prominent and my specialities remain hidden. Such comparision might not actually lead to jealousy but subtly continues to have its influence on me in a negative way.

Solution: At all times I must make sure I am constantly moving forward. Looking at others's specialities I need to take inspiration from them. I need to see what aspect I can imbibe in myself too. When I do this I will be able to experience constant progress being free from negativity.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 23-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 23-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 4)

When starting a day, talk to yourself that from the first moment till the end of the day I will remain stable and not be lacking any of the 8 powers. The 8 powers are - the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate. Then, step into the day on a determined note and see what difference this first powerful thought brings to the day. It’s like getting up and saying Good Morning to everyone around you. They say by doing that, not only the morning but the complete day is spent in a positive way. In the same manner, a morning thought of determination to succeed on an emotional level is a great start of the day. This goes a long way in making us immune to the effects of the different types of problems that come our way throughout the day. It can be called a morning mantra which keeps us strong till the night.

A determined start of the day is half the work done and is the foundation of a day filled with success in keeping the mind under control and relationships successful. Also, the role in the family and at the workplace keeps running smoothly. Also, there is stability while handling wealth and lastly there is freedom from the sorrow experienced due to physical illnesses, if any. So, don’t ever be in a hurry to start the day. A hurried start to the day is a sure method of bringing about confusion and powerlessness in the complete day and is the main cause of experiencing failure repeatedly. The power to succeed does not only mean success on a physical level but also the ability to stay happy, content, peaceful and light while doing anything. So, enjoy the day on a physical level but do not forget that without the experiences of lightness and power you will not feel satisfied from inside and will not be able to enjoy life to its fullest. And for that, a morning pledge of power and determination is of utmost importance.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 23-02-2017
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Few words are required when thoughts are positive.

Projection:I sometimes find myself using a lot of words to convey what I feel or to give explanations to others. Yet I sometimes find that others are not convinced with my words. I am then at a loss about what is to be done.

Solution: Positive thoughts actually reach out to others and create the right environment. All I need to do is to create an atmosphere of positivity by maintaining my own positive thoughts. Then I will not have to use so many words to prove my point or to convince others.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 22-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 22-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 3)

The list of different situations that we go through in the entire day is endless. Of course, the powers required in all the different situations are different. Sometimes not just one or two but all the eight powers, to different extents, are required to experience success. We have to bring the power into action. There are three stages of bringing a power into action. The first step is realizing that in a particular situation I need a particular spiritual power and being sure as to which that power is or powers are. For this, I need a calm mind and a pure intellect and also an experience of the past of having gone through different types of situations of the mind, body, role and relationships. E.g. if someone’s behavior is not very positive towards me, in such a situation, to experience success, I need the power to tolerate and accommodate. At the same time, in such situations, it is not wise to use the power to face i.e. being bold and trying to face the other person. I need to know that I have to face the situation, not the person, which could spoil the situation. So, I need to be clear about my choices and need to be sure as to which of the eight powers I should use. A wrong choice of power can mean a negative situation becoming more negative and a right choice can lead to a solution to a problem.

Then, the second step is to emerge that power inside my consciousness. This depends on how my sanskaras have been filled with these eight powers over a long period of time. Of course, all people have all eight powers to a little extent at least, but some people’s sanskaras of the powers are deeper than the others and so they are able to emerge the powers more easily. Also, after that, the last step is implementing the power and bringing it into action. This means that the power does not only emerge in my mind, but it shows through my thoughts, words and actions also.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 22-02-2017
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The method to get help is to take the first step of courage.

Projection:When I set out to achieve something, I usually expect help from situations or people, but am not always able to get it. Then I tend to become disheartened and sometimes tend to give up the task altogether.

Solution: The right way to get help is to first take a step forward even in the most negative situations. With courage and faith when I start in whatever little way I can, I find the help coming to me. Then I will neither stop nor give up with the little setbacks that I am faced with.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 21-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 21-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 2)

Whenever you start the day and you have work to do, remind yourself that I have to use the eight spiritual powers in overcoming situations of various types and experience success. Take for e.g. today I have to meet a group of executives in a company meeting and we have to take a few decisions based on everyone’s feedback. For such a situation, I need to use the power to discriminate the different opinions of people and also the power to judge and reach a final decision based on the different opinions. For this I need a clean intellect and a stable mind and also as mentioned in yesterday’s message the sanskaras of these two powers especially. Also, suddenly my close associate in the office develops a cold war with me i.e. he starts keeping a distance from me. In such a situation, to get him back on good terms with me, I need the power to co-operate and accommodate along with the other powers to a lesser extent. These are examples of two different situations at the workplace.

Then there are situations involved with the body becoming ill at times and the mind feels burdened by that and the smile on the face is replaced by discontentment and indifference. This happens for many people when faced with such physical body related problems. In such a situation the primary power required is the power to face and the power to accommodate. The other six powers also reduce when faced with an illness. There are some people who lose their temper or get angry very easily when they are not physically well i.e. their power to tolerate and power to co-operate reduces. Also, some people will find it hard to discriminate right from wrong and judge correctly when are not well, which are two important powers required to be successful in real life situations. And again, because in all illness, negative thoughts can increase, there are people who will find it extremely difficult to get sleep and remain focused. This means that their power to pack up and withdraw gets affected in such a situation.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 21-02-2017
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To have equality in thought, word and action is to be successful.

Expression:With regards to what I want to achieve, my thoughts are usually high. I then speak about my high plans to others too. But to bring my plans into action it takes a long time and by then I find that they have lost their intensity.

Experience: I need to remind myself that if I don't implement my thoughts immediately, I will never do it. I also need to check if the thoughts that I have are practical. I need to then plan and speak about it according to my checking. Then I find that my thoughts and plans are not wasted away, but become practical.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, February 20, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 20-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 20-02-2017
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8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 1)

A very important measuring meter of life which we forget to use in our daily routine is the spiritual power meter. This means that in any difficult situation of life, how good I was in using a spiritual power in overcoming that situation. The eight main spiritual powers are the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate.

E.g. I am driving my car on a crowded road and all of a sudden my car is banged by another driver from behind leaving a big dent on my car. Very often and a lot of people in such situations, as we see in big cities, will get out of the car and confront the opposite car driver. Then they will demand a few thousand rupees from him. Sometimes, there can be a war of words and even a fight and sometimes when the anger is at its highest, it overflows and results in an injury or even death. Another person in a similar situation, on the other hand, will remain calm and instead of becoming angry, will forgive the other driver and instead of fighting, will quietly drive away. Which power does the first person lack and the other person has because of which the reactions are so different? In this situation, the power to tolerate and the power to accommodate the other person’s actions are the two main powers out of the above mentioned eight powers, which are required. Of course, the other six powers are also required but the two mentioned are required more than the rest. This is an example of a common situation, where anger and ego are the two main negative forces. The two spiritual powers – the power to tolerate and the power to accommodate have to gain victory over these negative forces. Also, a very important point to note that all four of them - the two powers as well as the two negative forces are sanskaras inside the soul which can be changed. This means that the power can be filled or increased and the negative force can be removed or reduced.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 20-02-2017
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To be experienced means to be an inspiration to many.

Expression:Words heard can be forgotten, but that which is experienced remains as a deep impression that makes one move forward constantly. The positive experience acts as a stimulant so that others too take benefit from this experience. The actions of such a person are always beneficial.

Experience: When I have an experience from which I learn, I am able to leave a deep impression for further growth. I am constantly learning from every single thing that happens in my life and I am able to sustain it as a beautiful experience for my life. So this learning becomes a powerful support for those who wish to change.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 19-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 19-02-2017
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Changing Your Belief System To Overcome Feelings Of Revenge (Part 2)

The urge for revenge and the false taste of victory or happiness related to it can only end when the belief, that others are responsible for what you feel, is seen as a false one. Only when you take full responsibility for whatever thoughts and feelings you create will it be possible to end the anger and the hatred that seeks revenge. When someone hurts me, I create a negative image of myself and the other person in my mind’s eye, in different ways. I see myself and the other in a negative light, myself as a victim and the other person as a victimizer. I need to stop doing that and see myself and the other in a positive light, in the same light as before, irrespective of the negativity that the other has radiated to me. When we do that, we will stop pointing the finger at others for whatever hurt we may feel. Only when it is fully seen and accepted that someone can hurt or harm my vehicle, the physical body, but not me, the controller or driver of the vehicle, will rage and the desire for revenge stop existing inside my consciousness.

When I start seeing the person who has committed some negative action which is projected towards me, with an innocent, unbiased, untarnished vision, hatred will be transformed into love and compassion for both, me and the other person. Then it will be possible to be totally free of all judgment, criticism and any desire to seek justice and take pleasure and experience victory when justice is delivered. Only then will it be possible to rediscover true happiness in life, because as long as there is even the slightest trace of an urge to seek revenge for what someone has done to me, and the desire to experience the false happiness which is experienced when such revenge is delivered; both of which, the happiness and the revenge, are forms of subtle violence; true everlasting and deep peace, contentment and happiness can never be experienced.

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Message for the day 19-02-2017
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The foundation of a beautiful life is positive thoughts.

Expression:The one who is constantly thinking positive is able to keep his words positive too. His actions would surely be positive also and would be those that bring benefit to the self and others. So to have positive thoughts means to make a beautiful contribution in making one's own life worthwhile.

Experience: When I continue to have positive thoughts, I create a foundation for a beautiful life. I am able to enjoy the beauty of whatever situations come up in my life. I am able to strengthen this foundation further because each positive thought multiplies as time passes by. So I am able to create a fertile ground for getting the best fruit from life.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 18-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 18-02-2017
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Changing Your Belief System To Overcome Feelings Of Revenge (Part 1)

It’s worth wondering, what I need to change inside my belief system so that no feelings of revenge exist inside me for anyone irrespective of what someone has done to me. When someone harms me or insults me in any way, what is the belief that exists inside my inherent belief system that causes feelings of revenge to emerge inside me in the first place? It is the belief that whenever someone does something negative to me, he hurts me, he is the victimizer and I am a victim. I need to change that to – no one can never hurt me, but it’s what I do with someone’s negative actions, what shape I give the negative actions inside my mind, that causes me hurt, the choice lies with me.

Two people will do two different things inside their minds with the offensive or negative actions of a particular person – one will create feelings of anger, hatred, sorrow, etc which will give rise to the desire for revenge; the other will create feelings of peace, love and good wishes which will give rise to only forgiveness, with no room for revenge. In other words, two different people will respond in two different ways to the negativity of the so called victimizer, depending on their belief system, their inherent personality or nature, their experience of similar negative actions in the past, either committed by the same person or by other people. All these factors will shape their perception of the other’s actions and the self. One will see the other or perceive the other as the victimizer and himself as a victim and another will not identify the other person with his negative actions, but will instead focus on his inherent positive nature or positive aspects of his current personality and will also remain unaffected himself.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 18-02-2017
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Love spreads positivity.

Expression:The one who is loving is not limited by circumstances and his love is not restricted only to certain people. On the other hand, it is revealed in each and every act thus colouring everything and every relationship with the beauty of that love. To be loving is to be constantly a giver. It also means to forgive others easily and help them to move forward.

Experience: When I am loving constantly, I am able to experience the joy of life. I am able to exchange the gifts of pure feelings and find my life enriched with them. I am able to enjoy the beauty of relationships without having to feel the bondage due to expectations. Each moment of my life is filled with beauty and joy.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, February 17, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 17-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 17-02-2017
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Breaking Down Patterns Of Negative Thoughts And Feelings

Having understood that the source of our feelings are our thoughts, we realize that right through our journey in the physical world, in many births, we have repeatedly built up enormous webs of negative and harmful thoughts and feelings, creating many unnecessary difficulties for us, internally as well as externally. The habit continues in my present life too. Meditation helps me to untangle this mess, and break the habit. It helps me come to terms with what is going on in my own inner world and understand how I create thoughts and feelings, how to take responsibility for them, and how to tap into my original, positive inner resources, which helps me displace negative patterns of thoughts and feelings. So, meditation is not merely a relaxation technique but a powerful tool for a seemingly difficult task of self-transformation.

To get the positive cycle of thoughts and feelings working in my life, the easiest place to start with is our thoughts. It's not very difficult to change our thoughts. It just requires attention. And by changing my thoughts, it becomes easy to change my feelings. In meditation, I decide that for a few minutes, each day, I am going to set aside negative thoughts which are weak or wasteful, and create pure, positive, powerful thoughts, based on the awareness of my spiritual identity. As I do this, I begin to experience the original resources or treasures of the self. As a result, positive and powerful feelings for the self and others emerge.

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Message for the day 17-02-2017
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To give regard to all is to win the love of all.

Projection:To give regard to someone who is older and more experienced is one thing, but it is also important to have regard to someone who is younger. When there is such regard, interaction with them would surely be positive. The words spoken would be encouraging and giving them support and never putting them down even when they make mistakes.

Solution: When I am able to give regard to everyone, I am able to win the love of all. I am not dependent on others' love for giving them regard, but am able to appreciate them as they are. I am able to see their specialities and encourage them to use these specialities. This naturally wins the love of others, along with bringing improvement in their own life.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 16-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 16-02-2017
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Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 3)

Whenever you start the day, create a few positive thoughts in your mind. Go for a walk or get ready for the day, keeping these thoughts and thinking about them. Also, ensure that before you do that, you read something which will fill your mind with positive thoughts. Remember, if an empty mind tries to think positive and create positive thoughts, it tires easily and in fact feels stressed. Try one day creating positive thoughts after filling your mind with positive information and the next day create positive thoughts when your mind is completely blank and see the difference. The energy and enthusiasm which you feel inside yourself after thinking deeply with a mind full of positive thoughts is much more than with an empty mind.

This can be compared with the process of churning cream to get butter. If you try and churn an empty vessel without cream, will you get butter or if you try and churn a vessel partially filled with cream, will you get butter of a high quality? On the other hand, you will experience tiredness. In the same way, when you have information in the mind, you build on it and multiply the positive information by adding new perspectives, view points and angles to the knowledge. This is called churning of knowledge to create the butter of spiritual power. So, always remember to backup positive affirmations in your mind with lots of extra information which is like a cushion on which you rest and play with the points of knowledge. It is like throwing a ball in a closed room and letting it bounce from wall to wall. In the same way, churning knowledge is not simply repeating what you have read but creating a movement of the knowledge inside the room of your mind. This helps in experiencing happiness as a result of that. Such an exercise, when done over many days, creates soul power and strengthens our mind. In fact, it makes us extremely positive and free from negative and unnecessary thoughts that waste our mental energy when indulged in repeatedly.

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Message for the day 16-02-2017
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The one who is patient experiences constant success.

Projection:I always expect things to happen fast. Even with a little effort on my part I expect high results. Because of my impatience I just can't wait, I jump to conclusions and react without understanding the problem. Thus I find it difficult to experience success in whatever I do.

Solution: I need to understand that the fruit of the seeds I sow will come at their own time. This gives me the patience to wait without expecting results too fast. Also patience allows me to be calm even in the most negative situations. Thus I will be able to experience success whatever the immediate result of my actions might be.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 15-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 15-02-2017
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Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 2)

A beautiful mind leads to a beautiful personality which shows itself through our thoughts, words and actions. So taking utmost care of the mind in the early morning hours is extremely important because the absorption capacity of the mind at that time is very high. Giving instructions to it in the form of thoughts based on the soul and the Supreme Soul makes the mind soul-conscious. This is a training to the mind to keep its remembrance oriented towards the soul i.e. its own spiritual self and the Father of the spiritual self, who is God, the entire day after that.

At any point of time on any particular day, if you have had a bad day, you could check how the start of that particular day was. You will realize that a bad start of the day very often leads to the remaining day being spent negatively. Also, a day which started positively in the company of your loved ones or a day which started by hearing a good piece of news or imbibing positive information or by watching a good program of spirituality on television will normally be spent positively. On the other hand, a day which started with watching or listening to negative news on the TV of accidents, death and violence or by reading a negative piece of information or with an argument with someone will be followed by a day with negative events. Why is this so? The thoughts are given shape in the morning and they act accordingly in the day after that. Also, the thoughts inside the mind in the night, before sleeping, have an influence on the state of mind the next morning and that in turn affects the whole day and is carried inside till the night. So, it is a cyclic process and to keep the cycle positive, the start has to be made every morning. As they say - as the food, so the mind i.e. physical food eaten of a good spiritual feel or positive energy level or saatvik in nature influences the mind positively. On the other hand, food eaten of low energy levels or tamsic in nature will influence the mind negatively. That holds true for physical food eaten by us. In the same way, food for thought, as they say i.e. the quality of our thoughts also influences our state of mind and complete inner state and how we feel.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 15-02-2017
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To live in the present is to be free from the influence of the past.

Expression:Many times the past keeps coming back again and again in the mind, influencing the present too. The present is lost in thinking about the past. So there can be nothing done to enjoy the present. All words and actions then are totally coloured by the past. Instead the one who is able to free himself from the influence of the past is able to move positively towards the future.

Experience: To be free from the influence of the past it is important to have a powerful consciousness of the present. To be able to be free from the influence of the past is to forget the past. Because there is the understanding that it is gone. Also there is no worry about the future. When I am able to learn to live in the present I am able to discover how full it is of peaceful moments.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 14-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 14-02-2017
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Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 1)

Starting the day on a positive note sets the foundation for a day filled with positivity and purpose. There was once a gardener who used to take utmost care of his plants. He started the day in their presence, watering them and ensuring that they were nourished with the right amount of sunlight and the right type of soil. The gardener’s love for the plants used to reflect in the way his plants started being loved by everyone around him. When people sometimes used to ask him the secret of his beautiful plants, he would give credit to the early morning sustenance that he would give his plants. This would ensure that they grew positively throughout the day.

We all also have to create thoughts, speak words and perform actions throughout the day. All of these need to be perfection filled so that even other people around us are full of praises for them. It’s easier said than done especially with so many people around us with different personalities and different ways of thinking and also sometimes with their own priorities. These sometimes take us away from our path of perfection and our thoughts, words and actions are not of as high a quality as we wish. In such cases, we forget that the foundation of a day full of perfect thoughts, words and actions is laid in the morning by beginning the day on a positive note. Here by positive we mean reading a paragraph or two of positive information. This is a like an exercise to shape our thoughts which keeps them fit for the whole day, which as a result keeps our words and actions full of purity and positivity. At the Brahma Kumaris, we make it a point to absorb spiritual knowledge before starting the day. This is because we have realized the significance of that, in keeping our thoughts, words and actions beautiful the whole day. Just like the garden requires early morning attention, the garden of our mind which consists of the flowers of thoughts, feelings, emotions and attitudes requires attention in the morning. This keeps our complete personal landscape consisting of thoughts, words and actions, beautiful the whole day.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 14-02-2017
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To bring in light is to finish darkness.

Expression:Usually when there is any negativity seen, there is a lot of attention paid to it. All the positivity remains hidden and only the negativity is highlighted. So the one who is caught up with a negative attitude colours all his words and actions too with this negativity and will naturally create a world of negativity for himself.

Experience: When I am able to see the positivity even in both positive situations and negative situations, I am able to influence others with my positivity. Others' negativity will not influence me in a negative way, but I will be able to remain powerful in all situations. I will experience inner growth constantly.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, February 13, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 13-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 13-02-2017
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The Journey Of Purpose

All of us, at some point of time, in fact almost right through our life, keep different types of long term or short term goals - personal goals, professional, financial, social, relationship goals; goals related to physical well being and health, spiritual goals etc. Sometimes we are not even aware ourselves, but we are passing through the journey of life with some purpose or the other at all times, the purpose may be a higher purpose or something connected to our day-to-day living.

Whatever actions we perform then, our aimed at fulfilling this purpose. Also these actions are full of lots of expectations, the expectations of achieving some results. These results which we desire or expect arrive at times and sometimes they don't. If they don't, which is a very common aspect of any such journey of purpose; they generate emotions of worry inside us. Even if the results are achieved, the nature of journey, prior to those results is stressful as compared to a journey which is purpose filled but expectation free, which some might argue is not possible. Worry and stress not only harm the spiritual and emotional self but even our physical body and relationships, making the journey difficult and tiring. It is not incorrect to be action oriented and having some clear objectives in progressing towards our purpose, but we need to be capable of aiming ourselves at our dreams without becoming date conscious and the expectation of them being fulfilled now, or on a specific date, in a particular way or form. If not, we live in a tomorrow consciousness and tend to get upset or discouraged easily and we don't enjoy today. It is not incorrect to be happy when we achieve something, but if our happiness is dependent on our achievements, we will always delay it. Happiness is not later, it is always now. It is commonly said - Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Here we say – Happiness is not only in reaching your purpose, your destination, but also in the journey of purpose. Also, it’s important to note that a carefree and detached intellect will always attract positive circumstances which serve as bridges in reaching one's purpose, much more, as compared to a worried intellect.

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Message for the day 13-02-2017
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To make the aim and qualification equal is to bring perfection.

Expression:To have an aim that is high is to naturally bring about the desire to do the best in everything. But also important is to make effort to bring about those qualifications that are needed to fulfill this aim. So the one who has the desire to make the aim and qualifications equal is the one who is able to bring beauty to every action.

Experience: When I am able to make constant effort to bring in those qualities that are necessary for my aim I am able to bring perfection. I am able to experience the satisfaction of bringing a lot of change in a short time. I experience constant progress as I continue to make effort to move on towards my aim.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 12-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 12-02-2017
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Ways Of Improving Communication (Part 2)

We had explained a few ways of improving communication yesterday. Some more are explained below herewith:

Say what we mean, always. When we speak with courage and a calm self-confidence without force, then communication is honest, open, clear and trusted. Courage doesn't mean to say what we think others want to hear. If we lack courage because of the need for approval and acceptance, or because of a lack of confidence, then communication and the consequent relationship remains superficial and artificial. No one feels satisfied with this situation.

Learn the language of silence. It is the basis of right intentions, positive feelings and clear attitudes. In this language, there is only one grammar: honesty and kindness. Honesty creates clarity and kindness creates respectfulness.

When we take time to reflect on our level of communication with everyone we meet, the realizations we have in silence will be manifested (displayed) in the higher quality and ease of interaction that we will find in all relations: be it with the self, with others or with the Supreme Source of Light.

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Message for the day 12-02-2017
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To appreciate variety is to harmonise.

Expression:When there is recognition that each human being is unique with his own unique set of capabilities, there is the ability to respect him for what he is. Then all attempts are made to harmonise with him instead of trying to make him just like oneself. So energy is channelised in the right direction and one becomes an inspiration for others too.

Experience: To appreciate variety means to see the beauty and specialities of each and every individual. It means to appreciate the natural positive qualities in everyone and learn to blend my own qualities with theirs. This gives me the satisfaction of the beauty of relationships, because there are no expectations and no disappointments.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 11-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 11-02-2017
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Ways Of Improving Communication (Part 1)

Listen with both ears. I should be an active listener by tuning in fully and being present fully with the person and with the moment. If I am not, I listen through one ear and let it out of the other, or I only half listen, which finally creates misunderstandings.

Understand where the other person is coming from. Do not just assume, imagine or judge; when we do this, our critical vision prevents others from expressing what they wish to say. Then, because of wrong or half-right assumptions, others are not given the possibility to improve, or express, outside the boundaries of what we think of them. To give others a true chance to express themselves, we must not place our own boundaries around them.

Think before speaking. This is not something new, but however often we hear it, we forget to apply it. To think before speaking means to show consideration to the other and then we say the right thing, at the right time, in the right way.

(To be continued tomorrow….)

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Message for the day 11-02-2017
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True change brings benefit to all.

Expression:When there is someone who is behaving in a way that is not right, the usual reaction is to have negative feelings for that person. All words and actions based on this negative attitude will naturally create negativity. Instead it is good to see what could be done to benefit the other person. Raising complaints only takes away inner peace.

Experience: When I bring about a change that benefits even the person who is making the mistake, I am able to remain in peace with all types of people. I am not worried about why a person is behaving in a particular way, but I am able to see what is to be done in order to remove that particular negativity. The hatred is not for the person but for the negativity itself.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, February 10, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 10-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 10-02-2017
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Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 3)

To return to our original state of goodness, we need to look towards a Higher Source of spiritual power and positivity. Asking for love and happiness from others is like the musk deer which possesses the fragrance it’s looking for in its navel but looks for it outside. We have all these treasures inside us. Going back to the original virtuous self means realizing this completely and then taking the knowledge and power to fill ourselves with these treasures from God, who never loses these treasures. Also, the more these treasures have reduced inside us over a period of many births, the more we have lost our happiness. Also, we have become burdened with lots of incorrect sanskaras or personality characteristics. These characteristics have become a part of our nature due to incorrect actions performed by us as we came down the ladder of many births or lives.

So now, the call of time is to connect with the Supreme Being or Supreme Soul, the Supreme Parent of each soul of the world - God and regain all those positive qualities. This will make us rich internally, on a spiritual level. The more we do that, the more we will return to the original stage we had once, when we came down into this world from the soul world, which lies high above the physical world. Also, it is not only the time to become pure and positive again and start a new life, but it’s also time to first return back to the soul world for a short while. After that, we will start a new cycle of many births and rebirths in this world. This is the rest the soul needs before coming down in the world full of actions, interactions and relationships. Hence, we are on what we call, the return journey and the cycle of birth and rebirth will repeat itself.

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Message for the day 10-02-2017
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The one who has the aim to be perfect is the one who learns from obstacles.

Expression:The higher the aim, the more the obstacles that comes one's way. Just as a perfect idol is one that has been chiseled a great deal, each obstacle comes to remove some or the other defect from within. The one, who understands this little secret, is able to use each obstacle as a beautiful learning for growth, and a chance to express the best qualities from within.

Experience: When I am committed to bringing out my own inner perfection, I am never deterred by the temporary situations that come my way. I move on with confidence, taking time to look within and recognize the hidden potential within me. I am able to get closer and closer to the perfection that I always seek.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, February 09, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 09-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 09-02-2017
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Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 2)

Niceness at the level of our personality is original and our false or negative personality characteristics are acquired. A person who has been bad all his life is actually a very good soul or being originally and a person who has been good all his life is a much better soul or being originally. This is because we don’t limit our vision to a one birth reality because that is a false reality. A true reality is one of many births. A human being is temporary but a being is eternal. So, a being, which we call a soul, is nice when it begins to play its role in the birth-rebirth story of life. It is full of seven qualities – peace, joy, love, bliss, purity, power and truth. As it begins to play its role, it is not only full but is always radiating these qualities to others. This is called a no-expectations stage of the soul. As a result, it is constantly happy and overflowing with contentment.

As the soul passes a few births in its role play, it loses these qualities and starts asking for these qualities from God and others around it. Slowly, the soul becomes expectation filled and the seven original qualities inside it begin to decrease. Such a soul is not able to play relationships well and positively and also experiences hurt and pain in different ways. Although it receives some qualities from God in worship, it is unable to go to its original state of fulfillment, until it has complete knowledge of the self and God and also the Law of Karma. This knowledge is called spiritual knowledge and the only one, who has it in complete truth, is God. This knowledge from God helps us become full of all qualities and powers and as a result nicer beings or souls.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 09-02-2017
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The best way to get respect is to give respect to the self.

Expression:There is always an expectation of getting respect from those around. The one who is totally dependent on others for their own sense of well-being tends to react to situations, even if they are very insignificant ones. On the other hand, the one who is able to give respect to the self gives respect to others too and so gets respect himself.

Experience: When I am able to see my own specialities I am able to have respect for myself. Then I am not dependent on external sources for my inner state of mind. I remain free from all external influences, and am able to become a source of influence for those around me. I constantly enrich my own internal state with each thing that happens.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, February 08, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 08-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 08-02-2017
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Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 1)

A very important and influential aspect of our lives is living every thought in our actions. It is said commonly – that practice what you preach. In other words, you have many ideal thoughts and good view points and you keep them as benchmarks to follow and look up to. But, sometimes whilst performing actions, you don’t actually live by these benchmarks, which not only disappoints and gives sorrow to oneself but also disturbs and gives sorrow to others.

E.g. today I decide I will remain happy at any cost and give everyone the same. But as soon as I face a difficult situation or problem, it takes very little time for me to start worrying and radiating the same energy to others. Also, on another day I have an aim in my life that I will keep only good wishes for others. But as soon as I have to face a negative behavior of someone, I lose the love inside my heart and not only think negatively about the other person but also speak against the person to others. This spoils my relationships. So, these and many more are benchmarks which we keep in our mind and try and reach upto, throughout the day and everyday. Sometimes we are successful in doing so and sometimes are unable to do so. What is the reason for this? Are we not nice people at heart, all of us? Of course, some are nicer. But, according to spiritual wisdom, everyone is nice originally and basically. And also, everyone, at some point of time in their lives, want to be nice people. Some are serious in bringing about the niceness in their lives and natures and some think about the change towards becoming nicer but do not bring it in their personality with determination.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 08-02-2017
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To receive blessings is to become worthy of them.

Expression:Sometimes there is a desire to receive blessings from God or someone who is considered more powerful. But the one who has truly a thought of winning the love, regard and blessings of the other person is able to put in effort to be worthy of it. So he is constantly trying to be better and better in what he does. Thus he becomes worthy of everyone's blessings.

Experience: When I am constantly making myself more and more worthy, I naturally win the love, trust and blessings from all those I come into contact with. I am committed to whatever I do and know that the blessings of God are with me because I am making effort. I have no fear or insecurity, but go on doing what I have to do with confidence.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 07-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 07-02-2017
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Shedding Off The Attachment To A Positive Past (Part 2)

Excessive attachment to a glorious past is a subtle shade of the negative emotion of ego which colors my present perception of external events and which affects my present actions and responses, as a result of which not only present but my future is also affected. As I hold on to it, my creativity is reduced and I do everything with a limited perspective, not letting myself grow and shape up a glorious present and future. There are some people whose goal is to achieve something so great in their lives so as to ensure they will gain recognition and respect by others in time to come. This is again a subtle shade of attachment and ego.

But shedding off this type of attachment is not easy and first requires the realization that this attachment is incorrect and damaging. The next step is sitting in silence and becoming aware of how you lose your identity in a story of past thoughts, feelings, emotions, attitudes and actions and then disassociating or detaching yourself from that story. You do not need to suppress or deny or fight with this story; otherwise its memory gets stronger and more overpowering. You just need to simply see and realize deeply that your past is just a record of a particular set of actions, which you committed at a particular point of time, it is a series of images of previous events that you witnessed and that you were a part of, all of which have left a record in your memory, and in the memories of others, but they are not what you are. This type of practice of disassociation with spiritual understanding fades the excessive memory of the story in your consciousness over a short period of time and these actions then cease to influence you in any way in the present. Here we are talking about an influence, which we have for long deceived ourselves into believing to be a positive one, but which in reality is not.

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Message for the day 07-02-2017
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To be free is to be free even from the bondage of things.

Expression:The one who is dependent on the presence of a particular thing to succeed in a task is also under the bondage of that thing. Such a person will not be able to put in effort to his full capability since he is always thinking of what is lacking. On the other hand the one who tries to find a way to do the task at hand even when there is nothing available is the one who finds new resources. He is then able to use these resources too for accomplishing the task.

Experience: When I am thinking more about what is to be done rather than thinking about what is lacking, I am able to be content with what I have. I am able to appreciate every small thing that is present in my life that I could use for my own benefit and that of others. I am able to work for what I want to achieve without being caught up only with the desires.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, February 06, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 06-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 06-02-2017
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Shedding Off The Attachment To A Positive Past (Part 1)

A very powerful mis-identification (incorrect identification) that each one of us indulges in, to different extents, is identifying with our positive or glorious actions of the past. This identification is so strong that almost every day it comes to the surface of our consciousness when we switch on the movie of this story of these actions on the screen of our minds. By rehearsing this story repeatedly we love experiencing the same emotions and feelings that we felt at that time, emotions that we had enjoyed very much. We not only re-experience that pleasure but we also love to share the pleasure by persuading others to see that movie by broadcasting that movie in front of whoever we come across. This is normally done in the form of words by speaking about our professional or personal achievements, our educational qualifications, our experiences, actions for which we gained recognition, our history, etc., all a thing of the past. But this is not talking about the real self, this is just a story, thus it is a false identification with something we are not. Every time we indulge in this type of identification, we strengthen the incorrect belief that we are talking about our self. We believe the past is us. This is the incorrect identification.

If someone were to ask us to describe ourselves in a few words, instead of talking with humility about our spiritual self, our virtues, powers, strengths, etc., which is the real self, we quickly mention all of the above features of our past, thinking this will give the other an impression of our credibility. Even when we communicate with people over email or some other mediums, we are quick to mention all these things in our signature, etc. believing this is our story and portraying that we are in love with it and other people should identify us with this story as we do and love us for the same. To remember and identify with any memory of action that we created yesterday is to identify with what we do. And we are not what we do.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 06-02-2017
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The one way of finishing waste thinking is to find a solution.

Expression:When there is something negative that happens the mind tends to create a lot of waste and negative thoughts. At such a time there is no clear understanding of what is to be done and so there is difficulty in being positive at such a time. But once the problem is identified and the right solution found, i.e., the right explanation is given, there is no more waste thoughts, words or actions.

Experience: When I am able to find the right solution at each step, whenever even negative situations happen, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not worried about the problem at hand but I know instead that this problem has come to increase my own inner strength and capability. Thus I am able to maintain my inner positivity under all circumstances.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, February 05, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 05-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 05-02-2017
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What Are Thought Vibrations?

The word atmosphere has two meanings. One refers to the physical air around us and the other to the more subtle effect that thought vibrations create in a particular space. No one can deny that the atmosphere of a crowded restaurant is different from that of a temple. This is mainly because of the effect of different types of thoughts and feelings in that space. Even someone deaf and blind would have the ability to pick up the difference. Sound vibrations are invisible but their impact isn't. A pneumatic drill or a jet breaking the sound barrier jolt both our minds (non-physical effect) and the walls of our houses (physical effect). Thought vibrations can't be seen but their non-physical as well as physical impact is even more powerful and influential. The panic that people generate during a stampede or an earthquake and the euphoria (absolute joy) of victory in a cricket game are examples of how thoughts create an atmosphere.

On a subtler level, many of us have the experience of basic telepathy - I was just thinking of you and you called. Thoughts connect individuals over large distances. Doctors inform us that over 90% of the physical body's illnesses have a psychosomatic (mental) origin i.e. they are a direct or indirect result of our state of mind. That makes the human body the prime example of how thoughts affect matter.

Since the world is made up of the collective, personal worlds of all individuals, then it's easy to see how the international political, economic and social atmosphere is nothing more than the collective effects of all our thoughts.

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Message for the day 05-02-2017
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To make the effort to take and give good wishes is to constantly experience contentment.

Expression:Whatever the kinds of personality of the person, if there is this one aim of taking and giving good wishes, there is positivity in every interaction. Attention is paid to make every word and action full of positivity. Words spoken only give happiness to others and give some kind of support to the other person to be better than what he is.

Experience: When I understand the importance of having good wishes for all, I am able to receive good wishes from others too. I am able to be free from the influence of the negativity of the situations and people. So I constantly experience inner happiness and contentment, even if I don't get something outwardly.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, February 04, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 04-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 04-02-2017
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The Invisible Law Of The Universe (Part 6)

Reviewing the day that has gone by and checking how the quality of karmas has been and then ensuring that the karmas the next day are of a positive nature is a very good protection. It is a protection against difficult situations and also in reducing the intensity of these situations. Some people say that there is no justice, but remember the law of karma is an integral part of life. It is eternal and permanent. So people who are creating negative thoughts, words and actions will sooner or later face sorrow. This is because sometimes the law of karma can take time to catch up with someone but they will face the results of their actions sooner or later. Also, if someone is surrounded by different types of difficult situations and problems all the time does not mean that he has performed more negative actions than others. These others are those who are relatively less surrounded by situations. In these cases, it is just a matter of chance that at a particular moment of time or for a few months or years, their past actions were visible in their lives in the form of problems more than for the others. For the others, that time when they face the results of their karma could be a few years later. So using the law of karma to label someone as one who has performed more negative actions in their past births or lives is absolutely incorrect. This is because remember negative or impure actions were performed by everyone, some more and some less. Each and every human being on the planet is facing the result of their past karma at the present moment of time when it’s time to clear all our negative actions.

This is the time when God performs His task of world transformation incognito i.e. not known to the complete world. This is since many people have not recognized His present presence in the world or have heard of that but they do not believe it is possible. God is a part of our lives today for the purpose of freeing us from the results of all our negative actions. So there is no need to feel sorrowful if there are negative situations in our lives today. On the other hand, let us become full of the power of determination that with the help of God’s power of purity and a powerful connection with Him I can finish off all the accounts of my negative actions. As a result I will become pure and problem free.

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Message for the day 04-02-2017
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To have the ability to listen is to learn.

Expression:When there is the ability to listen there is the ability to understand others and what they are saying. So the one who listens is able to learn from every situation and each and every person whom he comes across. So what he does and what he speaks is much more effective.

Experience: When I understand that I am a student for my entire life, I am able to be open to learning. So I am able to listen whole-heartedly. Then, instead of only putting across what I have to say, I am able to pay attention to what others are saying too. I am thus able to enrich myself with new treasures constantly.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, February 03, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 03-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 03-02-2017
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The Invisible Law Of The Universe (Part 5)

In yesterday’s message, we had explained four types of thoughts, words and actions, which create corresponding sanskaras in the soul. Not only corresponding sanskaras but all of them create different types of sanskaras depending on the emotion behind the thought, word and action. Also, the four types of thoughts, words and actions as mentioned yesterday, in decreasing order of purity are – positive, necessary, unnecessary and negative. We have explained what all four mean.

The whole day sees different types of situations and ups and downs. Life is constantly turning. Situations do arise and settle down soon all the time. Sometimes some situations remain for a longer time also which is less rare. But, the bottom line is maintaining our thoughts within the positive and necessary category all the time. Because, the ones who are internally powerful, for them situations are like bubbles on water, which are temporary. They only remain positive in any kind of situation to see the situation go away soon. They smile inspite of situations existing in their lives, which in more than 9 out of 10 times say goodbye very easily and in a span of a few hours or days and not more than that. Of course, there is that one odd situation like an illness or a difficult relationship or a loss of a close loved one, which can last for a few months or more than that and that too not in all cases. Very often, you hear people complaining of how situations are sticky in nature and refuse to go away from their lives. Of course, there is the past negative karma which is the big reason for these situations, as explained earlier in this message series. The law of karma is something that no one can run away from. Imagine many past births under the influence of a deadly negative and impure emotion like lust or a little less negatively powerful emotion of anger. These can destroy the soul’s cleanliness and fill it with negative and impure sanskaras. Here we are talking of thousands of such thoughts, words and actions of the past births – how negatively influential they can be on our present. But remember there is a way out of this – not only clean the past negative karma through meditation. Also something which we can do about that now, because the past negative karma is over. Perform positive and pure karma in the present. Doing both of these attracts solutions to difficult situations in our lives very easily and very fast – that is the key.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 03-02-2017
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To perceive the need to change is to bring about change for the better.

Expression:When something goes wrong, there is generally a feeling of being right. There is always a desire expressed to change the situation or the person. So there is no introspection, but only blame. Such words discourage others too as they are constantly made aware of their negativity.

Experience: When I am able to understand the importance of bringing about change for the better in every situation that I am faced with, I am able to recognize the message that the situation gives me. I am able to use the situation to better myself and gradually progress towards the vision of perfection that I have for myself.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, February 02, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 02-02-2017

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Soul Sustenance 02-02-2017
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The Invisible Law Of The Universe (Part 4)

We all live our lives at a fast pace without ever stopping and checking the quality of our thoughts, words and actions. It was different for us when we did not possess the knowledge of what is a good action and what is not. But now, when we have this knowledge from God, we need to review at the end of each day what we have done in the complete day. How were our thoughts, words and actions and was any thought, word or action not the right one? The measuring meter for this is the knowledge of the Law of Karma, which our intellect possesses. So, the first step is learning this knowledge and then implementing the knowledge in our lives.

Generally speaking, not only any word or action, but every thought which is created under the influence of any of the five main vices – lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego is considered negative karma. Also weaknesses connected to these impure emotions, like jealousy, hatred, revenge, criticism, fear etc. are considered negative karma. All of them create negative sanskaras in the soul when created or indulged in. For many, imagining a day without some of these may seem difficult and that will make you realize that a very large percentage of our thoughts, words and actions go the wrong way. This happens without us making a conscious effort of stopping them from going that way. Also, thinking, speaking and performing actions which are related to the past or the future are considered unnecessary and is something we spend a lot of time in doing. These are of a lesser negative nature but have a subtle connection with body consciousness, which is the cause of all negative sanskaras being created in the soul. Of course, there are also thoughts, words and actions, which are related to our daily routine and our day-to-day tasks, which are necessary in nature. But they are sometimes accompanied by the unnecessary when we attach excessive attachment to the past and future with them. And lastly, what is commonly known to all of us, all thoughts, words and actions, which are based on the primary qualities of the soul - peace, joy, love, bliss, purity, power and knowledge (truth) are the last category of positive. They are of the highest quality.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 02-02-2017
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To be a master means to win over habits.

Expression:Normally habits rule over the person and there is the inability to be a master over them. But to be a master is not to get influenced negatively by the habits but to be a stronger influence. The one who is a master never reacts to situations, but is able to respond to situations positively. Such a person is free from negativity in words and actions.

Experience: When there is inner silence I am able to overcome the negative influence of my habits. Inner silence comes with an experience of positivity. With practice I experience detachment from the situations and am able to feel the inner powers which frees me from the negativity of the situation too. So there is victory over the habit.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

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