Spirituality and Ethics for Everyday Life

Free Sample of the book is available in Links below.

Kindle: Spirituality and Ethics: For Everyday life (Amazon.in)

Kindle: Spirituality and Ethics: For Everyday Life (Amazon.com)

Paperback: Spirituality and Ethics: For Everyday Life (Amazon.com)

The above book has been published online as Kindle e-book at Amazon.com. Paperback version is also available.

This book is a collection of morals, good thoughts, and great ideals. These are the seeds to be planted in our minds. Sowing one or as many seeds as time permits, every day, will strengthen one’s belief in being good and doing good.

Here are some excerpts from the book....

The book emphasizes the importance of spirituality, secular thinking, and virtues such as purity, truth, honesty, and kindness.

The struggles of life put to test our strength of character, our spirit of philanthropy, and whether we have the courage of a lion. People of truly great character will never succumb to the tests of life.

The purpose of this book is to highlight the path as well as the methods to be followed to strengthen character.

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If you want to judge the character of a man, look not at his great performances. Every fool may become a hero at one time or another. Watch a man do his most common actions; those are indeed the things which will tell you the real character of a great man. Great occasions rouse even the lowest of human beings to some greatness, but he alone is the really great man whose character is great always, the same wherever he be.  – Swami Vivekananda

Messages of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda have been used throughout the book to highlight the ideas.

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - Nothing Goes Waste

Many times, throughout Bhagavad Gita, Lord God Sri Krishna says, "Be a yogi, Arjuna". Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita is titled Yoga of Meditation. In this chapter (verse 34), Arjuna complains about the fickleness of human mind and says that controlling the mind is as difficult as controlling the wind itself.

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...Arjuna wants to know (in verse 38) what happens to those who try the spiritual journey a bit, but due to various reasons either give up half way or do not succeed completely in their goal of God realization. Sri Krishna's answer to that query is the theme of this blog.

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Read the complete blog Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - Nothing Goes Waste

Sri Krishna –- 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari: Part 3. A Comment on Part 1

When I posted Part 1 of the blog "Sri Krishna - 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari" (8th May 2012), I never anticipated that it will interest so many people... As of today, this blog has been read 2840 times. There was recently a comment by a reader Om 15 on this article. It discusses the story of how Lord Sri Krishna is a Nithya Brahmachari and Sage Durvasa is a Nithya Upavasi. Although that was the topic of discussion in Part 2 "Sri Krishna - 16,000 wives yet a Brahmachari: Part 2. Nitya Brahmachari and Nitya Upavasi" of the blog posted on 18th August 2012, I decided to present the recent comment as a new blog as it gives a clearer perspective of the brahmacharya aspect of Sri Krishna. Now the story provided by Om 15...

Who is a Naishtika Brahmachari? In Brahma Loka, Sage Narada was in conversation with his father Brahma. 

His question was: "In all three worlds who is a Naishtika Brahmachari?" 

Narada imagined that Brahma would confirm that without doubt he would qualify for the title.
Brahma’s reply shocked Narada. “Sri Krishna, who took birth on earth and is performing Leela in Gokul and Brindavan is the real Naishtika Brahmachari”, said Brahma. 

“The one who always sings, dances and performs Rasleela with Gopis, is he?” quipped Narada and exploded into laughter. 

“You can clear your doubt from sage Durvasa who observes fast everyday and does tapas; he will give you reasons” said Brahma. Narada was intrigued further. 

“Durvasa cannot tolerate hunger. He eats several times everyday. Because of his excesses, he is short-tempered and curses indiscriminately! You praise his Upavasa? It is even stranger than Krishna’s Brahmacharyam!”, retorted Narada

“ Narada! You think that only those like you who chant the name of Narayana and observe celibacy; only those rishis who indulge in self-denial and engage in long meditations even to the extent of being covered by growing shrubs and mole-hills qualify. It is not true. Go forth and know the truth from both. Ask Krishna who is NithyaUpavasi and ask Durvasa as to who is Naishtika Brahmachari and be clear! Let the world also be clarified”, said Brahma. 

It is usual for Narada to create conflicts; however, in this case, Brahma created the conflict in Narada! He proceeded to Brindavan. These were the days before Krishna weds Rukmini and the seven other royal consorts! These were the days when Krishna was young, was the darling of the Gopis, was a shepherd, played on the flute divine melodies and filled everyone’s heart with pleasure. Narada wanted to meet Krishna in private! He found one Krishna in each household; he did not know which was real Krishna! Finally Narada stood under a tree and waited till daybreak! Let Krishna find me, was his thought! Lo! Krishna appeared; but Krishna appeared pensive. "I came to meet you, Lord! Why do you have a worried look?" queried Narada.

“Durvasa today ate in excess. Therefore, I have stomach ache” said Krishna. 

Narada was more confused. How could this be, thought Narada. As if reading his mind, Krishna said, “Narada! Durvasa does not eat anything for himself. Both before and after eating food, he says ‘Sri Krishnarpanam!’ and drinks water. He is NityaUpavasi. Whatever he eats reaches me. Even the air he breathes he dedicates to me. His vairagya absolves him of the ill-effects of his anger. He dedicates everything to me and lives light”, said Krishna. 

Narada understood how anything dedicated to God attains an exalted status. He bowed to Krishna and left to see Durvasa. Durvasa received Narada with customary respect and asked of him what he wanted. Narada narrated partly his conversation with his father and asked him who was Naishtika Brahmachari. “Sri Krishna is the Naishtika Brahmachari, sans doubt”, said Durvasa. 

“Why?” quipped Narada. “One who lives where there are no women observing celibacy is not the real one. The one who lives amidst women and is not caught in the sway of desire is in reality vairagya brahmachari. Krishna who sings and dances with ten thousand Gopis without a sense of ownership remains Parabrahmam. His love and grace are the property of all. He regards cows and Gopis in Brindavan alike, irrespective of gender. He remains like the lotus unaffected by the water droplets. People think of Him as son, father, mother, friend, lover, guru, deity, etc. for their own bliss.
He lives without carnal desires in mind, word, and deed, although He is the subject of love and attachment of everyone. He is the real Naishtika Brahmachari!", said Durvasa.
"Narada! You also need to know more. In Treta Yug, in His avatar as Rama, Sriman Narayana undertook exile in forests to uphold his father's promise. During His exile, thousands of maharishis and tapaswis wanted Him to stay with them. But He could not, because of His mission. They all yearned for His company, love and embrace. To fulfill their pious wishes, in the next yuga, they were granted birth as Gopis to be loved and embraced spiritually! As far as He was concerned, they were His Bhaktas. His Prema id transcendental and pure. There is no place for Kama, being Platonic. He is therefore the real Naishtika Brahmachari!", explained Durvasa.
Now Narada understood that body with gender has no significance in this union. Krishna came to unite with his bhakta jivatmas and give them deliverance.
Later, He taught Arjuna that He resides in and fills all and that there is no discrimination based on gender in the Gita during the war for establishing Dharma at the battlefield of Kurukshethra.

Narada profusely thanked Durvasa; Durvasa said "Krishnarpanam".
Narada returned to his father's abode and thanked him for his guidance.

Some of the readers may just read the blog and may not read the comments. As the above story presented by Om 15 as a  comment appeared too valuable to be missed, it has been presented here as a separate blog. I sincerely thank Om 15 for taking out time to provide this long story. If it has been taken from some source, unfortunately, it was not mentioned in the comment. 

Every opportunity to think of God is a chance to rejoice. The better we understand Him, the stronger grows our bond. Thank you for strengthening my bond...

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink: "I shall carry!"

In Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita, there is a beautiful sloka (verse 22):

Ananyaas chintayanto maam ye janah paryupaasathe

tesaam nithyabhi yukthaanaam yoga kshemam vahaamy aham

Its English translation is as follows:

Whoever, being devoted to me solely, engage themselves always in contemplation and worship of Me - to such steadfast devotees I shall carry to them all their needs, and protect their possessions from loss.

Click here to read the complete blog Sri Krishna's Energy Drink: "I shall carry!"

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 14. Equanimity is Yoga

To perform an action (work), we should have a clear Reason as to why we are performing that action. The Reason or intention should be good or holy. Furthermore, while performing an action, it is very important to maintain a calm and steady mind. The mental state of remaining balanced or unaffected by the outcome of the action irrespective of whether the action results in happiness or sorrow, success or failure, praise or criticism, etc. is known as Yoga.

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Read the complete article at Ganappa.wordpress.com by clicking on the below link:

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 14. Equanimity is Yoga

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 13. Never be motivated by the reward

"Do the work as a duty, but do not think about the rewards for doing the work" says Sri Krishna.

You certainly have the right for performing the prescribed activities but never at any time in their results. You should never be motivated by the results of the actions, nor should there be any attachment in not doing your prescribed duties. (Bhagavad gita, Ch. 2, verse 47)

This most quoted sloka of the Bhagavad Gita has a very beautiful meaning.

Read the complete article at Ganappa.wordpress.com by clicking on the below link:

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 13. Never be motivated by the reward

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 12. The goal is to reach the Supreme Lord

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To those who strive to realize God and succeed in the endeavour, all knowledge of the vedas and all other holy scriptures would be revealed by God Himself.

The best example that comes to my mind as a proof for the above verse is Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He had not studied beyond primary school but had the knowledge of all the vedas, puranas and the Bhagavad gita. ...

To read the complete blog, click here Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 12. The goal is to reach the Supreme Lord

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 11. Three modes of human nature

The nature of people has been categorized into three types: sattvic, rajasic and tamasic. The qualities of a sattvic person are kindness, loving and caring, peacefulness. A rajasic person is energetic, enthusiastic and eager to do lot of work to acquire name and fame. A tamasic person is generally lazy, dull, irritable and angry. Every human passes through these three modes of nature - sometimes we are dull and lazy, sometimes we want to do lot of work and at some other times we are calm and peaceful.

Click here to read the complete post: Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 11. Three modes of human nature

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 10. Sense enjoyments delude the mind

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In the recent times, one may notice that there is a steep rise in the number of people visiting the temple of Shani God. In fact, people forget the main deity in temples and go round the Navagrahas.
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Sri Krishna chides such behaviour of people

Read the complete blog Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 10. Sense enjoyments delude the mind

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 9. Science of action

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For going to school they need a reward, for studying they need a reward, for getting good grades they need a reward, for sitting, standing, eating, sleeping, for everything they need a reward. If they don't get a reward, they cannot perform any task. Sri Krishna says that it is the thought of the reward that binds every individual to the cycle of births and deaths.

People start thinking about the reward before they start the work itself.

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To read the complete blog, click here Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 9. Science of action

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 8. You will not incur sin

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Sri Krishna describes to him the science of action without fruitive desires by which one acquires complete spiritual intelligence that will release him/her from the bondage reactions from actions.

Ah! So nice! Newton's third law broken!

To read the complete blog, click here  Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 8. You will not incur sin

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 7. Dishonour is worse than death

Either being slain you will attain the heavenly worlds or by gaining victory, you will enjoy the Earth; therefore O Arjuna, confident of victory, rise up and fight.
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Therefore for a person of royal birth, to uphold justice there are only two choices: either to get killed by the enemy and die bravely or to defeat the enemy and enjoy the kingdom...

Read the complete article Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 7. Dishonour is worse than death

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 6. It is your duty

If  all this explanation about the soul had convinced Arjuna he would have got up to resume the fight. Unfortunately, Arjuna did not move an inch. Therefore Sri Krishna started reminding him about his duty.

Read the complete article Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 6. It is your duty

I got greedy

All these days, I never knew that this much greed is inside me. Oh my God! When did I become so greedy?

I realized this only a few days ago...

Read the complete article... I got greedy

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 5. The soul is imperishable

Lord Sri Krishna commands Arjuna to fight without hesitation about the possibility of destruction of the Kuru dynasty.

Is war the solution for all conflicts? Here the most important point to understand is that the command is coming from the Almighty.

Click here to read the complete article Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 5. The soul is imperishable

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 4. Wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead

Arjuna was not provoked on hearing the word 'unmanliness' from Sri Krishna.  He felt that his hesitation to fight was not due to cowardice but because it is improper to attack his superiors such as Bhishma and Drona.

Click here to read the complete blog Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 4. Wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 3. Do not yield to Unmanliness

Arjuna was a great warrior. However, when he saw his relatives, teachers and friends assembled at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he became overwhelmed with compassion. He told his friend and charioteer Sri Krishna that no good would come from killing his own kinsmen and he had no desire for the victory, kingdom or happiness resulting from such a battle.

Click here to read the complete article: Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 3. Do not yield to Unmanliness

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 2. Greatness of Gita

We take bath everyday to keep our body clean. If one takes bath even once in the sacred Ganga waters of Bhagavad Gita, the dirt of material life is altogether destroyed says Gita-mahatmya.

Click here to read the complete article Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 2. Greatness of Gita

Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 1. Introduction

The Supreme God Sri Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita (from now on, Gita) on the battle field of Kurukshetra to his friend and warrior Arjuna. Whoever reads it will derive immense confidence and clarity of mind and will be forced to perform positive action. Therefore it is an energy booster.

Click here to read the complete article Sri Krishna's Energy Drink - 1. Introduction

Pain and Misery

On 6th February this year, we received a comment on the blog titled, Teachings of Sri Sarada Devi - Part 1: The Mystery of Life and God Consciousness (posted on 10 June 2010). That blog contains Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi's answer to the question "If there is a God, why is there so much misery in this world? Does He not see? Or hasn't He the power to remove these evils?" 

Mother says: "The creation itself is full of grief. How can one understand joy if there is no sorrow? And how can everyone be happy at the same time? There is a story that once Sita said to Rama, 'Why do you not remove everybody's miseries? Make everyone in your kingdom—all your subjects—happy. You can do it if you like.' Rama answered, 'Can everyone be happy at the same time? Well, they can, if you so desire. Why not satisfy all their needs from the royal treasury? Just as you wish.' 

"Then Rama called Lakshmana and said, 'Go and tell everyone in my kingdom that all their needs will be supplied from my treasury.' When the people heard this, they came and explained their needs. The treasury was laid open. Everyone lived in happiness. But such was the dispensation of Rama that soon the roof of the royal palace showed cracks and water seeped through. Masons were sent for to repair the crack. But there were none to be found. Where was any labourer to be found? The subjects also came and complained that because there were no masons or workmen, their houses and buildings were falling to pieces. Then, seeing no other way, Sita said to Rama, 'We cannot suffer in the wet like this! Let everything be as it was. Then we can get workmen again. Everybody cannot be happy at the same time.' 'So be it,' answered Rama. In the twinkling of an eye everything was as it used to be. One could get workmen again. 'Lord, it is true that this life is only a game of yours!' said Sita." 

"No one can suffer for all time. No one will spend all his days on this earth in suffering. Every action brings its own result, and one gets one's opportunities accordingly." 

Disciple: "Then is everything the fruit of Karma?" 

Mother: "What else, if not Karma?"

I was reminded of the words of Swami Vivekananda:

It is misery that teaches more than happiness;
It is poverty that teaches more than wealth;
It is blows that bring out the inner fire, more than praise.

My personal experiences so far have been such that every time I experienced intense misery I turned to God and got immediate solace. Miracles happened. And they strengthened my faith in the Almighty.

God hears our call. And it is 100% true that He comes running towards us as Sri Ramakrishna explains through the child-mother parable: 

So long as the child remains engrossed with its toys, the mother looks after her cooking and other household duties.  But when the child no longer relishes the toys, it throws them aside and yells for its mother,  then the mother takes the rice-pot down from the hearth, runs in haste, and takes the child in her arms.

Pain and misery are temporary as also happiness and peace. May the God give us the wisdom not lose heart in the case of the former nor get carried away by the latter.