SHB Quote Jan 08, 2013

''There is always a silent force watching over you'' - SimpleHinduBhai

Ram Swarup Quote (1920-1998), Indian writer and scholar

''India has come to preserve spiritual traditions which many ancient cultures and countries have lost. Today Hinduism represents not only India but the ancient wisdom of humanity. In Hinduism many ancient countries can still rediscover their religious past, their old Gods and their old spiritual traditions.'' -- Ram Swarup (1920-1998), Indian writer and scholar

SHB Quote Jan 6, 2013

''Repeat your life's goals daily, this way your determination will stand strong against the harsh waters of laziness and temptation'' - SimpleHinduBhai

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We all have weaknesses, for some it can be food, drugs, alcohol, sex, or even a soft heart, giving too much and not caring about yourself.

Stare your weaknesses in the face and say, ''You dont control me''. My goal(s) is ____________. 

Fear is only created from our mind.

Picture source: http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/01/how-to-commit-to-a-goal.php 

SHB Quote Jan 5, 2013

''Danger is not a choice, fear is a choice. Our thoughts create fear'' - SimpleHinduBhai

 

Dhammapada on Contentment

200. Let us live happily then, though we call nothing our own! We shall be like the bright gods, feeding on happiness!

201. Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.

204. Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvana the highest happiness.

362. He who controls his hand, he who controls his feet, he who controls his speech, he who is well controlled, he who delights inwardly, who is collected, who is solitary and content, him they call Wise.

Source: http://phong.com/journal/dhammapada-on-contentment/ 

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Dharmapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. The original version of the Dhammapada is in the Khuddaka Nikaya, a division of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.

The Buddhist scholar and commentator Buddhaghosa explains that each saying recorded in the collection was made on a different occasion in response to a unique situation that had arisen in the life of the Buddha and his monastic community. His commentary, the Dhammapada Atthakatha, presents the details of these events and is a rich source of legend for the life and times of the Buddha.

Setting Expectations In Life - Secret To Happiness?

Namaste, Hari Om,

''201. Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.'' -Dhammapadda

To often we are let down by some and fall into emotional states such as depression, anger, and even hatred.

Even expectations from food, objects and places can effect our emotions. If our emotions are affected we often lose sight of our true spiritual goals.

Before we allow our minds to fall into this state we need to calibrate or set our expectations in life.

How do you unlock this secret to happiness? How do we set our expectations so that no event can pull us to emotional extremes?

The answer is easy, its found in the Bhagvadgita as mentioned by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar below.

---------------------------

Be contented with whatever comes to you

Bangalore, March 03, 2012

Q: Guruji, please talk about gratitude. You have said that the more gratitude we have the more grace flows into our lives. How do I become more grateful every day?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: First of all drop this more. More devotion, more gratitude, more joy, more happiness, we need to drop this, ‘I want more and more. First you are thinking, ‘I want more money, more joy, more happiness and more pleasure.’ Then you shifted your tendency to wanting more peace, more knowledge, more of this and more of that. As long as you are in the run for more, you are not going to settle. Unless you settle, there is neither peace nor grace. Got it?! So somewhere you should take this whole ‘I want more’ thing and dump it and say ‘okay, that is it! It is said in the Bhagavad Gita, ‘Yadrccha-labha-santusto Dvandvatito Vimatsarah.’ Whatever is coming to you, you should have some level of contentment and with contentment comes gratitude. If you are discontent, how can you be grateful? If you are grumbling, you can’t be grateful, and if you are not grateful, how can there be grace? Do you see what I am saying? It all fits one into another. So now, don’t ask me how can one be more grateful? Just stop complaining! Know that this whole life is like a dream. It is all going to end and everything is going to finish one day. This very awareness will bring a shift in you. ‘This story is going to end someday and the curtains are going to fall’, knowing this suddenly a shift happens from the run to having more to contentment. It will come to that. 

Source: http://wisdomfromsrisriravishankar.blogspot.ch/2012/04/be-contented-with-whatever-comes-to-you.html
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This is the answer to 99% of life's problems. Do not get effected by life's turns and bumps. Having single pointed faith will help you climb mountains. Always remain content.

More info and the source for the above picture at: http://phong.com/journal/dhammapada-on-contentment/

Swami Rama Quote

''When you are searching and seeking, you should be doing it honestly with your full strength—not halfheartedly.'' - Swami Rama

Random Picture - Guess whats in the picture

Can you tell?

SHB Quote Jan 4, 2012

''You  can dwell upon the evil and hatred within people but what good does that do to maintaining your happiness?'' - SimpleHinduBhai

SHB Quote Jan 3, 2012

''When in doubt meditate and ask the energies that surround you to guide you'' - SimpleHinduBhai

108 Names of Lord Ganesh

Namaste, Hari Om,

What are the 108 names of Lord Ganesh?

Click here to find out click below:
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/108_names_of_ganesh.htm

Hindu-blog.com: Frustrations and nervous breakdowns are the end of a self-centered life – Swami Ranganathananda Sayings

A young person must be asked to work hard. Go into the world; achieve something. . .Let the person go out, work, satisfy his or her desires, make achievements the goal of one's life at that stage. 

The same person, after achievement is over, must begin to think of other higher things. Then he or she slowly withdraws one's mind from action and achievement. There is something I have missed, my own true nature. 

Let me try to realize this truth.  How can we find joy in work? By working for oneself? No; it is not possible to find that continuous joy in work through selfish motivations. Frustration and ennui are the end of all selfish motivations. 

Frustrations and nervous breakdowns are the end of a self-centered life.  It is from the human mind itself that both good and evil come. So, a little attention as to how the mind is behaving, in the context of work, is absolutely essential for all people today. 

Otherwise, collective life will become difficult, group life will become difficult; life between husband and wife will become difficult, because both, or either of them, has not looked into the mind at all; they have been looking outside all the time. 
Swami Ranganathananda  

Source: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2013/01/frustrations-and-nervous-breakdowns-are.html

SHB Quote Jan 02, 2013

''Dedicating time to looking within on a daily basis will unlock your inner strength'' - SimpleHinduBhai

Diet and Spirituality's Connection?

Namaste, Hari Om,

Is my diet directly linked to spiritual growth? The real answer is, Yes.

There are many folks who forgo meat for a much more pure diet, then there are many folks who eat meat and still continue on their path of spirituality.

You don't have to have a special special diet to move up in the spiritual path. The same way you don't need warm clothes when climbing Mt. Everest.

You see, its doable, but one path takes a greater determination that is filled with a path of turbulence. Its not to say that one way is great, moderation is the key. There are vegetarians who are unhealthy, and meat eaters who are healthy etc.. It goes both way, what you eat is only half the battle, the other half is proportion and control.

I personally believe that we should care about the welfare of animals.  We all have levels of determination and beliefs that drives our own decisions. If someone asked me which is the rightful diet, from an economical, environmental, and compassionate pt of view, i would reccomend fruit based diet, followed by a vegan/fruit based diet. 

Remeber, be the change you want to see. Start off small, one meal a day per week and build on it. Become aware of the change and you will see the change. 

For more information check the link below on changing your diet. 

https://www.vegan.com/how/

Victory for Hindus Against Companies That Misuse Hinduism: Asia Home Gourmet apologizes for Misuse of Diwali

Namaste, Hari Om,

Thanks for reading, below is a brief case study of how a local Hindu person stood up to a multinational corporation which was representing Hinduism (Diwali) in the wrong way. Everyone owes it to themselves, their families, friends and ancestors to stand up for their religion/culture when it is being defaced, but standing up should always be in a respectful and peaceful/diplomatic manner.

This world needs brave people who are ethically conscious and care about the present and future generations perceptions of their culture/religion. Most of the misrepresentations of any culture usually takes place out of a lack of knowledge not so much from ‘’hatred’’ or disrespect.

For all of those young up and coming Hindus, use this as an example and inspiration for your beliefs. Please be diplomatic and peaceful when bringing truth to companies/organizations who misuse Hinduism. A sincere request goes a long way.

Also when your school discusses Hinduism and the books are wrong, correct the books and offer to present on Hinduism (together with an adult or Hindu mentor if needed).

Background:

Recently a local Hindu person walked into a grocery store in Germany and noticed an advertisement for Diwali from Asia Home Gourmet. It painted pictures of a dia/lamp and a lady holding it as she was in worship, performing a scared act of Aarti (offering light to God as a representation of thanks and love for all that is divine). The advertisement stated, ‘’Enjoy Authentic Asian Flavours this Diwali’’. Of course having meat below was a strong misrepresentation.

The whole picture had a good intention of being ''homely'' except for what was pictured on the bottom of the advertisement, products containing meat. The Hindu person petitioned on their Facebook page as well as emailed various Asia Home Gourmet subsidiaries around the globe. This petition was a formal and direct request to firstly, understand Hinduism and that Diwali represents purity and should not be associated with meat. Secondly, this was a formal request to stop using/representing Diwali in a way that mixes meat with worship. The local activist was inspired by an article ''Seer hits road to stop misuse of God figures'', which discusses a seer who wants to help others know how to respect and use God figures etc... http://ibnlive.in.com/news/seer-hits-road-to-stop-misuse-of-god-figures/187115-60-115.htmlThe concerned Hindu’s letter below:

Resolution:

After a span of 3 weeks and many emails as well as support from Hindus and sincere non Hindus on Facebook, Asia Home Gourmet provided apologies and understanding of their use. They also promised to never advertise Diwali with meat products as this sends a wrong message to those who do not know about Diwali. Asia Home Gourmet’s response:

AND:

Ending with:






Lessons Learned:

Hindus and those who want respect for all religions are thankful for Asia Home Gourmet’s response. They accepted the error, apologized and put a corrective plan moving forward. This peaceful request was met by a sincere care for their Hindu customers who acknowledged the misrepresentation of Diwali.

Be proud to be Hindu and what Hinduism stands for. The greatness of Hinduism is that the ideals can be adopted and used by anyone, its not bound to a race or location etc. Hinduism will always be here as the knowledge and scriptures come from the inner conscience of Rishis and great Sages.

Stand and be strong to corruption in Temples, communities and especially within your daily lives. Be ethical and truthful to yourself, to your fellow brothers and sisters of this world. If any other religion, faith or person faces unethical treatment, come to their aid.

Don’t be afraid, the greatest silent supporter will guide you with divine hands.

Jai Shri SitaRam

-SimpleHinduBhai

Ganesh Chaturthi 11th day Closing – Why do we Submerge Ganesha in Water?

Namaste, Hari Om,

I wanted to talk about this event that is done at the end of Ganesh Chaturthi festival as it is never really talked about in detail. It’s a 11 day festival in which Lord Ganesh is worshiped and then submerged in the sea/water on the 11^th day. While you read this post you can see pictures from our humble worship, we are not professionals in this murthi/idol making process, but with love in your heart anyone can be the best among professionals. 

First off, I was corrected by someone who said Ganesh is not the ‘’elephant God’’, but rather a elephant faced God. That person who correct me, was further corrected by another who said, Ganesha is the ‘’God with an elephant head’’. Technicalities are there for understanding, but as long as we know the story of Ganesha we should be ok.

Lord Ganesh, son of Parvati and Shiva, is widely known as the obstacle clearing God. To the general world he is well perceived as the one who brings good luck as well. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a time when we can pray to him for guidance on our path of spirituality and understanding the self. Worship comes in many forms and practices, but today we will analyze the Idol submergence on the last day.

Idol worship is nothing more than non-idol worship. Yes that sounds like a paradox but think about it, when you focus your mind and thoughts on something or someone, you close your eyes and capture the image of that object/person. With idol worship its one step in the process of going within, it helps stimulate the senses to help our mind go further as we internalize the sensory images, wishes and thoughts of what we are focusing on. Furthermore, channeling energy can be done with or without an idol/murthi.

Making Ganapati

Thus making the Idol at the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi helps to not only build a connection with Lord Ganesh but to also input our energy in our hands (via our Nadis/nerve connections) into the Ganesha. You can build it yourself or buy one to worship then submerge, but building it yourself (no matter how it comes out), if done with love, has a greater meaning.

Back to the question - Why do we Submerge Ganesha in Water (called Visarjan or Vinayaka Nimarjana)? There are some reasons depending on how you look at things;

1.       Spiritual Level:  It is said that Lord Ganesh comes and meets us all for these few days, after the days are over he takes all of our wishes and negative energy to dispel with him as he journeys back to mount Kailash  to meet his mother and father, Shri Parvati and Lord Shiva. Submerging him is our way of sending him off on his journey. After worship of coconuts, modak, rice, flower etc.. Ganapati baba is worshiped by all in the streets/homes and sent to the sea. All of these rituals and process brings people together to share their energy, their love and their willingness of acceptance. Families and communities spend time together in a positive way in which harmony exists.

2.       Physical level with a spiritual connection: The Idol represents our love and devotion as well as our appreciation for Ganesha Ji. The idol was built from our minds and hands, we worshiped it physically daily and submerging it in water (which eventually the idol dissolves) represents our love and devotion being part of a greater picture of the world. Further there are symbolism of the submergence, it is to teach us that we are all one with the world and that we should not have attachment. We get very close to this physical form that was created yet this form of Ganesha is still there with us. The whole event teaches us that Lord Ganapati is still looking after us and is always there even after submergence as the presence of God is omnipresent and omnipotent.

Special Altar/Asaan made for
Ganapati Baba in our temple

Why all of these elaborate external sensory stimulating events and prayers? The goal of spirituality is to think spiritual and be in a mindset that lets you wear the glasses of truth. By first being one with the external world and these celebrations we can develop our inner outlook to go within. Just as I said earlier about Idol worship, all of these physical events are there for us as a stepping stone.

By thinking of God, good thoughts and well for the universe(s) we will bring positive energy to us faster. These festivals and rituals make up a portion of our path towards seeking our true selves within. Enjoy them and develop the love for what you are doing.

Using the sea is one option, but many
prefer a humble quiet offering
and later offering the water into
the earth/plants or even the sea

Bathing Ganapati baba with nariyal paani

Remember, Hinduism, spirituality or this desire of looking inward is not difficult – It is what you make it out to be. As long as you are a seeker you are already on the right path. Let everyday events in your life be satsangs (spiritual gatherings), worship and seva (charity). This does not mean have a kathaa (religious discourse) at work, but let good energy flow from yourself to another’s environment by saying positive thoughts about an action or trait. Sacrifice something every day in the name of God, give up your seat in a packed room, let a car go by who needs to pass or just simply hold a door for someone. When you feel that you are not progressing, dont look for outward approval from others or even from this world, everything is within. The heavenly aura of your inner beauty hypnotizes oneself like a soothing wind that envelopes a fragrant jasmine field. Without the wind (inner beauty) no one can know of the true divinity that comes from the Jasmine (ourselves).

May Lord Ganesh bless us all with prosperity towards the path of seeking the true self, help those without peace, food, shelter and without love – may they be blessed to have fulfillment and peace. Most importantly, may those negative energies stray away from our minds and environments.  

Jai Shri Maha SiddhiVinayaakaaya Namaha,

-          SimpleHinduBhai

Sending Ganapati Baba Away to Mount Kailash

Mudra's (hand gestures) and Meditation - Why is it important?

Namaste, Hari Om,

Picture Source: http://www.indianetzone.com/38/mudras_therapeutic_use.htm 

What is a mudra? Mudra (moo-draa) are often seen as folks sit and meditate or while they are performing religious rights. It is a hand gesture that brings the hands or fingers together to combine elements for a desired feeling and or energy.

Before we talk about mudras and the importance, note that although this is derived from ancient scriptures of Hinduism it does not belong to Hinduism alone. It is for the world and for anyone to use regardless of who you are. It is something that goes beyond the label of religion, gender, race or even belief. Its universal.

As you can see from the above picture there are elements per finger:

Thumb -  Fire (Agni)
Index -    Air (Vayu)
Middle -  Space (Aakash)
Ring -      Earth (Prithvi)
Little -     Water (Jal)

When these elements come together it eases our body and minds to help us in our daily lives. Performing the physical act of the mudra is only one part of the process of creating energy and easing the mind. The mind and breathe must be aligned and ready to accept the effects of the Mudra.

A natural balance is desired when we are meditating, we must calm our bodies and minds when there is a fire or too much vayu, air. These mudras are truly free from negative elements, they are positive and can be practiced any time.

The link below provides great details on the mudras and their effects. One important note that the site makes is that mudras are linked to healing. Concentration and conjuring of the elements can help us greatly. A great deal of energy is stored in the finger tips that is why many east asians eat with their hands. Energy and the elements are further incorporated into their food prior to intake into their mouth.

Mudras enhance our meditation, it is great to practice daily along with your meditation, it helps your mind concentrate and builds your confidence. Find the mudra that works for you and your goals, the Ganesh Mudra which is easy to do will help with your opening of the heart chakra and meditating on Lord Ganesh.

Lastly there is a link below that describes mudras and the health benefits.

Further links read more into Mudras: 

- http://www.akhandjyoti.org/?Akhand-Jyoti/2003/Mar-Apr/YogaMudras/ 

- http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/meditation/mudras.aspx 

Happy Janmashtami 2012! Aug 9th in the Western world (US) and Aug 10th in the Eastern world (Europe/India)

Namaste, Hari Om,

Wishing you and your families a happy Krishna Janmashtami.

For the western world it should approx begin at 430pm on Thursday Aug 9th 2012,  and for Europe and Asia it will be on Aug 10th 2012 since that region is about 6-12hrs ahead.

It is a great time to reflect on the love and stories of Lord Krishna, from reading the beloved Gita to the Mahabharat, there are endless ways to reflect.

Many families go to temple and come home in time to rock a baby Krishna in a small rocking-bed, some fast and perform puja in his name. And some sing bhajans to conjure the love that they have.

What ever you do, and how ever you do it, always keep the love alive and the feelings.

The birth of Lord Krishna can be found here, http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordkrishna/p/krishna_birth.htm, a great article by Subhamoy Das.

Furthermore nice songs and mantras are also available throughout the internet.

The day after Krishna Janmashtami is called Dahi handi during Nanda Utsav. Its where people form human pyramids to get the Dahi out of the high hanging clay pot, just as Lord Krishna did as a young boy.

Enjoy with fun and love for all,

Jai Shri Krishna,
SimpleHinduBhai
 

Made in India: Corrupt Volunteering Programs, Abusing the Poor with ‘’Sympathetic Tourism’’

Namaste, Hari Om,

I am writing this article to shed light on something that I have witnessed many times first hand. This in no way should cloud what a beautiful country India is, and should not taint the other beautiful souls that have been in the shelter under Bharat Mata. Like any nation there are good and bad. I want to inform those who do not see beyond the tourism or even those who are from India and have ‘’affluent blind’’ backgrounds and  for those who never rub elbows with the ‘’poor’’ (or what I like to call the awakened souls as most of them know what life is about). In the end, when you don’t have you know the value of not having.

There are many things made in India, steel, cars,  incense, sweets, wonderful food, ghee, saris, and sadly leather tanneries. These are tangible products we can eat, use and wear (and hopefully not to wear i.e. leather) etc.. What about tourism? Tourism ranges from purely sightseeing all the way to medical tourism. A trend that is picking up quickly is what I like to call ‘’sympathetic tourism’’.

I have volunteered in India many times, I thought the best way to help my ‘’mother land’’ was to help the people who get the shorter end of the stick in life. I used vacation time from work, paid for my own tickets and stayed with host families. The experience gained takes you far out of your comfort zone, although this may sound  harsh and some would question why, the discomfort and displacement is replaced by pure love and smiles that have no price. Seeing the depths of societies that one would not usually see changes your life. From older folks and how they lived and witnessed the change of India over the decades, to children who have no parents and understanding how they cope with societies view of being disabled or even a girl for that matter.

Everyone should volunteer, whether it’s at a local soup kitchen, hospital or even in the villages of Zambia. I have met doctors who take their time to go to countries and provide free healthcare to anyone who asked for it. The sheer love is reciprocated and provides strong spiritual growth similar to lifting weights every day, your heart and mind becomes stronger.

Seva is performing a good act without looking for a return or merit.

Unfortunately there are many volunteers that truly want to give back to India but are met with corrupt men who own and operate slum zoo’s. Slum zoo’s may seem harsh but it is reality, these men gather groups of children, assign a teacher and calls it a school. They then advertise on the internet to (mainly Europeans) to visit India and gain an experience in helping children in poor stricken areas. The expected goal of the volunteer is to give back to society from a western point of view (i.e. cultural sharing, teaching math/English), understand the local customs and culture and see India not only from a tourism point of view.

If you Google ‘’Volunteer in India’’, you will see sites by the hundreds marketing their services to would be volunteers. It is sad to see that many of them are corrupt and it is hard to see this without witnessing their ‘’volunteer system’’ first hand. They abuse the local labor to form these pseudo organizations, abusing the slums and telling the parents that their children is getting an education when they really are not.  Next they incorporate or form a business name in foreign countries such as the US or within Europe (via their blinded former volunteers).

Volunteers pay large amounts for their plane tickets, and then volunteer fees range from hundreds to thousands depending on where you are. Many volunteer programs claim that it takes allot of money to run an orphanage or school, but if you look at local conversion factors, 30 volunteers in a month paying (for example) 350-500USD per program, that equals to $10,500-15000USD (600,000-800,000 Rupees). How on earth does a volunteer group use all of that? Answer is simple, the money hardly ever sees the true cause. With corrupt volunteer programs, most if not all of the money is never seen by the children who need it. I have seen volunteers buy shoes for ‘’slum kids’’ and then the following week it is gone. Sometimes it is sold for food, taken back by the organizations owners then sold.

The organizers of these slum schools, orphanages and other schools are struggling themselves. They abuse the sincerity of the volunteers, they mask their programs as nice and caring but the reality is the children are used as if they are zoo animals to attract more volunteers. You can see the organizers encouraging the volunteers to take pictures and spread their names across social media outlets. Even when you speak to the local teachers who work there they are not allowed to ill speak the treatment or the process. Few have opened up and it’s the same.

Note, this is not to say that every orphanage, volunteer group and school is corrupted. Even if you go its hard to tell unless you are behind the lines. It’s ok if you don’t see this when you volunteer or give a donation, in your heart you are trying your best and doing good for the kids within the corruption.

I felt it brings no justice by being quiet, many countries have corrupt people who abuse disabled children, poor stricken areas and local labor, but to do this in the name of selfless volunteers and helpless children? That is just wrong.

Sympathetic tourism is exactly what it is, westerns feeling the need to help a society that is in need (which is ok). The corrupted men that build what they deem ‘’slum zoo’s’’ to attract these westerns are usually doing it in the name of their God, the Rupee.

Please be cautious to whom you volunteer with, sometimes a low price for a volunteer program can indicate an abused and neglected slum school or orphanage. I am not saying that this is true, on the other hand those who do not charge for volunteering are also a positive step. Do not be fooled, please write about your experiences online and bring light to these corrupt people.

In the name of the kids that are abused for money, I encourage all to shed light, let the good penetrate the dark souls.

How to be careful:

1.       Volunteer with hospitals, proper NGOs (non-governmental organizations) – seek those who are registered with governmental agencies or public schools DO NOT volunteer with organizations with no support or structure, these can be in bad areas where hospitals and police stations are far away

2.       Stay clear of shady setups, those who piece together websites and fancy pictures and grass roots organizations who setup shelters and schools in the name of money. Qualify them by doing research. Be careful of being ‘’pawned’’ off, if your volunteer leader is not there to talk to you and understand how you feel it is a bad sign

3.       Try not to donate money immediately, offer to buy food and serve it immediately, offer to pay for trips for the kids, offer to buy medicine and dispense it (along with a local doctor) immediately

4.       Don’t stray away from the kids/program, offer your cultural and educational services, broaden their view of the world, offer your language or other skills (i.e. dancing, acting, drawing or even games) as well

5.       Be cautious of those who ask for monetary donations upfront, ESPECIALLY those who ask for a ‘’set amount’’. I always say, if someone (a local) knows the current exchange rate for currency, run far away!

6.       What you put in, you will get out, ask questions, find out how they live, ask the locals about the volunteer programs, how the local government helps them, ask about their history and what they think of the world. Most importantly, ask ‘’what do you want to ask me’’.

7.       Talk to past volunteers, try to get an understanding of their thoughts, ask for 2 bad points and 2 good points etc.

8.       Be extremely careful of super extra preferential (i.e. being treated like royalty) treatment. A true selfless person would not go out of their way to ‘’kiss up’’ to foreigners for more money or donations, they will be humble and kind

9.       Read online reviews, many forums discuss the program you are going to

10.   Be cautious of the volunteering environments, understand where you go might be an area with police stations that are far away, same for hospitals. ALWAYS be cautious of the local norms and cultures, Women especially must be careful, many parts women are not respected rape and assault can take place

Do not let corruption taint your wish to help selflessly. There are millions that need a smile, a hug and even a hand to feed them, do not give up.

Jai Shri Bhoomi Mata,

-SimpleHinduBHai

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj: Lessons from Adversity

Namaste, Hari Om,

Got this email from a good friend regarding Adversities in life, we face them as we walk this path of karmic burning, below highlights answers to things we question during adversities. 

Enjoy, Ram Ram,

SimpleHinduBhai

-----------------------------------

Lessons from Adversity

Message: H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

Featured in Highlights Newsletter March 23, 2012

 

Life is filled with many adversities. 

We struggle with health problems, financial problems, relationship problems, and emotional problems. We wonder why God does not grant us a life of ease, free of burdens.

There is a beautiful example from nature that gives us a different perspective about adversity. The eagle finds the tallest tree or the highest mountain ledge to build its nest. Few people can see how the eagle builds its nest because it is too high for most people. Some researchers found ways to observe the eagle building the nest and were surprised by its unusual method. The eagle lays the first layer of the nest with sharp objects such as thorns and jagged and sharp stones. It is hard to believe that the eagle finds these razor sharp objects as an appropriate nest for its young. Next, the eagle covers the layer of sharp objects with soft material, such as wood, feathers, and animal fur. As the baby birds hatch from their eggs, the soft layer of the nest surrounds them.

After they grow a bit, the mother eagle takes the nest material and mixes it up. The jumbled mass becomes a mixture of the sharp objects and the soft ones. She takes her talons and then begins to point the sharp objects towards the baby birds. Some of the sharp edges even cut against the baby birds’ skin. Soon, the mother stops putting the food from her mouth into the babies’ mouths. Suddenly, their comfortable world has become painful. They are hungry because the mother has stopped feeding them, and they are in pain from the sharp edges cutting into their bodies. Then, the mother eagle even uses her beak to remove the soft material from the nest, leaving only the sharp objects. The discomfort becomes so great that the babies want to leave the nest. They then begin to fly away to get out of the nest.

It may seem that the mother eagle is cruel in creating a painful environment for the baby eagles. But the lesson in adversity is that the pain causes them to want to escape from their comfortable existence. The mother eagle stirs up the discontent so they can leave the nest and fly towards independence.

The Value of Adversity

This beautiful analogy from nature explains the value of adversity in our lives. If people were too happy and comfortable in their physical existence, they would never seek God. Most people turn to God only in times of trouble. When they are faced with intolerable pain, an incurable illness, a devastating loss, or a financial disaster, they find that life is not as great as they thought it was. Suddenly, life becomes difficult. All the ease and comfort they may have previously experienced is converted into a sense of darkness and doom. It is during those times of pain and crises that we begin to wonder if life is as good as we thought. We start to wonder if there is more to life. We begin to question if there is a God, and what is the purpose of this life.

Adversity turns our face to God. 

Without it, most people would not give God a second thought. They would live and die without even thinking about God. Suffering has the value of turning our attention to the Lord. It makes us pray to God to help us. When things become so rough, it causes us to question what life is about and we begin to search for answers.

Saints and spiritual Masters have spoken of gifts that we may be given to turn us to God. One is the gift of poverty. When we are rich and living in the lap of luxury, we do not think about God. But when we suddenly lose all that we own, our stocks drop, or we lose our home, we begin to think about God. Another is the gift of ignominy. When we have name and fame, and people respect and praise us, we are happy and do not think about God. But when the tides turn and we are slandered, criticized, and vilified, suddenly we turn to God for help. Misfortunes have the power to make us turn to a higher Power for help.

A Wake Up Reminder from God

Sometimes if we become too complacent, God may shake things up a bit to make us do our spiritual work. God wants all of the baby eagles to soar. God wants us to soar from this physical region to the astral, from the astral region to the causal region, from the causal region to the supracausal region, and from there to return to the highest spiritual realms. God may do whatever it takes to help all the eagles fly and return Home.

If faced with adversity from which it seems there is nothing we can do to relieve it, we should take it as a gift from God to remind us that this world is not our true Home. It is a wakeup call to teach us that we should not be too comfortable in this physical world, as it is actually a region of maya, of pain, and of suffering. We can wake up to the sharpness of life so that we can rise from this physical world and soar into spiritual realms within. At times, God removes the soft coverings so we can be reminded that this life is painful and full of suffering. This realization will drive us to put in a greater effort to meditate more and to soar to our Home of true peace, the lap of God.