"Friday, May 1, 1908…I did not know that that day would mean an end of a chapter of my life, and that there stretched before me a year's imprisonment during which period all my human relations would cease, that for a whole year I would have to live beyond the pale of society, like an animal in a cage. And when I would re-enter the world of activity it would not be the old familiar Aurobindo Ghose…I have spoken of a year's imprisonment. It would have been more appropriate to speak of a year's living…in an ashram or a hermitage…the only result of the wrath of the British Government was that I found God."
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"Friday, May 1, 1908…I did not know that that day would mean an end of a chapter of my life, and that there stretched before me a year's imprisonment during which period all my human relations would cease, that for a whole year I would have to live beyond the pale of society, like an animal in a cage. And when I would re-enter the world of activity it would not be the old familiar Aurobindo Ghose…I have spoken of a year's imprisonment. It would have been more appropriate to speak of a year's living…in an ashram or a hermitage…the only result of the wrath of the British Government was that I found God."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
In a way the true scientist is also a mystic. And the mystic a scientist. For they are both driven by curiosity, wonder, and most importantly; humility. The separation between Science and Religion is artificial. Propagated by people who understand neither Science nor Religion.
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And my dear friend says form will understand the formless. The limited will grasp the unlimited. Man will decipher God. He says, 'Wait and See. Time will tell.' We tell him, even time is limited. Another form. The drop cannot fathom the Ocean.
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And my dear friend says form will understand the formless. The limited will grasp the unlimited. Man will decipher God. He says, 'Wait and See. Time will tell.' We tell him, even time is limited. Another form. The drop cannot fathom the Ocean.
Gandhiji: An Eternal Quest For The Truth.
Gandhiji’s life and thought are of enormous value and importance in today’s times, filled with violence in all walks of life and rampant unhappiness deep in the heart of man. We as a Civilization are cut off from Soil, Soul and Society and the effects of this separation are destroying the very fabric of human life on this planet. Environmental destruction, Growing divide between the rich and the poor, The rise of state and terrorist violence, The ever present danger of Nuclear war, Disintegrating communities, and Growing psychological alienation etc all stand testimony to this unraveling.
Gandhiji through his amazing prescience foresaw much of this Civilizational crisis long before others, and dedicated his life to the quest and practice of a value system that embraced Truth and Harmony. Peace and Love. He did not just speak, but also embodied the highest standards of living his Truth, in all walks of life. He might not have always been successful, but was very earnest nevertheless. It is this sincerity that inspired countless many and a simplicity that endeared him to the masses. He was also pioneer in showing that Spiritual Transformation and Social Regeneration were two sides of the same coin and went hand in hand together.
We have much to learn from Gandhiji’s quest and life (‘experiments’ as he called them) in our own search for a peaceful and sustainable society. It would do us well to take him very seriously.
(Part of my Application to the Winter School on Gandhi.)
Gandhiji’s life and thought are of enormous value and importance in today’s times, filled with violence in all walks of life and rampant unhappiness deep in the heart of man. We as a Civilization are cut off from Soil, Soul and Society and the effects of this separation are destroying the very fabric of human life on this planet. Environmental destruction, Growing divide between the rich and the poor, The rise of state and terrorist violence, The ever present danger of Nuclear war, Disintegrating communities, and Growing psychological alienation etc all stand testimony to this unraveling.
Gandhiji through his amazing prescience foresaw much of this Civilizational crisis long before others, and dedicated his life to the quest and practice of a value system that embraced Truth and Harmony. Peace and Love. He did not just speak, but also embodied the highest standards of living his Truth, in all walks of life. He might not have always been successful, but was very earnest nevertheless. It is this sincerity that inspired countless many and a simplicity that endeared him to the masses. He was also pioneer in showing that Spiritual Transformation and Social Regeneration were two sides of the same coin and went hand in hand together.
We have much to learn from Gandhiji’s quest and life (‘experiments’ as he called them) in our own search for a peaceful and sustainable society. It would do us well to take him very seriously.
(Part of my Application to the Winter School on Gandhi.)
Monday, August 23, 2010
God is just a word, for those who do not know the silence and its vibrance. They squabble over its usage or flaunt it around as if the word was everything. They agree or disagree about it, and make it a matter of belief. Discussion and debate. But God is beyond this all. We cannot reach it with our theories. We can only know its presence in our hearts. And everywhere else. Beyond this our minds are too small to decipher God. Neither should we try to, in my opinion. It reeks of arrogance.
To be in dhyana means to be one with God. Its not about closing eyes or opening eyes, watching breath or any special position of sitting. Though, the cross legged sitting with a straight back and eyes closed seems to work wonders for me. It would be a tragedy, if dhyana became just this one posture or ritual or even a formula. Eventually all living should become dhyana. And no existence outside of God.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
If you knew you only had a few more minutes to live, would you still spend it worrying and accumulating for the future?
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You will die one day. Why not just die Now? Psychologically.
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In our complacency, we take life for granted. We do not live it as a game full of surprises and awe and wonder. The fear driven craving for security truly kills the spirit with which it needs to be lived. In the present moment, with no fear at all. And eyes wide open.
Monday, August 09, 2010
The real Guru of guru's is right in your heart.
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Let no man stand in judgment of the state of grace of another.
That's entirely God's territory.
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When it is pure Consciousness, how is it 'your' Consciousness and 'my' Consciousness? Where from do these boundaries come?
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Its the ignorant, that squabble over words and concepts. The wise know the certitude beyond debate.
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I am not Naveen