Inspiration From Aung San Sui Kyi

Aung San Suu Kiyi was fifteen years under house arrest in Myanmar but years of mental torture could nether break her nor dent her courage and mental fortitude to endure all that she went through- plus the trauma of being denied the right to live with her family- needs a certain spiritual courage and deattachment and Aung San Suu Kiyi's Myanmaar Leader of the National League for democracy revealed these trials in plenty. The world has recognised her stoic struggle and moral victory including her nobel peace prize. Her rare combination of intelligence and charm and generous compassion with which she looks at her erstwhile tormentors.

During her captivity, she had busied herself studying and exercising. She occupied herself in meditation, working on her skills in the French and Japanese language and relaxed herself by playing Banch on the piano. This regular practice of meditation helped her withstand her long confinement and separation from family for so many years.

She is recognized as a symbol of moral and spiritual beauty of a pilgrim.  What Rabindranath Tagore once wrote in his poem "I feel beautiful as my mind is free", rightly applies to Aung San Kyi's beauty that knows no fear.

In Buddhism, it is explained that at this core of our being are profound Brahmaviharas or  heavenly realms which are our true nature and they need to be accessed. These are karuna or compassion, upeka or equanimity, mudita or sympathetic joy for others and metta or loving kindness. Buddism tells you to overcome and avoid negative patterns of thought and at the same time, enhance positive thinking to attain a compassionate , balanced and a spiritual outlook for a more fulfilling sense of well-being.

Suu Kyi's own book, Fear of Freedom proposes that dictators are worried more than anything, by the fear of freedom. She refused to enter into combat with her captors on terms of hate, violence and revenge, and managed with compassion and tolerance to keep the spirit of freedom alive, without fear.

This quality of inner and moral beauty, and spiritaulity in its stoic grace, has enhanced Aung's persona today as the international icon of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression. Truly, she is a democratic pilgrim.

           

Way To Attain Mental Peace

Peace of mind is the most sought after commodity in human life. It appears that most of us are in a state of perpetual restlessness. On analyzing the causes of this restlessness, I have ventures to find for myself ten solutions that need to be followed religiously if we are serious about achieving perfect peace of mind.

1. Do not interfere in other's business:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in other's affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic, and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction.

This kind of attitude on our part denies the existence of individuality  and consequently the existence of god, for god has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men and women act the way they do because they are prompted to do so by the divine within them. There is god to look after every thing. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will have peace.

2. Forget and Forgive:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often nurture ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults or harms us. We forget that the insult or injury was done to us once but by nurturing the grievance we go on excavating the wound forever. Therefore, it is essential that we cultivate the art of forget and forgiving. Believe in the justice of god and the doctrine of karma. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forget and forgive and march on.

3. Do not crave for recognition.

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motive. They may praise you today because you are rich and have power but no sooner you are powerless they will forget your achivements and starts criticising you. Moreover no one is perfect than why do you value the words of praise of another mortal like you? Why do you crave for recognition? Believe in yourself. People's praises do not last long. Do your duties ethically and sincerely and leave the rest to god. 

4. Do not be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know you work harder than your colleagues in office but they get promotions in the office and you do not. Should you be jealous? No, remember everybody's life is shaped by previous karma that has now become his destiny. If you are destined     to be rich not all the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere but will only give  you restlessness.

5. Change yourself according to the Environment.

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you may fail. Instead change yourself to suit the environment.As you do this, even the environment which has remained unfriendly for you, will mysteriously appear to be congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure what cannot be cured:

This is a best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Everyday we face numerous inconvenience, ailments, irritations and accidents that are beyond our control. We must learn to endure them, cheerfully thinking " god will it so, so be it:" God's logic is beyond our comprehensions. Believe it and you will gain in patience, inner strength and in will power.

7. Do not buy more than that you can chew:

This maxim should be always be remembered. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable to carry out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations, spend your free time on prayers, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind, which makes you restless. Fewer of thoughts greater is the peace of mind.

8. Meditate regularly:

Meditation makes the mind thoughtless. This is the highest state of mind. Try and experience it.  If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, rest of the time you will tend to become calm.

This will increase your efficiency and you will turn out more work in less time.

9. Never leave mind vacant:

An empty mind is a devils workshop. All evil deeds start in the mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive and worthwhile. Actively follow your hobby. You must decide what you value more-money or peace of mind.You will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement even if you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of god's name.

10. Do not procrastinate and never regret:

Do not waste time in wondering "should I or shouldn't I". Days, weeks, months and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember god has his own plan too. Value your time and do things. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can rectify your mistake and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes but do not brood over the past. Do not Regret. Whatever happened was destined to happen that way. Take it as the will of god. You do not have the power to alter the course of go's will. Why Cry?        

These ten commandments for the Peace of Mind by Mr. Diwakar.

Power of Jain Chantings-II

Everyday, I gain knowledge from my Gurus although I also gain awareness through newspaper, books and knowledge-based television programs. If one face problems, then make it a point to wholeheartedly remember your guru, which helps one to come out of the problems. This time when I remembered my guru, I could feel his presence and when I went to Jain temple, I saw that my Guru was there. Whatever Guruji spoke in the Pravachan, it seemed as if Guruji sensed my troubles and spoke on that only. He said that one should have control over whatever one speaks, words can avoid disasters and bring happiness and peace. Yours thoughts determine your words, hence one should be a well-wisher for others. Make your mind and thoughts simple and do not indulge in unnecessary things. Do not have the tendency to collect material things as when time passes by, things which you desire are lost in time. If you do not have a desire for materialistic things , you safe yourself from the grief of loosing things. 


My guru Dr.Rajendra Muni Ji told us a story. Once there lived a wealthy trader. He had to travel to different countries for trading gold and gems. One day, when the trader was about to leave for abroad, people asked him that does he know how to swim. He replied "no". Then, worried relatives and neighbors gave him two empty containers, and said that in case you encounter with problems while traveling, these empty containers will safe you from drowning. Unfortunately, the ship on which he was traveling began to sunk. At that very moment he thought that if these containers could save him, then why not put all his gold and gems in those containers. 


When the traders filled those containers with gold and gems, the containers became heavy, and the trader drowned along with those containers. 


Hence, we can understand that one should keep their mind and thoughts simple, and at peace. This can free us from the complexities of life, if we engage our whole life in collecting and relishing in materialistic things and by expecting too much from our relationships, we drag ourselves back to the struggling world.                   

Power of Jain Chantings

I have a habit of reading something before I go to sleep since childhood, and so even today I keep certain books and reading materials besides my bed. One night, while reading a book, a pamphlet came out of the book which was on Jain chantings. The pamphlet also said that if one reads these mantras before going to bed, one gets eternal peace. I wondered how is it possible? I have an emperical mind so I test what I read.    
Next day, suddenly when I came back after dropping my daughter to the metro station, on the way I saw my Acharya Shiv Muni Ji ,I payed my respect to him, and he blessed me to attend the Dyan Shivir which I could not attend earlier. It was a merical to meet such a dyan yogi who owned a group of 1400 Sadhu and Sadhvis. 
 I again chanted those mantras at night. Next day, I din't go outside my home, suddenly a Jain Sadhu came home for Gocheri and He recited Mangli and blessed me and my mother-in-law who is bed ridden. 
I again chanted those mantras at subsequent nights. One morning when I got up , I had a gut feeling that I should go to temple. I went to my Jain temple where it was written that a Jain sadhu was staying there. I payed my respect to Him and performed Puja in the temple. I felt satisfied and at peace while I was returning home.
I continued to chant those mantras at night and in the morning I received a call from my father. He was very excited and he narrated what happened when the supreme Jain sadhu Acharya Sudha Sagar Maharaj came to our house for his Aharchariya which was great thing for anyone from Jain religion. He gave blessing to each member of our family. This was a very mystical experience.


From that day on, I chant those mantras and daily I gain new experiences which motivate me to reach higher spiritual self.                          

Learn To Love

A young man planted a flower garden ,but when the flowers came up,so did a  great crop of weeds among them.Wishing to eliminate the unwanted guests,the young man consulted gardeners far and wide,but none of their solutions worked.Finally the young man made his way to the palace to seek the wisdom of the royal gardener.But alas, he had already tried out all the methods the kind old man recommeded to hin for eradicating such troublesome weeds.The royal gardener stared at the young man for some time and then said, Well, the only thing I can suggest is that you learn to love them''.

The Sis Ganj Story

Soon after the joyous celebrations for Guru Nanak,comes the sad event of the martyrdomday of Guru Teg Bahadur,the ninth Sikh Guru. It was at the site of the SisGanj Gurdwara in Delhi's Chandni Chowk where the guru was beheaded in 1675.Guru Teg Bahadur had  taken on the mighty Mughals and made the supreme sacrifice of his life to protect the faith and honour of the persecuted and the down trodden. He is called Hind-di-chaddar or sheild of India. The guru was borne in Amritsar in 1621 and named Tyagmal. The name Teg Bahadur,"mighty of sword" was given to him by his father, Guru Hargobind, after he fought with Valour against the Mughals.

Aurangzeb's seized power in 1658 after executing liberal minded brother, Dara Shukoh. Aurangzeb had perceived India as an Islamic Theocracy and sought to convert Hindus to Islam. He decided to begin conversions with the Kashmere Pundits.

In a desperate bit to save their community, Kashmere Pundits led by Pundit Kripa Ram visited Guru Teg Bahadur at Anandpur requesting him to protect their faith. The compassionate Guru heard their request and said "these atrocities can only be stopped with supreme sacrifice of a Mahapurush" and so it was the guru decided to step in knowing fully that he might have to pay with his life. He asked the Kashmere Pundits to tell Aurangzeb that if he could convert guru Teg Bahadur, they would all convert. On hearing this, Aurangzeb had the guru imprisoned and brought to Delhi.

The Mughal first killed his companions captured with him, hoping it would force him into compliance. The Guru witnessed the savagery with Divine calm. When he still could not be persuaded to abandon his faith, he was asked to perform miracle to prove his divinity. The Guru refused and was beheaded at the spot where the Sis Ganj Gurudwara now stands. 

Life

People and situations respond to you differently once your thoughts change. Situations change, people change,  even solid material things change, once you learn to perceive situations differently from what they appear.Most people react , they do not  respond.Response is action.Action is a conscious decision; reaction is an act of impulsiveness.No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. We indulge in vices not only physically but more often through our minds. Guard against this tendency. So one can turn adversity into advantage through understanding and effort.For life to turn into a great victory,you have to win many small battles along the way.