Watch Your Thoughts

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Abstract

wo characteristics — Purity and Clarity. We have to be mindful of both to hold the reins of our minds. Purity of Thought is based on Yajna, Dhana, and Tapa.Yajna is defined in Brittanica as “always purposeful, even though the aim may be as general as sustaining the natural order of the universe.” Life is all about finding our “flow” or getting into the “zone” aligned with the universe. I learned that the trick is in leading our life as an offering to the natural order of the universe. Live honestly the noble life of sacrifice and service producing more than what we consume and giving more than what we take.Dhana (charity) is a virtue in Hinduism and all religions. Giving a suitable gift with the religious intention to the deserving ones at the right time and place has a philosophic vision of humanism, the social dimension of welfare, and economic benevolence in result, in addition to producing the satisfaction of spiritual gain. Rig Veda says that the best “Dhan is offering food to a hungry person and teaching someone.Tapas is defined in Brittanica as “Hinduism the practice of tapas was especially associated with yogic discipline as a way of purifying the body in preparation for the more exacting spiritual exercises leading to liberation (moksha). Moksha may or may not be the goal depending on one’s age, but for all ages, keeping a healthy body & mind should be a goal.Clarity of Thought is based on Sravana, Manana, and Nidhidhyasana. As enshrined in the Brihadaranya Upanishad, the Vedantic route for self-enlightenment has to follow three processes, namely Sravana ( Listening),

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Manana ( Reflection), and Nididhyasana ( Deep Contemplation and Assimilation). We live in the times of Technology and Podcasts — TedTalks, Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts etc. Of course, the topics we choose should not be the ones that will cater to our sensory needs. The topics should be something that elevates us mentally, physically, and spiritually. Listening (Sravana) is not enough. We should reflect (mañana) on what was heard. Journalling is one good way to jot down takeaways — writing summarises and reinforces learnings. Of course, the process is not complete without (Nidhidhaysana) deep contemplation and assimilation. The idea of listening was to develop a new habit or to get deeper insights. This will not be possible without the step of Nidhidhyasana.Swami Vivekananda spoke these insightful words in California, on April 1, 1900 — “It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thoughts make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light. First, believe in this world — that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is good, holy, and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you are not understanding it in the right light. throw the burden on yourselves”So my prayer for 2024 is to continue developing Purity of Thought and Clarity of Thought.Wish you all Purity and Clarity in all your thoughts in 2024.<figure id="01b7"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*uHopny7xlwYdEG9HAZKw6A.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by author — Adi Sankara’s Birthplace , Veliyanad, Kochi, Kerala</figcaption></figure></article></body>

They Become Your Destiny

Photo By Author — Sunset @ Veliyanad

I have to thank the abundant grace of the Guru Parampara (tradition) that I made it to the Vedanta Immersive Camp, conducted by Chinmaya International Foundation, from December 25–31, 2023 at Veliyanad in Kerala. This is the maternal birthplace of Adi Sankara. Swami Chinmayananda refurbished and named it Sankara Nilayam and housed his Foundation — which imparts Indic Knowledge and Vedanta courses. A great setting to put my thoughts on the last blog of the year 2023.

If I were to sum up 2023 I would say it was life in abundant glory — some wonderful moments that brought in cheer, deeply sad moments that sapped my will, and many insightful moments that gave hope and positivity. I have been reflecting on what are my takeaways from 2023 as I step into 2024 and this beautiful verse of Bhagavad Gita resonated with me.

Bhagavad Gita — Chapter 17; Verse 16

मन: प्रसाद: सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रह: | भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते ||

manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ bhāva-sanśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate ||

The verse when translated verbatim says — Purity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose — all these are declared as austerity of the mind.

The power of mind seemed to be the cornerstone of 2023 in my life. I have seen how my thoughts shaped me and the world around me. Thoughts for me have two characteristics — Purity and Clarity. We have to be mindful of both to hold the reins of our minds. Purity of Thought is based on Yajna, Dhana, and Tapa.

Yajna is defined in Brittanica as “always purposeful, even though the aim may be as general as sustaining the natural order of the universe.” Life is all about finding our “flow” or getting into the “zone” aligned with the universe. I learned that the trick is in leading our life as an offering to the natural order of the universe. Live honestly the noble life of sacrifice and service producing more than what we consume and giving more than what we take.

Dhana (charity) is a virtue in Hinduism and all religions. Giving a suitable gift with the religious intention to the deserving ones at the right time and place has a philosophic vision of humanism, the social dimension of welfare, and economic benevolence in result, in addition to producing the satisfaction of spiritual gain. Rig Veda says that the best “Dhan is offering food to a hungry person and teaching someone.

Tapas is defined in Brittanica as “Hinduism the practice of tapas was especially associated with yogic discipline as a way of purifying the body in preparation for the more exacting spiritual exercises leading to liberation (moksha). Moksha may or may not be the goal depending on one’s age, but for all ages, keeping a healthy body & mind should be a goal.

Clarity of Thought is based on Sravana, Manana, and Nidhidhyasana. As enshrined in the Brihadaranya Upanishad, the Vedantic route for self-enlightenment has to follow three processes, namely Sravana ( Listening), Manana ( Reflection), and Nididhyasana ( Deep Contemplation and Assimilation). We live in the times of Technology and Podcasts — TedTalks, Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts etc. Of course, the topics we choose should not be the ones that will cater to our sensory needs. The topics should be something that elevates us mentally, physically, and spiritually. Listening (Sravana) is not enough. We should reflect (mañana) on what was heard. Journalling is one good way to jot down takeaways — writing summarises and reinforces learnings. Of course, the process is not complete without (Nidhidhaysana) deep contemplation and assimilation. The idea of listening was to develop a new habit or to get deeper insights. This will not be possible without the step of Nidhidhyasana.

Swami Vivekananda spoke these insightful words in California, on April 1, 1900 — “It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thoughts make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light. First, believe in this world — that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is good, holy, and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you are not understanding it in the right light. throw the burden on yourselves”

So my prayer for 2024 is to continue developing Purity of Thought and Clarity of Thought.

Wish you all Purity and Clarity in all your thoughts in 2024.

Photo by author — Adi Sankara’s Birthplace , Veliyanad, Kochi, Kerala