Little rays of sunshine -
light-beams sparkling,
silver-dust sprinkles,
such is God's love today,
gentle showers falling on me,
blessing and so totally loving...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Happy God !
This was a forward sent to me by my brother..I liked it so much that I wanted it to be part of this blog...If I knew who wrote it, I would love to add the due credits, but since I don't know nor does my brother, I'll leave it as it is, thanking the wonderful soul who wrote it....
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Happy God
My God is a happy God. He laughs with amusement at our deeds and with indulgence at our conceits. Sometimes, perhaps, he is mildly surprised at what we can do both above and below his expectation. But he is never angry. He has no call to be. By our
misdeeds we do not threaten him, we threaten ourselves and probably make him chuckle at our self importance and pomposity, as we may chuckle if a toy created by us acted peculiarly.
My God is perhaps amused that we mistake our state of mind for his, transfer our emotions to him and even assign Him a gender and, often, a form. We give him myriad names and treat these names, thought up by us, special. He is amused that we act scared when we risk his anger in our imagination. He is perhaps also amused when we jump to defend him, when nothing any of us can do can harm him even one little bit.
There are those amongst us who think that they speak for my God. Many of them are lying, either for gain for themselves in this world or hope of gain in the other one. Or, they are sincerely deluded into thinking that they are God's Chosen Ones, authorised to speak on his behalf to their fellow-men and women. These last are no less harmful or pointless than those who are knowingly hypocritical. Being saved from God's so called anger is less urgent than being saved from their self-righteous
wrath, which, usually, has more to do with their chosen path than with their averred destination.
My God has no reason to be angry, sarcastic or jealous. We are like infants for Him and no one except the impatient or immature would inflict these sentiments on infants. And God is certainly neither.
My God expects me to view his Creation with an open and questing mind and live in it with lightness of spirit and vibrancy of feeling. Goodwill and tolerance are a part of his expectation. He views my progress towards him with the measure of how "One" I feel with all that sprang from him. This Oneness eventually leads to its source, himself, and is beyond any of our puny concepts of "divinity" or "holiness" or even "bliss". Those who touch even the edge of this Oneness, realise that mankind has no word in any language that can do it justice. All our expectations of heaven fall severely short in its unending fulfilment.
There are only a very few women and men who have a right to speak of God, as he would want us to speak of him. These rare ones have tasted this "One-ness" in full measure. They shine like stars in our constellation and are marked by the unity of their thought and the benign-ness of their deeds. Though religions and rituals may have formed around them, these Masters are beyond religion and rituals. The
"Smile of God" shines through their own smile. When we are in tune with them, we can feel some of their great joy inside ourselves. And, if this happens to us when we get only a second hand glimpse of God, imagine how happy he himself must be.
Yes, my God is a happy God. With the power to do whatever he wants, how can he be otherwise? Thus, I do not fear the wrath of God. I fear only the wrath of my own conscience which God put there. For, ultimately it is not God who will critically judge my actions. It is my own Self.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy God
My God is a happy God. He laughs with amusement at our deeds and with indulgence at our conceits. Sometimes, perhaps, he is mildly surprised at what we can do both above and below his expectation. But he is never angry. He has no call to be. By our
misdeeds we do not threaten him, we threaten ourselves and probably make him chuckle at our self importance and pomposity, as we may chuckle if a toy created by us acted peculiarly.
My God is perhaps amused that we mistake our state of mind for his, transfer our emotions to him and even assign Him a gender and, often, a form. We give him myriad names and treat these names, thought up by us, special. He is amused that we act scared when we risk his anger in our imagination. He is perhaps also amused when we jump to defend him, when nothing any of us can do can harm him even one little bit.
There are those amongst us who think that they speak for my God. Many of them are lying, either for gain for themselves in this world or hope of gain in the other one. Or, they are sincerely deluded into thinking that they are God's Chosen Ones, authorised to speak on his behalf to their fellow-men and women. These last are no less harmful or pointless than those who are knowingly hypocritical. Being saved from God's so called anger is less urgent than being saved from their self-righteous
wrath, which, usually, has more to do with their chosen path than with their averred destination.
My God has no reason to be angry, sarcastic or jealous. We are like infants for Him and no one except the impatient or immature would inflict these sentiments on infants. And God is certainly neither.
My God expects me to view his Creation with an open and questing mind and live in it with lightness of spirit and vibrancy of feeling. Goodwill and tolerance are a part of his expectation. He views my progress towards him with the measure of how "One" I feel with all that sprang from him. This Oneness eventually leads to its source, himself, and is beyond any of our puny concepts of "divinity" or "holiness" or even "bliss". Those who touch even the edge of this Oneness, realise that mankind has no word in any language that can do it justice. All our expectations of heaven fall severely short in its unending fulfilment.
There are only a very few women and men who have a right to speak of God, as he would want us to speak of him. These rare ones have tasted this "One-ness" in full measure. They shine like stars in our constellation and are marked by the unity of their thought and the benign-ness of their deeds. Though religions and rituals may have formed around them, these Masters are beyond religion and rituals. The
"Smile of God" shines through their own smile. When we are in tune with them, we can feel some of their great joy inside ourselves. And, if this happens to us when we get only a second hand glimpse of God, imagine how happy he himself must be.
Yes, my God is a happy God. With the power to do whatever he wants, how can he be otherwise? Thus, I do not fear the wrath of God. I fear only the wrath of my own conscience which God put there. For, ultimately it is not God who will critically judge my actions. It is my own Self.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Source of Creativity
If you are given to singing, dancing, painting or writing, or some such creative pursuit, have you ever wondered - where exactly from your being does this gift come from? When you have created what you consider the masterpiece of all that you have created/performed, have you ever felt that *you* did it, or did you have the feeling that it came from somewhere, from some unknown part of your being that you really cannot call your own?
I have felt it many times, and lest I should forget it, God reminds me by making people ask me a question, "Did you do it?" :) I have no complaints with this question, but I marvel at God who makes me ponder, who makes me recall what I felt when *I did it*, and as I write this, I feel He is standing by, in His usual Invisible Mode, and with an enigmatic, all-knowing smile....:)
...and, so it's happened once again, when a Sai sister asked me about the poem in one of my earlier posts here, "Did you write it" ? I am a technical writer by profession, but I do not admit to being profusely creative or a genius in the making. But, a few times in my short life so far, there have been words/pages written by me, that have elicited a similar question. And, whenever I have produced them, I have had the distinct sense of the words and phrases and sentences coming from *somewhere* in my being that I cannot call my own.......they seem to spring forth out of some deep recess in me, a recess well-hidden and mysterious, the source of which I cannot simply trace and definitely cannot call MY OWN - I simply feel as if I am in auto mode, and the words simply seem to pour forth - Is this the meaning of the prayer, "Lord, Let me be an instrument in Thy Hands" ?
I have also noticed that, when I write with my small mind, many a time, what comes forth is flawed, in some way or the other.....but when I let go, and somehow connect with that unknown place within me, with a kind of still concentration, keeping my tumultous mind out of the picture, what comes forth is something as perfect and pure as can possibly be......
My mom is not an intellectual or given to too much spiritual enquiry. She is an epitome of blind faith, quick to adopting any and every hymn or prayer prescribed in the Hindu tradition and reciting them diligently. She is a good cook, like most moms are. However, for the past couple of years, she says a prayer to Sai Baba before she begins to cook, and tells him that He needs to take care of the cooking....and believe me, the dish comes out far far superior in taste compared to what she is normally capable of.
So, do WE really create what we create? Aren't we but mere instruments in His Divine Invisible Hand?
p.s:
This thought was actually confirmed when recently I read this section in a book written by Pondicherry Mother's disciple. (I forget the name of the book, but not the vivid description I read there, which amazed me.) The section describes a vision that Mother saw take place in front of her eyes. She and her disciples were audience to a veena recital, and the person playing the veena was rendering the raagas exceptionally well. And it seems, just as the recital began, the Mother saw a pair of hands entering the hands of the veena player and merging there :) So, now we know whose Hand it was, don't we? :)
I have felt it many times, and lest I should forget it, God reminds me by making people ask me a question, "Did you do it?" :) I have no complaints with this question, but I marvel at God who makes me ponder, who makes me recall what I felt when *I did it*, and as I write this, I feel He is standing by, in His usual Invisible Mode, and with an enigmatic, all-knowing smile....:)
...and, so it's happened once again, when a Sai sister asked me about the poem in one of my earlier posts here, "Did you write it" ? I am a technical writer by profession, but I do not admit to being profusely creative or a genius in the making. But, a few times in my short life so far, there have been words/pages written by me, that have elicited a similar question. And, whenever I have produced them, I have had the distinct sense of the words and phrases and sentences coming from *somewhere* in my being that I cannot call my own.......they seem to spring forth out of some deep recess in me, a recess well-hidden and mysterious, the source of which I cannot simply trace and definitely cannot call MY OWN - I simply feel as if I am in auto mode, and the words simply seem to pour forth - Is this the meaning of the prayer, "Lord, Let me be an instrument in Thy Hands" ?
I have also noticed that, when I write with my small mind, many a time, what comes forth is flawed, in some way or the other.....but when I let go, and somehow connect with that unknown place within me, with a kind of still concentration, keeping my tumultous mind out of the picture, what comes forth is something as perfect and pure as can possibly be......
My mom is not an intellectual or given to too much spiritual enquiry. She is an epitome of blind faith, quick to adopting any and every hymn or prayer prescribed in the Hindu tradition and reciting them diligently. She is a good cook, like most moms are. However, for the past couple of years, she says a prayer to Sai Baba before she begins to cook, and tells him that He needs to take care of the cooking....and believe me, the dish comes out far far superior in taste compared to what she is normally capable of.
So, do WE really create what we create? Aren't we but mere instruments in His Divine Invisible Hand?
p.s:
This thought was actually confirmed when recently I read this section in a book written by Pondicherry Mother's disciple. (I forget the name of the book, but not the vivid description I read there, which amazed me.) The section describes a vision that Mother saw take place in front of her eyes. She and her disciples were audience to a veena recital, and the person playing the veena was rendering the raagas exceptionally well. And it seems, just as the recital began, the Mother saw a pair of hands entering the hands of the veena player and merging there :) So, now we know whose Hand it was, don't we? :)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Oneness with Spirit
I know precisely when I connect with my spirit - or that deepest part of my heart, where there is absolute peace and contentment....this happens when I am totally absorbed in my work or any mundane activity that I do with detachment and concentration, or try to resolve some knotty problem with total confidence, and a sense of purpose - at such moments, I feel this absolute perfection and stillness and joy within myself - that I wish I could be connected to that feeling at all times...but then ! the world with its many distractions and noises snatch it away, all too often..
However, this serves to remind me that this is the real purpose of work - of course to earn one's bread, but more to connect with oneself - work is really meant to be spiritual for everyone, and the lucky ones who realise it AND feel it in their every working moment, are truly blessed !!
However, this serves to remind me that this is the real purpose of work - of course to earn one's bread, but more to connect with oneself - work is really meant to be spiritual for everyone, and the lucky ones who realise it AND feel it in their every working moment, are truly blessed !!
Silence speaks...
Silence speaks a thousand words...
And silence that You are..
Make me mute too,
As I stand in awe, at Your glory,
In Your Light and Love...
And silence that You are..
Make me mute too,
As I stand in awe, at Your glory,
In Your Light and Love...
Saturday, July 02, 2005
The Right and Left Brains
Both sides of my brain are equally active....one always questioning and the other seeming to know it all, accepting it all without questions.........
So while on one side I was "into spirituality" guided by my intuitive self, the questioning side was always making its presence felt, challenging and raising an ugly eyebrow........"Are you believing in something that is completely illusory, a make-believe to frighten man into behaving properly???"
The first time it shut its mouth was when it chanced upon this lovely website..........on near death experiences........http://www.nderf.org/NDERF_NDEs.htm
Two excerpts from there:
"I was then out of body, so light, so free, so content to just be. Everyone was so upset, so desperate to help me, I didn't need help I was fine and so happy, happier then I ever felt. At peace with the feeling of acceptance and love. It was more overpowering then anything I ever felt. I then realized I knew things, it is all so simple, people made things so difficult, it didn't have to be. What really caught my interest is knowing why we can't use all of our brain potential, wow, what an eye opener, we have knowledge of this side with us all the time in our head but to live here and learn what we must to grow in understanding of emotional pain, physical pain, complete loneliness.."
"Suddenly I was in the presence of a Being of Light. I could not see the face, could communicate, but not in words or pictures even; in some connection of oneness. I experience that connection in meditation frequently, but I cannot explain it very precisely. It is beyond words and other kinds of experiences. The emotions are always enhanced. I feel joy so deep that my whole self leaps with gratitude; I feel peace; I feel awe and belonging. I did not have a specific life review, but felt everything about me and my life was known, understood and not judged. I was profoundly loved. Joyce is an amazing lady who now devotes her life to healing and also has a new book called "From Soul to Cell."
Suddenly these pieces made a lot sense, and seemed to connect with something I had read in The Mother's (Pondicherry Mother) biography and Dr.John Hislop's book on Sathya Sai Baba titled "My Baba and I"...More on these in the next post..........
So while on one side I was "into spirituality" guided by my intuitive self, the questioning side was always making its presence felt, challenging and raising an ugly eyebrow........"Are you believing in something that is completely illusory, a make-believe to frighten man into behaving properly???"
The first time it shut its mouth was when it chanced upon this lovely website..........on near death experiences........http://www.nderf.org/NDERF_NDEs.htm
Two excerpts from there:
"I was then out of body, so light, so free, so content to just be. Everyone was so upset, so desperate to help me, I didn't need help I was fine and so happy, happier then I ever felt. At peace with the feeling of acceptance and love. It was more overpowering then anything I ever felt. I then realized I knew things, it is all so simple, people made things so difficult, it didn't have to be. What really caught my interest is knowing why we can't use all of our brain potential, wow, what an eye opener, we have knowledge of this side with us all the time in our head but to live here and learn what we must to grow in understanding of emotional pain, physical pain, complete loneliness.."
"Suddenly I was in the presence of a Being of Light. I could not see the face, could communicate, but not in words or pictures even; in some connection of oneness. I experience that connection in meditation frequently, but I cannot explain it very precisely. It is beyond words and other kinds of experiences. The emotions are always enhanced. I feel joy so deep that my whole self leaps with gratitude; I feel peace; I feel awe and belonging. I did not have a specific life review, but felt everything about me and my life was known, understood and not judged. I was profoundly loved. Joyce is an amazing lady who now devotes her life to healing and also has a new book called "From Soul to Cell."
Suddenly these pieces made a lot sense, and seemed to connect with something I had read in The Mother's (Pondicherry Mother) biography and Dr.John Hislop's book on Sathya Sai Baba titled "My Baba and I"...More on these in the next post..........
Welcome!!
If you haven't guessed by now, yes, this blog is purely for people interested in exploring spirituality.
It is a platform to share the insights I have gained and hope to gain more, as my life unfolds.
It is an awakening for me, and hopefully for you.
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I stumbled upon God one day,
and my desire to know Him increased,
and He called me,
and gave me signs numerous,
and was there whenever I needed Him,
And when this earthly life closes,
I want to go back,
never to return.
For this is why we are born,
mortals with hidden luminous souls,
encased within that which binds us to this earth....
and we must one day, find the way.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So folks, I invite you to join me on my discovery......
Note: Everyone has their own personal concept of Divinity, and I have mine, so I request anyone who doesn't believe in any of the people/thoughts represented here, to kindly keep the peace.
Thanks for stopping by.
It is a platform to share the insights I have gained and hope to gain more, as my life unfolds.
It is an awakening for me, and hopefully for you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I stumbled upon God one day,
and my desire to know Him increased,
and He called me,
and gave me signs numerous,
and was there whenever I needed Him,
And when this earthly life closes,
I want to go back,
never to return.
For this is why we are born,
mortals with hidden luminous souls,
encased within that which binds us to this earth....
and we must one day, find the way.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So folks, I invite you to join me on my discovery......
Note: Everyone has their own personal concept of Divinity, and I have mine, so I request anyone who doesn't believe in any of the people/thoughts represented here, to kindly keep the peace.
Thanks for stopping by.
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