A BLOG ABOUT

FULFILLMENT AND AWAKENING

Discovering the Truth of our Existence

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Welcome to this blog about dis-covering
fulfillment through self-awakening and
selfless service.

Here you will find some musings about the wisdom traditions of the world: teachings of Advaita Vedānta, Buddhist Psychology, Sufism, Zen, and much more. During these pages, we will meet sages such as Veda Vyāsa, Vaśiṣtha, Lao Tzu, the Buddha, Ādi Śhaṅkarācārya, Dogen, Rumi, Hafiz, Ramana Mahaṛshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Swami Sharananadji Maharaj, Swami Akhandanandji, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Paramarthananda, Gurdjieff-Ouspensky, J. Krishnamurti, and many more ancient and modern saints and seers. The Bhagavad Gītā and Upaniṣads will be used as foundational texts of Vedānta for garnering self-knowledge. All faiths, beliefs and philosophies are welcome.

Space is Timeless!

Space is Timeless!

Jul 24, 2015 |

In a Zen story, a student approaches a teacher.   The teacher at the time was standing near a big bell, which looked quite ancient. The student asked, "How old is this bell?" The teacher said, "Perhaps 500 years." Then after a pause, and putting his both hands inside...

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The Sandals that Made History

Jul 23, 2015 |

Here is a sterling example how Gandhi was able to transform his arch opponent, General Smuts, during his time in South Africa. His work there finished, Gandhi left South Africa with his family in July 1914. Before he departed, he sent General Smuts a pair of sandals...

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Calculus of Happiness

Calculus of Happiness

Jul 23, 2015 | ,

Analysis of Bliss Ānanda Mīmāṁsā in Taittirīya Upaniṣad In book two (Ananda Vallī), anuvāka eight of Taittirīya Upaniṣad, a wisdom text dealing with Self-knowledge, we come across a most detailed analysis, mīmāṁsā, of different levels of bliss, ānanda,...

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Greed not. Be content!

Greed not. Be content!

Jul 20, 2015 |

Greed adds nothing to what we have; it only makes us more empty. In greed, we miss what we have; in contentment, we enjoy what we have. An impartial survey of our own experience and a little reflection dictate that without contentment, we will not be happy even if we...

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The Knowledge that Liberates!

The Knowledge that Liberates!

Jul 19, 2015 | ,

भज गोविन्दंभजगोविन्दं भजगोविन्दं गोविन्दं भजमूढमते ।सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ्करणे ॥ १॥bhaja govindaṁbhajagovindaṁ bhajagovindaṁ govindaṁ bhajamūḍhamate |samprāpte sannihite kale nahi nahi rakṣati ḍukṛñkaraṇe  ||1||Seek/attain the knowledge of...

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Conversations with a Tree

~ Satinder Dhiman, Ph.D. Ed.D.
January 11, 2013

Today during morning walk, I paused near a wise old tree; It greeted me, as always, gently; Unassumingly with an inviting look!

I have heard it whisper, as I pass by it, everyday: “I produce oxygen; What do you?”

Today, there was urgency in its voice, As if it had lots of questions for me That needed to be addressed; As a matter of life and death!

Still kind in its manner, Gentle in its demeanor; Solemn in its voice, The tree continued….

Rain or sunshine, Extreme cold or hot; I bear my lot, patiently; Without complaining or comparing! Do you?

By way of my own care and concern, I need very little on a daily basis. Always making sure to contribute, More than I consume. Do you?

I offer my gifts of shade and shelter, Anonymously and generously; And my fruits and flowers, To all and sundry, selflessly! Do you?

I am content in being the way I am, Without needing to compare or compete; To outshine or be better than the next tree; In the mindless race called success! How about you?

I abide placidly in the Present; Without brooding over the past, Or pining for the future; Living fully in the Now, authentically! Do you?

On yearly basis at least, I renew myself: Letting go of the old leaves; To make room for the new ones! Do you?

I do not hate my fellow trees, Nor do I destroy my own kind. Merely because they are different, Or hold a different viewpoint! How about you?

My virtues are: Patience, Generosity, Acceptance, Forbearance, Caring, Compassion, Contribution, Usefulness, Selflessness, Sustainability, Self-renewal! What are yours?

With my drab, rough exterior, I stay nimble and pliant inside. Always ready to adapt and to cater: Whatever circumstances transpire! Do you?

I genuinely hold my head high, Upright in my humility and gratitude; Always glorifying my Creator, By serving selflessly Its Creation! Do you?

In life and in death, I stay valuable, making sure that Every part of me is somehow useful, For the sake of others! How about you?

My leaves, my stem, My roots, my bark; All parts of the Divine Exchange, You humans call Eco-System. How about yours?

Even when I die, I am of service to you; As firewood to keep your house warm, And to cook your supreme meal! Do you?

Above all, I have the Virtue of Eternal Silence, And never get bored with my own existence! How about you?

As I listened to this wise old tree, I kept wondering: What have I done to the Garden Entrusted to my care?!

~ Satinder Dhiman, Ph.D.; Ed.D. January 11, 2013.