A BLOG ABOUT

FULFILLMENT AND AWAKENING

Discovering the Truth of our Existence

Who Am I?

“I am” is an obvious fact. “Who am I” is a discovery. How so? Even if we have eyes, we still need a mirror to see our face. Vedānta—the science of truth about our existence—acts as a mirror to reveal “who am I.” It says you are not the limited ‘body-mind-senses’ complex you take yourself to be. You are limitless Consciousness. It is a fact that all sorrow is born of some sense of limitation—physical or psychological. Ultimately, all becoming involves a desire to be free from limitations. Reclaim your true status—as limitless Consciousness—and be free.

This is the vision of Vedānta: You are already what you are seeking. Know yourself and be fulfilled.

ALCHEMY OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE-9

ALCHEMY OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE-9

VEDĀNTA IN SRIMAD BHĀGAVATAM: [Bhāgavatāmṟutasāra: skandha 6; chapter 16,  verses 51-56] [Chatu-Sloki Bhāgavatam: skandha 2, Chapter 9, Verses: 33-36 अहं वै सर्व-भूतानि भूतात्मा भूत-भावनः I शब्द-ब्रह्म परं ब्रह्म ममोभे शाश्वती तनू II 6.16.51 ahaṁ vai sarva-bhūtāni...

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ALCHEMY OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE 5

ALCHEMY OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE 5

Meditation According to Patānjali Yoga and Advaita Vedānta According to Patānjali, yoga is defined as “stilling the modification of the Mind”: योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध: (yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ): Yoga Sutras 1.2. In Advaita Vedānta, Self-Knowledge...

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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.