Thinking about It: Recent Episodes

Swamini Supriyananda - Chinmaya Mission

Do you ever stop and think about why you do what you do everyday?

Australian psychologist turned Hindu Monk, Swamini Supriyananda, provides insightful answers to your contemporary questions and challenges. Her captivating anecdotes, infused with the philosophies of the ancient Hindu teachings, are guaranteed to inspire us to think about it!

She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

As Radha, she is romance: flirtatious and enchanting. She is that playful smirk, teasing glance and charming smile. She is joy, cheerfulness, laughter and bliss. She is in the conviction that love is worth any pain, and the confidence that love is incomparable. She is love that is unconditional and unbroken. She is our ability to give completely, wholly, and forever.

We see Radha in us when we boldly express our affection and as devotion, when our hearts love so completely. We see her in love that fulfils itself.

Sita is loyalty and commitment. She is the willingness to do whatever it takes to see our loved ones happy, to ensure the best for everyone. Supported by inner strength and conviction, she is the ability to continue even when the world does not make it easy. She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

We recognize her spirit as the eye of the storm, and the flowers growing through the cracks in the rocks. She lives on in every heart that is strengthened by love.

Saraswati is the creativity in art, music, poetry, drama and dance. She is speech and communication which connects and conveys. She is knowledge: the ability to recognize, distinguish, asses and reason. She is the curiosity that discovers and answers. She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

We see her in or talents, expressions and appreciation of originality. She is the wit in our humor, the wisdom in our visio and the insight into ourselves and others. How much of her expression can you see today and recognize always?

Lakshmi, usually seen as wealth of diamonds, gold, and pearls is also the riches of the Earth - minerals, metals, food, wood, and clay. She is our home. She is all our resources, and she is resourceful. She is the wealth of love that enriches our lives, and also the inner wealth of virtues and good character. She is all things we treasure.

She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

Lakshmi is in the potency by which we make things happen, our efficiency in action, our ease that comes with experience. But mostly, we see her in our acts of charity and altruism. She is also the sparkle of contentment, carefreeness, security and happiness in our eyes. We are constantly looking for wealth, maybe forgetting how much of it we already have.

Kali is freedom unhibited. A boundless force, she is always present in the moment, magnificent, spontaneous and open.

How unbound are you? By your desires, by judgements and comments? She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see. We see her in ourselves when we dance with abandon or sing at the top ofour voices. We see her when we spontaneously rise to the occasion or when we successfully defuse tension. We also see her when someone appears both scary and inspiring at the same time.

As Parvati, she is love, pure and devout. She is the resolve to refine and perfect. She is the earnest striving of austerity and penance. She is the constant remembrance without distraction. She is the strength to lift ourselves by ourselves. She sublimates the negativities and invokes divinity. She is our ability to transform, to metamorphose. She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

We see her in us when we close our eyes in concentrated prayer. She becomes alive when we fill our hearts with love and surrender to the higher. We see her in our loyalty to our beliefs as we stay true to them. Her presence is in the hymns that touch our hearts.

How is she in you? Have you invoked it recently?

Durga Devi is known to be powerful, dynamic, tenacious, awe-inspiring. She is confident and serene. She destroys to transform us. She is strong and gentle. She is in you. She is in me. She is in the world we see.

We can see her in our hearts when we choose to do that which is right, even if it may be the harder thing to do.

She is in us when we persist in the face of obstacles.

She shines in our firmness of resolve.

She is our strength.

She is in the beauty of the world.

She is Durga.

Let's unravel the mystery of Universal powers! Yes, they exist, and we can invoke and tip into them. Some of these powers are masculine, others feminine. In Hindu scriptures, these powers are brought to life in the form of Devi and Devata. The more we understand the universal laws and powers, the more me we can harness (manifest) them in our hearts and our lives, bringing about a personal transformation!

"Who is She?" discusses the myriad ways we can take inspiration from iconic, multi-faceted images of femininity, and invoke their powers towards a more fulfilling everyday existence be it at work, home, in relationships or with our self-worth.

Self-love isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong practice. 💕 Today, let’s remind ourselves of the beauty of love—how it transforms, heals, and uplifts us. 📚 Today’s task: Dive into “I Love You Letters” by Gurudev H.H. Swami Chinmayananda ji. This inspiring read explores the art of love and reminds us that love is a skill we can nurture and master. The more we understand love, the more we can embrace ourselves unconditionally. 🌈 💭 Why it matters: Loving yourself is the foundation of a fulfilling life. The more you practice, the stronger and brighter your love for yourself and others will grow. Let’s carry this self-love journey forward, one step at a time.

We all make mistakes—it’s part of being human. But how often do we carry the weight of regret, replaying those moments over and over? It’s time to let go. 🌬️ 🌟 Today’s focus: Forgiveness. Not for others, but for YOU. Forgiving yourself is an act of self-love. It’s a way of saying, “I’m learning, I’m growing, and I deserve peace.”

Gratitude isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we share. 💬 When we express gratitude to the people who support and uplift us, it brightens their day and strengthens our connection with them. 💌 Today’s task: Take a moment to reach out to someone who has added value to your life—be it a friend, family member, teacher, or colleague. Let them know how much they mean to you and why you’re grateful for them. 💭 Why it matters: Sharing gratitude builds resilience, reinforces relationships, and reminds us that we’re never truly alone. It’s a powerful way to acknowledge that we’re supported and loved—and that we’re worthy of it too. Start spreading the gratitude vibes today! 🌈

Today’s all about getting your body moving—but with intention. 💡 Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, dancing, or a gym session, focus on the way your body feels, breathes, and flows through each motion. 💪

Mindful movement not only strengthens your body but also calms your mind and boosts your mood. It’s a chance to tune into yourself and appreciate what your body can do. 💭

Today, choose any form of exercise you enjoy. As you move, breathe deeply, stay present, and celebrate the connection between your body and mind. ✨ You can also add in last week's lesson of how mantras help us connect to our higher selves! What we have posted is the Gayatri Mantra, if you want to try dancing or moving along to it! 🙏🏻

Today, let’s tap into the joy and wonder of childhood by revisiting a hobby you loved as a kid. 🧸🎨🎾 As children, we engaged in activities purely for the love of it—no pressure, no expectations. These moments shaped us, brought us happiness, and taught us to dream big. But as adults, we sometimes forget to make time for these simple joys. Let’s change that today! 💡 🎯 Your task today: Think back to a hobby or activity you enjoyed as a child. Was it painting? Dancing? Playing an instrument? Climbing trees? Spend 30 minutes today engaging in that hobby. Relive the excitement and freedom it gave you. By reconnecting with your inner child, you’ll rediscover a piece of yourself that’s always been there—pure, creative, and full of life! 🌟

Today’s challenge is all about self-love through action—taking on that long-pending task you’ve been putting off! 💪 Life is busy, and the days fly by faster than we realize. But self-love isn’t just about rest; it’s also about honoring your commitments to yourself. That deferred task? It’s a chance to lighten your mental load and feel accomplished. 🌟 💡 What can you tackle today? Maybe it’s organizing a closet, finishing that book, or sending that overdue message. Whatever it is, make time for it today—it’s a gift to your future self. Start small, stay steady, and feel the satisfaction of checking it off! ✅

Today, let’s explore the transformative practice of Japa—the repetition of a mantra or the divine name. 🕉️ When we engage in Japa, our mind aligns with the vibrations of the mantra, fostering qualities like purity, courage, forgiveness, peace, and love. ❤️ These vibrations help us stay centered, build a stronger mind, and sharpen our focus. Japa doesn’t just purify the mind; it smoothens the sharp edges of likes and dislikes, helping us embrace the world as it is. 🌎 The result? A more adaptable, calm, and lovable YOU! 🕊️ Take a moment today to chant or repeat a mantra that resonates with you. Let its energy flow through you and keep you connected with the divine.

Tapas isn’t just heat—it’s the fire within us to grow stronger through discipline and endurance. 💪 Today, challenge yourself to step into discomfort and build mental strength by giving up something you enjoy but know isn’t good for you. Whether it’s caffeine, sugar, or alcohol, let’s take this as an opportunity to practice self-control and foster resilience. Life becomes lighter when we embrace discipline—it clears the clutter in our minds and sharpens our focus. 🌟 💡 Remember, every small act of discipline feeds your inner strength. What will you choose to let go of today?

Take a moment to zoom into yourself today—not just your body, emotions, or intellect, but the pure, untouched part of you that exists beyond anger, jealousy, or negativity. 🌟 This is your spiritual layer—the essence of unconditional love, giving, and connection to higher intelligence. Sometimes we define ourselves by our physical achievements, emotional sensitivity, or intellectual pursuits. But what if we paused to explore the part of us that existed before we were born and will remain long after? 🕊️ Today, reflect on where you place your focus. Is it on your body, emotions, or mind? Then, take a step further to connect with your spiritual essence—the part that seeks deeper meaning, loves without limits, and bows to the infinite wisdom of life. 💖

Today, let’s take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the people who have shaped us into who we are. 🌟 From parents and teachers to mentors and friends, so many individuals have contributed to moulding our personalities and guiding us along our journey. Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s about recognizing the impact others have had on our lives. 💫 Think of someone who influenced a specific trait or moment in your life and hold space for their contribution. By appreciating those who’ve helped us grow, we also learn to admire and love ourselves—because if we value the people who shaped us, then we are undeniably worthy of appreciation too. 💖 Who are you grateful for today? Let them know. 🌈

Physical activity strengthens the body, but what about the mind and soul? Today, let’s blend movement with mindfulness by introducing mantras into your routine. Whether you’re doing yoga, hitting the gym, or going for a walk, chanting or listening to basic mantras can uplift your mental and emotional well-being. 🌟 Mantras help us shift focus from the physical to the divine, connecting our bodies to our higher selves. They calm the mind, energize the spirit, and create harmony within. 🎧 Start small—play a mantra while stretching or repeat one silently during your workout. Let the rhythm of the words guide your movements and elevate your experience. What mantra will you choose today? 🙏

They say food is the way to the heart—and today, we’re embracing this in the most beautiful way. Cook with your friends and family, or cook for them. 🥘 It’s not just about the meal; it’s about opening your heart to others, sharing moments, and spreading love. Self-love isn’t just about focusing inward—it’s also about recognizing our need to feel loved and connected. Love grows when it’s shared, and cooking together is a simple yet powerful way to show others they are valued and wanted. 🌟 So, grab an apron, gather your loved ones, and create something delicious while building bonds that will feed your soul. 💖 What will you cook today? 🍲

Art is more than just creating—it’s a way of feeling, releasing, and connecting. Whether it’s the sway of a dance, the rhythm of words in poetry, or the soothing act of gardening, creative expression is a gateway to your emotions and passions. 💃🖌️🌱 Step out of the routine and explore.

Self-love isn’t just about emotions; it’s about finding techniques that ground us amid everything happening around and within us. 🌟 And one of the simplest yet most powerful techniques is mindful breathing. Every deep breath you take does more than nourish your body—it slows the rush of swirling thoughts, helping you see them clearly and manage them better. 🌿 Today, take a moment to consciously inhale and exhale. Feel the stillness it brings. This small act of mindfulness is your tool for clarity, calm, and connection with yourself. 💖 Let’s start today with purpose—one mindful breath at a time.

Ever noticed how small things can set the tone for your entire day? 🕊️ Simple daily tasks—like making your bed, washing the dishes, or packing lunch—aren’t just chores. They’re atomic habits—tiny actions that build momentum and create a powerful ripple effect. 💥 These small wins send a clear message to your mind: “You’re doing good, you’re putting in effort, and you’re on the right path!” 💪 They boost positivity, create a sense of control, and fuel you to tackle bigger challenges. Big transformations start with small steps. Let’s focus on these atomic habits today and set the tone for success—one task at a time. 🏆✨

We all have that inner critic, but do we ever stop to understand why it’s there? Criticizing ourselves isn’t the problem—it’s about understanding why we do it and if those judgments are truly valid. 🤨 Today, take a moment to observe when your inner critic speaks up. Is it based on facts, or just old beliefs? ✨ Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward building a healthier relationship with yourself. You don’t have to silence your inner voice, but understanding it is key to self-compassion.

Today, let’s take a moment to honor the experiences that have shaped us—both the fruitful and the challenging ones. 🌟 Every lesson, every obstacle, and every blessing has brought us to where we are today. 🙏 Write down both the moments that filled you with joy and those that taught you tough but valuable lessons. Reflect on how far you’ve come, and express gratitude for the growth that came from each experience. ✨ Your journey is unique, and every part of it matters. Let’s celebrate the path we’ve walked!

Sitting at your desk all day? It’s easy to forget that your body needs a break! Today, take a few minutes to stretch mindfully. 🧘‍♂️ Stretch your arms, neck, and back—slowly and intentionally. Feel the release of tension and increase your energy and focus! 💪 Just a few minutes can make a huge difference in how you feel. Remember, even small movements can refresh your mind and body. Let’s get moving!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane today! 🌿 Dive into your photo gallery and filter through the moments that made you smile, laugh, and feel alive. We often rush through life, but today, let’s pause and appreciate all the good times that have shaped us. 📷 Reflect on how much abundance—joy, love, and growth—you’ve experienced. You can even create a collage of your favorite moments from last year to capture the richness of your life! 🌈 Sometimes, it’s the small moments that remind us just how full and beautiful life really is. 🌻

When you hear the word “wealth,” what comes to mind? 💰 Most people think of money, possessions, or success. But let’s be real—what’s the point of all those things if you have no one to share them with? 🤔 True wealth is in the people around us. Relationships are what bring meaning, joy, and fulfillment to our lives. Today, take a moment to reconnect with an old friend, reach out to a colleague, or even make a new connection. 🤝 When we invest in relationships, we gain something far more valuable than material wealth. Let’s invest in what matters most—people!

How much time do you spend scrolling? And how often does a negative post or comment throw off your mood? 😔 Today, take a moment to remove negative social media accounts that don’t serve you. 🌟 By curating a positive feed, you'll notice a boost in productivity, self-esteem, and a reduction in stress and anxiety. 🧘‍♀️✨ Your digital space should reflect your vibe—so let’s make it a space that uplifts, inspires, and energizes you! 💪

Who doesn’t love getting a warm smile from someone? It’s like a little burst of positivity! 🌟 But here’s the secret: to get a smile, you have to give one first! Today, make it a point to smile at someone, whether it's a friend, a stranger, or even someone in your own home. 😊 Brighten their day—and yours too! Smiles are contagious, and the more we spread, the more positivity we create. Be bold, be brave, smile first!

Which voice are you using to talk to yourself? 🤔 We know how to speak to others with different tones—calm and comforting, as well as angry and frustrated. We also have the inner critic that can sometimes be too harsh. So, what about the voice you use when you speak to yourself? Is it kind, encouraging, and loving? Or is it filled with judgment and self-doubt? 💭 Today, reflect on how you talk to yourself. Are you using a voice that lifts you up? A voice that encourages your growth? 🦋 Take time to reframe your thoughts and nurture yourself with kindness. 🌟

Have you ever really thought about how much your body does for you every single day? From the way your feet carry the weight of your entire body 🌍, to the tiny hairs on your eyelashes that protect your eyes 👀—there’s so much to be thankful for! 🙏

Today’s challenge: Write down 100 things you’re grateful for about your body. The way it moves, heals, senses, and even how it helps you breathe effortlessly. 💪 Taking time to truly appreciate your body—inside and out—will help you develop a deeper connection to it!

What is mindful movement? It’s about connecting your body and mind. 🌟 Your mind knows your body best, so take this time to move with intention, listen to what your body needs, and nourish both your physical and mental self. 💡 Whether it’s yoga, stretching, dancing, or just a mindful walk — let your body and mind work together in harmony today. 🌿

Ever notice how wellness, gratitude, and self-love all have one thing in common? Time in nature! 🌳 Today, step outside and let the beauty around you fill you with awe. 🌸 Whether it’s a walk in the park, a moment under the trees, or simply breathing in fresh air, nature is a form of worship. 🙏 More than appreciate or enjoy, let’s revel in and revere the beauty we’re surrounded by! Realise the Manifestation of Divinity in Nature! 🌟

🧹Today’s task: Clear out both your internal and external space! 🌿 Decluttering not only boosts productivity and reduces stress, but it also creates room for new opportunities and positive energy. ✨ Whether it's tidying up your desk or letting go of negative thoughts, make space for what’s ready to come your way! 🚀

Self Love is Talking to and Guiding yourself! Take a moment today to write a letter to YOU! 💌 Remind yourself of what you love, what makes you proud, and what’s truly important. ✨ This simple act of reflection will strengthen your sense of purpose and self-love.

Feeling drained can leave us frustrated and even less kind to ourselves. But when we’re well-rested, we’re more energized, focused, and ready to tackle anything. 💪 So, are you operating at your full capacity? Let’s make a simple change tonight: shift your bedtime, 30 extra minutes earlier, or sleep by 10:30pm! 🌙 The results? A healthier body, sharper mind, elevated mood, and more energy to crush your day! ⚡️ It’s the small things that have the biggest impact. Let’s sleep smarter and show up as our best selves!

Today, we are recognising our traits, thoughts, and patterns. Embrace what you love about yourself, and gently initiate changes that align with your growth. 🌱 Remember: You are enough just as you are. Let’s start this journey of self-acceptance and positive change!

To have a to-do list makes us feel well-equipped. Knowing what to do solves most of the problem so that we can go about doing the tasks. In spirituality, we know what we have to accomplish to be peaceful, equipoised, and selfless. But how to go about is where we find ourselves lost, not quite sure about what is to be done in the moment. Sadhana Panchakam (Sadhana: means/practice, Panchakam: set of 5 verses), composed by Adi Sankaracharya ji, details 40 steps as a means/practice to achieve that end goal of happiness.

We (ego/personality layer) feel we’ve studied/worked so hard, or given so much in a relationship and thus we deserve. But we actually do so little, and if the doing doesn’t belong to us, how can the result? Going deeper, the mistake lies in us not understanding that the knowledgeable and enlivening divinity, love, joy, or peace we seek is also within us, untouched by all our controlling and managing. Let go of the sense of doing and the entitlement to a specific result to experience the beauty that exists.

God, Atman or truth is formless, the oneness of all life, and free from the ownership of doing or acquiring. Enlivened by this essence, we can do what needs to be done. But we’re never in complete control of it all for divinity is the driving force. We can only control our present actions. Moreover, we all walk our own path of discovery and unfoldment, alone. Others can support us, but nobody, not even God, can go through our painful trials or facilitate our success for us. That’s what our journey is about!

When the Sun comes out, we wake up to do what we need to before we go back asleep. The Sun itself isn’t doing anything. Similarly, because the all-pervading truth or Atman is there, especially shining in our mind and heart, things happen as they are built to. Our senses function, mind feels, intellect reasons etc. So divinity allows us to see everything, but do we see divinity itself? What is that sentient, illuminous and enlivening light? Can I abide in it? Do I abide in it? Give it a try and see.

When travelling on the road, it looks like the moon or clouds are moving with us when they’re actually fairly still! Movement is perceived when not there. The truth, Self, or Atman within us is like the moon. They’re not the one controlling, doing, moving, functioning or accomplishing. It’s our body, mind and thoughts that are running! Divinity is still, silent, peaceful and full, simply empowering and enlivening us as we do. So, pause and think: can it be responsible for the doings for it doesn’t even do?

We so often feel and say “I know” passionately because it’s where divinity is reflected in us. Similar to how a mirror just reflects, this thinking faculty (mind and intellect) is a mere reflective surface and not who I am (divinity). But since it shines, it absorbs my attention, which I then identify with and want to be (our personality), not able to distinguish the two. The most beautiful thing, however, is that since the reflection is in our thinking, we know exactly where to look to find divinity.

When understanding who we are, we mix up our divinity with the other layers of our personality. It’s why we can think we are powerful and capable beings, but also that we always fall short or make mistakes and the wrong choices. In these moments, our spiritual journey is about putting in a little extra effort. When life hands us a difficult situation and we rise to the occasion, we can separate our thoughts that are reflecting divinity from those that are reflecting our attachment to our personality.

Divinity is devoid of a form, but just as a crystal vase takes on the colour of whatever we put around it, we take on the qualities or characteristics of that around us. For example, we believe to be the body and its shape. Or, as emotions or desires surface in the mind, and opinions or logic in our intellect, we take them and each nuance on so strongly. But every single one of these descriptions belongs to the body, mind, or intellect, not us; not divinity.

Just as the same 8 musical notes can come together in different ways to produce thousands of songs, all of our diverse selves are made of the same 5 elements (space, air, fire, water and earth). Even our most basic desires can make up such a variety of thoughts or reactions to things!

In all-pervading divinity, we put up divisions of “me” on our body, and “not me” to all that outside of us. We then build on that limited entity, using color (culture, skin, lineage, etc.) to define the person as “better” or “worse”. But while we can accept that we’re not just pretty faces, it’s harder to see that we give importance to other superficial aspects as well and overlook our essence. Our personality, values, habits, intellectual achievements, or emotional temperaments is not all that we are.

Everywhere around us, there’s space. All-pervading, it’s both inside and outside everything. So whatever we create is in that space. For example, walls create boundaries of the space in a room. But space is not conditioned by what is created as it is pervasive, untouched and indivisible. The truth and divinity that we are trying to understand is the same. We feel we are distinct and separate, but everything is inside of truth and therefore, not separate. Nothing can divide the truth, or us.

Each jewelry, whether it be a necklace, earring, nose ring, or bangle, has a different shape, size, design, or thickness. But in essence, all of it is the one same gold. In creation too, when we see things, we see it all as unrelated and distinct individuals. For example, when we look at buildings, oceans, or each other, we see me (one entity) and you (separate entity). But it is all from the same oneness; tied together in existence and in our ability to see, know or understand it (ie. consciousness/chit).

All creation comes from, plays in and dissolves into the unaffected substratum of truth, Supreme Self or divinity. For example, dreams are created by our mind, live in our mind and dissolve back into our mind. Even in terms of our own world, whether it be a belief, value or emotion that we create, it comes out of us. It exists for as long as we choose for it to before it goes back into us. So what exactly are we creating, how long do we want it to last and when are we going to be ready to let it dissolve?

We’re constantly projecting onto things, a value, belief or attitude that’s not there. In Vedanta, this is explained as superimposition on the substratum, after which, we see only the superimposed as real. For example, we superimpose gender, personality or aspirations on ourselves, seeing that as who we are. We even make sense of the world all based on our superimposed thoughts! Notice how quickly we assume something to be correct, important, or true when we haven’t even questioned it?

Despite having experienced our dream or an argument to have all been in our head, we still assume everything we’re experiencing is real. We feel the same palpitations, anxiety and dread every single time until it ends. Similarly, we passionately hold on to our likes and dislikes, let them grow into love and aversion and give them so much control over us. But they are as real as the dream for they change, and their hold is only for as long as it ends. Is that worth letting every thought direct us?

When we listen to Satsang or study the scriptures, uplifting thoughts are introduced. Despite adding more thoughts into a mind that’s already filled with them, the quality of the new thoughts changes the entire texture of our mind. This also changes who we are and what we experience as the purifying thoughts of the higher clear away all other useless or unnecessary ones. So in a mind free from pettiness, likes, dislikes or judgements, we enjoy what the scriptures explain to us is our true nature - love.

The Sun’s always there and shining, but when clouds come to cover the Sun, we wonder, “There’s no Sun today!” In the same way, our true nature of bliss, love and joy is always there and self-effulgent, but our own thoughts rise in our mind to block us from seeing our truth. And just as the wind blows away the clouds so that we see the Sun shining brightly in the sky once again, we meditate to quieten our mind. Upon letting go of every single thought, in the blissful silence, we come to know ourselves.

When we don’t know, we feel we are lacking and incomplete. We then want what we think we don’t have, prompting us into action. But when action is a product of our ignorance, it can never be the solution for it. Only knowledge is what opposes ignorance and can remove it. Thus, while Japa and service to mankind is important, they’re not going to give us knowledge but simply prepare our mind. So are your actions encouraged by your fears and desires or are they bringing you closer to getting knowledge?

We already are divine. We already have whatever it is we are looking for, but don’t know it. We have forgotten as the mind is so busy thinking or doing a gazillion things. It’s like when we go around looking for a missing pair of glasses or keys that we had on us this whole time. Ultimately, our spiritual journey is to just stop and remember our nature; that we have it all. Doing spiritual practices help us to quieten the mind and remove the obstructions keeping us being able to see what is already there.

Just like how food cannot cook without fire, we cannot transform without knowledge. Knowledge however, is not merely looking up, obtaining, and collecting information. Knowledge is imbibing that information. For instance, knowing why we are doing the spiritual practices we do lets us manage our energy and time so the actions serve their place and we don’t get distracted. Understanding the importance of knowledge in our spiritual evolution ensures we get what is important right.

We often first prepare ourselves for things we want, be it our goals, a job, or a relationship. So naturally, when we are seeking the highest that we can as human beings, some preparation, aka tapas, is required. Self-effort to lift ourselves is tapas. To put in self-control to become less dependent on comforting objects of the world is tapas. To detach from the body to find, nurture, strengthen and abide by what is inside is tapas. Prepare at the level of body, speech or thought, and feel the difference.

Despite feeling like we can do anything we’d like to, all of us are still on the same quest to find freedom. We seek it from our emotions, like anger or hurt. We seek it from wanting things we know we can’t have. We seek it from thought processes we think we can change but feel we cannot. Whether we realize it or not, we are seeking love, happiness and peace within ourselves. The clearer we are about what we are desiring, the more we benefit from this knowledge and the less distracted we get from our goal.

Most of us don’t really know who we are. Even when asked to describe our personality, we get confused for we all feel we are one and the other, no matter how contradictory. We all also feel as if we’re always trying to fix something. There’s so much about our life we want to improve. But before going out and improving the world, we turn to this knowledge to understand our essence. We give it attention so that it creates impressions in our mind. Our mind holds that new form and as the mind changes, so do we.

Time is movement, and the second that you think is the present, is gone and lost the next. But being present doesn’t mean staying still and focused. It’s a gentle sense of being and truth where we actually slip out of the bondage of time. In eternal, there’s fullness of experience; no divisions, no “me”. And only our conscious effort put into understanding who we are and adjusting our thinking process will set us free.

It’s human nature to get attached. But when we don’t let go, when we continue to do when we should have stopped, our worldly joy becomes sorrow, fear, or anger. This mantra empowers us to be free from the limiting, free from the fear of change. May we enjoy deathlessness and changelessness. Then, there is only compassion, kindness, love, empathy, and ripeness of character. Everything happens with ease; we are not forcing anything. And the sweetness that we experience, we share with the world around us.

Each one of us has a unique bundle of things we fear, and in general, all of us fear death, rejection, or loss. So it does not matter how big we grow from the outside, for inside, we all have the same scared heart that governs our actions and thoughts. This mantra’s sounds bring about nourishing vibrations within us that build courage so that we can outgrow this fear. Chanting this mantra may or may not solve our immediate problems, but it definitely gives us a far deeper strength that lets us face them.

Life’s about seeing there is a greater force and that each one of us plays a part in the grand scheme of things. We don’t have to live life like limited entities who only eat, drink, make money, struggle, feel unappreciated and die. Start by loving Shiva, and oneness won’t seem so far off. When we worship that which creates, sustains, and destroys this creation, we lift ourselves to feel more like Shiva himself does. We can then work our way towards becoming one with Him and thus one with all of creation.

In Hinduism, heaven and hell exist both in this life and in the hereafter. Here, they are realms of consciousness that we experience in our own minds. We either daydream positive scenarios or replay negative reactions of our actions in our head. Just like Arjuna, we too, glorify our weaknesses or just want to escape. We too, lose clarity when faced with our attachments. However, when we accept we don’t know and can no longer see clearly, our sorrow transforms. With surrender, we can detach and move forward.

Most of our thoughts centre around “me” and we become egocentric individuals as we think we are separate from everyone else. More importantly, we start thinking we are separate from the Lord, the light or the Supreme truth. But when we bow down and sincerely surrender ourselves, no thought of “me” or “I am” exists. Our mind is completely tuned into the Supreme, and we feel connected. The Geeta Dhyanam are such invocation mantras that help us in establishing that connection and staying there.

When fear, other emotions, and attachments creep into the mind, it automatically becomes weak. A weak mind looks for reasons to blame our sorrows, difficulties, and problems on. A weak mind loses clarity on why we are acting and what it is we want. A weak mind uses wise quotes or scriptures to justify its weakness. This is why we can relate to Arjuna. And when emotions get the better of us this way, it is sometimes better to watch the movement of the mind as a wave and simply let it pass.

Be it at the level of body, mind or intellect, anything that gives us joy attracts us. Thus, what attracts us the most is that which would give us the greatest joy. But instant gratification of our desires empowers us to go after temporary pleasures. And when faced with a situation that directly conflicts with our attachments, we become weak. Our resolve breaks and we can become complacent. This behaviour is what we are trying to be more aware of so that we can grow to be the very best we can be.

Chapter 1 lays the foundation so that when Krishna speaks, we can understand. But most front covers of published Geetas (i.e., Arjuna’s chariot) depict a great philosophy. In short, the chariot is our body, 5 horses our senses, reins our mind and charioteer our intellect. Plus, Arjuna represents the Jiva (us) who is Sattvic. Empowered by purity, selflessness, and other virtues, surrender it all and let Lord Krishna take the reins. Only once emptied can then we be filled with knowledge and feel His grace.

Swami Tejomayananda ji jokes, “What does it mean when a man opens the car door for his wife? Either it’s a new car or a new wife!” Attachment to objects and people changes the way we see the world and act in it for we add onto them a value. So during decision-making, we get swayed towards our attachments and away from Dharma, what we know is right. By repeatedly choosing Adharma, Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana were so weakened that they couldn’t accept grace into their lives. Shouldn’t we choose to do better?

Our minds are blinded by attachments, but our intellect can see. We are constantly making decisions that shape who we become and the destiny we face. Do we listen to the mind or intellect? Though Arjuna was faced with the epic Mahabharata war, this is the war that is eternally waged in our hearts. Our war is but the battles we face minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour, day-to-day and week-to-week. This new series is a discourse on the Bhagavad Geeta, rooted in the commentary of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda.

With Day 30, we come to the end of our Gratitude Challenge. But please do not let this mark the end for your gratitude practice as we must always remember: gratitude is limitless. Over the last month, you have creatively practiced to keep various things in your awareness. Having done so, you would have seen some benefits, and the consequences of which will continue to come to you. As this would help you stay committed to gratitude, be inspired to continue. Be sincere, be aware, be grateful.

“We don’t experience the world, we experience only our minds,” has been said by numerous philosophers. Our mind is the most powerful tool. It creates our lives and our worlds. It allows us to overcome our limitations in the world and in our bodies. And it enables us to have crucial skills which we often overlook but are nonetheless vital to our survival. As we near to a close with this challenge, notice how much we are capable of and be grateful for our mind.

We have seen how we can be grateful for countless things in our lives. But we must not forget that there are times we feel ungrateful as we may feel unrealistically or inappropriately entitled to something that we do not necessarily do. Also, we can feel ungrateful when we perceive things to not be good enough or to not have met our expectations. Today, instead of putting aside our ungrateful thoughts, let us embrace them, use them and transform them into grateful ones.

There is a verse in the Bhagavad Geeta that reads “na me bhakta pranashyati”. Shri Krishna promises that each one of us will be liberated, taken care of by him, and supported. So today, let us be grateful for promises. Whether it is His promise or any other promise you made, let us be thankful for it and appreciate how these promises have helped build our lives.

Music has a huge influence in our lives. It takes the role of not only the best psychologist when we feel like no one understands or the best motivational speaker when we feel like we need to get pumped up, but it also is the best friend we need during both happiness and sadness. Music can be linked to memories, facilitate social bonding and encourage celebrations. Let us appreciate the power of music and all the wonderful things it brings to us.

Money is a crucial part of our lives, but it is not the most important. Ironically, however, it touches many aspects of our lives in terms of quantity and quality and gives rise to more opportunities. Money has the power of disciplining us, inspiring us, and allowing us to give more. Most significantly, money can be used to fund the change we wish to see in the world. Today, we show gratitude for our money by sharing it.

Gratitude is like many important but non-urgent things that we put off. However, these are usually our life’s most valuable things! So today, let us make gratitude a priority by taking gratitude pauses in the day. Stop everything else and simply be guided in your focus. Meditate during these pauses to be grateful for money, places, technology, objects and more.

In our lives, it is inevitable that we face hardships, challenges, and difficulties. It could be through our dislikes, our fears, or our negative encounters. But all these struggles have shaped us into the people we are today. They push us out of our comfort zones, make us do things we would not normally do, and we come out as stronger individuals. These invaluable experiences are that for which we will be grateful today.

A common reality is that many of us do not like our body or manage to find imperfections that we consequently use to judge ourselves. But what we can realise is that the very thing we are dissatisfied with plays a significant role in serving us! And for that, we should be grateful. Today, we will embrace our entire body, both the parts we do like and do not like as much, and be thankful for all that it gives us.

As we have seen earlier, we can be grateful for our incredible sense of sight. But this is not the only sense for which we should be thankful for as all of our senses play an integral part in our lives. Without any one of them, we would feel a sense of incompleteness. Today, let us focus on showing gratitude to another one of our senses. Choose a sensation you wish to be completely aware of, and meditate on it with this session.

Gratitude knows no limits, be it duration, location or anything else! We often go through life perceiving our small moments as fleeting and separate from one another. But in reality, we are not a collection of separate moments; we are bound by time, to be connected. Time has the most valuable role as it allows us to create memories, to learn from experiences, and to try again. Its importance is more than worthy of our gratitude and deservingly calls for our thankfulness.

Like how a flower needs rain and how the ocean needs a shore to break, people need people. We all need each other, not only for us to be able to connect, relate and share, but also for our desire to be recognised and appreciated. Relationships are a key part of this! We have many relationships in our lives, some of which we may easily and unknowingly take for granted. As such, today we will be attentive and try to notice something different about them so we can sincerely be grateful for them.

Gratitude is the result of appreciation and free will. Our gratefulness comes first from our appreciation upon recognising that something is valuable to us. It then stems from the fact that all of this is freely given to us. We can choose to be grateful or we can choose to take our blessings for granted. When we want to start doing things differently, such as opting for the former option, we need our mind to be alert so that we can make these choices. Today we will focus on our choice to be grateful.

Like we are grateful for the glass being half-full, we can be grateful for the glass itself. The more we feel thankful, the more we can start to express it in our lives. As we practice it more, this gratitude that we feel inside will shine brightly outside. But sometimes, we don’t realise that we appreciate something until we lose it. Today, we strengthen our minds by giving up something for the day and consequently, being grateful for it when we use it next.

In prayers, gratitude is shown in the various rituals through different ways. Since the Lord gives us everything, we try to offer the best we have to Him. We praise the Lord, sing meaningful phrases in the Aarti, or provide offerings as an expression of our gratitude. Often when we pray, we ask for something. Today, let us pray to really feel our gratitude for gratitude is, in fact, our best prayer. Follow this session to write your gratitude prayer so you may pray genuinely in gratitude.

Expand your gratitude with today’s session, for gratitude has no limit. There is nothing to stop us from being grateful and it is indeed easy to practice! What is needed is simply the opening up of your mind to find things to be thankful for. Beyond being grateful for the good that happens to us, today we realise how we can also be grateful for things and people that have enriched the lives of our loved ones.

In making us appreciate the value of things and people, gratitude not only empowers us to see the glass as half-full, but also prevents the half-full from leaking away. As we stop to notice that we are constantly getting more, the glass gets more and more full – a concept often overlooked since we tend to forget our previous gains. Today, we note that things are not lost, but simply, forgotten. As such, we must remember them with gratitude.

Our sense of gratitude grows when we understand just how much we have been given. It empowers us to be humble because we realise we are getting more than we give, more than we work for, and even more than we deserve! We have been taken care of since we were in our mothers’ womb, where everything had been provided for us without even asking for it. In noticing just how many things have come to us without our request or need for it, we should bask in gratitude for how we have so graciously been taken care of.

We first think gratitude means appreciating all the good. But what about the bad? Like all the positive things we can be thankful for, we can even be grateful for the things that have gone wrong in our life! Let’s see these unpleasant, past experiences as powerful lessons that have, in turn, shaped us into the people we are today. When we are ready to be grateful for everything, the good and the bad, we turn what was once our sufferings into blessings.

Awareness is the first step to gratitude. The more we expose yourself to gratitude, the easier it gets. Gratitude is a secret weapon that improves our lives drastically. The more we wield it, the stronger we become. It reduces stress while boosting our mood and self-esteem. By making us more giving and cooperative, gratitude naturally allows us to have healthier relationships and progress in our work.

Did you know that, on average, we blink around 15 to 20 times each minute, amounting to 10% of our day being spent on merely blinking? The act of blinking sounds so simple but its complex purpose serves many functions of protection. Similarly, our whole body is constantly working to serve and protect us, even when we are not aware of it. Today, we centre our concentration on showing gratitude for our body, the important roles it plays and the significantly determinative influence it has over our health.

When we think of our desire for happiness, we tend to create thought patterns where we consequently postpone our happiness by saying, “I will be happy when…”

But instead of delaying our happiness, we can be happy now by turning our attention away from what we do not have yet and focusing on all the things we currently already have. With gratitude, delve into your meditation by asking yourself “What am I grateful for?”, and let your thoughts drive you deeper within in your search for happiness.

Our ancestors, be it our immediate lineage or even the history of the city we are a part of, are pillars upon whom and what we make offerings to. They have worked to create the world we have been born into, and we merely benefit from it. Today, we focus our gratitude in remembrance of them and what they created, ensuring we do not destroy it, but rather, build on it.

When we ‘like’ others’ posts on social media to broaden networking, be effective in commercial professions and increase standards of living, albeit for different intentions, we do a similar thing within spirituality. The purpose of doing so in the spiritual world is to better people, create meaningful relationships and add value to our standard of life. Today, we focus on giving positive feedback and making people feel valued so that we can express our gratitude for others.

The saying “actions speak louder than words” could not hold more truth, especially in the case of gratitude. Gratitude can only be complete once it has been thought of, felt and expressed. Ponder upon times you have been treated with gratitude – it is usually a pleasant feeling. Now, reciprocate that feeling and express your gratitude by engaging with today’s task of volunteering. Once we realise how much we have received, we also see just how blessed we are and how expressive we can be with our gratitude.

Our eyes provide us with the blessing of sight and vision. Beyond observing the sunsets, landscapes, and physical features of our natural world, we can also be grateful for the more subtle yet extremely meaningful and potent sights, expressions, and quite significantly, colours. Notice the influence of colour, their ability to blend in or contrast with each other, their addition to beauty, dimension and structure. Express gratitude to one of our most valuable senses: sight.

We don’t normally meet most of the people that contribute to the finished products we consume. We only really meet the last person in the chain. Today, we focus on the people we do meet and acknowledge how we interact with them. How do we progress from automated, transactional interactions to actually showing our gratitude? The answer lies in making eye contact, being physically present, and while saying “thank you” is a start, more statements can be made to elevate our interactions.

The often-asked question, “Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full?” stands for a few amazing things. While both options hold true, the one each one of us sees makes a tremendous difference in how we feel. Today, we will focus on how perceiving things as half-full can make us feel somewhat complete and content. Try to find your gratitude buddy and message each other three messages with three things you are grateful for in that moment or for that day, three times a day for the next three days.

Today, we focus on the chain of events that have occurred for us to use things. For instance, buying a cup of coffee appears a simple act, but behind the scenes, someone had to design the cup, someone had to source the material, someone had to build the coffee machine, someone had to keep it clean every day – and this is only just part of it! Remember the many hands that have helped you get the things you now enjoy. With sincerity, send out an acknowledgement of gratitude to all of them from your heart.

Welcome to this year’s health challenge on gratitude! There is a growing understanding of the concept of gratitude as being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation. Gratitude starts with the acknowledgement of receiving something or possessing something of value. Upon recognizing the value of something, we can be thankful and grateful for it. This 30-day challenge will progressively go deeper into the process of gratitude and involve a 2-to-3-minute meditation session to broaden our gratitude awareness.

While acting, we often relive memories of the past and create desires for the future. Thoughts of failure or success create emotions that cloud thinking. We also compare the past or future with what’s now, thus, losing out on present opportunities. Similarly, in the present, confusion or physical distractions take us away from the current action. So take all of these thoughts, and surrender them at the feet of the Lord. Clear them all away and make space in the mind to be able to stay in the present moment.

Efficiency and dexterity in action means acting fast with precision and perfect technique. There is very little waste of time, energy or resources. Also, we do the action in the spirit of Karma Yoga and build ourselves up. When we are present and single-pointed in our action, our mind is less cluttered and detached from the results. In a silent and purified mind, we can feel grace and divinity working through us. This inspires us to focus more on our spiritual growth, taking us closer to our ultimate goal.

Satyam (truthfulness), Ahimsa (to not hurt), and Brahmacharaya (intelligent self-control) are the three pillars of Hinduism because when practiced, they create energy dynamism. With an integrated, kind, and disciplined personality, our energy is not dissipated. Understanding how our energy works is crucial for we can then appropriately generate, conserve, and direct it into a field of our choice. Rather than unknowingly depleting our energy, we consciously adjust to balance it and serve a higher purpose.

Lingering like a smell left behind in a room, our Vasanas are the continuity from lifetime to lifetime. These past impressions on the mind manifest as our tendencies, likes, dislikes, and personality traits. For instance, when something comes very easily to us, we had to have worked at some point to acquire that ability. We create who we are, from the past of this life and that of so many previous lifetimes. So let’s put the effort and time in now to master the skills and virtues we value.

Other than nurturing the mind with gentle compassion like we would a friend, we can evaluate it like a mystery series by having a sense of wonder and excitement as we figure it out. For introspection questions, we apply to ourselves the concepts learnt in scriptures and commentaries, podcasts, or books. Most importantly, we rely on our intellect to draw that line when we start overthinking. Today, we take a break and think about how important it is to do that.

It is counterproductive to over self-analyze and fixate on rectifying ourselves. With excessive criticism, we collapse inwards and become smaller, no longer blossoming and unfolding. We introspect to see our personality layer, peel it away, and go deeper into ourselves. Once we see the truth underneath it all, we adjust our behavior to bring out and enjoy that beauty within us. Today, focusing on one weakness, we see its effects on us, think of its substitutes and reflect on our thoughts around negating it.

While self-analyzing impartially, we discover weaknesses that could trigger shame or guilt. But when we see our thoughts as they appear, we realize that we experience every type of thought which affects our personality differently. So we need not judge ourselves harshly when we find and can build a pattern of thinking. Introspection also becomes highly amusing and entertaining with practice as we notice the sneakiness of our mind. Today, we reflect on our speech and the damage control we did because of it.

In contrast to who we are, we all have an image we aspire to be. But in our eagerness to be that ideal, we think up another version of ourselves. We also sell ourselves short when we aren’t the ideal we hold. Introspection gives us clarity on who we are as we accurately assess our thoughts, separate from emotions. With detachment, we bridge the disparity between our different images and lift ourselves closer to who we’d like to be. Today, we practice objectivity by looking at ourselves through others’ eyes.

The introspection structure explains that the deeper we consciously trace a pattern of thought within our personality, the deeper we can negate and adjust. A successful alteration then leads to our unfoldment as it affects so many of our actions. There is also the development of presence of mind as we observe others to learn and experiment with different ways of doing things before eventually adopting one. Today, we notice our feelings about ourselves, about others and when we compare ourselves with others.

The process of introspection takes openness and time for we simply sit in waiting silence with an incident, thought or emotion. There is no active doing or hunting, neither a general idea nor an obvious answer and no hurry to get the answer. Reflecting on a day’s events is a good start for the mind to attune to details. But as we proceed, less specific and more time-pervading questions can be asked. Today, we check our feelings for both the intensity with which they featured and our predominant emotion.

Introspection involves a lot of self-observation and self-evaluation. Introspection also entails staying with an identified mental process to see if it was inspired by an emotion or if it created one. So from our actions, thoughts and feelings, we identify the thought or emotion that led to them and its reasoning. It could be completely irrational or have been brewing for some time. Using the same question as yesterday, today we trace our thoughts and check for patterns in our thinking and feeling.

While identifying our actions, thoughts, and feelings during introspection, the mind learns to bear a witness attitude. We develop our ability to simply observe. Our mind is also trained to be alert and wholly tuned into our thought process as we examine all identified thoughts for motivation of our actions. These great qualities help build the frame of mind that is needed for meditation. Today, we look back on our day’s actions and reflect if they could have been done any better.

We are who we due to our choices and experiences, most of which, were not conscious. Introspection empowers us to make purposeful adjustments and recreate ourselves with understanding and love. Yesterday, we created a space where we could deliberately choose happiness. So today, we ask if we exercised that choice during our day. With openness and awareness, we also recap on previously posed questions, looking for connections or patterns in our being, acting, interacting, reacting, thinking, and feeling.

Despite its structure, introspection is neither a forced process nor a deliberate action. There is no “have to”. When practicing this technique, we stay with an action, thought or emotion for as long as we can before moving on. We go on looking, noticing, and appreciating, when suddenly, something may just become clear since our mind was made available to see and understand. Today, as we look back at our day, we ask ourselves if we made a conscious choice to be happy and introduce that concept to our mind.

Having applied the cyclical technique of detect, negate, and substitute to our lives, the next organic step is to introspect on how well we practiced it. Eventually, a lifestyle change is brought about for we become more aware. We can recall better our actions, thoughts, and emotions during introspection, while also remembering to carry out our substitution strategies during the day. So today, we look back at our choices of yesterday and reflect on today’s happenings, gauging how well we implemented them.

As we understand the nuances of our being, we may have found something counterproductive to what we are working towards. It’s not something we want for ourselves and naturally, we wish to remove it. This is “negate”, the third step of introspection. But eliminating creates a space that cannot be left unfilled. So we consciously substitute our eradicated action, thought or emotion. Today, we find one unpleasant detail to negate and brainstorm on all possible substitutes before choosing one to implement.

In “detect”, the second introspection step, rather than simply knowing our experiences, we see the reason or cause-effect relationship behind our daily actions, thoughts, or feelings. For instance, we evaluate a thought as the cause of our speech or as an effect, caused by an emotion or someone else. But what is most important to understand is that we may not instantaneously have clarity and an answer. Today, we introspect on our day’s happenings, looking for the connections between our experiences.

Introspection involves 5 steps: notice, detect, negate, substitute, and grow. Today we focus on the first 2. We start by attentively seeing our mind, noticing different nuanced thoughts and details. With the next step, as we look at ourselves, naturally, we detect. But to do so in an objective, practical and pragmatic manner is essential. So as we think back, remembering our day and its sequential happenings, we observe and assess “How happy am I with this action/thought/feeling that I experienced?”

Our BMI tools provide a structured way to think about ourselves. Through the body, we look at how we are perceived and at the qualities of our actions. With our mind, we notice all the varied feelings we feel and the degrees to which we feel our mixture of emotions. With our intellect, we check our voice of reason and the stock of knowledge we use to make sense of world and ourselves. Today, we introspect on the exact same question as yesterday, but going through our actions, feelings, and thoughts instead.

Over the next 8 days, the technique of introspection, or mindfulness, will be outlined. We start with preferably writing something down via the old-fashioned method of pen and paper. Compared to writing on an electronic device, this is less structured, allowing more freedom and flow in the way we express ourselves and our thinking. Writing things down also helps us better identify our thoughts and connect with ourselves. Today, we introspect on the question, “How happy was I, all throughout my day?”

Introspection is a powerful technique to understand and regulate our mind-intellect unit. We start by observing the thoughts and reactions we had throughout the day. Then, we evaluate them and can detect the different types of thoughts we had. As we identify our thoughts, adjusting and negating, replacing them comes naturally. The repetition of this process empowers us to understand ourselves and our motives better. This clarity and growth makes us happier and more free as we make more purposeful choices.

Our body, mind and intellect are our purposeful equipment to be worked around or be improved. Via the body and its senses, we act and engage with the world and people in it. The mind pulls us outside, enabling us to enjoy and fulfill our wants. Conversely, the intellect pulls us within, towards our spirituality, empowering us to evaluate, appreciate and understand.

Maintain clarity of the specific functions they serve to objectively accept the tools as they are and not identify with them.

Success can be achieved in the world both outside and inside. We successfully explore and understand the world outside at large, like via science, economics, or politics. Conversely, we find success inside as we reflect and pursue goals related to our personality and wellbeing within. Unfortunately, as we try to find happiness and peace more or only in one world, we dampen the success of the other world. So neglect neither. Maintain a balance between worldly and internal success and thrive in that balance.

For each one of us, success is the ability to be found within and brought out in efficient action, skill, or knowledge. Using religion to turn inwards, we can find that latent potential before awakening it to be actively used and experienced. As we constantly choose to use and think about that discovered wisdom or talent, we become proficient at it, can easily repeat it, and develop it into a habit.

Hinduism and our scriptures are kept alive by relevant reinterpretations that are applicable to us, our temperaments, and our lives. One of such redone works is “The Manual of Self-Unfoldment”, authored by Swami Chinmayananda. This book provides seekers with the perfect foundation to be building on, for it is written as if Pujya Gurudev committed to paper his own notes on Vedanta. Also, self-unfoldment itself is the spiritual journey, as we unfold to discover who we are in essence and rise in our awareness.

Our tapas is practiced all day long and the greatest tapas is the remembrance of our divine nature – “I am Sat. I am Chit. I am Ananda.” We’re not only intellectually understanding this, but also, remembering, experiencing, and radiating divinity as our being while we feel, think and do. To abide in our nature is actually meditation, and everything else we do on the way there is building up to this powerful tapas of Gyaana Yoga.

Oneness is when we see that the root cause of all creation goes back to one thing, call it “an explosion in space”, “energy”, or “God”. It is all-pervading, and as this divinity, I am all-pervading. There is no distinction, division, nor any difference. Oneness is also in the interconnectivity of everything around us. We are linked, affected by and dependent on everything in creation. But we often fail to see this logic for our ego, or the “i”, asserts differences and individuality. So, surrender the ego.

Enlightenment is not something to be achieved, but to be experienced within. We must give up all that is keeping us away from the core of our personality. Put everything at His feet and offer every limitation to be devoid of ego. In this surrendering, we also come to see that we are self-effulgent, vast and infinite. We are Ishwara, not the limitations we put on ourselves. So why not actively choose to be who you are?

Consciousness is “Chit”, the brilliant light of knowledge, enabling us to see and know. Even more beautiful is we are this light that already understands and can infinitely know. Chit is also enlivening, giving sentience to our inert and inanimate tools. Just like Ganesha, our body, mind, and intellect are given life and any movement is the manifestation of Chit. We are that self-effulgent breath of life that does not need to be known. We just need go beyond the small ‘i’ to see the big “I” that is Chit.

Our likes, dislikes, beliefs, memories, judgements, and often negative self-descriptions all add up to become who we believe ourselves to be. But there is another ‘I’ thought free from all these limitations for it belongs to the very core of our personality, divinity itself. Because it exists and shines and is life and is love, I am. But we forget this divine “I” and drastically underperform. What are we holding onto that’s stopping us from who we want to be, and why? What could we be if we just let it go?

So often, we look to the world for answers to our questions and it echoes back to us what we already think and feel. This is because our Idam thoughts rest on the substratum of the Aham. The entirety of our thoughts isn’t about the world and ‘i’. There is only ‘me’, connecting all conflicting thoughts throughout the ages, letting ourselves feel who we think ourselves to be. Then, as we enquire where the ‘i’ thought comes from, “Ayi!”! The elusive personality disappears for it has no depth nor substance.

Our thoughts can be divided into 2 categories – Idam Vritti or Aham Vritti. In Aham Vritti, we have and identify with “i” thoughts, producing “I am” as related to our limited egocentric personality. Idam Vritti refers to thoughts of the world outside, which are all also based on thoughts of ourselves. So it can be concluded that “i” is a constant in our thoughts. Our mind can thus be defined as a flow of “i” thoughts that creates our individuality.

The focus of all paths is slightly different. Gyaana Yoga is understanding “who we are”. We start with understanding what we want to do in life and how to do it. Then more importantly, we understand what the mind actually is and how it works. Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, defines the intricate and complex mind as a term that is easy to understand – a flow of thoughts. Just like the flow of water, the mind is not one, but continuous thoughts that can be gushing and active or peaceful and still.

We all have created for ourselves the ‘i” or the personality layer. Made of traits, belief systems and social conditions, it is a barrier separating my individual entity from the world. In oneness, it is not that “i”, the limited entity, becomes one, but these man-made defining boundaries are foregone so that the differences dissolve. What is revealed is the essence of life that I am, is everywhere and in all creation. We establish in simply being, and not in the processes of ego. There is just oneness.

Oneness is the essence, goal, and truth of spirituality. When we are one integrated whole, we interact with the world and our relationships with beauty of character, joy, and love. Conversely, conflicts within our personality and in the world around us bring confusion and frustrations. We can create a vision of oneness by seeing the connectivity of all creation and focusing on how similar we are to others.

The mind has many aspects. We have the essential functional aspect that is used to interact in the world. There is also the emotional aspect related to our strong desires, likes and dislikes. The mind’s effective functional part is often overridden by the emotional layer, which colors our thinking. The solution is not to just give up on emotions altogether, but to rise above the emotional thinking or recognize it for what it is. We should also discontinue the momentum of biased and non-beneficial thoughts.

The breath and the mind are two branches of the same tree. Pull one and the other is pulled with it. Since it is easier to regulate our breath than the mind, controlling it is a great temporary way to still our constantly fluttering mind. Once the controlled breathing stops, the mind resumes thinking different things. Despite being short, this pause is powerful as we regain our balance, objectivity, and clarity. Self-experiment and notice the effects within your own mind.

Yoga, meaning “to unite”, is the lesser known path to moksha and comprised of 8 steps. At every purposeful step, noble qualities are cultivated and the mind and personality are purified, aiding the seeker to evolve. But with the levels clearly outlined, it is easy to get attached to the singular joyful experience of progress and of merely moving up a level. So always check in with yourself – are you more concerned with perfecting the outside while neglecting the inside?

While Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga or Gyaana Yoga may seem different, when being sincerely followed, they all require purity of intentions, nobility in our heart and a desire to uplift ourselves. So all paths lead to the ultimate goal of our restless mind becoming silent. In the stillness of that purified mind, all divisions such as likes/dislikes or good/bad dissolve and we see divinity as one undivided Truth. So resolve to be more continuous and dedicated, knowing that the goal can definitely be reached.

In Bhakti, we start by seeing ourselves as devotees who are separate from Paramatma, the Supreme Truth. We feel like small seekers constantly asking our grand creator for strength, knowledge, blessings or protection. But as we grow in spirituality, we see divinity’s reflection clearly within our hearts and comprehend that ‘i’ cannot be. There can ultimately only be one Truth of oneness. Once this is truly understood, our bhakti for the Lord is complete as our love, too, is vast, infinite and free.

The purpose of Japa is to silence the mind so that love and worship flows beautifully and smoothly towards the Lord. Constant and unbroken, all thoughts stay focused on the mantra and committed to the higher as they long to reach divinity. Such effortless and intense thinking is the ideal we want to attain to escape the wandering, scattered and disruptive mind we do have.

But in actuality, what are we sincerely dedicated and single-pointed towards? So what is it that we truly want?

Japa is the repetition of a mantra while constantly and continuously thinking of the higher. Various Japa practices exist to help us concentrate as our mind experiences different moods. Although subtler practices are more powerful, the essence of Japa is to offer our minds, hearts, and our whole personality to the Lord. We surrender the momentum of our egoistic thoughts to divinity, never making it about ‘me, myself and I’. If you haven’t yet, try the best purification method as you dwell in silence.

Though the rituals of puja serve their purpose to stay focused on the higher, the goal is to lift our mind from a particular murti or representation of God’s form and worship His manifestation in us and the world around us. It’s to recognize the harmony in creation and His form in all people and respect it. But why stop there? Give, serve, alleviate any suffering or need of society and the Earth with reverence, respect and love for the Lord so that your whole life becomes puja and worship.

Level 1 of devotion, Puja, can be long and complex but it rests on a science. The rituals first invite the all-pervading God into a singular form to which we give and surrender. Our minds divert from ‘me, myself and I’ and are engaged in steps akin to our routine so that in mundane moments too, they turn to the Lord outside and are uplifted. As our minds transform, we recognize the divinity’s essence within us.

Attempt a puja wholeheartedly to see its beauty and power for yourself.

Love alone enhances love. In the path of bhakti, love is both the means and goal. Alternatively, Bhakti techniques can be categorized into 3 levels, based on the support being employed. Practicing Level 1 means relying on our body, speech and mind. Each personality aspect is then dropped to progress to the most subtle method. But one is not better than the other since at different moods and times, we need to act accordingly. Just pay attention to yourself and evolve in the essence of what needs to be done.

It’s not a problem if we have the solution. The solution to the endless ocean of finite actions is to dedicate our actions to the higher. Retain purity of mind when acting and change the intention so that we are not attached to ME, MY desires and MY likes and dislikes. Finite results will still occur but our thoughts behind the intention will also bear results. All that will be left is our best and conscious effort for a higher love or cause. Practice this and be free from attachment to actions and results.

All of us have goals. Our finite bodies and minds have limited capacity and carry out impermanent actions to attain those goals. Consequently, the results are temporary, and a little too soon, the enjoyment is over. We then immediately look for the next result we want to obtain. This is the endless cycle of finite actions producing finite results, leading to a constant need of doing and wanting. But when will it be enough? Isn’t there anything more?

Be aware of the trap, question and think deeper.

If our actions are not supreme, and their results are ordained by the higher principle governing all Laws of the Universe, then is it all simply destined? Are we all just the puppets to the puppeteer’s whims and fancies?

No. Because we choose the actions we perform and how we perform them. Destiny then works as the Law of Action. But remember that our little actions are part of a bigger picture. So, keep pride at bay, and feel humility and divinity’s grace in the parts we do get to play and accomplish.

The one belief we all can agree on is that action leads to result. But the Law of the Universe is far more intricate than we think.

Actions themselves are inert and don’t have supreme power. Our effort is required to put into motion the Law of Action but it is one small thing among all that at play, no matter the effectiveness, skill or efficiency of our action. So how much control do we really have? Never over the result, that’s for sure! So, detach from the results of your actions and feel the relief.

In the Shiva Purana, there comes a portion in which Lord Shiva had blessed some sincere and proficient, yet, temporarily distracted pandits with higher knowledge. What he taught is known as Upadesa Sara.

In this life, because we have so many desires, talents and resources, we can pursue various paths. However, the text is the ultimate gift of guidance as we understand the main thing that we should be focusing our thinking and energy on, and the things distracting us from it.

What philosophy is the Vedas trying to teach? How should Hinduism be practiced? When will we get to hear the call of the Lord? When will our hearts be filled with so much devotion that true silence is experienced? Upadesa Sara, written by Ramana Maharshi, is a perfect and beautiful way to delve into such topics.

In this first episode, snippets from Maharishi’s life teach us that the Lord is, in actuality, constantly reaching out to each one of us. The only difference is our ability to hear and feel that presence in our lives.

Bhaja Govindam's last verse instructs that if nothing else is possible, hold on to the Guru. The Guru is one who has already journeyed and is beaming with bliss. Despite our essence being truth, we see confusions, limitations and challenges. So when they come into our lives, the light within us is brought out. Also, the spiritual journey is pathless and open land with infinite possibilities. The Guru fulfils our need for inspiration and tailor-made guidance that keeps us going in our mission to reach the higher. But the most beautiful thing about the Guru is that they do all this for us; so that we become masters, like them.

For this, we can at least have immense gratitude for our Guru. Be lost in the love we can have for them, or in the love they undeniably have for us.

To be able to distinguish between eternal and ephemeral is what is required in the seat of meditation. Viveka is used to find what's the difference between the changing and unchanging.

We need to hold on to what's unchanging through the process of meditation. Another tool of meditation is jappa that helps with the process of thinking about the higher. All the steps in Bhaja Govindam has been training us to have the stamina, purity, and capacity to close our world, withdraw from the world, and think about the higher.

The way we live our life determines what kind of meditation we have, and the meditation we have determines what kind of life we live.

There is a very strong link between our breath and state of mind. Lust, fear, excitement all cause us to breathe very fast. Pranayama helps us slow down our breath which immediately silences the mind.

It doesn't last, it's just step one. It's the perfect tool to induce knowledge. We can turn the mind inwards immediately.

Money is very important and valuable. But our relationship with money can get very unhealthy. It's the one thing has the capability to get in between friendships, family, romance and every relationship.

We oddly need a little of it to know that it doesn't matter as much. But when we have more than that, we may forget.

We like it because it's so immediate. Money serves the purpose of instant gratification very well. It can buy privileges and comfort. Because it's so immediate, we get tricked by it.

We need to know that it's just a tool to be able to function in the world. We should be vigilant about how we acquire it, how we use it and how we feel about it.

Bhaja Govindam constantly reminds us how strong a hold our desires are. Desires are extremely hard to give up. We think we're enjoying our indulgences, but it actually ends up hurting us. Especially if we don't have discipline. The fine balance is very hard to maintain as well. It's like flipping a coin where one side is enjoyment and the other is suffering. We're actually holding on to suffering.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about the importance of charity. Charity is a beautiful way to open the heart. Money is very temporary. There's nothing that we have that we can claim is truly ours other than our mind. We're just trustees for everything else. It's our responsibility that we should give to others. It's a privilege given to us to share.

Today’s session concludes the meditation challenge. Throughout this series, we have explored and indulged into the various meanings of this mantra: we have understood the practical meaning –which we can apply to our daily life, but we have further delved into the deeper, more reflective meanings that are needed in order for us to develop and grow spiritually in our meditation.

Today, we focus on the mantra as a whole: where all these different roots lead us to one final destination of abiding in divinity.

This mantra can be perceived in many ways. It can be seen as a prayer to take us to the goal of light. It can be seen as a road map to transformation. Finally, it signifies your personal journey

Allow this mantra to be your constant companion; your guide for when working through life.

Let the secret of this mantra becomes a reality of your life.

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Day 20 delves on a deeper level of understanding – one where we connect to the most sacred part of our being, and find divinity within us. Fundamentally, we all seek happiness in everything we do. This happiness we seek is one which never fades – it is everlasting. We have seen, that which never ends is Truth, the happiness we seek is the same as truth.

Today’s meditation places emphasise on being led to this happiness. Chanting this mantra acts as a reminder that we are blissful human beings, and that we have a choice to be happy.

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As we draw to a close on exploring this mantra, we truly glimpse the deepest secret it reveals, and the immense power this mantra values. “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya” - leads us to light. To meditate on this is to see the source of all light. The light that illumines every other thing. The light of consciousness which shines within our own minds. Prepare yourself to delve on this highest meaning and meditate on consciousness. Lift your mind and rest in the awareness. may we abide in the light of consciousness.

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The truth is that which always was, which is now and which will always be. From the line “Asto Ma Sagmaya”, we learn that truth and existence go hand in hand, as that which never changes is existence. Things come and go but existence stays. Whilst we notice the things that are existing, we tend to fail to notice the existence that allows it to be there. From the changing, lead us to the changeless. From objects lead us to existence. To meditate on this mantra means to look for that which never changes: to look for truth and abide to it. Prepare yourself to meditate on truth. Let go of anything that changes. Stay aware of existence.

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Today, we re-explore the meaning of “from death to immortality”. We existed before this body, and therefore, we will exist even after the body doesn’t. The scriptures repeatedly inform us that we are born into a body, but we don’t belong to it – for we are not bodies with a soul, we are souls with a body. In the seat of meditation, we silence our minds and detach from our mortal bodies to recognize ourselves as immortal souls. Find your immortal soul with the meditation session today.

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Welcome to Day 16, where we reflect on the line of: “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya” – from darkness, lead us to light. From negativities, lead us to nobilities. At first glance, light is that in which we can see. But to go deeper means to signify light as our awareness of our surroundings.

Today, as we meditate, focus on increasing your abilities to see by paying more attention, by being more aware. Whenever we stay in awareness, more and more details are revealed to us. Practice the skill of being aware and become completely present in this state.

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The more we understand the mantra, the deeper we may dive into it and the more potent the silent of meditation we embody.

“Asto Ma Sagmaya”. From untruth lead us to truth. We start with ourselves – to see ourselves accurately and then look out into the world more objectively. We often see things clouded by our likes and dislikes and adapt to our surroundings based on these judgements. The truth is neither an opinion, perception nor a point of view. The truth sees the person for what the person is, irrespective of our preferences. Therefore, take this meditation session to increase your objectivity, which in turn increases your clarity and brings you closer to truth. Open your heart and be opened to seeing clearly.

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“Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya” explains that we view death as an end, and so we are bound by the limited time we have on this earth. On the one hand, we occasionally are stuck in contemplation where we feel as though we don’t have enough time to get things done. But on the other hand, we also feel that time is moving far too slow – that we have too much of it and we don’t know what to do with it. Use this session to free yourself from the feeling of being controlled and restricted by time. Meditate on getting a sense on how time is holding us on its grip.

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Day 13 further explores the meaning of light. We previously established that “light” carries meanings of knowledge and fearlessness. Today, we place specific focus on the meaning of goodness.

Darkness is often associated with negative traits in our personality born out of ignorance and selfishness. But our good qualities take us into light – they bring light into both our hearts, and into the lives of others. Meditate to nurture the goodness and dispel the darkness – to replace negativities with nobilities. Allow the goodness to flourish.

Divinity is seen as goodness. Let this goodness enrich you, and invoke within you hearts all the noble virtues and values.

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After seeing and mastering the literal meaning of the mantra, we must now go beyond this first step, in order to truly be one with its value.

“Asto Ma Sagmaya”. From untruth lead us to truth. Going deeper, we question: how honest really are we with ourselves? The quieter the mind, the more easily we can see our reaction, and the more clearly, we see how and why the mind is working the way it is. Whilst you implore for clarity of vision during your meditation today, open your awareness to noticing your thoughts without judgment or fear. The clearer we can see, the more able we are to see truth. Let the mind rest in truth. Lead the mind to truth.

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From death lead us to immortality. We’ve seen death as an end, but now, we may take this further and really question what the “end” is? We learn that nothing really ends, it just changes into something else, it transforms. Therefore, death is not an end – it is just a concluding of one phase and the beginning of another. It means we continue – our souls continue.

The constant changing bring upon its own strains. In the changing there is fear, restlessness, strain. In the changeless, there is peace, stableness. Therefore, we plead “from the changing lead us to the changeless”. We meditate to become aware of the changeless and to recognize the changes in and amongst all the changing.

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Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya: from darkness lead us to light, from ignorance take us to knowledge.

When there is darkness, it is very natural to feel fear. Since we cannot see, there is more uncertainty – this is the unknown that often induces such dreads. Using this session, meditate with the aim of banishing away this fear caused by ignorance and darkness. With courage, conquer all these fears and uncertainties, and be led into the light of fearlessness. Dispel the distresses and remain in peace. When we understand the meaning of the mantra, our meditation can be that more transforming and meaningful.

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Today we revisit the first line of this powerful, mantra, “Asto Ma Sagmaya - from untruth lead us to truth”. Truth is when we live up to our convictions. But to take it one step further, it signifies our speech being a result of our thoughts, and so to complete this cycle, the truth is when we are in complete alignment in thought, word and deed. Meditate to see a noble thought become a powerful speech, and see the truth flow from you to the world around you.

Retune your own inner equipments, so that you may be more truthful to yourselves. Rise above any potential prejudices found in your own hearts and meditate to keep truth as the ideal we wish to attain for ourselves.

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The mantra acts as a calling for us to make our lives more meaningful. “Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya - from death lead us to immortality”, acts as a strong reminder that our lives are short and limited. Our inevitable death makes the time of our lives so much more precious that we learn to prioritize on what is truly important. Each and every day presents an opportunity to do so, therefore one should take this session and use this as an opportunity to meditate on and go deep within ourselves to make this life – your life – more significant.

Divinity is the very force of life that enlivens us. Bow down with gratitude for life itself and appreciate this very gift of life.

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Day 7 reflects on “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya”: from darkness lead us to light.

Light represents knowledge whilst darkness represents ignorance, therefore this line can be advanced to mean: “from ignorance lead us to knowledge”. Knowledge is power and is empowering. Through meditation, we can turn inwards and we can gain insight into how our mind works and how it controls us. We can discover our thoughts and how they affect us.

Use this session to further help yourself transform and grow. Let go of ignorance and open up your hearts to knowledge.

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Delve into this shanti mantra that brings peace and freedom: “Asto Ma Sagmaya” - From untruth lead us to truth. The truth extends beyond its simple meaning of being “factual”. It extends into the future – to act in accordance of what was said, so what is said in the present remains true in the future. We are not only speaking the truth, but by our conduct we create the truth. This mantra reminds and re-inspires us to make a commitment to truth. Become aware of the truth, become aware of speaking the truth, become aware of acting truthfully.

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This session focuses on “Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya”, from death lead us to immortality.

The Bhagavad Gita affirms that whatever has a beginning must have an end. There are multiple beginnings in our lives, and so, subsequently, there must be multiple ends. This occurs when we reach a limit – a point where we cannot go further. That is our end.

This line potently provides the meaning of being able to transcend from these limitations and to not put an end to the potentials we find within ourselves. May we be able to turn within during our meditation so we can find that eternal source of wisdom and that infinite source of happiness.

Meditate on freeing yourself from limitations, freeing yourself from the ends you have created.

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We all naturally seek the light for we find in it comfort, therefore this line of the mantra resonates with us “From darkness, lead us to light”.

Darkness and light cannot coexist; where there is light, there no longer is darkness.

Meditation is a process where we turn inwards, quieten the mind, and discover that the light is in fact within us. It shines from oneself to the world around us. With this session, see the darkness in your life disappear as the light of divinity permeates your entire life. Remind yourself to turn to the light and let it relieve, relax and reassure you.

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Embrace the meaning of the mantra: “Asto Ma Sadgamaya”, lead us from untruth to truth. This line is the first of many that reflects upon the various layers of truth. Inviting you to notice the areas where you have neglected the truth, or have deviated from it, utilise this session to assess yourself on how established in truth you really are. This session is guiding us to let go of our untruths, and to become more honest and truthful. The first step may seem simple but is always a necessary step in the journey.

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Shanti mantras are an ancient tradition that enables us to invoke peace into our lives. All of the Shanti mantras are effective, but this series will contemplate, reflect, and meditate on the “Asto Ma Sadgamaya” mantra.

Today’s session captures an overview of the meaning of this mantra, as a mantra that invites transformation of our personalities and realities. The mantra is asking for a change within us. Therefore to be truly blessed by the mantra we need to be open to, and willing to making adjustments in our lives. Open your heart to transformation, and invoke the strength within yourself to make this journey a reality in your life.

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We live in a world of matter, a world made of particles, a world of vibrating energy. This same energy is embedded throughout our body, especially our minds. For our mind are made of thoughts, which are of words taking the form of inner sounds. The world is vibrating, our bodies are and minds are vibrating. Understanding this, the great Rishis have created sounds, called Mantras that mimic and channel specific vibrations.

The ancient mantra is filled with so much power in its vibrations that even if one is unaware of the meaning, it is a potent impact on the mind. But, the understanding of the meaning of this mantra aids us in going deeper, and strengthening the influence of the mantra on our minds.

Today’s session introduces the mantra and invites us to absorb the sound energy of it.

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A key to calmness. A step in the right direction towards peacefulness. Meditation.

As part of the Chinmaya “How To” Challenge, the notion of meditation has been identified as the foundation of inner peace — for one needs to be serene within in order to feel a sense of stableness.

Indulge into the 21-day guided meditation sessions, reflect on these mantras, and gain insight into the inner-workings of your mind with the Chinmaya Ashram’s “10 minutes of Tranquility”.

The Chinmaya Ashram brings to you: “10 minutes of Tranquility” — a new segment centralised around guided meditation. These sessions are not limited to merely delving into the true meaning and value of meditation, for they go beyond by guiding you in turning your attention inwards in a journey of self-mastery.

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We're trying a long form series of episodes for the next six weeks. Swamini Supriyananda talks about how our phones have become a crucial part of our lives and talks about its pros and cons from a spiritual and self help standpoint. She also tells us how we could beat the addictive nature of certain applications that aren't helpful or good for us.

Satsang is the company of whom you keep. Satsang helps us grow in our spiritual paths. We all learn learn from copying. We learn from the people we look up to. Swamini Supriyananda gives us great examples of how satsang with our role models really helps us grow. We learn from watching great masters and following great examples. They inspire us and show us that perfection is possible.

Meditation is single pointed concentration. It gives us capability to change who we are. There is an upliftment of mind because we focus on the higher. When we get good at it, we can lift ourselves above our body, mind and intellect. We start to see things with depth and context. It helps us create understanding of ourselves which is what the spiritual journey is all about.

The bhaja govindam in verse 27 gives us a to-do list. Chanting the Bhagavad Gita is the start to create interest in us trying to understand the Gita and the path to happiness.

It helps us resolve all of our internal battles, it's a guide for all our battles, emotions and life. It teaches us how to think. It makes us understand the effects of our actions. We may not always understand or remember it. It doesn't matter, repetition is key. The power of the Gita is such that it cleans the mind.

Hell is typically described as the terrible place where we are punished. In bhaja govindam, it says that we are in hell when we experience anger, desire, greed, and delusion. Renounce desire, anger, greed, and delusion and then we will experience bliss: our true nature.

Hell is something that takes us away from our true nature. It's something that takes us away from Soham.

Desire is quite a force. It makes us have a tunnel vision and make us overbearing. It transforms into anger, greed and delusion.

When desire is obstructed, it becomes anger. In anger we can lose our perspective and ourselves. Quenching a desire can become greed. Greed can lead to delusion if its directed to relationships and money. They are all intertwined and create a web of thoughts that prevent us to see who we really are.

We need to pause, we will see Soham. The infinite that we are.

We spend so much time making up and breaking up. We exhaust ourselves and we lose our peace. We get angry at one action and write off the whole person and relationship, often over something small and petty.

We can be so rash and impatient from time to time. Do not snap the stings of love and haste, it cannot be joined easily. How we response becomes who we are and who we want to be.

We're all very similar to each other. Today's verse is about seeing oneness in all beings and things. The emotions we feel are the same. When we watch a movie or read a book, we identify with the characters because we're all going through the same things.

A line questions many of us ask ourselves are where do we come from and why are we here. All of these questions lead us to the infinite truth. Sometimes, the answers to questions aren't directly visible and we need to apply logic to get the answers.

Do you think God talks to you? It's one of the symptoms of someone diagnosed with psychosis is that they hear someone speaking to them and telling them what to do. The similarities between a man of enlightenment and someone with mental conditions is talked about in verse 22 of Bhaja Govindam.

The person of perfection is childlike in terms of their happiness. They are so spontaneous and uninhibited. They are totally present in the moment and are extremely spontaneous.

We come into this world with all the right tools to get moksha but we lose our way. Our determination dwindles and things become hopeless.

In this state, we prey. It's extremely powerful, it opens our heart to receive the lord's grace. Holding onto a chant helps people get through extreme difficulties. When our hearts really yearn, we will get what we want.

In verse 20 of Bhaja Govindam, we learn that we need to study the Bhagavad Gita and to workship Lord Krishnaso that we can gracefully accept death when it comes - we could possibly go beyond death.

Symbolically, the flow of the Ganga represents the flow of knowledge and devotion. To take a sip of that devotion is what we are urged to do. Workship is described in the Gita as to serve mankind. Service is true worship.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about the importance of studying the Bhagawad Gita. Many of us may not have the dispassion to stay in the Himalayas the way swamis do. We don’t need to anymore, technology has enabled this for us. The student of the Gita is for us. It was also taught in the battlefield - in the middle of an extremely stressful situation. Gurudev even called it the Arjuna disease. Repetition of the Gita helps us make spiritual progress. We need to keep listening so that we don’t forget.

True bliss is experienced on the inside. The story of Lord Ram is a great example of how it didn't matter whether he was in his grand palace or during exile in the forest.

We judge sages by their external traits such as their appearance and access to wealth but they don't judge themselves or us by that. They are firmly rooted in the infinite joy.

When we judge, we forget to see inside and only see the outside. If we could see inside, we will forget the outside.

We all have desires; desires we seek to fulfill. The ratio between the number of desires we fulfill to the total number of desires we have can be a measurement of our happiness. Swamini Supriyananda explains how the solution to infinite happiness lies within the denominator (our total number of desires); and how reducing that number guides us to the idealistic state of dispassion.

We can make spiritual progress only by preparing and training our mind so that its ready to gain the knowledge. There are many techniques to prepare the mind. Swaminiji shares many examples of the same with us. It's important to remember that the techniques are the means to help us prepare the mind for knowledge. People get stuck in the means and forget the rest. Without getting the knowledge, discipline in 100 lifetimes will not get us to moksha.

As a follow up from the previous episode, now that we know that desires can really harm us and that we should get over them, we learn methods to get over our desires. One such method is to delay gratification. An extended version of delayed gratification is tapas. The problem with tapas in isolation is that our mind will try to fulfill the desire in another shape or form. A combination of tapas and attachment to a higher cause is the surest way to get over desires.

Have we ever felt as if we have outgrown certain desires? What do we do about desires we have that are extremely bad for us? Swamini Supriyananda talks about the importance of acknowledging the desires we have and the importance of us letting go of them.

It’s not what’s outside, but what’s inside that counts. Our superficial desires sometimes make us false pretenders to seek glory; without necessarily working towards actually experiencing that glory. Listen to Swamini Supriyananda narrate a transformative tale of a thief to learn more about the path of renunciation.

Swamini Supriyananda narrates a story about seeking happiness from motives of desire and how this will lead to nothing. If we learn to release our cravings in the search for contentment, we will find it. Listen to this tale about an Old Monk’s lesson to learn more.

We as humans tend to be dissatisfied with what we have and want things that we don't have. We often chase things we don't need, because we tell ourselves that its the next thing we get will give us happiness. Swamini Surpiyananda very thoughtfully draws up the parallel between our infinite and never-ending quest for materialistic things to the infinite ocean. With this in mind, we learn that the boat that will help us navigate through the ocean is Satsang. We learn the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can have a good influence on our lives and the significant impact they can create.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about our love-hate relationship with stress. We think we thrive under stress and we are more productive, we also associate our work's importance based on how stressed we are. We say and know that we don't want to be stressed. This verse in Bhaja Govindam teaches is that we are really not in control, nobody is. There is a power far greater looking after each one of us. We stress about things so much even though they aren't in our control. So much is already being taken care of, we need to realize this.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about how time can play tricks on us. Sometimes we think we have plenty of time, so we go about planning to use that time - and before we know it, the time runs out. Other times, we think we have no time, therefore we cannot achieve what we need to get done. We learn how to optimize the time we have in any situation, by using it to find what is timeless.

There are many ‘rags to riches’ stories you may have heard, but there are countless ‘riches to rags’ stories that you may have not. Swamini Supriyananda describes how ‘pride’ is a robber. Pride in temporary and superficial traits only sets us up for disappointment in the future, binding us to what is ‘finite’. Learn to see clearer who we really are, (the ‘infinite’), by letting go of your pride.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about how we can remove everything that we know to not be true, so that all that remains is the truth and nothing more. The truth also referred to as knowledge, is what removes sufferings and will lead us to enlightenment.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about how our attachments prevent us from seeing things or people for what they are. Our ultimate attachment is to our body, and to who we think we are. We learn that we are nothing but infinite truth, and that the only obstacle stopping us from being infinite is our attachment - how willing are you to let go?

Have you ever thought about how we are attached to simple things and habits? Swamini Supriyananda talks about how our attachments and habits can blind us and make us do things that are not correct. We learn how to detach from the lower.

You are what you eat, and the company that you keep. This episode talks about the importance of carefully choosing the company we keep, especially in our thoughts. Swamini Supriyananda explains the meaning of truth, and why our thoughts and presence should be centered around what is true.

This episode talks about the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right kind of people and how much of an impact this can make in our life. Swamini Supriyananda talks about the story of sage Valmiki, one of the most influential sages of India.

Swamini Supriyananda talks about how we associate our identity with our profession or our net worth. She brings to light the concept of disconnecting ourselves from our body, mind and intellect. She so cheerfully tells us how to think about who we really are.

We tend to be attached to things whose importance significantly deplets over time. Only later do we realize that being attached to those things weren't in our best interest after all. Swamini Supriyananda gives us great examples on these things and also tells us what we're trading off for these attachments.

Good things, just like everything else, comes to an end. Every living creature dies. Swamini Supriyananda talks about how to prepare for the inevitable. If death is the destination, she tells us how we should treat the journey.

We tend to use objects for as long as they have a value, and the moment it is worthless, we discard it. Swamini Supriyananda shines light on our inner selfishness and reminds us to keep our higher goal in mind.

What type of king would you be? Swamini Supriyananda vivaciously retells one of his timeless stories: a powerful annecdote reminding us to think about how we we choose to live our lives.

Our lives are uncertain as we don’t know what will come next. Everyday the news is filled with natural disasters, political unrest and economic crisis. We see our loved ones suffer through health issues or relationships. Bhaja Govindam keeps reminding us that we don’t know what tomorrow holds. The past is gone - so be present in the moment.

Swamini Supriyananda invites us to reflect on some thought provoking questions and leaves us pondering on whether we are preparing ourselves for that which is certain?

We all get so easily distracted by things that we even know we don't want. When there's something we really want, we talk ourselves into it, and if there's something we don't want, we talk ourselves out of it. In the text, Bhaja Govindam, Adi Shankaracharya recognizes that we often have that internal conversation, but shifts us into a deeper practice of repeated action, so we do things that are conducive for us. Not just saying it once, but over and over again. Swamini Supriyananda explains that changing our default mindset requires effort - it's not as easy as a changing our phone settings. She expounds on a very easy tool which then lets us start seeing things for what they are.

Thinking about sex takes up so much energy. With a limited amount of time and resources, we end up allowing it to consume our thoughts and giving it more importance than it deserves. It's definitely necessary for so many reasons, but Swamini Supriyananda helps us understand how we can optimise our life with it.

So many of our life goals are defined by wealth. Wealth is necessary to keep us within our needs, but often the desire for wealth means we quickly want to upgrade our standard of living. The desire for wealth very quickly turns into greed. Nothing is then enough. Swamini Supriyananda uplifts us, reminding us to truly value the smallest things we have. Running after something we don't have, is indeed foolish, whilst we can just choose to enjoy what we already do have.

So many of our life goals are defined by wealth. Wealth is necessary to keep us within our needs, but often the desire for wealth means we quickly want to upgrade our standard of living. The desire for wealth very quickly turns into greed. Nothing is then enough. Swamini Supriyananda uplifts us, reminding us to truly value the smallest things we have. Running after something we don't have, is indeed foolish, whilst we can just choose to enjoy what we already do have.

We spend so much of our life preparing, acquiring and accomplishing. We spend so much time learning the sciences of life, the economic markets of different countries, the improvements in technology; yet are any of these going to help us at the most crucial times of our life? Whilst analysis of markets, improvement in medicine and technology make our life more efficient and thus improve the 'standard of living'. What will help us improve our 'standard of life'? What will help us deal with our past regrets or our biggest worries of the future? Swamini Supriyananda helps us understand how spiritual knowledge enables us to tackle issues wisely on a daily basis and also at the time of death.

We have so many foolish notions in our head that need to be clarified. One of the greatest masters , Adi Shankaracharya, brings to our attention all the fallacies we may have through his composition, Bhaja Govindam.

Swamini Supriyananda will be reflecting on the essence of these verses and points on what should have been obvious, but we don't quite notice.

The commentary by Swami Chinmayananda can be purchased on these platforms:
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Wouldn't it be so beautiful if we see God in everything? Easier said than done. If we like something, we can see God in them. If we have to see God in things we don't like, or hate ; our minds translate dislike into un-divine. If we can change our minds or forgive those people who we hate, then in that person we can see hints of goodness. As we reduce our impurities, we will see that Self in all people. Swamini Supriyananda expounds on how this feeling of one-ness can only bring about love and nothing else.

Unknowingly we have actually made the goal of our life sorrow. Our desires normally stem from objects that will not give us eternal happiness. We know it can't be eternal because if it has a beginning, and so it has to have an end. That end is the birth of sorrow. Swamini Supriyananda explains this thoroughly, through a beautiful humorous story. To connect with joy, we have to disconnect with sorrow, and disconnect with our attachment.

Moderation is key - we hear this everywhere. Little do many people know that an imbalance in any aspect of our life is the real reason for why we are in pain. Anything too much or too little can be harmful for us at both an emotional and physical level. Swamini Supiryananda logically unravels this secret of moderation and leads us to understand how balance is joy.

There are so many different layers to our personality, the layers that we keep seeing change, our wants, our mood, our body our goals. Yet underneath these layers there is that changeless. Swamini Supriyananda shows us how we can take the periphery parts of our personality and unite it with the perfect part by taking all that is is not perfect and resting it in Infinitude .

For us to be connected, we need to be real with who we are, and it is only knowledge that can help that. Swamini Supriyananda expounds on how the Bhagavad Geeta states that knowledge is a means of purification. She delves into deeper meanings with another great story.

Our days go by sometimes not feeling as 'complete' as others. There may be a multitude of reasons for why that could have happened, but mostly because our actions were inefficient and didn't allow us to connect. Action can be a way for us to reconnect; it can be a means of yoga. Swamini Supriyananda explains how an action can be seen as efficient and expounds on various ways we can take a simple task with a broader perspective and a higher ideal.

Likes and dislikes are the tinted glasses through which we see the world. Working towards equipoise, will slowly diffuse our likes and dislikes, which will allow us to connect with ourselves better. Using a fresh approach, Swamini Supriyananda, breaks down the meaning of an equipoised mind and explains how moving away from restlessness is our path to divinity.

Staying connected with ourselves can happen in so many ways, as illustrated in the Bhagvad Geeta. Swamini Supriyananda elaborates on the first technique; staying true to who we are without being washed away by all our emotions.

Connecting ourselves to the world gets easier by the day. Facebook, Whatsapp Groups and Snapchat have really changed the way we interact on a daily basis. Yet in this world of so many connections, we have lost our connection with the real deal, our real self. We constantly feel as though we are conflicted, with our emotions, our decisions and possibly even with the different roles we have to engage in. The lack of harmony in our fragmented being can be resolved through yoga. Join Swamini Supriyananda as she thinks about how we can immerse and connect ourselves to our true being, in the latest chapter of her podcast, Stay Connected.

The sun shining in its glory is there as a constant reminder for us to uplift ourselves. Swamini Supriyananda delves into how giving without any limitations, just like the sun does, is the greatest way for us to love.

Can we actually be limitless? Limitless in our strength, in our wisdom, in our talent or in our love. We have everything in abundance, yet we fear there won't be enough. Swamini Supriyananda shares all these notions and divisions we often create in our mind, and advises us to drop these boundaries by just being like the ocean.

Change is an inevitable factor in life, however sometimes there are just a few things that we never want to change. Albeit our relationships or a beautifully scenic moment - the problem exists in the resistance and not the actual change. To move away from this resistance, Swamini Supriyananda, through the use of an anecdote, suggests a great technique by shifting our perspective.

"To forgive, is to let go of what was; and allow ourselves to be here and experience what is." Swamini Supriyananda explains that as we forgive the other person, we are not doing it for them; but rather for ourselves, as we are then able to let ourselves free from the prison of the past. With great clarity, she deconstructs the reasons for how significant forgiveness is through the example of the greatest of all givers and forgivers: Mother Earth.

Endurance sprouts out of two places, either love or inspiration. Sometimes, when we lack that inspiration to endure, we just have to see the way beautiful planet we are living in endures all the harmful effects of globalisation, yet still continuously provides and shelters. Swamini Supriyananda elaborately reflects on the forbearing nature of the Earth, and how we too, should not let anything bring us down and continue on our journey forever inspired.

We often forget to pause and think about this tiny planet Earth, in which we have created our massive world filled with chaos. If we see the Earth as being patient, waiting for each season to dutifully finish its course until the next one comes. Swamini Supriyananda delves into how each occurrence is what it needs to be, and it is our impatience that makes us think otherwise; we may not see the results immediately and our planet shows us just that.

Water is something we see all around us; when we shower; in nature, and we are even told to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. Imagine, if through the day as we have a glass of water, we can get water to inspire us. What an amazing source of inspiration that can indefinitely sustain. Swamini Supriyananda will expand on how we can remind ourselves to purify and be purified through water.

Fire, with its blazing presence, burns and the ideal gas law states that hot air will rise. Contrary to the common destructive property of fire, the gas law shows that we can see fire as a source of upliftment. Swamini Supriyananda reiterates the importance of this internal burn to develop the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our personality.

Air is a prevalent everywhere, but what is that one thing that you would like to adopt from air? Swamini Supriyananda poetically describes the freedom we would feel, if we became like air.

As children, while growing up we've always had aspirations to be like the famous footballer or that tv chef, and the list goes on. However in this episode, Swamini Supriyananda inspires us to think otherwise, and to aspire to to be like space. Space, may seem rather unusual, but her series begins with her humorously elaborating on how accommodating space is, and how we can adopt this simple practice to lessen our agitations.

As we approach the last talk of the series, the Legend; Swamini Supriyananda finishes on the note of the most important aspect of our being, the heart. We identify ourselves in our day-to-day lives with our career, our viewpoints, our personalities. But underneath it all, is our spiritual heart, in other words, our soul. This soul cannot be described, but due to limitation of language, the word 'infinite' is used. Through her words, she gives us a glimpse into that amazing wonder of the land of infinitude, as the last verse of the Hanuman Chalisa wishes for our hearts to be ever-filled with that divinity.

We are often so cynical about the benefits of chanting, and for those on the path of knowledge, it might even get classified as ritualistic. Swamini Supriyananda glorifies its benefits on so many levels, she can only have you convinced to try it at least once.

A shift in mindset can transform our role away from being a victim in a situation towards being a victor. Who's a victor? That person, who does not let any situation bring them down and only take them further. We often feel that we are helplessly caught in the convolution and complications of life, but Swamini Supriyananda gives us 3 steps on how we can actively step away from that mentality of life just 'happening' to us.

Within each one of us, we have this abundance of joy, talent, virtues, power; but we forget it is abundant. We feel compelled to protect ourselves, as there may be some shortage. Meditation is a great tool to draw our attention within, and reconnect with the abundance, relish it and then share - as we will always have enough. Swamini Supriyananda elaborates on the technique of meditation the Hanuman Chalisa suggests.

Reincarnation is something many people don't understand, as they don't believe in a life other than this. However, regardless of whether another life exists, the past, present and future are happening simultaneously in our life at the same time. Swamini Supriyananda further elaborates into sharing understandings of other phycisists who have tried to analyse time, and through her reflection has come to explain how the perception of our future and the way we deal with our past lies completely in the state of our mind.

"We look forward to the day when the power of love overrules the love for power.". Swamini Supriyananda talks about our infinite power and how contrary to popular belief, it's not the power that corrupts, its the decision on what we do with the power.

We all try to run away from pain, it may be those heartaches, that horrible boss or recovering from a serious illness. The only antidote to pain, is to allow our minds to get filled with an abundance of love. We all have probably experienced love as a powerful tool, giving us strength when we need it most. Swamini Supriyananda clarifies this notion of how our love will release us from any kind of suffering.

Instrumental Advantage is a strategic tool that may be unheard of to many. Swamini Supiryananda expounds on what being an instrument truly means, and how this world would be such a beautiful place if we all had this simple shift in perspective.

A lot of our sorrows or disappointments come from the misalignment of our action word and deed. But what does that mean? Swamini Supriyananda through the use of relatable examples expresses how we might have come across this sentiment before and shows us a how chanting the Hanuman Chalisa will help us get realigned.

Placebo effect is quite commonly known, and this just shows the power of our thoughts. We are told that we have been given the medicine, and our body automatically inclines towards beginning the healing process. Swamini Supriyananda discusses the potency of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and explains the power of chanting in our minds.

Halloween celebrated annually on the 31st of October, often brings people to think "Do ghosts really exist?". That is a topic that can be debated about endlessly, however more importantly we can discuss how we face Halloween on a daily basis in our minds; Swamini Supriyananda elaborates on her take on the inner ghosts.

Fear Attachment and Ignorance are the 3 biggest weakness in us that immediately get shattered in Hanuman's presence. Invoke Him and his qualities of faith, devotion and knowledge defeat the weaknesses.

As we face the new endeavours in our life, we deal with so much uncertainty whether it's a new restaurant or a new job but when we console ourselves knowing it will be OK - that choice we make is called faith. The scriptures categorically explain the types of faith individuals have, and Swamini Supriyananda discusses how important this characteristic is in our perseverance and success.

The purpose of life simplified in these 10 minutes through the story of the Ramayana. The story of Sita being separated by Ram is known to many, but understood by few. Swamini Supriyananda unfolds the beautiful symbolism of our spiritual journey through this timeless tale.

The mind, said over and over again,is such a powerful equipment and is just like our magic wand or our genie. It's our wrong thinking that is one the major reasons for our downfall, and the main cause for us not attaining whatever we want.

Repeating something over and over again can seem like a child's task. However, repeating something without letting the mind slip into thinking about something else requires immense concentration. This one tool, Japa (repetition of a mantra), considered the most powerful one, is explained by Swamini Supriyananda helps create single pointedness and purifies the mind.

Our potential is infinite, yet we very often allow our minds to get dictated by what other people think. Our potential is undermined in so many ways, but Swamini Supriyananda empowers us through her words and will give us our inspiration-fix for the week.

What do you work for?

The anatomy of praise...

Where you are, I am not. Where I am, you are not...

It takes followers, not leaders, to make a difference. Swamini Supriyananda elaborates.

The question is not whether we have the ability to stand for what we believe in, it is whether we do. How often do you take a stand?

How many times have you made mountains out of molehills?

Often, we find that life becomes a struggle between reason and emotion, and when the latter triumphs, we find that our vision becomes clouded by the false realities we create for ourselves. Only if we learn to detach from the things that fog our lens on life, do we start seeing life for what it truly is, in proportion. Swamini Supriyananda explains.

We normally associate this quality of bravery with something majestic, something extraordinary, but we have to be brave in so many diverse ways and in to be brave for something as small as telling our secret. And what happens when we choose to not raise up to the occasion? Swamini Supriyananda elaborates.

How much discipline do you have?

The power of words!

Humility...such a strange thing.

Life will be full of challenges and we were never guaranteed otherwise. Whilst we have no control over the problems that arise, we do have control over how we deal with them. With every challenge, there is fear - fear of failure. However rising out of that failure with perseverance is what brings beauty to our life. Swamini Supriyananda closes this series of talks with how important it is for us to stand tall and carry on.

"Worrying is like a rocking chair" It is something we all inevitably do; we even rationally understand and know that there will be no benefit from worrying, yet it is an emotion we just can't eliminate from our lives, and takes us nowhere. It would be so much better if we conquered this counter-productive sentiment and chose to sit on the rocking chair without a care in the world. Swamini Supriyananda clarifies the two types of worry we have and humorously narrates two anecdotes which will encourage us to leave those worries behind and smile our day away.

Silence is a very powerful tool. In silence our mind takes a break from the the constant flow of thoughts we have when interacting with all the objects, emotions and thoughts of the world. As our mind gets quieter, our intuition gets louder. Swamini Supriyananda unfolds the various ways silence can empower us to expand ourselves from finite towards the infinite.

In this world, we go around constantly thinking of what we have to do, what will make us grow, what will make us more likeable; everything is about Me, myself and I. To move away from the limited, and strive towards the limitless, we have to expand our hearts and deter from the egocentric world. How to expand our hearts? Swamini Supriyananda narrates one of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda's enduring stories that guide us on how to be cracked pot.

We often don't pay attention to the mundane activities of the day. They seem very trivial at that point in time,so we don't put much thought into it, or choose to delay it to a time that suits us convenient. Swamini Supriyananda delves into the nature of our mind, and explains that if we choose to be alert and proactive for the small things, that is when our mind gets trained to naturally act that way when it comes to a big task that requires all our attention and focus.

Listening is very different from hearing. A lot of management Gurus talk about active listening in the workplace, which will help build better workforce relationships. However, active listening is a skill that can help us in many dimensions of life, and when applied to the Scriptures, can help in our personal transformation. Swamini Supriyananda explains the art of listening and displays its significance through her short fables.

Silence is often asked for before someone else is allowed to make more noise. Silence however is more than just that, as silence is the base of all sound. Our mind is so cluttered with thoughts and emotions, that when we silence the mind, we not only help ourselves, but also those around us. Swamini Supriyananda takes us through the discovery of the power of silence.

We do a clean-up of many things on a routinely basis, whether it is our houses and offices, or a gadget. However, we often forget to clean one of the most integral things in our lives - our minds! Swamini Supriyananda, gives us an insight on how a simple task can keep us true to our purpose.

Each morning when we wake up, we plan our day, and we make our day's objective to cross off all the items on our to-do list. The day goes by and we are either running from or running to something. Amidst all this activity, Swamini Supriyananda makes us realise we often forget the importance of cherishing the moment we are currently in. The moment that actually matters, we choose to disregard; she reminds us to seize the day.

Today there are so many motivational speakers, so many Facebook pages that can give us our quick fix of daily inspiration. However while striving through a difficult time, being told we have infinite potential is just not enough. Swamini Supriyananda, in this podcast, reveals the one quality we need to accomplish the impossible.

We often are driven by results, whether it is making a sales target for the month or losing the 10 kilos before summer. Swamini Supriyananda explains that Change being the changeless law, our goals are also inevitably going to change. With too much focus on the result, even the slightest change could create restlessness and mental agitation. So why should we pay so much importance to the goal, when we can divert all our energy towards the action that is happening right now. Does that mean we shouldn't have a goal?

Having the right attitude is something we all often have difficulty maintaining. Sometimes, we get swerved in the wrong direction and it becomes a downward cycle in making us feel more miserable. This 10 minute dose of Swamini Supriyananda will remind you of the degree of importance the right attitude holds in our daily life. www.chinmayamission.com www.chinmayayuvakendra.org www.chinmayakids.org

Our mind is a powerful tool and all it takes is just one thought. One thought to make us or break us. How can one thought be the centre of it all? Swamini Supriyananda brilliantly explains the domino effect of a single thought, and its impact on our future.

Anger can be unanimously declared as one of the least admirable emotions of humans, as we can all easily say that anger brings out the worst in us. Swamini Supriyananda discusses how anger can destroy us, and hence why being able to not let anger take over you is a superpower we must acquire. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

The common belief to being compassionate would be to love empathetically. After understanding the problem at hand, the common man would want to display his/her love in whichever best way possible. However, the underlying problem is that we don't know how to display our love. Swamini Supriyananda discusses how compassion is a super-power that can so easily begin to display our ego and vanity instead of our selfless kind-heartedness. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Being truthful is a twofold quality: honest with yourself, and honest with others. Many of us can manage the latter, however struggle when it comes to the former. Swamini Supriyananda explores the idea that there are many aspects of life we are fearful of accepting, but the moment we take that plunge we realise that it is what we were always in search for. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

As a child we are told, do not lie. But being truthful definitely has to be beyond "not lying". What is the truth? Swamini Supriyananda uses the findings of research and her understanding of the scriptures to simplify one of the great declarations of the Hindu philosophy, “Tat Tvam Asi” - You are that (Truth). Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Ahimsa, being synonymous to Mahatma Gandhi, makes this super power seem so unattainable. Swamini Supriyananda breaks down the essence of this quality, makes us aware on how often we are being 'violent' and shares tips on how to conquer it. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

What does it mean to be kind, and why should we be kind in this world where everyone is just looking out for themselves? All scriptures ask us to share, or to keep giving - but why is this so important? Swamini Supriyananda explains the effect of 'giving' on the mind, and how it benefits the giver and the receiver.

The first quality Swamini Supriyananda dwells upon is fearlessness. She begins by explaining the relationship between love and fear, and with her logical analysis we can only question how this thought had never arose in our minds before.

Swamini Supriyananda begins her new series, called the super power series. We all want to be extraordinary, and in that search we often don't realise its not just the work we do or the mark we leave in this world, but it's the values we live by that makes us great extraordinary individuals. Explaining the importance of virtues, she begins this series of the podcast with captivating stories we will never forget.

We often think that listening to the scriptures itself is a good deed. However there is no transformation until what is heard is put into practice. Reflection is a word many seekers get confused with, because it is a process that happens within the mind. Swamini Supriyananda methodologically explains the steps we should take and the questions we should be asking ourselves. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Listening is one of those processes we take for granted. Assuming that there is nothing more to it than just hearing what the other person has said. However, there are many different forms of listening, Swamini Supriyananda dwells on this topic and directs us towards the ideal type of listening for the scriptures. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

We often feel stuck in a rut, or stuck in some sort of cycle in our daily life. Swamini Supriyananda discusses the importance of knowing who we really are to get out of this bondage/vicious cycle.

We often feel that we need things to change around us, yet we don't know how. Swamini Supriyananda gives us insight into how we have to change before we see the change.

The power of love is one that should never be underestimated, and Swamini Supriyananda gives us a glimpse into this. It is said in the Vivekachudamini (a spiritual text by a great Hindu master, Adi Shankaracharya), if all qualities seem daunting to master, the one quality that will take you through towards attaining it is devotion to the Guru. She explains this with a real-life application of how love can make us move mountains, but as a seeker devotion will help us pull through the difficulties of reaching that goal. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

The last qualification of the six-fold qualities of a seeker is single-pointedness. Swamini Supriyananda gives us insight into how we can move away from our multi-pointed process of dealing with situations towards a single-pointed focused approach. Why should we have single-pointedness? She succinctly discusses how it will help us deal with the situation better. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Swamini Supriyananda discusses what faith truly means, and how people are often misunderstood and misled by the term "blind faith". Faith is a sentiment we all have, yet we are afraid to direct it towards the higher. Swamini Supriyananda dwells on this thought and explains the need of it. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

"When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade" is the essence of the quality of endurance required for a seeker. Swamini Supriyananda not only dwells on the meaning of endurance, but why it's important.

"Poor Me , Lucky Them" attitude is something we all often face. Whilst, we may feel the grass is greener on the other side; Swamini Supriyananda gives insight into how we can change our perspective of situations. Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

As a seeker, we need to be able to maintain the stillness of our mind in the everyday world. Swamini Supriyananda discusses the technique of meditation in our day-to-day life and the benefits of holding the meditative attitude. Download this podcast to hear more. www.chinmayamission.com www.chinmayayuvakendra.org www.chinmayakids.org

Swamini Supriyananda moves on to the 3rd qualification within the sixfold qualities as broken down in the Hindu scriptures. This 3rd qualification is the stillness of the mind. She simplistically explains how to master this qualification.

Swamini Supriyananda progresses forward on to the next 2 qualities of a seeker, illustrating the differences between the two types of self-control.

Moving on to the second qualification of a seeker, Swamini Supriyananda, explains the concept of detachment and the benefits of adopting it.

Continuing on from the first qualification of a seeker, Swamini Supriyananda dives deeper into a higher understanding of the tool of discrimination.

Swamini Supriyananda discusses the first important qualification a seeker has to adopt - the power of discrimination.

Continuing on from the previous episode, Swamini Supriyananda discusses the various reasons why this human birth is the reason to act NOW!

Beginning a new series of talks, Swamini Supriyananda talks about the uniqueness and pricelessness of our existence in this world as a human.

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com

Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org

Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Kids - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org

Adults - www.chinmayamission.com Youth - www.chinmayayuvakendra.org Children - www.chinmayakids.org