In sports, politics, and business–thoughout life–defending champions do not like to give up their standings. The new kid on the block, trying to succeed, is crushed so the current champions maintain their power. The same thing happens in spiritual organizations. A new disciple starts getting close to the spiritual Master and the inner circle of…
People think they are humble. They think they are spiritual. They think the world does not affect them. They think they are honest, compassionate, and knowledgeable. These same people crumble when a massive jolt comes into their lives. It is easy to be all of the above when life is smooth. You are tested when…
Guilt is one of the most misunderstood feelings. Religions have taken advantage of this. Guilt is among the biggest loads people carry on their shoulders. Parents, spouses, children, friends, all use it for their benefit. What is guilt? We feel we did something that was not supposed to have been done, and guilt is the…
Where is the line where these two oceans meet? Where is the line in the sky where two nations claim the airspace? Where is the line in the sheet of ice in the North Pole that countries fight over oil rights? In religion and in spiritual organizations, where is the line in the Lord’s teachings…
A beautiful warm coat in winter will be appreciated. The same coat in the heat of summer, not so much. With the passing away of a spiritual Master, tears are shed in attachment to the physical form. Instead, when you are by yourself, tears are shed in longing for the Beloved. Same tears for the…
There are very slim people who are still not happy and try to lose more weight. Maybe they can lose a few grams, but not more than that. People with tremendous wealth are still trying to make more. They do not spend on themselves or on others. There are those who have read a lot…
When people are tortured beyond a certain point, they become unconscious. Then they are forcefully revived so they can again be tortured. Even when people fall very ill, they reach the state of unconsciousness. To be aware of this unconsciousness is something quite unique. It is a state in which you are aware of the…
The “I” is strong in those who shed crocodile tears. Their egos get bruised easily. Any small thing happens, they start crying. You have to walk on egg-shells around these people. It is also a sign of insecurity and the desire to be needed all the time. They have many attachments, which cause them to…
When we get the Wi-Fi password on a plane, or of a hotel, etc., we get happy. We can now connect with the world. The speed of the internet may not be as fast as it is at home. However, it is free and so we put up with the limited speed and limited data…
Those who like coffee or tea, look forward to a break when they can have it. We take a break, or a pause in our routine, to enjoy this hot beverage. Without taking a break, our jobs become mechanical. We lose our creativity. Breaks re-energize us and we are able see things from a different…
It is the job of immigration officers to let visitors enter a country. They know what to look for and what questions to ask. If the wrong kind of people enter, it takes a lot of time and energy to remove them. Our senses tell us which food or drink should enter our bodies: if…
To play the part of Gandhi, Lincoln, or any famous person is not easy. You may have to put on or lose weight, put on a lot of make-up, and practice the accent of the person. The audience must feel that you are the character that you are playing, and even cry at the scenes…