Spirit News Blog

How Yama and Niyama Affect Daily Life and Yoga Practise

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:57:24

This is a guest post by Manatita

In this essay, the writer will first show the essentials of Yama and Niyama and its relation to Yoga, and will conclude with the practical aspect of how these two ‘abstinences’, has affected his daily life and Yoga practice.

Yama and Niyama are the first steps in Yoga practice. They are considered the foundations of Yoga. They are the first two limbs of the eight-fold Path of Patanjali - the ancient sage - the rest being:-

Asana - bodily postures. They combine a series of exhaustive exercises, widely known in the West as Hatha Yoga, for the health and discipline of the physical. They are also useful for the movement of the life-force and the attainment of the Higher Yoga.
Pranayama - control of the life-force. It involves the inhaling, retention and exhaling of breath.
Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses from the external world
Dharana - concentration - control of or steadying of the mind on a particular object to the exclusion of everything else.
Dhyana - the gazing or fixing of the mind on a Higher Consciousness. Sri Chinmoy, in his book The Silent teaching, 1985, refers to it as conscious self-expansion….”silence, energizing and fulfilling…the eloquent expression of the inexpressible”
Samadhi - profound contemplation or the tuning of the inner self with the Universal Self. This is a profound state and achieved by only a few. (Gibson, WB: The Key to Yoga, 1958)

Quotes on Criticism

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:13:22

To deliberately criticise
Another individual
May cause an indelible stain
On the critic.

- Sri Chinmoy

Those who serve the world constantly
Do not have time
To criticise others,
While those who do not serve
Others selflessly
Have endless time
To criticise the whole world.

- Sri Chinmoy.

Even absent-mindedly,
We must not
Criticise others.

- Sri Chinmoy.

Every time we start
To criticise the world,
We must stop ourselves.

- Sri Chinmoy

Daibutsu Great Buddha

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:03:40

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan (the largest is located in the Todaiji Temple in Nara)

Video of Daibutsu Buddha

Daibutsu - The Great Buddha of Kamakura from kedarvideo on Vimeo.

Inspirational Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:15:26

Forgive,
You will have happiness.
Forget,
You will have satisfaction.
Forgive and forget,
You will have everlasting peace
Within and without.

Sri Chinmoy

If anyone speaks ill of you,
Praise him always.

If anyone injures you,
Serve him nicely.

If anyone persecutes you,
Help him in all possible ways.

You will attain immense strength.
You will control anger and pride.
You will enjoy peace, poise and serenity.
You will become divine

Swami Sivananda

"Many people excuse their own faults but judge other persons harshly. We should reverse this attitude by excusing others' shortcomings and by harshly examining our own."

Paramhansa Yogananda

More Inspirational Quotes

Photo by Pranlobha, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

MY KOLKATA GUIDEBOOK

Dr. Vidagdha Bennett — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:50:54

By Dr. Vidagdha Bennett

Most tourists arrive in Kolkata clutching the latest guidebook to India as if it were a lifeline tossed in a stormy and troubled sea. The 2007 edition from Lonely Planet, to take one popular example, is reassuringly crammed with well-researched facts on all the practical aspects of travelling in the sub-continent. The section on Kolkata prescribes exactly what to do, where to stay according to your budget, places to eat – and how to exit the city rapidly once you have exhausted the slender range of options that are listed. In practice, I found that this tome is, without doubt, a compendium of vital information should you happen to be a ‘casual’ traveller, someone who is just passing through the city on the way to, say, Darjeeling or Varanasi, someone who wants to skim the surface and cross Kolkata off the list of 100 places you hoped to see before you die.

But I was not. Kolkata has been such a rich and vibrant presence in my imagination for more than thirty years that my first trip to this cradle of spirituality, literature, music and art had become more a pilgrimage than an excursion. For me, Kolkata was not on the way to anywhere; it was a destination in itself. Having sacrificed valuable space in my suitcase for the whopping 1,236-page, one kilo Lonely Planet doorstopper, I consulted it religiously in the first instance to find somewhere decent and economical to stay. From its excellent maps, I memorised the basic layout of the streets. Then, a few days later, I sold it to a second-hand bookstore and launched into life beyond its carefully regimented scope.

After a month of exploring the city on my own, my experiences have led me to believe that Kolkata is one of those great destinations in the world that warrant a vastly different approach to tourism. To me, the worst aspects of our Western attitude to travel are summed up by Sir Edmund Hillary’s statement after he became the first person to summit Mount Everest: “We knocked the bastard off,” he declared when he arrived back at base camp with Tenzing after their victorious ascent of the world’s highest peak on May 29th, 1953.

Each Soul Has Something Very Special

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:53:35

Alas, how we waste
Our precious time
In the company of
Jealousy and criticism.

Each soul, each heart
And each life
Has something very special
To offer
For the betterment of humanity.

There is only one examination
That cannot and will not stop,
And that is the examination
Of self-improvement.

- Sri Chinmoy

Poems Selected from Sri Chinmoy Books

Image by Abhishek, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

A bliss lived in her heart too large for heaven

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:49:23

The immense remoteness of her trance had passed;
Human she was once more, earth's Savitri,
Yet felt in her illimitable change.
A power dwelt in her soul too great for earth,
A bliss lived in her heart too large for heaven;
Light too intense for thought and love too boundless
For earth's emotions lit her skies of mind
And spread through her deep and happy seas of soul.
All that is sacred in the world drew near
To her divine passivity of mood.
A marvellous voice of silence breathed its thoughts.
All things in Time and Space she had taken for hers;

- Sri Aurobindo

Excerpt from Savitri

Book Twelve: Epilogue The Return to Earth Page 716

On A Rainy Kolkata Day

Dr. Vidagdha Bennett — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:05:44

By Dr. Vidagdha Bennett

Jorasanko Thakur Bari

25th January 2008: It has been raining heavily all night – a solid, drenching rain with no intermission. Nor did it arrive with thunder and lightning. It just came; to deluge the alleyways and the little stalls of the street vendors, to wash the dust from buildings and rickshaws, to cleanse the air and give the parched city a taste of winter. I emerge to find that everyone has pulled out their humble assortment of vests, scarves, socks and black umbrellas. Our hotel guard is wearing a thick woollen khaki uniform that looks as if it may have done service in the British army long ago.

After greeting my new acquaintances – the old man who sells the English newspapers and charges four times the newsstand price, the manager of the internet shop who has taken pity on my inept skills, the moneychanger who waves enthusiastically from behind his counter when the dollar climbs up a fraction, the young cook who makes perfect lemon pancakes and milk coffee on a tiny, antiquated stove – I reflect on the day’s itinerary.

As if by design, my Lonely Planet Guidebook falls open at the map showing destinations to the north of the Maidan and my eyes light on two words: Tagore’s house. It is, without doubt, the perfect day to go to the house of the Poet.

               “The sky is overcast with clouds and the rain is
       ceaseless. I know not what this is that stirs in me – I
know not its meaning.”

- Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali 27

I catch a taxi to Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the distinguished seat of the Tagore family. It is located at 6, Dwarkanath Tagore Lane in north Kolkata. This vast and spacious red brick dwelling was built in 1784 by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, the Poet’s grandfather. In his book, “Rabindranath Tagore: His Life and Work” (1921), Edward Thompson describes it intriguingly:

“The Jorasanko house is a vast, rambling congeries of mansions and rooms, representing the whims of many generations.”

Replaying History

Dr. Vidagdha Bennett — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:37:16

Article by Dr. Vidagdha Bennett

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

As January 23rd dawned in Kolkata, I did not have to think twice about my destination for the day. It had to be Netaji Bhawan, the ancestral home of the great Bengali freedom-fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. January 23rd happened to be his 111th birth anniversary and the whole of Kolkata was flooded with pictures of this iconic figure.

Every year, no matter where he was in the world, my spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy, used to celebrate Netaji’s birthday. “For a Bengali,” Sri Chinmoy said, “these things are in our blood.” Sri Chinmoy looked upon Netaji not only as the foremost national leader of his day but as someone who was imbued with great spiritual depth. He was “the beloved son of Heaven and earth,” Sri Chinmoy wrote. And, in the dedication to his landmark book on Netaji, published in 1997, Sri Chinmoy said:

Netaji, beauty of the Bengali heart you were. Netaji, responsibility of the Indian life you were. Netaji, capacity of the sub-continent-unity you were.

I wanted to experience the depth of this Bengali reverence for myself.

Unsure of my bearings, I took a taxi to 38/2 Elgin Road, South Kolkata. We pulled up just before Netaji Bhawan to find the street partially blocked and the house ringed by armed security guards in white uniforms. In fact, the whole scene was eerily similar to that fateful night of January 16th/17th, 1941, when Netaji made his Great Escape from the house – under the very eyes of sixty-two members of the British C.I.D. (Criminal Intelligence Department) who were supposed to be detaining him under house arrest.

The Search

Dr Vidagdha Bennett — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:39:53

Belur Math

Article by Dr. Vidagdha Bennett

There is an image of Swami Vivekananda that kept recurring to me when I arrived in Kolkata. Not the traditional image of him striding through India as an itinerant monk, dauntless in his quest, nor his fiery addresses at the Parliament of Religions, but something almost heartbreaking – the image of him scaling the locked gate to gain entry to Belur Math, the monastery he himself had created.

The incident occurred towards the end of Swami Vivekananda’s life, when his body had started to break down irretrievably. He had made his last tour to London and America, saying farewell to his dear ones and entrusting the responsibilities of his work to his Gurubhais Abhedananda and Turiyananda. Now, after a long absence, he just wanted to go home – to India, to Bengal, to his room at Belur Math. Unlike his earlier triumphant return, this time Swami Vivekananda did not inform anybody of his impending arrival. In his haste to reach India, he left the other members of his party in Cairo and travelled alone – in itself an unusual occurrence for someone with so many distinguished disciples.

Swami Vivekananda disembarked from his steamer in Bombay and caught the train to Calcutta (now Kolkata), a trip taking upwards of forty hours. Arriving at Howrah Station in the late evening of December 9th, 1900, in the garb of a sahib, he managed to locate a horse carriage for himself and his luggage. Then he started for Belur Math. Alas, when he arrived at last, the monastery was locked up for the night.

The Music of Shimshai

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:01:01

I came across this video of Shimshai and enjoyed the music.

Thanks to Poetry Chaikhana video channel for this

The Genius of India - film

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:24:46

The Genius of India is a film based on a talk given by Sri Aurobindo about India. Sri Aurobindo talks about the inner characteristics and soul of India and how the body of India may evolve.

"Spirituality is the Master-Key of the Indian Mind"

The Wild Flower's Song - W.Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:17:42

As I wandered the forest,
The green leaves among,
I heard a Wild Flower
Singing a song.

"I slept in the earth
In the silent night,
I murmured my fears
And I felt delight.

"In the morning I went
As rosy as morn,
To seek for new joy;
But oh! met with scorn."

- William Blake

Image from Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Pure Thinking

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:47:25

Pure thinking is not escaping
But
Self-offering.

Pure thinking is not observation
But
Self-transformation.

Pure thinking is not experimentation
But
Self-perfection.

Pure thinking is not God-fearing
But
God-becoming.

Sri Chinmoy
For a daily quote or poem by Sri Chinmoy, visit Daily Wisdom of Sri Chinmoy
For Poetseers, Poem of the Day

Sri Anandamayi Ma Sings Hari Bol

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:42:54

"Always bear this in mind: Everything is in God's hands, and you are His tool to be used by Him as He pleases. Try to grasp the significance of 'all is His'. and you will immediately feel free from all burdens. What will be the result of your surrender to Him? None will seem alien, all will be your very own Self."

- Sri Anandamayi Ma

I came across this video of Sri Anandamayi Ma and devotees singing 'Hari Bol' By coincidence I notice Shane had posted another video of Sri Anandamayi Ma here previously

See video below.

A seeker's journey

Shane Magee — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:08:12

This video is a very nice interview with Atmananda, one of the principal assistants of the great yogini Anandamayi Ma. Anandamayi Ma grew up in Bengal, which was also the birthplace of other great Masters such as Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Paramhansa Yogananda and Sri Chinmoy. She spent almost sixty years of her life going from one place to another across the vast Indian subcontinent, where crowds of people would throng to see her in the blissful consciousness that gave rise to her name (Anandamayi='filled with bliss')

Video of Swami Vivekananda

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:38:50

A video clip featuring personal reminiscences of Swami Vivekananda. Lillian Montgomery who had the opportunity to meet Vivekananda in person shares her experiences. In particular, two qualities she noticed were the power and poise of Vivekananda - an 'Ocean of Consciousness'

"Swami Vivekananda was so entirely different to anything we had known in America."

"As he spoke, veils just seemed to fall from your eyes, giving an entirely different impression of personality..."

The video was recorded in 1955

Poetseers - Poem of the Day

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:09:19

We are now able to offer a daily poem of the day. The poem of the day will be published here: Poetseers - Poem of the Day. You can subscribe by RSS and also receive an email notification of the poem

The Poem of the Day is hosted at Shortpoems.org a sister site to Poetseers.org

If you want to suggest poems for Poem of the Day there will be a feature to allow submissions and requests.

On Atheism

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:24:27

When I enter bookshops, I often see books discussing atheism.

As a spiritual seeker I don't have much interest in these books. Whether others believe in God or not is not of any concern. I rather like the quote of Thomas Jefferson:

"But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."

Also, through practising meditation, one realises that there are many states of consciousness that can not be described and explained by reason. Therefore, to discuss the existence of God, through reason and the mind only, inevitably has to be unsatisfactory.

I have no interest in proving God's existence to others - I feel this is a fruitless and unnecessary task.

However, these are a few random thoughts, ideas and quotes on the subject of atheism

To See God In Everyone

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:53

Swami Vivekananda used to recount the tale of a Hindu Sannyasin who took a vow of silence. Unfortunately the sannyasin got caught up in the Indian mutiny. - As he was being stabbed to death by a British soldier, he broke his 15 year vow of silence; saying to the soldier:

"And thou also art He!" [1]

The philosophy of seeing God in all, usually seems an ideal far beyond our grasp. At times, seekers may have difficulty to see God, even in a Saint or Realised Master. However, the ability to see God in all is the hall mark of a realised soul and a constant theme of all spiritual traditions.

An ancient Egyptian poem:

God is the Spirit of spirits,
of creation the Spirit divine.
GOD is God from the beginning
before all things were He was God.

God

I used to Shun My Companion

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:47:21

I used to shun my companion
if his religion was not like mine;
but not my heart accepts every form.
It is a pasturage for gazelles, a monastery for monkss,
a temple of idols, a Ka'ba for the pilgrim,
the tables of the Torah, the holy book of the Qur'an.
Love alone is my religion, and whichever way
its horses turn, that is my faith and creed.

Anonymous

From Music of a Distant Drum, Bernard Lewis - Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hebrew Poems

The Secret Cannot Be Spoken in Silence

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:30:26

Last night
I begged the Wise One to tell me
the secret of the world.
Gently, gently he whispered,
"Be quiet,
the secret cannot be spoken
it is wrapped in silence."

Rumi
Whispers of the Beloved, Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin
Rumi Poetry at Poetseers

Related Article

When Silence is the Best Philosophy by Tejvan Pettinger

Sri Chinmoy passes away in New York, aged 76

Shane Magee — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:02:29

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - A lifetime dedicated in the service of humanity has ended with the passing of Sri Chinmoy, the global humanitarian, meditation teacher and advocate of the boundless potential of the human spirit, at the age of 76 in his New York home. In the 43 years since he arrived in the America in 1964, Sri Chinmoy had turned his life into a living example of his firm conviction that, in his words, "the answer to the world's problems is for each one of us to go beyond our current capacities and become better". Even now, as people from all countries, religions, cultures and walks of life gather to pay tribute to him, it is not the death of his mortal frame that comes most to mind, but the immortal spirit that lay behind his tireless contributions to the evolution of human consciousness.

What truly sets Sri Chinmoy's work apart is the sheer variety of avenues through which he gave wings to this vision. In fields as diverse, art poetry, music and athletics, Sri Chinmoy left his own indelible mark that inspired all who came across it to in turn better themselves in their own sphere of talent. In exploring such a wide variety of endeavours, he sought to demonstrate that no matter where our talents lie, they can be put to use for the betterment of the world. In each field of activity, Sri Chinmoy embarked upon new challenges with an enthusiasm, poise and imagination that flowed directly from his deep inner awareness of the limitless capacity of the soul. His output in the creative fields was enormously prolific - 20,000 songs, over 100,000 poems and 200,000 pieces of mystical art, to name just some of his achievements: his inner feeling was that the quantity of his output need not be a hindrance to its quality, and so he kept on creating with the spontaneity of a child:

"If we know how to pray and meditate to gain a free access to the world of inspiration, if we have an inner communication with our Pilot Supreme, then quality and quantity can go together."

In addition, his many grassroots initiatives aimed at uniting his fellow beings behind the vision of a world based on harmony and oneness won him a unique position as a figure above political, religious or regional considerations, a person with truly the betterment of the world at heart. These initiatives included the World Harmony Run, an Olympic-style global relay which crossed the world seeing for themselves how the best qualities of humanity - kindness, empathy, largeness of heart - were qualities that could be found anywhere, and then spreading that message to everyone they met along the route. In 1990, he founded the Oneness-Heart Tears and Smiles humanitarian initiative, which provided aid to 24 countries with a philosophy based on recognizing that those we 'give' to are in fact giving us much more by enabling us to expand our heart. Sri Chinmoy was repeatedly honoured during his life, receiving the UNESCO Nehru medallion and the Mahatma Gandhi award, and being twice invited to hold the opening meditation for the Parliament of World religions in 1997 and 2004.

Every facet of Sri Chinmoy's work spoke of the timeless and eternal qualities of the human soul, a timelessness that feels alive and vibrant even now, even if its creator has left his mortal abode. He often spoke of life and death being merely two sides of the same coin:

"We have a short span of life, say forty, sixty or eighty years; then we pass behind the curtain of Eternity. There is an eternal Life. This Life existed before the creation, it exists now in the creation, then it passes through death and it goes beyond death and enters again into its own realm....It had no beginning and it has no end. It existed, it exists and it will forever exist. Through our meditation, when we realise God, when we stay in God, we become the possessor of that eternal Life. Consciously we go beyond the veil of death and we remain in the eternal Life, which has neither beginning nor end."

His last weeks on earth did not see any slowing down in his activities - in the middle of September, he had travelled to the Russian city of St. Petersburg to give concerts of meditative music, and just the day before his passing he was composing more songs to add to his existing total of over twenty thousand, as well as hosting a meditation function for his students.

Like a Lotus

Kate Carvalho — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:58:31

In Indian spiritual philosophy the human soul is likened to the Lotus - a most beautiful flower that grows in a miry existence but emerges skyward, delicate petals unfurling at the touch of the suns rays, offering its beauty and fragrance to the heavens. The human soul too has to struggle in the watery bog of the material world - through the practice of prayer and meditation and the cultivation of all the divine qualities we can rise above this material condition and be fully conscious of our divinity.

There was once a bandit by the name of Ratnakara who carried out a life of thievery and deception until one day quite by chance he happened across the great sage Narada whose thoughts were constantly immersed in Lord Narayana. Narada looked on Ratnakara with qualities that were so foreign to Valmiki that he could not recognize them - love, and compassion. Baffled by these emotions which he had never received even from his own wife and family, he asked Narada the reason for it. Narada replied that his constant love and adoration was for his Lord Narayana whose image he saw in the hearts of all, including the bandit Ratnakara. Narada instructed Ratnakara in the ways of meditation and advised him to repeat the name "Rama" which is another name for God. Ratnakara's nature however was so tainted with sin he simply could not utter the holy name "Rama", thus Narada instructed him to repeat "mara" which is the word for tree.

Immortality

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:35:51

I feel in all my limbs His boundless Grace;
Within my heart the Truth of life shines white.
The secret heights of God my soul now climbs;
No dole, no sombre pang, no death in my sight.

No mortal days and nights can shake my calm;
A Light above sustains my secret soul.
All doubts with grief are banished from my deeps,
My eyes of light perceive my cherished Goal.

Though in the world, I am above its woe;
I dwell in an ocean of supreme release.
My mind, a core of the One's unmeasured thoughts;
The star vast welkin hugs my Spirit's peace.

My eternal days are found in speeding time;
I play upon His Flute of rhapsody.
Impossible deeds no more impossible seem;
In birth chains now shines Immortality.

By: Sri Chinmoy

Photo by: Jogyata, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

In the Seas of Love

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:29:40

I do not cease swimming in the seas of love,
rising with the wave, then descending;
now the wave sustains me, and then I sink beneath it;
love bears me away where there is no longer any shore.

From- (Diwan al-Hallaj, M. 34)

- Al Hallaj

Photo by: Unmesh, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Illumined Man

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:17:24

Arjuna:

Tell me of the man who lives in wisdom,
Ever aware of the Self, O Krishna;
How does he talk, how sit, how move about?

Sri Krishna:

He lives in wisdom
Who sees himself in all and all in him,
Whose love for the Lord of Love has consumed
Every selfish desire and sense-craving
Tormenting the heart. Not agitated
By grief nor hankering after pleasure,
He lives free from lust and fear and anger
Fettered no more by selfish attachments,
He is not elated by good fortune
Nor depressed by bad. Such is the seer.

Videos of Sri Krishna

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:33:19

Picture Stories of Krishna at Seattle Art Museum

"Sri Krishna was a teacher from the very beginning of his life. Even before he entered into the physical world he acted as a teacher. Before he entered into his mother's womb, he came to his father who had been imprisoned by the king and said, "I am now going to enter into the physical world. As soon as I am born, you will take me out of this prison-cell and take me to Nanda" (one of his relatives). His father saw Sri Krishna vividly before he came into the world of manifestation, and to everybody's surprise, all of a sudden all the doors and gates of the prison were wide open, and his father took him to Nanda's place. Here he started his teaching."

From: Krishna - The Eternal Mystery by Sri Chinmoy

Patience Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:19:37

"We must realise that a life of failure is never permanent."

"Patience is the most sublime progress in disguise."

"Life needs these three things: effort, perseverance and patience."

- Sri Chinmoy

Photo by Tejvan, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

God's Grandeur - Gerard Manley Hopkins

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:13:22

God's Grandeur

The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs --
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

By: Gerard Manley Hopkins

Photo from: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Spiritual Links September

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:23:02

World Harmony Run in Iceland

Links for September 9th

Sri Chinmoy Inspiration New blog on self improvement and self transcendence
Life Voices weekly podcast with inspiring people at Sri Chinmoy.TV
World's Largest Pencil unveiled in New York - A new record for Ashrita.
How to deal with Anger - 10 ways to deal with anger.
The Power of Simplicity
The Secret of Happiness - Desire less, aspire More. At Shane Magee.com
Peaceful simplicity at Zen habits

Meditation

The role of statues and pictures in meditation at Meditation Workshop.org
How Long should I meditate for?

Photo from: World Harmony Run in Iceland

Shivaratri at Belur Math

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:06:58

From: Shivaratri celebration in Belur Math.

Brothers offering their Dance to Lord Shiva in the Main Temple of Sri Ramakrishna. Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda became the leader of the early Sri Ramakrishna movement. Vivekananda had a close to connection to Lord Shiva, the cosmic God of renunciation

- Sri Ramakrishna

Forgiveness is Mightier

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:04:49

Forgiveness

Forgiveness
Is mightier
Than the mightiest.

Negativity
Eventually digs
Its own grave

No human being
Shall remain
Indefinitely unrealised

By: Sri Chinmoy

From: Seventy-Seven Thousand Service Trees part 33

Photo by: Tejvan, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Sri Harmandir Sahib- Amritsar

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 14:48:17

Sri Harmandir Sahib- Amritsar - Shabad with Pictures by Ip Singh

Sri Aurobindo - A Tribute

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 14:09:05

Based on: Mohan Mistry's song "Hey Ananta Divya Purush

Biography of Sri Aurobindo

Quotes on Death

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:33:04

Because I could not stop for Death,

He kindly stopped for me;

The carriage held but just ourselves

And Immortality.

Emily Dickinson [1]

The mystery of death holds both fear and fascination. On the one hand we fear death - death of the body and death of the ego; to some, death is the extinction of all that we hold dear in the world.

But, if we live not only for worldly possessions, we come to feel that maybe there is more to life than this physical being. The Seers and mystics proclaim that death is but a transition: a chance for renewal and rebirth. Death is an end for the body; but for the soul, death is merely the process of discarding its worn-out garment and moving to something higher.

Death is not the end

Death can never be the end.

Death is the road.

Life is the traveller.

The Soul is the Guide

Sri Chinmoy

"They will come back—come back again, as long as the red Earth rolls.

He never wasted a leaf or a tree. Do you think He would squander souls ?"

Rudyard Kipling

References

[1] Because I could not stop for death

[2] Quotes on Death

[3] The Sack of the Gods R.Kipling

Photo credit: Pranlobha, Sri Chinmoy Centre galleries

As Once the Winged Elergy

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:33:15

As Once The Winged Energy

As once the winged energy of delight
carried you over childhood's dark abysses,
now beyond your own life build the great
arch of unimagined bridges.

Wonders happen if we can succeed
in passing through the harshest danger;
but only in a bright and purely granted
achievement can we realize the wonder.

To work with Things in the indescribable
relationship is not too hard for us;
the pattern grows more intricate and subtle,
and being swept along is not enough.

Take your practiced powers and stretch them out
until they span the chasm between two
contradictions...For the god
wants to know himself in you.

By: Rainer Maria Rilke

Rilke Poetry

Photo by Kamalika Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Unitive State

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:23:11

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad we get a most illumining description of the immortal Self and its primordial state of complete union with the all-pervading Divine consciousness.

In the Unitive state there is no suffering and pleasure, there is no birth and death; there is only a state of being.

At times the Self may incarnate in a certain body and have a dream like experience in and through this particular body. However whatever may befall this particular body, it is like a mere passing experience which leaves no lasting mark on the state of being.

Thus, when we feel I am hungry or I am in pain, what we really mean is that this particular body is hungry, this body has taken on the experience of pain. In ordinary life we perceive ourselves to be in a body, with a thinking mind and human emotion. But, this is not the real Self. At this point, the immortal words of the Bhagavad Gita throw light on the difference between the material world of impermanence and the Self's reality of absolute permanence

"Even as man discards old clothes for the new ones, so the dweller in the body, the soul, leaving aside the worn-out bodies, enters into new bodies. The soul migrates from body to body. Weapons cannot cleave it, nor fire consume it, nor water drench it, nor wind dry it." [1]

Delight, Infinity's Delight

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:39:15

When this world of ours

Was first born,

There was only one thing:

Delight, Infinity's delight.

- Sri Chinmoy

From: My Christmas-New Year-Vacation-Aspiration-Prayers, Part 21

Photo By: Tejvan Pettinger, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

The Spiritual Significance of the Great Pyramids

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:33:03

The Great Pyramids - Egypt

Within man, there are two aspects. There is his real inner, divine self. There is also the body and intellect which, at his present stage of evolution, consider himself to be a separate egoist entity. However, there comes a time when man realises that he is not the body and intellect. His real existence is a state of being; a consciousness at one with the Universal consciousness.

The great pyramids of Egypt hold a real significance in this great spiritual quest.

Quote: Enlightened people know Themselves

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:57:54

Intelligent people know others.

Enlightened people know themselves.

You can conquer others with power,

But it takes true strength to conquer yourself.

- Lao Tzu

Photo by Tejvan, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Inspiring Spiritual Books

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:50:09

Sri Ramakrishna's Room

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

The Gospel of Sri Ramkrishna tells of the unique life and teachings of spiritual Master, Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna who was born in a simple Indian village and received little in the way of formal education. However, from an early age he felt, with great intensity, a desire to see God. Throughout the book we are constantly reminded of the pure devotion inherent in the life and spirit of Sri Ramakrishna. Frequently we become aware of the mystical ecstasy's Ramakrishna would repeatedly enjoy. To the credit of the author M, we feel a glimpse of this devotional consciousness; the book is far more than just dry words, describing facts and theories. Any spiritual seeker can derive great inspiration from this book. In particular it will encourage us to pursue the direct path of love, devotion and surrender.

Recommended Spiritual Books part 1

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:18:21

These are some of my personal favorite spiritual books. This list is far from exhaustive, but, it is just a few good suggestions.

A Search In Secret India. by Paul Brunton

One always retains a certain affection for the book which gives you a real thirst for the spiritual life. It was the concluding chapter in "A Search in Secret India" by, Paul Brunton, that awoke a real longing for me to try meditation. The book tells of the various adventures and experiences of Paul Brunton, as he travels through India.Throughout the book we are introduced to a variety of exotic fakirs, saints, astrologers and charlatans. But, it is amidst his various journey's and travels we get a real glimpse of the ancient spirituality of India. In particular, his visit to Arunachala and the great Sage, Ramana Maharshi, really stick in the mind. It is on the holy mountain of Arunachala that Paul Brunton experiences a state of advanced meditation. Much to the credit of the writer, he is able to convey at least a glimpse of this marvelous experience. Most importantly it awakens in the aspirant the feeling that this is something we can experience ourselves.

Paul Brunton

Characteristics of a Liberated Soul

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:54:38

1. Humility

A liberated soul knows that he is not the doer. He knows and feels that he is a mere instrument for the higher power. It is this awareness that enables him to be a channel for divine light. A liberated soul does not deal with his own individual will and individual freedom; he seeks only to be a channel for the Divine Will.

"Because I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of the one who sent me." - Jesus Christ [1]

This humility is only possible when a person has subdued his ego. When our ego is predominant we feel that we are the doer. But, if we transcend the dominance of the ego, we learn true humility. This state of consciousness gives does not give us a sense of superiority, but oneness with others. Because of his sense of identification with others a liberated soul will never feel better than others.

"A real spiritual Master will never think that he is superior to anybody. He will feel that it is his bounden duty to be of service to the divinity, to the Supreme in humanity."

Sri Chinmoy [2]

T'is So Much Joy

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:42:40

'T is so Much Joy

’T is so much joy! ’T is so much joy!
If I should fail, what poverty!
And yet, as poor as I
Have ventured all upon a throw;
Have gained! Yes! Hesitated so
This side the victory!

Life is but life, and death but death!
Bliss is but bliss, and breath but breath!
And if, indeed, I fail,
At least to know the worst is sweet.
Defeat means nothing but defeat,
No drearier can prevail!

And if I gain,—oh, gun at sea,
Oh, bells that in the steeples be,
At first repeat it slow!
For heaven is a different thing
Conjectured, and waked sudden in,
And might o’erwhelm me so!

By: Emily Dickinson

Photo by Tejvan Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Spirituality and Philosophy

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:04:18

Philosophy and spirituality share some common ideas, but also differ in their approach and practise of the truth. To some people there is a wide divergence between philosophy and spirituality. However, to some extent, they share some similarities and both have their role to play in the discovery of truth.

1. Mind and Heart.

Philosophy deals primarily with the mind. It tries to understand, solve and explain problems through mental clarity and written explanation. Philosophy can seek to prove the existence of God, but this proof is always through the medium of the human intellect. In philosophy, it is the mind that is predominant.

"Philosophy is in the thinking mind. Philosophy is of the searching mind. Philosophy is for the illumining mind."

[1] - Sri Chinmoy

Spirituality accepts the mind can have a role to play; but, at the same time it can never be satisfied solely with the reasoning of the mind. Spirituality wishes to experience the heart of reality, and not just examine life from the fringes. Spirituality is not so much concerned with proving God's existence; spirituality teaches us to make the God a living presence in our consciousness.

"Spirituality is in the aspiring heart. Spirituality is of the liberating soul. Spirituality is for the fulfilling and immortalising God."

[1] - Sri Chinmoy

My Gratitude Flames

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:33:06

My Gratitude Flames

Thorns die,
Roses live.
Hate dies,
Love lives.
Desire dies,
Aspiration lives.
The human in me dies,
The divine in me lives.

My gratitude-flames
In the Heart of God
Never shall die.
Eternally they breathe,
Eternally they sport,
Eternally they manifest
The Supreme,
My Supreme.

By: Sri Chinmoy

More: Gratitude Quotes

Photo by: Prabhakar Street, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Quote: Let my Soul Smile

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:39:08

Quotes by P.Yogananda

"Let my soul smile through my heart
and my heart smile through my eyes,
that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts."

"Many people excuse their own faults
but judge other persons harshly.
We should reverse this attitude
by excusing others' shortcomings and by harshly examining our own."

"There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends.
That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first.
When you learn to live for others, they will live for you."

By: Paramahansa Yogananda

Yogananda Poetry

Video Yogananda

Photo by Pavitrata Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Is it possible to stop the thoughts of the Mind?

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:54:13

"No matter which path you follow for meditation, the first and foremost task is to try to make the mind calm and quiet. "

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

Beginners to meditation find that when they sit down to meditate their mind is akin to a mad monkey; no matter how hard we try, the power of the mind's thoughts seem to make meditation most difficult. However, it is possible to have a completely clear mind. It is not easy, but there are various techniques that can be used to quieten the mind. These are some techniques that I recommend.

1. The Source of Thoughts.

Whenever a thought appears in your mind, ask yourself - where did this thought originate from? Try to dive deep into the source of this thought. When you follow the source of your thoughts you realise that our real essence is not mental thoughts; there is something beyond thought. This is a powerful technique for calming our mind because we realise there is a separation between what we are and our thoughts. When we feel thoughts as separate from our identity it is easy to stop them completely.

2. Will Power.

Another technique to stop thoughts is to use the power of our will. Develop the determination to stop all thoughts completely. Feel like you are vigilantly guarding your mind. As soon as a thought appears stop it entering. If you like you can imagine throwing it out of your mind completely. The important thing is to not allow any thought, whether good or bad.

Love Poems from God

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:49:50

THE SANCTUARY

It could be said that God’s foot is so vast
That this entire earth is but a
field on His
toe,

and all the forests in this world
came from the same root of just
a single hair
of His.

What then is not a sanctuary?
Where can I not kneel
and pray at a shrine
made holy by His
presence?

By: St Catherine of Siena

From “Love Poems From God” by Daniel Ladinsky.
Copyright © 1999 by Daniel Ladinsky. Reprinted by permission of the author.

Photo by Sharani Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Trial of Joan d'Arc: Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:51:11

Film Review: Proces de Jeanne D'Arc by Tejvan

“...they do not order me to disobey the Church, but God must be served first.” - Joan d'Arc at her trial.

Directed by Robert Bresson the trial of Joan of Arc is a fascinating perspective of the show trial of, Joanne d’Arc, the patron saint of France.

The striking feature of the film is its simplicity. There is nothing staged for dramatic or emotional effect. Bresson adds nothing to complicate or distract from the essence of this extraordinary trial. Bresson leaves it to the power of the words and the austere setting to create a thought provoking and very realistic account of this fascinating trial.

The simplicity and power of the film comes from Robert Bresson’s decision to remain as faithful as possible to the exact transcript of the trial. By good fortune, all of Jeanne’s questions and answers were written down. From these extracts, and her later “rehabilitation trial” 25 years after her death, Bresson is able to deliver a realistic and compelling insight into the final moments and inner thoughts of Jeanne d’Arc.

Revelation

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:56:10

Revelation

No more my heart shall sob or grieve.
My days and nights dissolve in God's own Light.
Above the toil of life my soul
Is a Bird of Fire winging the Infinite.

I have known the One and His secret Play,
And passed beyond the sea of Ignorance Dream.
In tune with Him, I sport and sing;
I own the golden Eye of the Supreme.

Drunk deep of Immortality,
I am the root and boughs of a teeming vast.
My Form I have known and realised.
The Supreme and I are one; all we outlast.

By: Sri Chinmoy

Poem from: My Flute

Wisdom of Ramana Maharshi

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:52:48

There is Nothing New to Get

There is nothing new to get.
You have on the other hand,
to get rid of your ignorance,
which makes you think you are other than Bliss.
For whom is this ignorance?
It is to the ego.
Trace the source of the ego.
Then the ego is lost and Bliss remains over.

It is eternal You are That, here and now...
This is the master key for solving all doubts.
The doubts arise in the mind.
The mind is born of the ego.
The ego rises from the Self.

Search the source of the ego
and the Self is revealed.
That alone remains.
The universe is only expanded Self.
It is not different from the Self...

By: Ramana Maharshi

Video Footage of Ramana Maharshi

Photo of Arunachala

Film Review: Into Great Silence (2005)

Sumangali Morhall — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 14:37:55

Into Great Silence is surely one of the bravest films ever made. Almost three hours long, no script, no score, no commentary. I was compelled to see such a daring feat of minimalism.

Over 20 years before the film's release, German director Philip Groening applied for permission to film at the Carthusian monastery of Grande Chartreuse in a far corner of the French Alps. He was told it was too early, perhaps in 10-13 years it would be the right time.

16 years later his requested was accepted.

The Carthusian order, possibly the most ascetic Christian order, has remained largely unchanged for a thousand years, so they were not about to be rushed into such a venture. Unlike the UK, France is lucky enough to have preserved many of its ancient monastic sites. The site of Grande Chartreuse is as beautiful as it is remote, and Groening wastes no time in emphasising either aspect.

Some interesting recent blog entries

Shane Magee — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:30:23

Sometimes it can be hard to find purely uplifting blog entries in the middle of the introspective maelstrom that is the blogosphere, but here are a couple of gems that have shone out recently:

Freedom: a moment of clarity through running a marathon. Posted on Spirit Flower's blog at Zaadz.
The most exotic animal: Serial Guiness-record-breaker Ashrita Furman describes his recent record-breaking exploits in Mongolia! Ashrita's records often have a very playful aspect to them, and this blog entry is great fun to read!
Jellyfish concentration: A mother tries to teach her son how to concentrate, but ends up getting a lesson herself. A post from the Sri Chinmoy Inspiration Group.
The world's oldest sub-3 marathoner: A short blog article about Ed Whitlock, who ran a 2:54 marathon at age 73

Rabindranath Tagore Songs

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:03:13

The Life of Rabindranath Tagore

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:55:26

Documentary by Satyajit Roy

Rabindranath Tagore biography and poems at Poetseers

Tagore singing

My Country Awake by Tagore

Poem by Kabir - The Moon Shines

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:51:18

The Moon Shines

The moon shines in my body, but my blind eyes cannot see it:
The moon is within me, and so is the sun.
The unstruck drum of Eternity is sounded within me; but my deaf ears cannot hear it.

So long as man clamours for the "I" and the "Mine", his works are as naught:
When all love of the "I" and the "Mine" is dead, then the work of the Lord is done.

For work has no other aim than the getting of knowledge:
When that comes, then work is put away.

The flower blooms for the fruit: when the fruit comes, the flower withers.
The musk is in the deer, but it seeks it not within itself: it wanders in quest of grass.

By: Kabir

Translated: Rabindranath Tagore

Photo by Phoolanjaya Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Weekly Spiritual Links

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 28 May 2007 17:27:54

"The Mongolian steppes stretch as far as the eye can see – right to the edge of the sky: hard-packed dirt and shale punctuated by small shrubs and feathergrass. Here and there, a lone ger – the round nomadic tent – with dung smoke rising through its roof hole toward a pale sun!"

A Spiritual Odyssey Through Mongolia : Chidananda Burke, of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, recounts a recent visit to Mongolia.

"My heart-rate drops almost instantly, but jolts on hearing the dulcet tones of 50 Cent, which a kindly school boy at the back is treating his fellow travellers to. Too much of a coward to ask him to lower the volume, I realise this is the perfect test of my meditation techniques.."

Commuting Meditation Meditation on your daily commute at Sumangali.org

"One evening, Shyama Charan Lahiri was roaming at the foot of the Himalayas while on a short visit to the area, when he heard a voice saying, Shyama Charan, Shyama Charan. He was surprised to see a sadhu calling him from a distance. The sadhu approached him and said, Cant you recognise me, my child, my son?"

Lahiri Mahasaya's Initiation and other stories about the Indian Spiritual Master, Lahiri Mahasaya

I have loved Thee with two loves -

a selfish love and a love that is worthy of Thee.

- Rabia al Basri

Poetry of Rabia al Basri at Poet Seers

More Links

Spiritual Articles by Sahayak Plowman at Sri Chinmoy Books.com.

71 Things you can do - good list (I'll give the dancing a miss though)

Ramayana Bridge seen from Space

Picture by: Projjwal, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Existence of God

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 28 May 2007 17:24:56

The Existence of God

"They proved to me by convincing reasons that God does not exist; Afterwards I saw God, for he came and embraced me. And now what am I to believe- the reasoning of others or my own experience? Truth is what the soul has seen and experienced; the rest is appearance, prejudice and opinion."

By: Sri Aurobindo

Photo by Unmesh Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Talk on the Existence of God by Sri Chinmoy

Related:

Swami Vivekananda - Sri Ramakrishna

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:57:53

Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda

When Naren, (Swami Vivekananda ) first came to visit Sri Ramakrishna , he was not altogether impressed with what he saw. His mind doubted this perplexing, unorthodox figure. He left dissatisfied, but, at the same time he felt strangely compelled to return to visit Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar. Sri Ramakrishna, on the other hand, immediately saw in his beloved Naren, tremendous spiritual potential. After his first meeting, he predicted Naren would at one time do great things for his beloved Mother Kali.

Love's Philosophy - Shelley

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:50:53

Love's Philosophy

THE fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law divine
In one another's being mingle—
Why not I with thine?

See the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdain'd its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea—
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?

By: Percy B. Shelley

Photo by Phoolanjaya: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Buddhism and Lord Buddha

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 16 May 2007 07:25:18

Daibatsu Buddha

"For centuries the light of the Buddha has shone as a beacon beckoning men from across the sea of darkness. Like lost children, millions of seekers have reached out to the light with their heart's inmost cry, and the Buddha has shown them the Way. The world stood before the Buddha with it's ignorance, and the Buddha, the Enlightened One, gave man Truth. The world offered its age old suffering to the Buddha's heart and the Buddha, Lord of Compassion, showed man the Dharma."

From Introduction to: Siddhartha Becomes The Buddha by Sri Chinmoy

Other selected parts from the play:

Buddha and Ananda On the passing of Lord Buddha.

Spiritual Music: Baoul Style

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:45:18

Ranjit and Unmesh Swanson, are meditation students of Sri Chinmoy, who have frequently visited the Indian subcontinent. They have visited various spiritual sites such as Dakshineswar (where Sri Ramakrishna lived)

This is a selection of some of their music. It is sung in the Baoul tradition of wandering mendicants; they are accompanied by simple stringed instruments and percussion. Enjoy:

Recording 1: Vishna Ar Droma by Sri Chinmoy + Song of Sri Ramakrishna. Listen Now (m4a)

Recording 2: 1 song by Sri Chinmoy: 1 song by Sri Ramakrishna: Listen Now (m4a)

Recording 3: 1 song composed by Sri Chinmoy: 1 song a Bhajan of Mirabai: Listen Now

Picture of Dakshineswar, India by Unmesh Swanson: Sri Chinmoy Galleries

Akbar - India's philosopher king

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:13:27

By: Kate Carvalho

Akbar the Great

Akbar the Great Moghul emperor ruled Northern India from 1556 to 1605. He was a great leader, warrior, hunter, a lover of nature and the arts, expert sportsman and philosopher. Akbar was a multifaceted man - a master of all arts, yet one of his most revered qualities and greatest legacies was his great love for and practice of religious tolerance. Viewed in the context of the era in which Akbar lived this is all the more astonishing and impressive. In a time where wars constantly waged in the name of religion, prejudice was rife in many parts of the world and would remain so for hundreds of years, Akbar practiced an unprecedented kindness, compassion and reverence for many religious other than his own Muslim faith.

Akbar ruled Hindus, Muslims, Zoroastrians, and Jains, members of which were all treated equally under his philosophy of sulahkul or "universal tolerance. With Akbar as their ruler, for the first time in their history India had a Muslim leader who not only tolerated the many other religions, but actively sought out their guidance and wisdom.

Secrets of Inner Peace

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:28:30

"No price is too great to pay for inner peace. "

- Sri Chinmoy

Consciously or unconsciously we are all searching for inner peace. Inner peace is the foundation of lasting happiness, and satisfaction. Without inner peace, man can not know, either himself, or be at peace with the world.

1. Inner Peace is a Choice.

It is our own thoughts that will either bring us peace or restlessness. If our mind is clear of useless, undivine thoughts, we can experience inner peace in abundance. When we lose our inner peace it is because of our own thoughts. It is tempting to blame our problems on the world and other people. However, a man of inner peace will not allow the outer world to disturb his inner mind. If we maintain equanimity and detachment to events of the world, inner peace will remain a permanent feature of our mind.

God has not forgotten
To give us peace.
He is just waiting for us
To ask for it.

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

Criticism has no Peace

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 10 May 2007 16:00:55

Criticism has no peace
Either in the inner world
Or the outer world.

~~~

Forgiveness
Is mightier
Than the mightiest

~~~

The aspiring heart
Makes my life
Beauty's heart-garden

By: Sri Chinmoy

Aphorisms from Seventy Seven Thousand Service Trees part 33 by Sri Chinmoy

Quotes on Forgivness

Photo by Prabhakar: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Rumi Poem - If

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:49:36

If

If you can disentangle
yourself from your selfish self
all heavenly spirits
will stand ready to serve you

if you can finally hunt down
your own beastly self
you have the right
to claim Solomon's kingdom

you are that blessed soul who
belongs to the garden of paradise
is it fair to let yourself
fall apart in a shattered house

you are the bird of happiness
in the magic of existence
what a pity when you let
yourself be chained and caged

but if you can break free
from this dark prison named body
soon you will see
you are the sage and the fountain of life

By: Rumi

Translation by: Nader Khalili

Quotes of Rumi

Photo by Prabhakar: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Prabhakar's Turkey Gallery

A Simple Life

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:20:00

by Vidagdha Bennett

A university-educated friend of mine once asked Sri Chinmoy if he should accept a challenging, executive position or one that offered far less pay. Sri Chinmoy responded with this enigmatic message: “Just earn enough to defray the costs of your earthly existence.” Overcoming a certain amount of ambition, my friend accepted the lower salary. It enabled him to live simply and, at the same time, this job gave him the freedom to pursue his spiritual life.

According to Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy, a moderate simplicity is a great advantage. The desire for material things not only binds us but also entangles our thoughts, our emotions. It creates unnecessary worries and anxieties in our lives. Admittedly, it is extremely difficult to extricate oneself from that cycle, but if we can make even the slightest move to lead a simpler life, the resultant feelings of freedom and joy percolate through our entire existence. That is why, perhaps, books like Karen Kingston’s Clear Your Clutter have found such a receptive audience in recent years. They encourage us to examine all our possessions and reduce them—drastically.

Overcoming Anger

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 03 May 2007 16:55:26

Anger

Anger says:
"I can destroy
The whole world."

Peace says:
"Not when I work
Inside you."

By: Sri Chinmoy

Poems on Anger at Poetseers.org

Photo by Unmesh Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Losing Face - Gaining Wisdom - Ashrita gives an honest insight into his experience of anger and transcendence.

What is this Life if, full of care?

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 02 May 2007 03:38:17

Leisure

WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

By: W.H.Davies

Photo by Pranlobha: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Poems on Life at Poetseers.org

"Conquer the Angry Man by Love"

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:26:42

Conquer the angry man by love.

Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness.

Conquer the miser with generosity.

Conquer the liar with truth.

From: The Dhammapada

Buddhism

Photo by Trishatur, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

Buddha from Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Considered the Largest Outdoor Buddha Statue in the World. Hand Gesture of Turning the Wheel of Dharma and Meditation.

Science and Spirituality

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:13:31

Traditionally science and spirituality have been at loggerheads. Science is concerned with man's material success, spirituality, on the other hand, is interested in man's inner realities. Is this conflict inevitable, or can the different arts of science and spirituality be complementary?

"Science has the capacity to show mankind the full development of the mental life. Spirituality has the capacity to show mankind the possibility and inevitability of the life beyond the mind, the supramental life."

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

Early Texts of Religions show Underlying Similarities

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:54:24

Religious and artistic similarities between the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths are to be shown in a ground breaking exhibition of some of the world's earliest surviving sacred texts.

Sacred: Discover What We Share, opening tomorrow at the British Library in London, will feature rare and exquisite examples of early Bibles, Korans and Torahs.

Graham Shaw, the head curator of the exhibition, said the show was conceived in order to explore and examine the interactive nature of these sacred texts.

"What can been seen is that the Old Testament Christian Bible is essentially the same as the Hebrew Bible of Judaism, and in turn, Islam takes many of its stories from Christianity and Judaism. There is a textual link that can be studied in the exhibition," he said.

Sacred Discovery what we Share at British Library

news info from Independent

Book Review: The Song of Rama by Vanamali

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:20:00

Lord Rama

Book Review - The Song of Rama by Vanamali

By: Kate Carvalho

As a dedicated fan of Vanamali's spectacular The Play of God My heart skipped a beat when I saw her latest book The song of Rama on a book stall. I knew it would be hard to match the genius that is The Play of God, but I was more than ready to delve into the dense forests that play host to the epic that is The Song of Rama

Being fairly ignorant of Rama I was curious to acquaint myself with this first of Avatars or human descendent s of Vishnu himself, who descends to earth from time to time in order to redeem mankind from the treacherous grasp of ignorance, usually personified in a terrible and almighty Rakshasa or demon.

Ananda Meditation Music

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:04:12

Ananda are a group of British musicians, dedicated to playing the spiritual music of Sri Chinmoy. There music is ideal for meditation.

Ananda at Radio Sri Chinmoy

Listen Now - - (Apple Quick Time m4a)
Listen Now - - (iTunes m3u)
Listen Now - Real Player format

Ananda Music website

More selections of Meditation Music

Books that change lives

Shane Magee — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:32:36

Many people who are on a journey of self-discovery were introduced to the possibility through reading a book which opened their eyes and made them realise there was something deeper to life than what we see on the surface.

For many people, reading these books marked the starting of their inner quest in earnest, and set off a chain of events which might even have led to them pursuing an altogether different path than the one suggested in the book; nevertheless reading the book was a crucial stepping-stone that helped them to become aware that there was more to life than what just lay on the surface.

The term 'life-changing book' is all to often little more than publisher's blurb nowadays, but there are a few books for whom this claim has held true over the years:

The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho

These two books have a very childlike feel to them, but this childlike form lends itself for use as an allegory for bigger and deeper questions. Most memorable quote from the Little Prince: "It is only with the hear that one can see properly. What is essential is invisible to the eye."

Autobiography of A Yogi: Paramhansa Yogananda

This book is one of the most widely-read accounts of Eastern philosophy available. In this book, the author describes his childhood spiritual experiences and remerkable spiritual figures that he has met. In particular, the chapters where he describes the guidance he recieved from his teacher, Sri Yukteshwar, is one of the best accounts of the meditation teacher-student relationship available.

Siddhartha - Herman Hesse

A reworking of the tale of how the young prince Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, or the enlightened one. After embracing the extremes of austerity and luxury, the prince attains enlightenment throuth the middle path. Multiple Guinness record holder and long-time meditator Ashrita Furman first became interested in Eastern philosophy after reading this book, beginning a journey which was soon to lead him to his teacher, Sri Chinmoy .

Each good Thought

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:44:56

Each good thought

Is the birth of

A new hope.

Sri Chinmoy

From 77,000 Thousand Service Trees vol 42

Photo by: Richard

The Birth of Ganesh

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:35:11

Ganesh is one of the primary Hindu deities. Ganesh or Ganapati is known as the remover of obstacles. It is said a seeker should invoke Ganesh before praying to any other God, or spiritual Master.

How Ganesh was born

Lord Shiva lived on Mount Kailash with his consort Parvati (sometimes known as Durga). Both performed tremendous austerities and spent many hours deep in meditation trance. There came a time when Lord Shiva left his heavenly abode to visit the other Cosmic Gods Brahma and Vishnu.

Parvati was left alone on Mount Kailash and she took the opportunity to have a long bath; this was an opportunity to clean herself of the many layers of sandalwood paste that Shiva devotees and placed upon her over the previous years.

A Complaint-Prone Psyche

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:53:33

By: Vidagdha Bennett

Complain— groan, grumble, mutter, fret and fume, air a grievance, gripe, grizzle, kvetch, beef, bellyache, whine, find fault.

Decidedly, it is difficult to imagine anyone who does not fall into this category on a fairly regular basis. The possibility that there might exist a Pollyanna, somewhere, who does not get up each morning and immediately launch into a rant against the weather, the surroundings, the morning news, the day ahead and so forth, bedazzles any normal individual.

Complaining is part of our everyday diet. It is not an activity we choose; it is ingrained. And yet, now a pastor in Missouri has stepped forth to rid us of this scourge. With all the best intentions in the world, Pastor Will Bowen, a 47-year-old clergyman based at Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, has come up with the bright idea of purple plastic bracelets. Those among his flock who have been "complaint-free" for 21 straight days are eligible to wear the bracelets on their right wrist. Those who sadly lapse must switch to the left wrist and start their three week countdown all over again.

Quotes about Belief

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:01:10

Luke:

"I can’t believe it. "

Yoda:

"That is why you fail.”

Anne Frank:

"In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death."

More quotes on `belief

Famous speeches of Thomas Jefferson

Shane Magee — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 05:23:27

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence, wrote some tremendously inspiring speeches which shaped the course of history. Jefferson was not a good public speaker and he preferred communicating through writing instead, but in this field he was probably one of the most eloquent correspondents ever.

The preamble to the Declaration of Independence is possibly the most famous of Jefferson's writings, and to this day it evokes the original spirit of the American nation:

'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness....'

The Declaration of Independence then goes on to cite a list of grievances against the British crown. among them, Jefferson wanted to include the following denunciation of slavery:

'He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither...'

Quotes on Silence

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 12:17:22

Our human mind says,
"Silence is emptiness; it is sheer emptiness and nothingness."
But our aspiring heart knows that silence
is the fulness and plenitude
of our Eternity's Height and Infinity's Light. (1)

By: Sri Chinmoy

Yoga Video Demonstration

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:24:17

Filmed in Somnathpur, about an hour from Mysore, India

More resources on Yoga

via

What to Pray for?

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:29:59

What should we pray for?

People pray for many different things. Pray can be a form of desire. We pray for material comforts or release from physical pain. However prayer can be more than just praying for the satisfaction of our material needs. The highest prayer is merely to become one with the highest spiritual realisation.

There is a story of two great Spiritual figures, Sri Ramakrishna and his beloved disciple Swami Vivekananda. Due to the death of his father Swami Vivekananda’s family were living in extreme poverty; his mother started to criticise Vivekananda, saying why did he spend his time praying to God when God could not even provide for the family’s basic needs. Vivekananda felt cut to the bone, so he went to his Spiritual Master Sri Ramakrishna and explained his family’s dire financial predicaments. Sri Ramakrishna compassionately replied to Vivekananda and said if he went to the Temple of Mother Kali and prayed for the boon of financial wealth all his family’s financial problems would be solved.

St Francis of Assisi

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:27:12

Born to wealthy parents in the Italian town of Assisi the young Francesco enjoyed all the privileges of a prosperous upbringing. Franscesco was bright and intelligent; helping his father in business he proved to be an able and capable man. He was also a soldier who took part in the crusades of the time.

However the material prosperity and worldly success lost all attraction for St Francis. After coming back from war he became seriously ill and felt the futility of seeking happiness through the accumulation of material wealth and social prestige. Francesco instead felt an intense yearning to live the life of a simple disciple of Christ. Following a literal interpretation of the Gospel St Francis sought to take vows of poverty and chastity.

"Announce the kingdom! Possess no gold or silver or copper in your purses, no travelling bag, no sandals, no staff" (see Luke 9:1-3)"

Whilst stumbling upon the ruins of a broken chapel in Assisi, he felt the voice of Christ ask him to rebuild the derelict chapel.

"Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down."

In the beginning he worked alone to rebuild the chapel, but over time his purity of spirit and single-minded devotion attracted other like minded young men from the city. This was to be the nucleus of a new religious order.

Quotes on Patriotism

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:11:48

The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?

~ Pablo Casals

”Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them!”

~Albert Einstein

"To him in whom love dwells, the whole world is but one family. "

~ Buddha

Heaven on Earth: Shaker Aesthetic Philosophy

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:06:19

Shaker Barn

"Heaven on Earth: Shaker Aesthetic Philosophy" by Sumangali Morhall

"Hands to work and hearts to God" so the Shaker work ethic went. The term 'Shaker' is best known as a style of furniture, but how did it evolve? Where did the Shakers come from, and why did they start to disappear after 100 years?

In modern Europe and America, craftspeople are still reviving not just the Shaker style, but in some cases the Shaker dedication to integrity. A form of aesthetic Chinese Whispers has inevitably crept in over the years, and one may now even buy such anomalies as Shaker jewellery boxes. The simple and beautiful style can arguably be applied to anything, but the philosophy behind the style makes it all the more interesting as an art form.

The first Shakers came from Manchester, England, in the late 18th Century. They began as a small group of Quakers, but developed their own doctrines, based largely on a strong sense of community and self-sufficiency. Community tasks were clearly defined and rotated so that anyone could be replaced on any job if unable to work on a particular day. The day started early and ended late, and was punctuated by regular prayer sessions.

Poetry of the Sufi's

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 03:31:39

Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul’s companion
From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love.

- Rumi

Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam. It has its roots in the Qu’ran and the Islamic tradition, but at the same times encompasses the universal mysticism that we see in other spiritual traditions

Despite the difficulties of describing their experiences, the words of the Sufi Seers still tease, cajole and inspire us to look beyond the page and into our own hearts. For those who love words, it is necessary to have poetry, which can take us beyond the domain of the intellect. Hafiz beautifully describes the purpose of a poet.

“A poet is someone who can pour light into a cup, then raise it to nourish your beautiful parched, holy heart.”

The Ecstatic Poetry of the Sufi's at Poetseers.org

Photo by Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre galleries

You are in Me

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 03:17:00

You are in Me

Brightest being
In sun-surprised February
Flower out of season
You illuminate the night
A falling star
Shower after shower
My sky is empty now.

You are in me

By: Gabriel Rosenstock

Artwork: Angelee Deodhar (India)

New poem of Gabriel Rosenstock - lines written in Bangaram Lakshadweep Islands

Secrets of Happiness

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:17:26

The Secrets of Happiness by Jogyata Dallas

The quest for lasting happiness lies at the very heart of all human purpose and experience, though this much desired attainment is sought in many different ways. Among the ways that have proven successful a number of recurring themes are evident.

The perennial philosophies of our spiritual teachers urge self-perfecting, the inner way, while most of mankind is searching in the outer world – right person, right possessions, right place.

Here are a few pointers that work:

Start Within

A huge wealth of highly credible literature and teachings concur that happiness is first of all an inner accomplishment, not just a series of circumstances. Prayer, contemplation, quiet time, simply sitting with peaceful music, the practice of inner stillness, all help in developing understanding, balance, an inner harmony and poise. Happiness arises out of these practices like the fragrance of a flower.

Visualise Your Day

Take five minutes at the start of each day to visualize what you intend to accomplish – prepare the mind, your life energy, and burst into your day with vigour, intensity, calm resolve and joy. Every day we create our world with our mind – our moods, emotions, attitudes and consciousness. Train the mind and fill it with inspiration and positive energies, self-faith, the bright colours of your heart and soul.

What Happens: Hafiz

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 02:47:13

What Happens

What happens when your soul
Begins to awaken
Your eyes
And your heart
And the cells of your body
To the great Journey of Love?

First there is wonderful laughter
And probably precious tears

And a hundred sweet promises
And those heroic vows
No one can ever keep.

But still God is delighted and amused
You once tried to be a saint.

What happens when your soul
Begins to awake in this world

To our deep need to love
And serve the Friend?

O the Beloved
Will send you
One of His wonderful, wild companions –

Like Hafiz.

From: “I Heard God Laughing": Renderings of Hafiz: by Daniel Ladinsky.

We are the Flute: Rumi

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 02:43:04

We are the Flute

We are the flute, our music is all Thine;
We are the mountains echoing only Thee;
And movest to defeat or victory;
Lions emblazoned high on flags unfurled-
They wind invisible sweeps us through the world.

By: Rumi

R. A. Nicholson

'Persian Poems', an Anthology of verse translations
edited by A.J.Arberry, Everyman's Library, 1972

Photo by Ranjit Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Spring Poem: by William Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 06:07:14

Spring

by William Blake

Sound the Flute! Now it's mute.
Birds delight Day and Night;
Nightingale In the dale,
Lark in Sky,
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, to welcome in the Year.

Little Boy, Full of joy;
Little Girl, Sweet and small;
Cock does crow, So do you;
Merry voice, Infant noise,
Merrily, Merrily, to welcome in the Year.

Little Lamb, Here I am;
Come and lick My white neck;
Let me pull Your soft Wool;
Let me kiss Your soft face:
Merrily, Merrily, we welcome in the Year.

By: William Blake

Photo by Richard Sri Chinmoy Centre Gallerie

Poems about Spring at Poetseers.org

Staving off Boredom

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:23:44

By: Vidagdha Bennett

"Ultimately everything becomes boring," begins philosopher Sri Chinmoy in a poem from 1973. And who can deny it? The tedium of a long plane flight, of waiting in a queue, of following the same routine day after day, of seeing the same faces, all bring home to us the fact that we easily become bored not only with what we are doing but, essentially, with our own company. The solution, argues Sri Chinmoy, is not necessarily to change our outer circumstances but to radically change our inner attitude. He explains further:

"Every day the sun rises. Every morning we can look at the sun, if we are lucky enough to have a clear day. Although it is the same sun that is rising, every day we can see a new beauty inside the sun. Our mind is telling us that it is the same sun that we saw yesterday and the day before yesterday. But when the heart sees this same sun, there is tremendous joy, tremendous thrill, tremendous ecstasy.

The God of Wild Places

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:38:05

The God of Wild Places By: Roger Chamberlain

Overlooking Lake Rydal

It seems to me that this is one of the great paradoxes of our time. As a race we have been struggling for millennia to tame the forces of nature and to make for ourselves a more comfortable life than our ancestors could have dreamed of, insulated and protected from the daily hardships they suffered just to get by. Yet, now that we can live divorced from those privations and wander at our leisure through a neat and controlled world of concrete, Plexiglas and carbon fibre, our urge to return to the wild and primal world of untamed nature in search of something indefinable, but at the same time powerfully attractive, is stronger than ever.

The mountaineer, the adventure racer, the desert explorer, the backpacker trekking in remote mountains or jungles- what is it they are seeking, and why are they seeking it in the extremes of nature and the elements? Undoubtedly there is some "vital urge" in us that thirsts for new and more intense sensations and experiences, even those potentially painful or arduous. But does this urge have its roots in something deeper, a spiritual longing or impulse from the soul?

Good news Network

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:11:23

Dedicated to sharing good, positive news.

The Good News Network - a refreshing change.

Including sections such as:

Thich Nhat Hanh returns to Vietnam

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:05:16

This week, Vietnam's most famous exile has returned home - to lead prayers for the dead of a war that ended more than 30 years ago but still haunts the country.

He is an 80-year-old Buddhist monk who has lived outside the country for four decades, and massive crowds are expected to greet him everywhere he goes. Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is Vietnam's best-known peace activist and, after the Dalai Lama, is probably the most influential Buddhist spiritual leader in the world.

Like the Dalai Lama, he has spent half his life in exile. A best-selling author, he is feted in Europe and the US, but he was barred from his own land by the US-backed South Vietnamese government and the communist regime that displaced it.

Two Miracles

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:34:16

Only Two Miracles

Are worth seeing:

The miracle of loving

And

The miracle of forgiving

Sri Chinmoy

Swami Satchinanda - Breaking Bad Habits

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 15:55:16

Swami Satchindananda

Swami Satchidananda is a respected yoga teacher, who studied under the Spiritual Master Swami Sivananda. In this short extract Swami Satchidanada offers a spiritual approach to breaking bad habits

How can you trick your mind into breaking a bad habit?

How can you trick your baby so you can take away something that would hurt it? Suppose the baby is playing with something sharp. What kind of trick would you use? You would give her something nice to distract her.

In the same way, find some nice positive habits. Present them to the mind. Admire them “Oh, look how terrific this habit is. So useful. Something to be proud of.” Certainly your little baby mind will jump to grab it. As soon as it jumps for the good habit, take away the bad one.

Indian Sitar Music

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:21:26

Sitar Melodies at Radio Sri Chinmoy

These beautiful and uplifting Sitar Melodies are performed by Dr. Madan Shankar Mishra and his son Vijay. The music is composed by Sri Chinmoy.

I really enjoy listening to this track they play with an energizing and soulful dynamism. It is really infectious. Listen Now m4a Format.

"When we play soulful music, psychic music, then immediately we are transported to the highest realm of consciousness."

Sri Chinmoy
More Indian Music

St Therese of Lisieux

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:55:44

St Therese of Lisieux

As a young girl, St Therese's greatest wish was to become a Saint. At the age of 15 she felt God was calling her to enter into a religious order. As the convent would not accept somebody so young, she travelled to the Vatican to personally petition the Pope. Soon after her heart's desire was filled and she became a nun of the Carmellite order in Lisieux.

St Therese died at the age of only 24, however she left behind a rich treasure of writings which spelt out her approach to the spiritual life. Her belief was that if one should try to do everything, even the smallest things, with an attitude of love.

"Love!...that is what I ask...I know but one thing now - to love Thee, O Jesus! Glorious deeds are not for me, I cannot preach the Gospel, shed my blood...what does it matter? My brothers toil instead of me, and I, the little child, I keep quite close to the royal throne, I love for those who fight."

view: biography St Therese

Dilip Kumar Roy

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 04:23:38

Dilip Kuamar Roy was a rare combination of the a keen intellect and the devotion of a Bhakti. After a certain amount of deliberation, he forsook a materially prosperous life, to enter under the guidance of Spiritual Master, Sri Aurobindo. In his book “Sri Aurobindo Came to Me” He recalls with great humility and openness his joys and trials of being a spiritual aspirant. Dilip was a supreme singer and musician. His soul stirring songs transport the listener to a realm of heavenly delight, far beyond the domain of worldly thoughts. As Mahatma Gandhi said of him.

“I may make bold to claim that very few persons in India – or rather in the world – have a voice like his, so rich and sweet and intense.”

View: Dilip Kumar Roy biography

On Spirituality by Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:08:17

"There are people who say that spirituality is not meant for this world or this outer life. There are people who say that spirituality should be practised only in the evening of one's life-that is to say, after having had all the experiences that the outer world can give, one should enter into the inner life. But these opinions are not true. Spirituality can and should be practised irrespective of place and time. Anybody on earth can practise spiritual life. Spiritual life can never be an artificial life. Spiritual life is something which is natural and spontaneous."

By: Sri Chinmoy

"We Love what Common hearts repel"

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:05:32

"The truth mind could not know unveils its face,
We hear what mortal ears have never heard,
We feel what earthly sense has never felt,
We love what common hearts repel and dread;
Our minds hush to a bright Omniscient;
A Voice calls from the chambers of the soul;
We meet the ecstasy of the Godhead's touch
In golden privacies of immortal fire."

Excerpt from "Savitri" by Sri Aurobindo, Book I, Canto Four, lines 78-85)

Paramhansa Yogananda Videos

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:45:53

Yogananda on Sleeping

Quotes by Yogananda

'To meditate truly is to concentrate solely on spirit. This is esoteric meditation. It is the highest form of activity that man can perform, and it is the most balanced way to find GOD.'

'Every day undertake something that is difficult for you and try to do it. Though you fail 5 times, keep on, and as soon as you have succeeded in that direction, apply your concentrated will on something else. You will thus be able to accomplish increasingly greater things. Will is the instrument of the image of God within you.'

'HE who is persistent will realize God. So try your best to make meditation a regular experience in your life.'

'TO be able to concentrate is essential for spiritual progress; without concentration you shall never find God. Learn how to shut out of your consciousness all sounds and other earthly distractions.'

- Paramhansa Yogananda

Poem: Live Your Life

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:41:42

Live Your Life

Live your life that the fear of death
can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his religion.
Respect others in their views
and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long
and of service to your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day
when you go over the great divide.

The Growth of Religious Tolerance

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:09:05

Despite the continued presence of religious fanaticism and bigotry in the word, the twentieth century has witnessed a significant growth in religious tolerance. The idea that different religions and spiritual traditions have a valid approach is more widespread than at any time. To a large extent up until the 19th Century a defining feature of religion was the idea of the one true religion, and through its adherence you were either saved or damned. There was little if any ecumenical tradition and views of other religions were often clouded in myth, superstition or even contempt.

However the ideal of religious harmony is however increasingly shared by many. A crucial event in shaping a more pluralistic, tolerant view of religions was the inaugural World Parliament of Religions in 1893.

Spiritual Blogs

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:54:34

Inspirational Blogs

Zaadz - many blogs and quotes.
Ursi's Eso Garden - meditation, spirituality, photos and mysteries
A Well Lit Path by: Mark Schultz spiritual enquiry and spiritual inspiration
Richard's Blog - Spiritual category - My blog so I'm a bit biased
Sri Chinmoy Centre latest blogs from members
Inspirations and creative thoughts
Joy Bringer's Blog at Zaadz, quotes, photos and inspirational stories
Poetseers - Poem of the Day. Not a blog but I try to update poem of the day every couple of days.

I am always looking for more inspirational blogs.

If you know of a very good blog you can let me know mail (at) writespirit.net

Photo courtesy: Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre galleries

Start your day with Love

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:45:52

Quotes from Swami Atmachaithanya

Start your day with love
Spend your day with love
Love everyone you meet
Show love and compassion to all
Love is the sole purpose of your being
And is the key to the inner vision of God.

God is always with us
But we are not always with God
That is why we suffer.

By: Swami Atmachaithanya

From: Atmachaithanya.org

Via: Inspirations and Creative Thoughts - blog of Sadiq

Photo by Pranlobha Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Is Suffering necessary in the Spiritual life?

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:45:44

Many spiritual seekers in the past have felt that suffering and spiritual progress are inexorably linked. There are numerous examples of great saints who went through tremendous physical suffering during their life. For example St Teresa of Avila, St Francis of Assisi and many others suffered with painful illnesses throughout their life. In the Mahabharata we come across Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. She used to pray to Lord Krishna that she would always suffer so that she would be inclined to always think of him. When she was happy she said she would forget about Sri Krishna.

It seems a paradox that a God who embodies infinite love, and inner ecstasy should require a seeker to suffer in order to realise him.

The Marriage of the Soul

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:18:28

The Marriage of the Soul

Descending to the earth, that strange intoxicating beauty of the unseen world
lurks in the elements of nature.

And the soul of man,
who has attained the rightful balance,
becoming aware of this hidden joy,
straightaway is enamored and bewitched.

And from this mystic marriage are born
the poets' songs, inner knowledge,
the language of the heart, virtuous living,
and the fair child Beauty.

And the Great Soul gives to man as dowry
the hidden glory of the world.

By: Mahmud Shabistari

Videos and Quotes Sri Ramana Maharshi

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:32:31

Video footage of Sri Ramana Maharshi

"Nearly all mankind is more or less unhappy
because nearly all do not know the true Self.
Real happiness abides in Self-knowledge alone.
All else is fleeting.
To know one's Self
is to be blissful always."

- Ramana Maharshi

"Happiness is your nature.
It is not wrong to desire it.
What is wrong is seeking it outside
when it is inside. "

- Ramana Maharshi

Video - Meditation Exercises

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:39:34

Meditation Silence is a weekly podcast of meditation videos. They offer simple guidance about meditation with spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy

This week is an exercise to try and control the mind. Meditation Silence 7 - The Heart Lotus

"Please try to imagine a lotus inside your heart. Then try to imagine that the lotus is not only inside your heart, but that your heart itself is a lotus. When you look at the lotus or imagine the lotus, try to be deeply absorbed in the beauty of the lotus. It is your own heart-lotus. Then your mind will have no time to roam. "

Watch Meditation video now uses Apple Quicktime

Pilgrimage to Aladja Monastery

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:09:09

Pilgrimage to Aladja Monastery Varna, Bulgaria by: Dr Vidagdha Bennett.

Aldja monastery

In 1928, just north of Varna, in a vast and hilly tract of forest, a most remarkable discovery was made. There, in a steep rock face that rises parallel to the Black Sea coastline, a series of interconnecting caves and indentations had been scalloped out of the white limestone.

The topmost tier, some forty metres above the ground, held a small, enclosed chapel, its walls and ceiling covered with frescoes of great vibrancy and intensity. The middle tier contained what had clearly been monks’ cells, while traces of a common kitchen and even a burial crypt were on the lowest level.

It was speculated that a small order of Christian monks belonging to the hesychastic tradition, had sought refuge here during the Ottoman occupation of Bulgaria in the 13th and 14th centuries, although the caves themselves were thought to have been sculpted as early as the 4th century BC.

Ave Maria: Song

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:17:40

Ave Maria is one of the immortal compositions, which seems to come from another ethereal world. Dedicated to the Mother of Mary there have been many versions of Ave Maria. This particular version is not my favourite but the video is also a beautiful presentation of the Virgin Mary depicted through a variety of artistic impressions. There are various versions of the Song an original composition was by Schubert. There is also a version by Bach/Gounod

Gregorian Chants

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:53:05

Gregorian Chant, Il Duomo, Florence, Italy, Sept. 2004

Gregorian Chants embody a very meditative and peaceful music.

These are some selected Gregorian music downloads

The Genius of India - Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:41:24

In an essay written in 1918 and entitled The Renaissance in India, Sri Aurobindo presents us with a masterly view of India's culture through the ages -- her essential spirit and her characteristic soul, her unique genius and powers which gave her her remarkably long periods of greatness and an unusually prolific creativity -- that which allowed her to survive for so long when other ancient civilisations faded away. He explains the basis of her strength -- that which enabled her to resist so many attempts at crushing her culture.

"Spirituality is the master key of the indian mind. the sense of infinity is native to it

- From video

Rabindranath Tagore singing

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:09:08

Tagore Song - Amar Raat Pohalo

In this video Rabindranath Tagore is singing in his own unique voice. The sound quality is by no means perfect but it certainly is a treat to here the great poet / musician singing.

Poem: The Way to Peace

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 03:07:14

The Way to Peace

If anyone speaks ill of you.
Praise him always.

If anyone injures you,
Serve him nicely.

If anyone persecutes you,
Help him in all possible ways.

You will attain immense strength.

You will control anger and pride.

You will enjoy peace, poise and serenity.

You will become divine.

By: Swami Sivananda

Photo by Pranlobha Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Tribute to Sri Krishna

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:46:50

Sri Krishna

"God is proud of His Divinity in Sri Krishna.
Man is proud of his humanity in Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna is the beloved Boatman who untiringly plies His Boat of Consciousness
between India's unparalleled history and Her unrivalled spirituality.

The Gita is Sri Krishna's Heart, His Vision-in-Fulfilment.
The Gita is humanity's breath, its journey towards Immortality.

Sri Krishna's Flute stirs the Universal Consciousness.
Sri Krishna's Gita enchants the Transcendental Consciousness.

Sri Krishna plays on His Flute. We hear. We do something more.
We barter our body's dust with His Soul's Plenitude.

Sri Krishna is the shoreless ocean of Bliss.
But as soon as I sincerely dedicate myself to Him,
He presents me with His own Boat and takes me to the boundless Shore,
the Golden All."

- Sri Chinmoy

Tribute to Hindu Wisdom

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 03:06:57

A Tribute to Hinduism was started in 1996 by Sushama Londhe, an Indian-American who came to the U.S. and became interested in learning about the religious traditions of Hinduism. Over the past 10 years the site has done a very good job in presenting Hinduism in a good non sectarian light.

Many misconceptions about Hinduism abound. But at the heart of Hinduism are the sacred scriptures of the Vedas and Upanishads. Hinduism has also continually been reinvigorated by a succession of Saints, sages and Avatars.

The site has recently been renamed to Hindusisdom.info

Poem to Change the World

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:20:58

To Change the World

To change the world around you.
Give the World
What you have
And Serve the world
With what you are.

By: Sri Chinmoy

Photo by Pavitrata Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Martin Luther King "I have a Dream"

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:52:26

Speech by Martin Luther King Jr

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."

From: "I have a dream"

Swami Vivekananda Speech at Chicago 1893

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:41:10

Speech from World Parliament of Religions

"It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects..."

Full Speech

Swami Vivekananda Biography

Swami Ramdas - Such is a Saint!

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:37:30

Such is a Saint

When the heart burns at the sufferings of others,
That is God's own heart.

When eyes strain to see others happy,
Through them God Himself sees.

When hands toil for others' relief,
These hands move only by God's will.

When the tongue sings His Name,
That voice is the voice of God.

Such is a Saint - God's own image!

By: Swami Ramdas

Photo by Ranjit Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Swami Ramdas was born Vittal Rao in a devout Hindu home in Kerala, South India. His father initiated him into the use of a mantra Rama. This repitition of Rama transformed his life into a great God seeker and God lover

The Hour Came

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 07:04:37

The Hour Came

The hour came.

I was not ready.

God descended,

Smiled

And

Departed.

Christian Mystics

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 16:55:13

"I believe that everyone who wants to love unconditionally is a mystic. All children are born mystics, and if you were once a child, you were once a mystic. Christian mysticism is following the example of Christ as he followed the Father. And mysticism is not by any means restricted to Christianity: the Bible says, “everyone who loves is begotten of God, and knows God.” (1 Jn. 4.7) God speaks in various ways, in every time and every place to "whosoever will."

From: Christian Mystics

The Garden of Love - William Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 04:07:09

I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen;
A Chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were shut,
And 'Thou shalt not' writ over the door;
So I turned to the Garden of Love
That so many sweet flowers bore.

And I saw it was filled with graves,
And tombstones where flowers should be;
And priests in black gowns were walking their rounds,
And binding with briars my joys and desires.

By: William Blake

Happiness of Being

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 12:56:45

Ramana Maharshi

Happiness of Being is a new website developed by Michael James and dedicated to the great Spiritual Master Ramana Maharshi .

"Happiness lies deep within us, in the very core of our being. Happiness does not exist in any external object, but only in us, who are the consciousness that experiences happiness. Though we seem to derive happiness from external objects or experiences, the happiness that we thus enjoy in fact arises from within us."

From: Happiness of Being website

The Modest Rose - William Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 05:06:37

The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,
The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.

By: Wiliam Blake

Mirabai and Akbar Play

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:41:49

Sri Krishna

Here is a play recently performed for Sri Chinmoy and his students. Its aim is to illustrate how misunderstandings between religions are an ancient challenge for humanity, but as Sri Chinmoy teaches, there is hope for the oneness of all humanity, and that historical figures such as Sri Krishna, Mirabai and Akbar The Great can inspire us and show is the way.

View: Play of Mirabai and Akbar

Script by Sumangali Morhall

Breathing New Energy into old Ruins

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:46:48

An article about a world record set by Ashrita Furman for balancing the longest pole on your chin.

Aspendos – what magic and charm are to be found in that name! Fifty kilometres east of Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, lies this masterpiece of the ancient world. In AD 162, out of the granite bedrock, the Roman architect Zeno crafted an amphitheatre which could seat 12,000 spectators – a perfect acoustic and visual shell. From tiers of ascending marble seats, people could watch dramas, pageants and heroic athletic feats.

Quote on Gratitude

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:53:24

"When God fulfils your desire, you are all gratitude. When God does not fulfil your desire, if you can become all gratitude to Him, then God Himself is bound to come to you, not only to replace and fulfil your desire, but to give you what He has and what He is: Infinitude."

Sri Chinmoy

Poems on Gratitude

Poems of Ben Okri

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:56:15

The Awakening Age

O ye who travel the meridian line,
May the vision of a new world within you shine.

May eyes that have lived with poverty's rage,
See through to the glory of the awakening age.

For we are all richly linked in hope,
Woven in history, like a mountain rope.

Together we can ascend to a new height,
Guided by our heart's clearest light.

When perceptions are changed there's much to gain,
A flowering of truth instead of pain.

There's more to a people than their poverty;
There's their work, wisdom, and creativity.

Along the line may our lives rhyme,
To make a loving harvest of space and time.

By: Ben Okri

More Poems of Ben Okri

Photo by Phoolanjaya Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

An African Elegy - Ben Okri

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:51:38

An African Elegy

We are the miracles that God made
To taste the bitter fruit of Time.
We are precious.
And one day our suffering
Will turn into the wonders of the earth.

There are things that burn me now
Which turn golden when I am happy.
Do you see the mystery of our pain?
That we bear the poverty
And are able to sing and dream sweet things.

And that we never curse the air when it is warm
Or the fruit when it tastes so good
Or the lights that bounce gently on the waters?
We bless the things even in our pain.
We bless them in silence.

That is why our music is so sweet.
It makes the air remember.
There are secret miracles at work
That only Time will bring forth.
I too have heard the dead singing.

And they tell me that
This life is good
They tell me to live it gently
With fire, and always with hope.
There is wonder here

And there is surprise
In everything the unseen moves.
The ocean is full of songs.
The sky is not an enemy.
Destiny is our friend.

By: Ben Okri

Photo by Phoolanjaya Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Quote What is Love?

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:29:40

Love

What is Love?
It is something that has
Infinite possibilities
To enlarge and expand.

Love is the inner bond,
the inner connection, the inner link between man and God,
between the finite and the infinite.
We always have to approach God through love.
Without love, we cannot become one with God.

What is love?
If love means possessing someone or something then that is not real love;
that is not pure love.
If love means giving and becoming one with everything,
with humanity and divinity, then that is real love.
Real love is our total oneness with the object loved and with the possessor of love.
Who is the possessor of love? God

By: Sri Chinmoy

From: Quotes on Love

Love Human and Love Divine

Photo by Ranjit Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Poem - Cosmic Consciousnes

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:16:52

Cosmic Consciousness

I have wrapped the wide world in my wider self
And Time and Space my spirit's seeing are.
I am the god and demon, ghost and elf,
I am the wind's speed and the blazing star.

All Nature is the nursling of my care,
I am its struggle and the eternal rest;
The world's joy thrilling runs through me, I bear
The sorrow of millions in my lonely breast.

I have learned a close identity with all,
Yet am by nothing bound that I become;
Carrying in me the universe's call
I mount to my imperishable home.

I pass beyond Time and life on measureless wings,
Yet still am one with born and unborn things.

By: Sri Aurobindo

Sri Aurobindo Biography

Photo By: Phoolanjaya from: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Prayer - Henry David Thoreau

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:12:05

Prayer

Great God, I ask for no meaner pelf
Than that I may not disappoint myself,
That in my action I may soar as high
As I can now discern with this clear eye.

And next in value, which thy kindness lends,
That I may greatly disappoint my friends,
Howe'er they think or hope that it may be,
They may not dream how thou'st distinguished me.

That my weak hand may equal my firm faith
And my life practice what my tongue saith
That my low conduct may not show
Nor my relenting lines
That I thy purpose did not know
Or overrated thy designs.

By: Henry David Thoreau

Photo from: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Thought of the Day - Eastern Mysticism

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:28:44

Thought of the Day by Sanjaya Spettigue.

In this episode of "Thought Of The Day", Sanjaya Spettigue reflects on the legacy and contribution of George Harrison, one of the Beatles, whose genuine interest in Eastern philosophy influenced a whole generation.

Listen Now
Thought of the Day is hosted at Radio Sri Chinmoy

Worlds Largest Drum for Peace

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 17:14:36

World's largest drum in Nepal

Nepal is celebrating after the historic peace accord between the government and rebel Maoists that ends 11 years of civil war. Different programs were held across the country including rallies. Friday's programme in the capital Kathmandu was a continuation of the celebrations, but it had significant value.

A gigantic drum, dubbed the world peace drum, was beaten to send peace messages across the world. Thousands of spectators enjoyed the beating with the hope that peace will prevail in this land forever.

Because I Could Not Stop For Death

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 09:09:59

Because I could not stop for Death

by: Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labour, and my leisure too,
For his civility.

We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.

Since then 'tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.

By: Emily Dickinson.

Emily Dickinson Poetry

Photo by Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Young Boy "Buddha" from Nepal

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 13:44:13

young boy buddha from nepal

Quite an interesting story, a little outdated now but still worth mentioning.

A young boy by the name of Ram Bomjan decided to meditate under a tree continuously for several months. His followers claimed that during this time he didn't take any food or water. When his activities were observed by a Nepalese government team who gained permission to observe the boy continually for 48 hours. They found that to their amazement, he did remain rigid and focused in meditation.

Back in March he disappeared, perhaps because of all the interest he was receiving. Many locals believe he has gone to meditate in peace away from the glare of the media spotlight.

Poem on Hope

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:03:49

Poem - Hope

Hope, my pilot-star, hope
I have seen your face.
I have felt your heart.
Therefore
In ignorance-night
I shall no more grope.
Hope, my pilot-star, hope
You are humanity's peerless rope
For human souls to climb
God's transcendental height.

By: Sri Chinmoy

From: Excerpt from Eternity's Breath by Sri Chinmoy.

Photo b yRichard Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Who is it That Loves?

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:53:23

Who is it That Suffers?

Sri Anandamayi Ma

"Who is it that loves and who that suffers?
He alone stages a play with Himself.
The individual suffers because he perceives duality.
Find the One everywhere and in everything
and there will be an end to pain and suffering."

By: Sri Anandamayi Ma

Photos Bodghaya

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:07:00

Bodhgaya where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Gaya is located at a distance of 105 km from Patna in the state of Bihar. Buddha Gaya is located 7 miles south of Gaya and is one of the well visited Buddhist pilgrimage centers of the Indian subcontinent.

Poem - The World

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 17:54:14

Poem - The World

by: Sa'adi

The world, my brother! will abide with none,
By the world's Maker let thy heart be won.
Rely not, nor repose on this world's gain,
For many a son like thee she has reared and slain.
What matters, when the spirit seeks to fly,
If on a throne or on bare earth we die?

Poem By: Saadi

Photo by Sharani Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Story of Edgar Cayce

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:23:12

Edgar Cayce in 1910

Edgar Cayce was mystic who offered many "channelled readings" he hoped would be of spiritual benefit.

"Over a lifetime of giving at least two reading a day, Cayce branched out into discourses on the individual soul's journey ("life-readings" detailing an individual's past incarnations, personality, talents and karma), predictions of the future, and the origin and spiritual destiny of man and his relationship with God. The topics and answers given were only limited to the intention, imagination and need of the person asking them."

The Story of Edgar Cayce By Thomas Sugrue from John's Log

Edgar Cayce at Amazon.com

Quotes on Transformation by Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 05:37:08

Quotes on Transformation

"Neither an individual effort nor an individual abnegation can bring about the transformation of your consciousness.
This transformation is possible only by the descent of a Higher Light. "

"Both the descent of Truth into the lower nature and the ascent of the lower nature into the higher Truth are capable of solving the problem of problems, the illumination of human consciousness. They are equally effective and have an equal speed. "

"Be Universal in your love.
You will see the universe to be the picture of your own being. "

Quotes By: Sri Chinmoy

From: Excerpt from Eternity's Breath by Sri Chinmoy.

Photo by Kamalika Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Haiku Poem - Gabriel Rosenstock

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:31:33

faint sunlight

faint sunlight
injecting the veins
of a falling leaf

By: Gabriel Rosenstock

-- from Haiku: The Art of Disappearing, by Gabriel Rosenstock (unpublished manuscript)

Photo by Richard

Poems of Gabriel Rosenstock at Poetseers.org

Poems of Gabriel Rosenstock at Poetry Chaikhana

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:02:33

Quotes by R.W. Emerson

"The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common."

" What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. "

"People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character. "

"Is it so bad to be misunderstood?
Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton,
and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh."

By:Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo by Jogyata Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Running around the World

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 17:23:49

One Earth - 26000km - 2 years - 1 runner

Jesper Olsen is the first person to have successfully completed the unique feat of running around the world. Beginning on the 1st of January, 2004, from the Greenwich time meridian in London; Jesper successfully circumnavigated the world finishing nearly 2 years later in October 2005, in London. During his epic run of 26,000 Km Jesper kept a detailed log and even participated in local ultra distance runners. His extraordinary experiences have now been produced into a book. It is an epic tale of self transcendence and inspiration to others - World Run

Jesper Olsen is now preparing for World Run 2 which could be over 40,000 Km

Meditation Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:59:28

"When you meditate, what you actually do is to enter into a calm or still, silent mind. We have to be fully aware of the arrival and attack of thoughts. That is to say, we shall not allow any thought, divine or undivine, good or bad, to enter into our mind. Our mind should be absolutely silent. Then we have to go deep within; there we have to observe our real existence. "

- Sri Chinmoy

Video of Meditation Silence featuring spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy.

Produced by contributors to Sri Chinmoy TV

Subscribe to other editions at iTunes - Meditation Silence

Quote on Meditation from Excerpt from Earth's Cry Meets Heaven's Smile, Part 1 by Sri Chinmoy.

Sri Aurobindo Quotes on Peace

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:51:12

"The first thing to do in the sadhana is to get a settled peace and silence in the mind.
Otherwise you may have experiences, but nothing will be permanent.
It is in the silent mind that the true consciousness can be built."

"When the mind is silent there is peace and in the peace all things that are divine can come.
When there is not the mind, there is the Self which is greater than the mind."

By: Sri Aurobindo

View: Biography of Sri Aurobindo

From: Search for light.org

Poem The Children's Hour

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 03:28:59

The Children's Hour

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Between the dark and the daylight,
When the- night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the days occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet

...

View: Video of Poem being Recited at You Tube

click more for rest of poem

Quotes from Paramahansa Yogananda

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 02:33:04

"Affirm divine calmness and peace, and send out only thoughts of love and goodwill if you want to live in peace and harmony. Never get angry, for anger poisons your system. Try to understand people who cross you, and whenever anybody tries to inflame you, mentally say: “I am too comfortable to be angry. I don’t want to be sick with anger.”

- Paramahansa Yogananda,

Quotes from Inner peace

Photo by Phoolanjaya Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Karma Capitalism

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 13:59:20

A very interesting article in business week. Modern business leaders are increasingly looking to the wisdom of India for practical solutions to creating a successful business. There is a growing realisation that a successful business does not have to compromise its principles. In fact an "ethical" business which seeks to promote the well being of its workers and consumers can actually be a very successful business model.

" THE ANCIENT SPIRITUAL wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita seems at first like an odd choice for guiding today's numbers-driven managers. Also known as Song of the Divine One, the work relates a conversation between the supreme deity Krishna and Arjuna, a warrior prince struggling with a moral crisis before a crucial battle. One key message is that enlightened leaders should master any impulses or emotions that cloud sound judgment. Good leaders are selfless, take initiative, and focus on their duty rather than obsessing over outcomes or financial gain. "The key point," says Ram Charan, a coach to CEOs such as General Electric Co.'s (GE) Jeffrey R. Immelt, "is to put purpose before self. This is absolutely applicable to corporate leadership today."

Read more Karma Capitalism at Businessweek.com

Silence of Meditation

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:27:01

Modern life with all its distractions and features seems particularly unsuited to silence. Even if we have actual outer silence our mind is rarely silent. If we analyse our thoughts there seem to be a never ending stream of worries, anxieties, and regrets.

In meditation we try to do a very difficult thing - silence our thoughts completely. It is difficult only because we are so unused to this idea. The mind is so used to thinking that it is easy to think our existence is defined by our thoughts and this must be our only existence. To quote the famous saying of Descartes “I think therefore I am” However meditation teaches that what we are is unencumbered by thoughts. The real “I” is our self which is beyond thought.

Poems Time

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:17:16

Time
Is everywhere
Precious.

Do not waste time
Thinking of a better future

The futures is here –
In the heart of
Here and Now.

Poems By: Sri Chinmoy

Photo by Kamalika Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Video NY City Children

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 18:06:45

Danny Goldfield has set out to photograph a child from every country in the world (194 countries) However they must all live in New York city. Danny Goldfield says the project seeks to celebrate the universality of people from different countries.

Directed by Bristol Baughan, Reason Pictures. Editing by Lindsay Utz, Public Media Works. Director of Photography, Evan Savit...

See also NY Children The project is currently about 70% complete. See some of the pictures on this site.

The International Year of Rumi - 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:23:35

Oh God
Let all lovers be content
Give them happy endings
Let their lives be celebrations
Let their hearts dance in the fire of your love.

From: Love poems of Rumi - Deepak Chopra

To celebrate the 800th birth anniversary of mystic poet Jelalludin Rumi UNESCO has announced that the year 2007 will be the International Year of Rumi Year. During the next year there will be special ceremonies and programs held all over the world to commemorate this great Persian poet. In particular celebrations will focus on Rumi’s place of birth and Turkey where he lived for many years.

Meditation better than an afternoon nap

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 11:31:49

Researchers led by Prashant Kaul of the University of Kentucky, investigated whether meditation could help people become less tired in the afternoon.

The students were asked to undergo a series of tests and then have their responses measured. The study found that alertness was the highest after meditation, followed by caffeine and then exercise. Napping had the worst results.

The findings of Prashant Kaul were recently submitted to a conference for the Society for Neuroscience.

Previous studies have shown that when meditating although people are awake their are similar brain patterns to sleeping.

Some adepts in meditation are known to need very little sleep having become able to draw in cosmic energy.

See: NY Times for more information

Benefits of Meditation

Transcending on your Knees

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 04:08:34

Ashrita Furman breaking a new Guiness record for crawling .

Ashrita crawled on his hands and knees as fast as he could to cover a mile in 24 minutes and 32 seconds, beating the previous Guinness record of 29 minutes and 27 seconds. Ashrita's latest record was watched by some enthusiastic children who were pleased to see someone crawling as fast as they could. Ashrita is a meditation student of Sri Chinmoy. He says his meditation training enables him to be flexible in taking on new challenges. He sets records to show others that we all have unlimited potential if we can harness the power of the spirit.

Photo by Jowan Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Quote on Patience

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 03:42:33

"Patience is a tree that grows within us and produces not one fruit, but four fruits: wisdom, joy, peace and victory. Patience requires energy as well as the co-operation of the body, the vital and the mind. Without patience, the mind works automatically, like a machine. It moves by compulsion, not by choice. It is restless; it darts here and there. The body may be inert, but the mind is constantly roaming. There can be no peace without patience."

By: Sri Chinmoy

From: Illumination Fruits

Photo by Richard Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

"The Tyger" - Poem by W.Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:08:02

Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

By: William Blake

From Songs of Experience

Photo by Ranji Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Full poem "The Tyger" by Blake

Zen Story - Sounds of Silence

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:19:42

Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out. The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out." The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?" The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?" The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."

Zen Buddhism
Photo by Pranlobha Sri Chinmoy Centre galleries

Video of Aurora (Northern Lights)

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 11:47:06

The Northern Lights The Northern Lights, or 'Aurora Borealis', are a natural light show that can be seen at the North Pole. They also occurs at the South Pole, where they are called the 'Southern Lights' or 'Aurora Australis'. They are a spectacular display of different shades and colours of light rapidly moving in the night sky.

Northern Lights

India Dream

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 10:54:30

India Dream

India Dream
Brindavan,
I'm in Brindavan.
India again.

my feet upon the
dark earth of India,
I breathe her.

a master in bright orange
walks toward me;
we sit on the earth of India.

he tells me,
"I am with you,"
his smile as big as

Brindavan skies,
centuries, and
ten thousand hearts.

the earth,
the shining earth of India.
my hands touch down.

reproduced with permission

Photo by Unmesh Swanson

Muhammad Yunus Nobel Peace Prize 2006

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:10:42

Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank today emerged as the winners of the prestigious Nobel peace prize for their pioneering work in lending to the poor.

Mr Yunus, 66, from Bangladesh, started the Grameen Bank over 30 years ago, to provide small loans - micro-credit - for the poor. In announcing the award, the Norwegian Nobel committee said the prize - worth 10m Swedish kronor (£728,971) - was going jointly to Mr Yunus and Grameen Bank for "their efforts to create economic and social development from below".

Meditation Music

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 03:40:01

"Meditation and music cannot be separated. When we cry from the inmost recesses of our heart for peace, light and bliss, that is the best type of meditation. Next to meditation is music, soulful music, the music that stirs and elevates our aspiring consciousness. "

Sri Chinmoy

Listen To Esraj playing of Sri Chinmoy (m4a format)
Listen To Flute Music and Conch by Sri Chinmoy (m4 a Format)
Selected Meditation Music with a variety of audio formats
Spiritual Music with Indian Flavour

Poem - Water is Silent

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 02:35:40

The fish in the water is silent,
the animals on the earth is noisy,
the bird in the air is singing.
But man has in him the silence of the sea,
the noise of the earth
and the music of the air.

By: Rabindranath Tagore

Tagore Poems

From Stray Birds by Rabindranath Tagore
[translated from Bengali to English by the author]
New York: The Macmillan Company, 1916

Photo by Abedan Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Currently at British Museum there is an exhibition of Tagore's entitled "The Art of Peace: Paintings by the poet Tagore"

I COBBLED THEIR BOOTS

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 11:42:37

I COBBLED THEIR BOOTS

How could I love my fellow men who tortured me?

One night I was dragged into a room
And beaten near death with
their shoes

striking me hundreds of times
in the face, scarring me
forever.

I cried out for God to help, until I fainted.

That night in a dream, in a dream more real than this world,
a strap from the Christ’s sandal
fell from my bleeding
mouth,

and I looked at Him and He
was weeping, and
spoke,

“I cobbled their boots;
how sorry
I am.

What moves all things
is God.”

Translation by: Daniel Ladinsky

From Poetry of St John of the Cross

The poem is from “Love Poems From God” and are translated by Daniel Ladinsky, well known for his poetic versions of Hafiz.

Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:59:35

On this day October 6th 1862 Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the defining speeches in American's history.

It was a speech announcing the unconditional end of slavery

"And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages."

From Emancipation Proclamation

Poem - Drink Your Tea

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:20:08

Drink Your Tea

by Thich Nhat Hahn

Drink your tea slowly and reverently,
as if it is the axis
on which the world earth revolves
- slowly, evenly, without
rushing toward the future;
Live the actual moment.
Only this moment is life.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a vietnamese Buddhist monk who has written many poems and teaches a form of engaged Buddhism.

Photo by: Bipin: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

The Wish Fulfilling Tree

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:08:12

"A young aspirant was sitting at the foot of a tree in the summer heat. Fortunately or unfortunately, the tree he happened to be sitting under was the Kalpataru tree, the tree that fulfils all desires, but he did not know this...."

.....

Read complete story: "The Wish Fulfilling Tree" from Gopal's Eternal Brother And Other Stories for Children by Sri Chinmoy

" So, as George Bernard Shaw said, "There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire, the other is to get it." In this story, the young aspirant got it!"

Photo by: Pavitrata: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Sri Aurobindo - Extract from play

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:04:45

Sri Aurobindo was a poet, philosopher and Spiritual Master.

In Sri Aurobindo’s early life he threw himself heart and soul into politics and the Indian independence Movement.

However at various times and particularly during a spell in prison, very powerful spiritual experiences came to Sri Aurobindo. These spiritual illuminations encouraged him to leave the political struggle to others and concentrate only on his future spiritual mission.

Extract from Play on Sri Aurobindo

(Bombay. After his address at a meeting of the Bombay National Union, Aurobindo returns to the residence of a friend. Standing on a balcony he looks out on the city.)

Aurobindo: “I see the whole busy movement of Bombay as a picture in a cinema-show, all unreal and shadowy. The entire material world is quite unsubstantial, void. Ever since I had the experience of the vacant state of Nirvana the silent Infinite alone has become real to me.”

enter Lele

- From “Descent of the Blue” – A Play by Sri Chinmoy on the life of Sri Aurobindo

See Bande Mataram translated by Sri Aurobindo.

See: Biography of Sri Aurobindo

The Great Pyramids of Egypt

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 15:24:19

"...We see the Pyramids from several miles away, as they rise up behind the palm trees, looking very sharply defined, altogether splendid, awe-inspiring and simultaneously very soft and veiled. They floated in a thick haze, which took from them every appearance of lifeless stone and made them seem merely like airy creatures from a dream - things which, even as we watched, would turn into rows of indistinct arches, or perhaps delicate columns and ever and again transformed themselves into all the lovely forms of architecture, only then to fade delightful away and melt into the trembling air. "

By:Mark Twain (1)

Photo by: Zbigniew Kosc

My Country Awake - poem by Tagore

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:42:49

My Country Awake

Where the mind is without fear and the head held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

by Rabindranath Tagore

Tagore Poems at Poetseers
Listen To Martin Sheen Recite "My Country Awake" by Tagore at Wired For Books

Anthology of Ramana Maharshi

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 02:58:55

An anthology of Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879 - 1950) with accounts by 160 persons who had an opportunity to meet, serve and live with him was recently released.

Karnataka Governor T.N. Chaturvedi was present at the release of the 400-page book compiled by a team led by Prof. Laxminarayana, a former Dean of Commerce of Osmania University. The book is titled "Face-to-Face with Sri Ramana Maharshi". The programme was organised by Sri Ramana Kendram.

In the Wind - silent lotus

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:10:48

Stories of the Moghul Emperors

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 03:24:30

Stories of the Moghul Emperors

At Write Spirit there are many stories of the great Moghul Emperors. Including Babar, Humayun and Akbar.

These traditional Indian stories both entertain and inform. These delightful stories of the Moghul Emperors have been retold here by Sri Chinmoy and .

You can also listen to online dramatisations at Inspiration Sounds; including an episode on stories about the Mogul Emperor Humayun

Picture by Unmesh, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Eso Garden Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 09:51:18

Ursi's Eso Garden is a beautiful website designed by Ursi Spaltenstein. I often go just to look at the beautiful lotus and design.

A well balanced mix of esoteric articles, nice graphics and interesting links. Regularly updated as well.

Selected Categories

Best of Inspiration News

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 09:54:56

Inspiration News is a weekly podcast of the interesting and amusing new stories.

I enjoyed watching these highlights of the first years series.

Inspiration News Highlights Podcast at Sri Chinmoy TV

Alone we are born

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 09:18:17

Alone we are born
And die alone
Yet see the red-gold cirrus
over snow-mountain shine.

Upon the upland road
Ride easy, stranger
Surrender to the sky
Your heart of anger.

- James K.Baxter a New Zealand poet (1926-1972)

Photo by Ranjit Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

World Harmony Run Visits Carribean

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 07:59:37

The World Harmony Run visits 11 beautiful Caribbean nations in three action-packed weeks. Island culture and music abound in this short compilation of events in each participating country.

View Video at Sri Chinmoy TV

Produced by Salil Wilson and Ketan Tamm of the World Harmony Run Team

The World Harmony Run was founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1986, it is now an annual global relay running seeking to promote harmony and friendship between people from across all social and cultural sections of society.

75 year old lifts to inspire others

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 11:43:22

Over the weekend of 16th and 17th September various heavy weights including a giant pumpkin and a plane were lifted by weightlifter and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy who is 75 years old lifts to inspire others that age need not be a barrier to achievement. Chinmoy also says the strength for his extraordinary lifts comes from his inner life of prayer and meditation. Asked about his message Sri Chinmoy says:

"Never give up! Never give up! Physical fitness is of paramount importance. There is no age limit when we live in the heart and when we try to be of prayerful and soulful service to God in the heart of humanity."

- Sri Chinmoy

World Peace Day 21st September

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 11:07:43

September 21st is world Peace Day. Dedicated to promoting peace throughout the world.

The International Day of Peace was first established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly, was first inaugurated on the third Tuesday of September, 1982. Beginning on the 20th anniversary in 2002, the UN General Assembly set 21 September as the now permanent date for the International Day of Peace.

In establishing the International Day of Peace, the United Nations General Assembly decided that it would be appropriate

"to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the United Nations and its Member States, as well as of the whole of mankind, to promoting the ideals of peace and to giving positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways… (The International Day of Peace) should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples."

International Peace Day

Zen Story - The Holy Man

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:16:55

The Holy Man

Word spread across the countryside about the wise Holy Man who lived in a small house atop the mountain. A man from the village decided to make the long and difficult journey to visit him. When he arrived at the house, he saw an old servant inside who greeted him at the door. "I would like to see the wise Holy Man," he said to the servant. The servant smiled and led him inside. As they walked through the house, the man from the village looked eagerly around the house, anticipating his encounter with the Holy Man. Before he knew it, he had been led to the back door and escorted outside. He stopped and turned to the servant, "But I want to see the Holy Man!"

"You already have," said the old man. "Everyone you may meet in life, even if they appear plain and insignificant... see each of them as a wise Holy Man. If you do this, then whatever problem you brought here today will be solved."

Zen Story from: Zen Stories

Photo by: Abhishek, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Love is not a thing to understand

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 05:13:16

"Love is not a thing to understand.
Love is not a thing to feel.
Love is not a thing to give and receive.
Love is a thing only to become And eternally be. "

by: Sri Chinmoy

Poems on Love by Sri Chinmoy at Sri Chinmoy Poetry

Meditation Help Prison Inmates

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 07:28:10

The inmates of Gwalior Central Jail recently had a day long session of taking lessons in spiritualism, relieving stress and how to shun violent tendencies by a visiting team of volunteers representing a New York based organisation.

The inmates serving various jail terms in the Gawlior Central Jail attended a six hour long session on spiritualism to develop and realise their inner selves. It was organised by the Krishna Bhavnamat Sangh, the New York based voluntary organisation.

The nearly six hour long session was attended by almost all of the 2,800 inmates. About 200 jail staff was also present during the programme.

The initiative was taken to make them learn how they can rehabilitate themselves in society after being released. Inmates were motivated to participate in spiritual meets to overcome emotional stress and sense of guilt.

Nations Favourite Poem

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 03:49:03

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

- Author (Mary Fyre)

- See more

Indian Mythology - Gayatri

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:53:14

The Gayatri Mantra is said to be the most sacred mantras of Hinduism.

Aum bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yo nah pracodayat.

"We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme,
who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky, and inside the soul of the heaven.
May He stimulate and illumine our minds."

Sri Chinmoy says of the Gayatri Mantra

"The Gayatri Mantra is the most hallowed mantra of the Vedas. It is the mother of all the mantras. Mantra means incantation. A mantra can be a one-syllable word or a few words, a sentence or a few sentences. The Gayatri Mantra can offer to the sincere seeker the Light of the Infinite, the Delight of the Eternal, and the Life of the Immortal."

Gayatri

Gayatri is also a Cosmic God of Hindu mythology she is usually shown as having five heads and is usually seated within a lotus. She is another consort of Brahma.

Ashrita Sets new Record

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:46:38

World record breaker gets inspiration for 119th record.

Ashirta Furman, of Queens, N.Y., established a record for running a mile on tin pots earlier that afternoon, with a time of 18 minutes and 26 seconds. The pots were held against his shoes by hand-held strings. A stipulation of the record was that the tin pots musn't fall off.

The record was set at POWNAL Green Mountain Race Track on Friday 8th September. After setting and submitting a record it usually takes about 6 weeks for it to be ratified by Guiness.

Furman credits his study of meditation, under the tutelage of Sri Chinmoy, for his ability to break so many records.

"It's all in fun, but there's a serious side because there's physical conditioning and a lot of mental focus required," he said. "You really have to focus deep within yourself. I really have to use the training I got from meditation to be very one-pointed and not allow other distractions to stop me."

Self Transcendence

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 17:14:12

Many people take an interest in spirituality because of a feeling that "there has to be more to life than our ordinary every day experiences" It is when we start seeking for a deeper meaning and understanding of life that we become drawn to meditation and spirituality.

Spirituality in essence is a journey of self discovery, we can also use the term "self transcendence". Self Transcendence is our effort and aspiration to go beyond our ordinary ego bound self and grow into a more fulfilling, divine consciousness.

Article on Self Transcendence

Meditation Builds up Brain

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 07:45:03

Meditating does more than just feel good and calm you down, it makes you perform better – and alters the structure of your brain, researchers have found.

People who meditate say the practice restores their energy, and some claim they need less sleep as a result. Many studies have reported that the brain works differently during meditation – brainwave patterns change and neuronal firing patterns synchronise. But whether meditation actually brings any of the restorative benefits of sleep has remained largely unexplored.

Spirituality & Practice

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 03:50:17

"Life is a sacred adventure. Every day we encounter signs that point to the active presence of Spirit in the world around us. Spiritual literacy is the ability to read the signs written in the texts of our own experiences. Whether viewed as a gift from God or a skill to be cultivated, this facility enables us to discern and decipher a world full of meaning.

Spiritual literacy is practiced in all the world's wisdom traditions. Medieval Catholic monks called it "reading the book of the world." Muslims suggest that everything that happens outside and inside us is a letter to be read. Native Americans find their way through the wilderness by "reading sign." From ancient times to today, spiritually literate people have been able to locate within their daily life points of connection with the sacred..."

from: Spiritual Literacy Blog
Spirituality & Practice nice site by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

World Harmony Run Finishes in New York

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 08:54:48

After crossing all 48 mainland states in the USA the World Harmony Run finished in New York on August 23rd.

The World Harmony Run founded by Sri Chinmoy is an initiative to promote greater world harmony and friendship. The run does not raise money or seek to highlight any political cause.

The American section run began in April of this year and has been on the road for over 4 months.

The finishing ceremony was for the American run. There are also run being held simultaneously in Europe, Asia and Africa. The European leg will finish in London in October

Indian Parliament Honors Gurus

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:02:00

The Indian parliament recently unveiled statues of Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda was a spiritual genius of commanding intellect. Exhorting the nation to spiritual greatness, he awakened India to a new national consciousness. He was the founder of the Ramakrishna Mutt and Mission to spearhead the teachings of his spiritual guru, Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda was a guiding spirit to the youth and his teachings remain an inspiration.

Shri Aravind Ghose, popularly known as Sri Aurobindo was the first of the national leaders to insist on full independence for India as the goal of the nationalist movement, besides lending all his energies to the freedom struggle.

Spirit News Blog

How Yama and Niyama Affect Daily Life and Yoga Practise

Quotes on Criticism

Daibutsu Great Buddha

Video of Daibutsu Buddha

Inspirational Quotes

MY KOLKATA GUIDEBOOK

Each Soul Has Something Very Special

A bliss lived in her heart too large for heaven

On A Rainy Kolkata Day

Replaying History

The Search

The Music of Shimshai

The Genius of India - film

The Wild Flower's Song - W.Blake

Pure Thinking

Sri Anandamayi Ma Sings Hari Bol

A seeker's journey

Video of Swami Vivekananda

Poetseers - Poem of the Day

On Atheism

To See God In Everyone

I used to Shun My Companion

The Secret Cannot Be Spoken in Silence

Sri Chinmoy passes away in New York, aged 76

Related links:

Like a Lotus

Immortality

In the Seas of Love

The Illumined Man

Videos of Sri Krishna

Patience Quotes

God's Grandeur - Gerard Manley Hopkins

God's Grandeur

Spiritual Links September

Links for September 9th

Meditation

Shivaratri at Belur Math

Forgiveness is Mightier

Forgiveness

Sri Harmandir Sahib- Amritsar

Sri Aurobindo - A Tribute

Quotes on Death

As Once the Winged Elergy

As Once The Winged Energy

The Unitive State

Delight, Infinity's Delight

The Spiritual Significance of the Great Pyramids

Quote: Enlightened people know Themselves

Inspiring Spiritual Books

Recommended Spiritual Books part 1

Characteristics of a Liberated Soul

T'is So Much Joy

'T is so Much Joy

Spirituality and Philosophy

My Gratitude Flames

My Gratitude Flames

Quote: Let my Soul Smile

Quotes by P.Yogananda

Is it possible to stop the thoughts of the Mind?

Love Poems from God

THE SANCTUARY

The Trial of Joan d'Arc: Film Review

Revelation

Revelation

Wisdom of Ramana Maharshi

There is Nothing New to Get

Film Review: Into Great Silence (2005)

Some interesting recent blog entries

Rabindranath Tagore Songs

The Life of Rabindranath Tagore

Poem by Kabir - The Moon Shines

The Moon Shines

Weekly Spiritual Links

The Existence of God

The Existence of God

Swami Vivekananda - Sri Ramakrishna

Love's Philosophy - Shelley

Love's Philosophy

Buddhism and Lord Buddha