People Of The Sacred Books

Thoughts, emotions and dreams have no reality. Have you seen anger, love or hate walking on the Ganges bank? We allow them to rise in our own minds.

- By Prarthna Saran

HINDUISM The stupid me: Part I

We give them life. If there is even a trace of anger, jealousy greed or any other passion, it is enough to tell you that you are stupid. Even the smallest hole is enough for the water to leak out of a pot. With these passions generating in our minds we leak out very precious spiritual energy.

Immature sadhaks like me, are clearly advised to steer clear of them. Money has never said, "Depend on me". You are stupid to believe so.

Power never said "I'll be there for you always". You are stupid to feel so. No matter who it is, even if the most romantic lover in the world professes, "I will for ever and ever be there for you till the stars blink and the moon shines" you are stupid to be elated with that promise.

Even he cannot promise to be there for himself beyond tomorrow. Situations, objects and people will change, it is a law. You are stupid to believe that you are not governed by that inexorable law. Your hankering for permanence in finitude is stupid. We believe that we are defined by our position and possessions. So position gone, you are gone.

Possessions gone, you are gone. Why are we so interested in living in other people's memories? You wear a fake diamond to look rich, you wear fake or even real designer clothes to make an impression on another's memory. Their memory is more fickle than your puny life span.

You are stupid to look for recognition and applause. How long does that last in another's mind? You are gone, he is gone, children gone, grandchildren gone, hello, does anyone remember whose picture is that on the wall?

Prarthna Saran is President, Delhi Chinmaya Mission

ISLAM

Tazkiyah: spiritual nourishment By (Late) Maulana Wahiduddin Khan