Holistic living and spiritualism seems to be the buzzwords, nowadays, with more and more of us, experiencing a void within us, other than health issues -both mental and physical. The completeness and contentment that we saw in our parents and the generation before that, seems missing in present times, despite all the luxuries and comfort and wealth and success.
For some reason, the happiness and satisfaction eludes many, and in search of the same, most of us are driven into various wellness, spiritual and holistic living workshops, retreats and so on and so forth. The influx of spiritual and business mentors and coaches and guru’s and mystics and the rise in yoga and meditation and healing programs like never before, corroborates with the analysts and business reports, predicting it to be amongst the top 3 business opportunity, globally. Like everything else, this pursuit has become a substantial business opportunity, attracting professionals who are deeply involved in it. Good, bad, fake, and real all is there and there is a market and audience for all, thanks to the social media, awards, and media recognition!
The act of turning what is divine into a business, marketing, and trading venture with promises of celestial experiences and soul awareness is suitable for today’s India, which is influenced by the West, and for those who willingly embrace it. However, it may not be suitable for Bharat, which still maintains its traditional values and way of life.
India and its rich culture; the Vedas and Upanishads; the land blessed with Rishi’s and Muni’s and Sages- the knowledge and spiritual enlightenment and the pathway to experience bliss and blessings in the most divine way possible, with ease and purity is all there and with all ease, provided we are ready for it.
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Exercise caution towards the individuals and organizations in the current era who actively receive extensive media acclaim as ‘seers,’ ‘life and business coaches,’ ‘mentors,’ ‘mystics,’ and ‘gurus.’ They actively engage in packaging, rephrasing, and converting these teachings into a billion-dollar industry that encompasses holistic and wellness retreats, along with life-changing coaching and mentoring workshops.
Shri Ramana Maharshi Insights:
“The body is the temple; the jiva is God (Siva). If one worships him with the ‘I am He’ thought, one will gain release.”
“The enquiry ‘Who am I?’ is the principal means to the removal of all misery and the attainment of the supreme bliss.”
“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
“Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.”
“The only useful purpose of the present birth is to turn within and realize the Self.”
“He who has renounced (the ‘I-thought’) thus, remains the same whether he is alone or in the midst of the extensive samsara”
“Let what comes come. Let what goes go. Find out what remains.”
“You can only stop the flow of thoughts by refusing to have any interest in it.”
“Realisation is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage”
“Complete surrender does require that you have no desire of your own, that God’s desire alone is your desire and that you have no desire of your own.”
“Finally, there comes a stage when a person feels helpless notwithstanding the sadhanas. He is unable to pursue the much-cherished sadhana also. It is then that Gods power is realized. The self-reveals itself.”
“When one remains without thinking one understands another by means of the universal language of silence.”
“If the mind falls asleep, awaken it. Then if it starts wandering, make it quiet. If you reach the state where there is neither sleep nor movement of mind, stay still in that, the natural (real) state.
“Have faith in God and in yourself; that will cure all. Hope for the best, expect the best, toil for the best and everything will come right for you in the end.”
“Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course, therefore, is to remain silent.”
“There is neither creation nor destruction, neither destiny nor free will, neither path nor achievement. This is the final truth.”
“If you go on working with the light available, you will meet your Master, as he himself will be seeking you”
As 2024 unfolds, let’s delve into the wisdom of the Sages and Saints, aiming for a path of ease, bliss, and divinity to discover the happiness and light within us for a fulfilling life. Watch out for modern ‘seers,’ ‘coaches,’ and ‘gurus’ who commercialize these teachings through wellness retreats and coaching workshops.
