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A small Idea and a correct step takes us to Dizzy Heights...
Knowledge and Devotion: Insights from the Hamsa Upanishad
True knowledge without devotion is like a dried seed or a treasure chest devoid of riches—a potential that remains unfulfilled. Devotion soothes the mind and reveals the true nature of the soul. This profound truth is beautifully conveyed in the Hamsa Upanishad.
The Hamsa Upanishad, belonging to the Atharva Veda, explores deep philosophical questions. In its discourse, Gautama seeks wisdom from the sage Sanatkumara regarding the connection between the soul, the individual self, God, the body, and the mind. He asks: how can one easily attain the knowledge of Brahman, the ultimate reality? In response, Sanatkumara recounts a Puranic tradition: Parvati once posed the same question to Lord Shiva, who revealed the principle of unity with Brahman through the mantra ‘Hamsa Soham.’ This phrase lies at the very heart of the Upanishad.
Here, ‘Hamsa’ does not merely refer to a swan; instead, it signifies the lived experience of “I am that Supreme Self.” This Supreme Self is ever-present, accompanying each inhalation and exhalation. It is said that with approximately 21,600 breaths daily, we unconsciously recite the ‘Ajapa Gayatri.’ To offer each breath in remembrance of the divine is to tread the yogic and devotional path simultaneously. The Vedas analogize this truth: just as oil is hidden in the seed and fire in the wood, so too does the Supreme Self dwell within the heart as the inner controller. Thus, the divine is not to be sought outside, but realized through meditation and self-inquiry.
The essential message is this: both knowledge and devotion are indispensable for human fulfillment. Without devotion—to the guru, to the divine—self-realization remains elusive. Regardless of our attainments in education, wealth, or power, life is incomplete unless the Supreme Being within is recognized and honored. Every breath and every action can be transformed into an experience of “I am the swan”—‘Hamsa Soham’—when done with devotion.
This principle holds a powerful message for society today. No matter what identities or roles we adopt, when we realize “I am the Supreme Being,” qualities like hatred, jealousy, and egotism fall away. When each person recognizes themselves as an embodiment of the Paramahamsa, knowledge and devotion blend harmoniously, and there emerges a world blossoming with peace.
The Rigveda affirms that the Supreme can be attained only through devotion, while the Yajurveda asserts that only devotion leads to the universal, all-pervading state. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna proclaims that through devotion, the entire world appears as one family. Devotion, however, transcends rituals and temple worship; it takes shape in living truthfully, serving others, keeping noble company, acting selflessly, and adhering to righteousness. Such devotion purifies the heart and deepens understanding.
Thus, the Hamsa Upanishad ultimately teaches: knowledge without devotion is hollow; and devotion, though rare, is incomplete without knowledge. When both unite, one attains wholeness—and the realisation of the true Self becomes possible.
Polish Your Mind!
“Oh no! Last year didn’t go as planned. Let’s see if the new year brings better luck!”
This is a line we often hear as each year begins. Yet, what follows is the same routine and lack of enthusiasm, and life continues unchanged. The only thing that changes is the pages of the calendar. Years pass by, but where is the change?
For those who ask this question, here’s a story to inspire transformation.
He was a business tycoon, constantly travelling—boarding one flight after another, rushing from one meeting to another. As he left his office in a hurry, a shoeshiner approached him one evening.
“Sir, your shoes are dusty. Shall I polish them for you?”
“No, I don’t have time for that,” replied the businessman and walked away.
As he passed a tall building, another shoeshiner made the same offer, and he gave the same response. Near the last block, he saw a small shoe stand where a man counted, “97, 98, 99…” The man looked up and said,
“Sir, you seem very busy. I apologise for interrupting you. Today is my birthday, and I decided to offer free shoe polish to the 100th customer. You’re the 100th person. Please give me the chance to keep my word.”
The businessman couldn’t refuse. The man polished his shoes with great care—so much so that they looked brand new. As the businessman prepared to leave, he asked,
“How much do you normally charge?”
“Twenty rupees,” replied the shoeshiner.
The businessman handed him a ₹100 note, wished him a happy birthday, and walked away. As the businessman disappeared, the shoeshiner carefully pocketed the note and resumed counting, “97, 98, 99…”
This story, from the book “It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life,” teaches us a powerful lesson: it’s not about what work you do, but how creatively and passionately you do it.
Not everyone gets their dream job or ideal opportunity. Some may lack a degree but have skills. Others may have a degree but lack the right skills. But none of this should lead to discouragement. Combine your existing knowledge with intelligence, sharpen your skills, and adopt a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges.
When you polish your mind with creativity and determination, your life will shine brighter daily.
The Habit of Writing Others' Scripts
In our journey through life, we all take on many roles, each with its script. However, it's common for us to get caught up in scripting the actions of others deciding how they should speak, behave, or respond. In doing so, we lose focus on our path and drain our energy by trying to control what’s beyond our reach.
Think about it. How often have you felt upset or frustrated when people don’t act as you expect them to? We mentally write scripts for them, believing they should follow our version. But the reality is, like us, others are also actors and scriptwriters of their own lives. They have their journeys, and expecting them to follow our script only leads to disappointment.
In our roles, it’s important to focus on ourselves and let our true qualities of peace, love, and wisdom shine through in everything we do. When we stay true to our values, it sets an example for others without forcing them to change. Our actions can become a guiding light, showing the way rather than dictating it.
So, let’s put our energy into perfecting our own scripts. Move through every scene in life with ease and grace, uplifting those around you.
Remember: I bring peace and compassion into every role I play, uninfluenced by how others perform.
By focusing on our own path, we create harmony within ourselves and with those around us.
SK
Luck plays a role in our lives.
We can't control when the full moon appears, when spring arrives, or when a rainbow shows up. Kindred spirits don't come when we expect them. Sometimes, getting what we want doesn't make us happy. True happiness comes when we appreciate what we have. To reach our goals, we must make the most of every chance we get.
Opportunities don't just land in our laps. We need to actively search for them and work hard. Grabbing those opportunities is key to success.
In the Ramayana, Hanuman tirelessly searched for Sita and faced many challenges before succeeding. Even a squirrel seized its moment and won Rama's love. These stories are now part of history.
Lord Krishna helped Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war, guiding him away from darkness and teaching him valuable lessons. Some say luck brings opportunities, but it's more about standing tall despite setbacks. Life isn't easy, but seeing obstacles as chances to grow spiritually helps us move forward.
Some feel luck is against them or that someone is blocking their opportunities. But what we get in life is often what we deserve, according to scriptures.
We should accept life's gifts with gratitude, considering them blessings from a higher power. Using self-effort to convince and achieve our goals is crucial.
Doing good deeds and having a noble approach attracts divine blessings. We should use opportunities not just for ourselves but for society's welfare. Charity and community service are divine acts leading to eternal glory.
Sandwitch of birth and death
As the mighty warrior of great strength grows older, time passes swiftly, and in old age, he becomes weak and feeble. In youth, he shines like a star among his peers but with the onset of old age, his memory fades, and his intellectual abilities decline. In the midst of birth and death, everyone is bound by the limitations of the body.
The wise realize that the moment that has passed cannot be regained, and they do not boast of their achievements. They strive to lead a virtuous life, guided by selflessness, and they believe in a power that drives them to do something extraordinary. They consider that power as divine and surrender to it humbly. They understand that life is a divine play and embrace it with gratitude. They constantly cherish the fragrance of love and friendship. In the midst of birth and death, during the time of transition, they maintain a balanced mind, free from attachment and jealousy. They make their lives joyful by contemplating the true value of human existence. In joy and sorrow, they honor their beloved friends, and their lives become filled with happiness and the fragrance of affection. They should continuously relish the essence of life. In the midst of birth and death, one must recognize the insignificance of worldly attachments and envy, and focus on nurturing a mind that is complete with sublime thoughts. Such individuals are ignorant who waste their lives without realizing the value of every moment.
The instantaneous transformation of thoughts into immediate action is the hallmark of the wise. Without delay, they put into practice the thoughts that have arisen in their minds. They share their wealth of knowledge with others, without altering the goals set by those who provide guidance. They enlighten as mentors, shining the light on their path. They do not succumb to uncontrollable circumstances or commit mistakes while striving towards their objectives. Even in adverse situations, they do not lose their composure and instead find solutions. Shedding tears only worsens the situation, and crying does not solve the problem. In such moments, they must remain steadfast and not let the situation overwhelm them. The true essence of life lies in realizing that every moment is valuable. They should strive to avoid wasting time and make the most of each moment, always radiating the brilliance of their knowledge without succumbing to external circumstances.
Embrace every moment
The value of human life is immeasurable, often revered as rare and extraordinary. How we choose to live holds greater significance than how long we live. The cycle of sunrises and sunsets persists endlessly, yet we often overlook the fleeting nature of our existence, with each passing day bringing us closer to the inevitable embrace of mortality. Time flows ceaselessly, beyond our control, and while we cannot alter its speed, we can grasp its significance and make the most of its value.
Unfortunately, humans tend to dwell in the past or anxiously ponder the future, rarely residing in the present, as noted by Sri Ramanu. Yesterday can never be reclaimed, and the certainty of tomorrow remains uncertain. Today, however, is our reality, and we should relish it with joy and appreciation. To attain success, we must dwell in the present while employing reason and prudence. We must nurture our dreams and diligently strive to transform them into reality. This requires the immediate establishment of a strong foundation, akin to how Abdul Kalam envisioned constructing the tallest building in the future.
Why hold onto leaves when one has no hands? To make the most of life, one must plan, exercise wisdom, and exercise caution in advance. Prevention takes precedence over cure. If we comprehend the value of life, not a single moment will go to waste. The passage of time alone holds little significance; it is the practice of Sadhvi Yoga that holds true importance, transcending the existence of 8.4 million living beings. The power to achieve lies within the hands of the wise. Ignorance precedes birth and follows death, leaving us with a precious lifetime brimming with profound knowledge. By conserving each drop of water, we can avert drought. Similarly, by wisely utilizing every moment, we can attain eternal glory.
When we contemplate the worth of life and the speed of time, we realize the significance of every single moment. English proverbs advocate for an early start leading to a safe destination, while a Hindi saying urges us to complete tomorrow's tasks today. Engaging in meaningful endeavors with talent and progress in mind is far more fruitful than indulging in idle pastimes.
Life is often described as an oily substance, flowing incessantly like a constant stream. It moves swiftly, encompassing childhood, adolescence, youth, and old age in rapid succession. To avoid the disappointment of unfulfilled aspirations and the regret of missed opportunities, we must seize each moment and make the most of it.
Depression is being suffered by a significant number of people in the world today. It is a hint for us to pause and ask if enough is done for our mental wellness. Emotional wellness is linked to mental wellness. Our emotional health is affected if stress, anger, fear, hurt, and jealousy are experienced.
Everyone is caught in these negative emotions in the pursuit of happiness. Most of us begin chasing dreams in childhood and do not pause after that for decades because of the enormous incorrect belief that our happiness is what we acquire and that happiness is a byproduct of our belongings. So, we seek happiness in accomplishments, possessions and relationships.
Throughout the day, each individual is involved in a series of activities. A simple thought to give the gift of virtues makes even everyday actions unique. Each act becomes extraordinary, and the fragrance of this speciality spreads around and touches the lives of others too. Such an individual can contribute to every task with his entity and bring success to the assignment too.
Karma is often called a boomerang because what we throw into the world eventually returns to us. But unlike a boomerang that returns instantly, karma has its timeline; it may come back tomorrow, years later, or even in another lifetime.
Imagine planting a mango seed. You don’t get fruit the next day, but with time, water, and sunlight, the tree grows and bears sweet fruit. Similarly, good deeds may not bring immediate rewards, but they never go unnoticed by the universe. On the other hand, if someone sows thorns, they shouldn’t expect roses.
In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana thought he could cheat, lie, and oppress the Pandavas without consequences. For years, he seemed to win. But when the wheel of karma turned, his pride led to his downfall, proving that no one escaped the justice of Dharma.
As the Bhagavad Gita says:
“Karma never forgets an address.”
So, whether our actions are good or bad, karma keeps track. It may not knock on the door immediately, but one day, it will arrive on time. That’s why it’s wise to act with kindness, honesty, and Dharma, ensuring that when karma returns, it brings blessings, not burdens.
“Gahana karmano gatih” (The ways of karma are mysterious).
Good Intentions
Time should not be measured by a clock but by how it feels. Imagine that one morning, 86,400 rupees are deposited into your bank account. The entire amount must be spent that very day, and whatever remains unused will vanish by night. What would you do? Knowing the value of money, you would make sure not to waste a single rupee.
In reality, everyone has such a bank—its name is time. Each day, 86,400 seconds are deposited into our account. What we use is ours, and what we don’t slips away by the end of the day. Managing this account is our responsibility. Time is equal for everyone. When someone says they don’t have time, it doesn’t mean time doesn’t exist; it simply reflects whether or not they have the intention to do that work.
Every passing moment leaves behind memories, values, and energies in our name. One day, this treasure will play out before our eyes, showing us how we lived our lives. To ensure that we feel fulfilled in that moment, we must manage our accounts carefully. Like a writer or a painter who constantly reviews and improves their work, we too must keep refining our actions. Only then can we make this year better than the last.
As one writer wisely said, “The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.” This bad news becomes good news when we see the new year not just as a celebration but as an opportunity. If we begin something good today, we can create a fulfilling ending after 365 days. We can acquire new skills, achieve career goals, and build meaningful relationships. The clock may measure time, but life is guided by the heart. Wise people use their time to achieve what truly matters to them.
We often think time brings both hardships and joys. In truth, the problem is not with time but with how we perceive it. This world is full of dualities—heat and cold, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat. Lord Krishna teaches in the Bhagavad Gita that instead of seeking fleeting happiness, we should strive for spiritual satisfaction, which is eternal. The path to this lies in bhakti yoga (devotional yoga).
Our thoughts have the power to elevate or diminish us. The future depends on the strength of these thoughts, which also help us make the most of our precious time. As Tolstoy once said, “There are no warriors greater than patience and time.” If only we could make these warriors our own, we could conquer life’s greatest challenges.
The Journey of Life
Life resembles a journey that enriches us more than books. By traveling, we witness the country’s magnificence and diversity, and we feel modest and grateful. We discard our narrow-mindedness, mature our minds, and improve our well-being.
On the journey, we bond with new people, assist others, and get assistance. We share our meals and conversations with others, and we treasure what we have. We accomplish our tasks and depart, without holding on to anything.
We remain focused on our objective, and we avoid anything that diverts us. We comprehend that all our belongings and bonds are temporary, and we savor them while we can. We come back home with valuable experiences.
Life is similar to a journey, where we journey with our loved ones for a period. Our accomplishments, riches, and wisdom are not lasting, and we should employ them for the welfare of society. We mentor others and perform our duty. We aspire for the supreme goal of life, which is to end it with joy, knowing that our soul will unite with the Supreme Soul. This is the true significance of life’s journey.
SK
When is it okay to be angry?
Anger makes you feel tense and not like yourself. There are lots of reasons for getting angry and many negative outcomes too. When you're angry, you lose control of reasoning, kindness fades away, your heart feels upset, you can't listen to good things, words can hurt, you see only flaws, and your mind refuses to accept the truth. Anger can also lead to physical actions you might regret, wasting energy, and making you feel restless. If you're too angry, you can act like someone you're not.
Showing anger can break relationships, but keeping it inside can also disturb your peace of mind, making anger your enemy.
However, controlled anger can sometimes be useful. For example, parents, teachers, and elders can use it to correct bad behavior in a firm but caring way. But it's also important not to lose control. Pointing out mistakes without being mean or jealous is better. Anger often gets worse when someone's pride is hurt. Avoiding confrontations and not understanding each other's feelings can also lead to anger.
Anger can stem from small things like someone acting differently or not understanding you, or when things aren't working right. But losing patience and getting angry over small issues shows lack of understanding. Anger can affect relationships and home life.
Just like a headache shows something's wrong inside, anger indicates tension in the mind. It's important to find the cause and fix it with self-reflection. Otherwise, there are consequences.
It's okay to be angry when something harms your character, beliefs, country, or religion. However, it's crucial to keep anger in check and only show it when necessary. Understanding when and how much to get angry is key. Your true character shows when you handle anger wisely, not like a mad person throwing stones, but using it wisely.
Creation of Joy
Flowers bloom naturally, spreading happiness to all, a creation beyond our hands. Laughter, however, is something we can create. We can immerse ourselves in its sound, floating on waves of joy. Some actions are within our grasp. Even if our deeds are small, we should perform them with a generous heart. Instead of complaining about our inability to accomplish grand things, let us be partners in the efforts.
Happiness knows no bounds, regardless of the scale of our actions. It observes our endeavours, recognizing the childlike purity and wholeheartedness with which we engage. Happiness deserves attention. Sufferings act as mere window screens, while endless happiness awaits behind the main door. We must maintain it, fostering a perpetual celebration within our hearts. We should delight the trees, the birds, and the animals. Not every moment is akin to a sunrise, nor does every occasion call for a melodious Western tune. With just a small bamboo flute in hand, beautiful melodies can resonate from its four holes. Signs of happiness should reside in our hearts, goodness in our minds, and memories should snow upon us. God did not create humans devoid of love or forbid them from experiencing joy. God is displeased when humans are unhappy.
Each morning, we are presented with two choices: to embrace happiness throughout the day or to endure the passage of time in agony. Happiness is our birthright, an inherent part of our nature. Suffering is not meant for everyone; it is transient, coming and going. Let us create happiness, limitless. We must train our minds to perceive the lotus of Manasa Sarovara even amidst the grass. Survival does not hinge on money; rather, it requires the skill to cultivate small joys in a generous heart. Witnessing the sight of Lord Krishna is not the same as entering Vrindavan, but Vrindavan will grant us that divine vision. It is where the Supreme Being resides, and everything within it—the plants, flowers, wind, and water—conveys a message. Keep an open mind, that's all!
If Lord Krishna pervades within us, the entire universe appears dark to our eyes. If we do not internalize the presence of God with heartfelt devotion, how can we witness His existence in the external world? Can God be separated from eternal happiness? If we sprinkle a bit of happiness upon others, it will return to us twofold. Only those who comprehend the secret of life can smile for the rest of their lives. The Geetacharya declares that we are the sages, and we are our favourites. Suffering and responsibility are inherent in everyone's life. The world may seem like a ghostly illusion, and everything may feel like an insurmountable ocean. The mind may be overwhelmed with despair. It is precisely in those moments that we should learn to change our mindset, smile, and embrace life like a child whose tears have been wiped away and forgotten. Embrace the world, and greet everyone with a smile.
Thank the one who made you Powerful
Expressing gratitude towards people who have not treated us well can be difficult, but it can also be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Instead of holding onto negative emotions and resentments, we can see these individuals as teachers who have helped us become more robust and wiser.
For example, maybe a boss criticised your work in a way that made you feel small and inadequate. It was painful and uncomfortable, but it also pushed you to work harder, learn more, and ultimately succeed in your career. Or perhaps a friend betrayed your trust and caused a rift in your relationship, but it also taught you to be more discerning and to value loyalty and honesty in your connections with others.
By acknowledging and appreciating these difficult experiences, we can transform them into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Instead of feeling victimised or resentful, we can become more forgiving and resilient.
Of course, this is not to say that we should tolerate or condone abusive or harmful behaviour from others. It is essential to set boundaries and protect ourselves from those who may wish us harm. But even in those situations, we can still choose to learn from the experience and find ways to grow stronger and more empowered as a result.