"उपार्जन ही नहीं सदुपयोग भी"

उपार्जन एक बात है और सदुपयोग दूसरी। शारीरिक और मानसिक क्षमता के आधार पर किसी भी प्रकार उपार्जन किया जा सकता है, किन्तु उसका सदुपयोग दूरदर्शी विवेक के बिना नीति निष्ठा के बिना बन नहीं पड़ता। उस स्तर  की क्षमता का होना भी सुसंतुलन बनाये रखने के लिए आवश्यक है।

पदार्थ विज्ञान प्रदत्त संसाधनों, अनेकानेक उपकरण, उपलब्धियों का अगर यदि सदुपयोग बन पड़े तो निःसंदेह मनुष्य इतना सुखी, संतुष्ट, प्रसन्न एवं समुन्नत बन सकता है, जितना की स्वर्गलोकवासियों के सम्बन्ध में सोचते और वैसा सुयोग प्राप्त करने के लिए हम ललचाते रहते हैं।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Do not only earn money but also ensure it is properly utilized!"

Earning money or acquiring anything for that matter is one thing while its proper utilization is the other. They are not the same things. Anybody can earn money, one way or another, using their physical and mental capabilities. On the other hand, its proper utilization is impossible without having the farsighted wisdom, common sense and commitment. These qualities are indispensable to master the art of proper utilization which would then complement earning money so as to maintain the highly desirable right balance.

Science and Technology have indeed given us so many means of comforts. However, only if we learn to make proper use of it, we can be so much happy, comfortable, contented and prosperous which is thought to be possible only in the paradise which everyone of us dreams to get hold of.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"नवयुवक सज्जनता और शालीनता सीखें"

कहना न होगा कि समस्त समृद्धि, प्रगति और शान्ति का सद्भाव मनुष्य के सद्गुणों पर अवलम्बित है । दुर्गुणी व्यक्ति हाथ में आई हुई, उत्तराधिकार में मिली हुई समृद्धियों को गवाँ बैठते हैं और सद्गुणी गई-गुजरी परिस्थितियों में रहते हुए भी प्रगति के हजार मार्ग प्राप्त कर लेते हैं । सद्गुणी की विभूतियॉं ही व्यक्तित्व को प्रतिभावान बनाती हैं और प्रखर व्यक्तित्व ही हर क्षेत्र में सफलताएँ वरण करते चले जाते हैं ।

उठती आयु में सबसे अधिक उपार्जन सद्गुणों का ही किया जाना चाहिए । विद्या पढ़ी जाये सो ठीक है, खेल-कूद, व्यायाम आदि के द्वारा स्वास्थ्य बढ़ाया जाये, सो भी अच्छी बात है, विभिन्न कला-कौशल और चातुर्य सीखे जायें, वह भी सन्तोष की बात है पर सबसे अधिक आवश्यकता इस बात की है कि इस आयु में जितनी अधिक सतर्कता और तत्परतापूर्वक सद्गुणो  का अभ्यास किया जा सके, करना चाहिए । एक तराजू में एक और शिक्षा, बुद्धि, बल और धन आदि की सम्पत्तियाँ रखी जायें और दूसरी पलड़े में सद्गुण तो निश्चय ही यह दूसरा पलड़ा अधिक भारी और अधिक श्रेयस्कर सिद्ध होगा । दुर्गुणी व्यक्ति साक्षात संकट स्वरूप है । वह अपने लिए पग-पग पर काँटे खड़े करेगा, अपने परिवार को त्रास देगा और समाज में अगणित उलझनें पैदा करेगा । उसका उपार्जन चाहे कितना ही बढ़ा-चढ़ा क्यों न हो, कुकर्म बढ़ाने और विक्षोभ उत्पन्न करने वाले मार्ग में ही खर्च होगा । ऐसे मनुष्य अपयश, घृणा, द्वेष, निन्दा और भर्त्सभना से तिरस्कृत होते हुए अन्तत: नारकीय यन्त्रणाएँ सहते हैं।

आज अभिभावक रुष्ट, अध्यापक दु:खी, साथी क्षुब्ध, स्वयं में उद्विग्नता हैं । इन सबका एक ही कारण है - दुर्गुणों की मात्रा बढ़ जाना । बुखार बढऩे की तरह मर्यादाओं का उल्लंघन करने की प्रवृत्ति का बढऩा भी खतरनाक है । कहने का सार यह है कि जो भी हों अपने बच्चों को समझाने और सिखाने का हर कडुआ-मीठा उपाय हमें करना चाहिए कि वे सज्जन, शालीन, परिश्रमी और सत्पथगामी बनें, इसी में उनका और हम सबका कल्याण है ।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

Youth must learn humility and decency

It is needless to say that all prosperity, success, and peace are dependent upon good virtues of human beings. People with bad qualities loose inherited ancestral wealth while those with ethics and virtues open thousands of paths of success in spite of living in pathetic conditions.  The good qualities of a virtuous person make him a talented personality.  And people with pleasant personality and high character keep achieving success in life.

In the growing stage the main focus should be on earning virtues. We gain knowledge that’s good, gain good health by exercise and outdoor games that’s fine. Learning different forms of art and skills is also appreciable. However, it is of utmost importance that the moral values and good virtues should be obtained and practiced with high alertness and speed at this age. If one scale of the balance has knowledge, intellect, physical health and wealth and the other has good virtues than definitely the scale with merits and virtues will be heavier. People without virtues are actually embodiment of problems. He will sow thorns for himself on each step and give trouble to his family, and will create thousands of problems in society. Even if he gains abundant wealth, it will be misused in bad deeds and destructive path. Such people gain infamy, hate, criticism and finally face miseries of hell.

Today parents are annoyed, teachers are sad, friends are angry and deep inside, you are concerned about your own self. The reason for all this is increase in bad qualities. Just like high fever, the increase in the tendency of crossing the limits is dangerous. In short, whatever be the methodology, whether sweet or bitter, make sure that you teach your children to be noble, dignified, hardworking and see that they use their discretion to adopt the right path. This is in their interest as is in ours too.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"जिसका काम उसी को साझें"

किस समय भोजन करना चाहिए, किस समय सोना चाहिए, किस समय उठना चाहिए, किस समय नहाना चाहिए, किस उम्र में विवाह करना चाहिए, इन सब प्रश्नों का धर्म से कोई लेना देना नहीं है। यह सब स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान का विषय है। इनका उत्तर किसी स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान के वेत्ता से ही पाया जा सकता है । इसी प्रकार किस प्रकार दाम्पत्य जीवन व्यतीत करना चाहिए ? इसका उत्तर समाजशास्त्र के अर्न्तगत होगा  ।

इन सब बातों में अध्यात्म शास्त्र बहुत उदार है और वह अकारण अधिक प्रतिबन्ध एवं संकीर्णता में मनुष्य जाति को फँसाने की इच्छा नहीं रखता । इसलिए अब खान-पान, शौच-स्नान आदि विषय स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान की आधारशिला पर स्थिर होना चाहिए़।

एक समय था जब कानूनों की सीमा छोटी थी और धर्मशास्त्र के अन्तर्गत ही स्वास्थ्य, समाज, राजनीति, गृहस्थ, अर्थशास्त्र, आदि सब बातें आ जाती थीं । आज यह व्यवस्था बदल गई है ।

धर्म को हम अध्यात्म शास्त्र या योग शास्त्र कहते हैं, जो कि अपरिवर्त्तनशील है । अन्य नियम-उपनियम देशकाल पर निर्भर है, इसलिए उन्हें भौतिक भूमिका में लाकर स्वतंत्र शास्त्र बना दिया गया है, यद्यपि उन पर अंकुश धर्म का ही है ।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Every man to his trade"

What time should one eat? When should one go to sleep? What time should one wake up? When should one have a bath? At what age should one get married? ... Dharma (the eternal principles of Righteousness) has nothing to do with all these questions which actually belong in the realm of the Health Sciences and therefore, anyone who may wish to know about these matters should better seek advice from health science experts. In the same way, the question of how the married couple should lead their life belongs to sociology which is well placed to properly answer it.

The spiritual science is very broad-minded about all these matters and does not wish to burden the human race by imposing too many needless restrictions or rigidity. That is why, the matters related to diet, bath, hygiene, etc. should now be entrusted to and decided by the health sciences.

There was a time in past when (the life was so simple that) not too many regulations were necessary and hence, all the matters related to health, society, politics, domestic affairs, economy, etc. also used to fall within the ambit of the books of Dharma. However, now (the situation and therefore) the arrangements have changed.

Dharma which is known as Spiritual Science or Yoga Science is immutable or unchangeable. Other rules and regulations may vary according to local needs and contemporary situations and therefore, they have now been designated various independent categories (e.g. health, politics, etc.) through which they operate. Even then, the overall control and supremacy still remains with the Dharma!

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

 

"सेवाधर्म की बाधाएँ और भटकाव"

बहुत से लोगों के मन में उमंगें उठती हैं पर वे यह सोचकर चुप रह जाते हैं कि अभी हम उसके योग्य नहीं। जब हम पूर्णतः योग्य और सक्षम हो जायेंगे तब सेवा करेंगे। स्मरण रखा जाना चाहिए कि आज तक संसार में पूर्णतः योग्य न हुआ है और न होगा, क्योंकि जो पूर्ण होता है वह भवबंधनों से ही मुक्त हो जाता है। उस पूर्ण पुरुष को संसार में आने की आवश्यकता ही कहाँ रह जाती है।

संसार में जितने भी महापुरुष हुए हैं उनके व्यक्तित्व में कहीं न कहीं, कोई न कोई त्रुटी अवश्य रही है। उन त्रुटियों के सुधार का प्रयत्न करते हुए भी वे सेवा के पथ पर निरंतर अग्रसर होते रहे हैं।

जिस प्रकार प्राथमिक कक्षाओं को पढ़ाने वाला अध्यापक अनिवार्य रूप से उच्च शिक्षित कहाँ होता है। छोटे पहलवान अपने से छोटे पहलवान को पहलवानी का अभ्यास कराते हैं। कहने का अर्थ यह है कि कम बुराई वाला व्यक्ति अधिक बुराईयों वाले व्यक्ति को शिक्षा दे सकता है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Why many people do not take up the task of serving humanity?"

Many people really feel passionate about doing something to serve humanity. However, their passion soon gets dampened down by the very thought that they might not be competent enough for that task. They would think to postpone it until after they become competent and capable to serve humanity. Do remember that none in this world has ever been a complete individual in all respects. Had it been so, they would have been free from the cycles of births and deaths because a fully perfected soul doesn’t need to be born again.

Take any great person who had been born so far and you would find at least some deficiency or weakness in their life or character. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop any of them serving humanity which they certainly did whilst working towards rectifying their own deficiency.

A primary school teacher wouldn’t necessarily be highly qualified (but yet he/she can teach young children). Junior wrestlers may train other wrestlers having less experience than them. In a nutshell, any individual, however deficient, can educate or serve other people who happen to have more deficiencies or weaknesses than him/her.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"राग - द्वेष "

प्रत्येक अपराधी अपने प्रति क्षमा की आशा करता है और दूसरों को दंड देने की व्यवस्था चाहता है। यह अपने प्रति जो दूसरों से अहिंसक, निर्भय, उदार, क्षमाशील, त्यागी, सत्यवादी और विनम्रता आदि दिव्य गुणों से पूर्ण व्यवहार की आशा करता है, किंतु स्वयं उसी प्रकार का सद्व्यवहार दूसरों के प्रति नहीं कर पाता। अपने प्रति मधुरता युक्त सम्मान की आशा करता है, पर दूसरों के प्रति अपमान एवं कटुतापूर्ण असद्व्यवहार करता है तो वास्तव में भूल है। इसका परिणाम यह होता है कि प्राणी अपने प्रति रागी और दूसरों के प्रति दोषी हो जाता है, जो सभी दुःखों का मूल है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Affection and Malice"

Each criminal expects pardon for himself and penalty for others. He wants others to behave generously and amicably, with humility, truth, honesty and kindness, but he himself fails to behave in the same manner to others. It is his gross mistake to desire a warm and respectful co-operation in spite of his insulting, bitter and rude behavior to others. As a result, the person develops undue affection for his own self and unnecessary hatred and jealousy for others, which is the real source of all sorrows.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"अभय"

 अभय एक दैवी संपदा है। भय तो अविद्या जन्य है। शरीर के साथ ताम्यता रहने से ही मनुष्य भयभीत होता है। ज्यों-ज्यों मनुष्य में आतंरिक शांति, संतोष तथा वैराग्य की अभिवृद्धि होती जाती हैं त्यों-त्यों उसमें भय का तिरोधान होता जाता है। अभय की पूर्णावस्था जीवन्मुक्तों में ही पाई जाती है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Fearlessness"

Fearlessness is a divine wealth or virtue. Fear is the result of ignorance. Ignorance means lack of knowledge. The real knowledge is: I am immortal (‘Avinaashee’), ever-prevailing soul. Due to ignorance, a man falsely identifies himself with this destroyable gross physical body and becomes fearful. As the virtues like mental calmness, internal peace, satisfaction and detachment develops, the fear gets eradicated. The perfect state of fearlessness is observed in those people only who are released from worldly bondage and attachment.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"आत्मनिर्माण का साधन - आत्मभाव का विस्तार"

साधक की दृष्टि से विकास का सबसे उच्च स्तर है - आत्मभाव का विस्तार। इस स्तरपर पहुंचने से साधक सर्वत्र आत्मभाव का दर्शन करता है। प्रत्येक व्यक्ति, वस्तु तथा जगत को वह ब्रह्म रूप देखता है। अपने शरीर को वह परमात्मा का गृह समझता है। वह जिस वस्तु को देखता है,वे सब उसकी आत्मा के अंग-प्रत्यंग हैं। उसकी आत्मा का दायरा सुव्यवस्थित होता है, जिसमें शत्रु-मित्र सभी सम्मिलित होते हैं। 

  जो व्यक्ति अपने-पराये के भेदभाव पर विशेष ध्यान देते हैं, वे आत्मनिर्माण में शीघ्र अग्रसर नहीं हो सकते। हमारे शास्त्रकारों ने "आत्मवत सर्वभूतेषु" का जो सिद्धांत बतलाया है, उसका वास्तविक तात्पर्य यही है कि मनुष्य सभी को आत्मस्वरूप में देखे और भिन्नत्व की भावना को यथाशक्ति कम से कम घटा दे। 

-पं. श्रीरामशर्मा आचार्य

"Accomplishing Self-development By Expanding The Sphere Of The Self"

The expansion of the sphere of the self is the highest level of spiritual development from the sadhak’s* point of view. Having reached that stage of spiritual development, the seeker would start seeing everyone as his own soul kin. He perceives the presence of the Supreme Being in every individual, every object and the entire world. He regards his body as the temple of God. He regards everything in the world as part of his own being. His soul’s realm achieves perfection wherein everyone, whether friend or foe, receives the same regard and equal acceptance. 

  Anyone having discriminatory attitude towards others cannot make rapid progress in accomplishing their spiritual development. The precept of Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu (to think everyone as just like one’s ownself, i.e. to regard everyone being equal) expressed in our scriptures essentially means that everyone should regard others as their own soul kin and should  strive to get rid of discriminatory attitudes as much as possible.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"स्वोत्साहन (स्व उत्साहवर्धन )"

 जैसे-जैसे किसी विषय का ज्ञान संपादन करने में सफलता प्राप्त करते चलें, वैसे-वैसे अपनी पूर्व स्थिति से तुलना करके प्रसन्न होते जाइए । जितना आप सीख चुके हैं, उनका मुकाबला उनसे कीजिए जिनके पास वह वस्तु नहीं है, तब आपको अपनी महानता प्रतीत होगी । बड़ी योग्यता वालों से अपना मुकाबला न कीजिये, वरन् उनसे स्पर्द्धा कीजिए कि आप में भी वैसी योग्यताएँ हो जावें । 

 मन में निराशा के विचार मत आने दीजिए, अपने ऊपर अविश्वास मत कीजिए । प्रभु का अमर पुत्र मनुष्य किसी प्रकार की योग्यता से रहित नहीं है । साधन मिलने पर उसके सब बीज उगकर महान् वृक्ष बन सकते हैं । माता जिस प्रकार बालक को उत्साहित कर देती है, उसी प्रकार अपनी आत्मा के द्वारा अपने मन को उत्साहित करना चाहिए, उसकी पीठ ठोकते हुए प्रशंसा करनी चाहिए और बढ़ावा देना चाहिए ।

 

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Staying motivated"

Whenever you accomplish something in your efforts to gain knowledge or know how in any subject of interest, you should feel really happy about the progress you have made so far. You should keep doing this all along. You would start appreciating how brilliant or capable you are when you weigh up yourself against someone else who do not have something which you have managed to learn.  Never try to compare yourself with someone who has greater capabilities. You should instead cultivate a competitive spirit so that you can also develop and have such capabilities.

 Never let the thoughts of despair enter your mind. Have faith in yourself. A human being—the immortal child of Almighty God— doesn’t lack in any capabilities. His/her potentials or hidden capabilities would start manifesting as soon as the conditions are made to turn in his/her favor. Just as a mother would keep cheering up her baby, our soul should also keep buoying up our mind, giving it a pat on its back, and motivating it all the time.

 

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"अभ्यास से उन्नति"

अभ्यास से उन्नति जीवन का अखंड नियम है, क्योंकि इससे आत्मा की प्राणशक्ति को अधिक क्रिया करनी पड़ती है और वह नित्य व्यवहार में आने वाले चाकू की तरह मुर्छा आदि से मुक्त रहकर तेज ही होती है। शारीरिक और मानसिक विकास के शास्त्रीय सिद्धांतों पर विचार करने से यह सिद्ध होता है कि मानसिक विकास करना, अपनी बुद्धि को बढ़ाना, मनुष्य के अपने हाथ में है और वह प्रयत्नपूर्वक बुद्धिमान् बन सकने में सर्वथा स्वतंत्र है।

 -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Practice makes perfect"

Attainment of success through untiring practice is the eternal law of nature because it compels Prana, the life-force of Aman or soul to keep working hard thus making it become better, stronger, more capable and devoid of any inertia or inaction in the same way as a knife which is used regularly would maintain its sheen. On a careful examination of the sacred principles prescribed for physical and mental development, it can be concluded that everyone is at free will to develop his/her mental faculties and brainpower, and is fully free (i.e. not controlled by God or Fate) to accomplish such feats by making unceasing efforts.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"वैराग्य"

राग ही बंधन को घनीभूत करता है। वैराग्य से ही विमुक्ति होती है। साधक में जब सत्य का समावेश होता है, तब उसमें सारे विषय पदार्थों के प्रति स्वाभाविक विरक्ति हो जाती है। वैराग्य की दिनानुदिन अभिवृद्धि होती है। यह इसका स्पष्ट परिचायक है कि साधक आध्यात्मिकता की ओर बढ़ता जा रहा है। यदि वैराग्य की स्थिति का अनुभव मनुष्य में उत्पन्न नहीं हुआ, तो यह रंचमात्र भी आध्यात्मिक उन्नति नहीं कर सकता। वैराग्य महती शक्ति है, जिससे साधक सतत ध्यान के लिए प्रवृत्त होता है और अंततः आत्मसाक्षात्कार करता है। विवेकयुक्त वैराग्य ही लाभदायक है, अन्यथा तो वैराग्य अस्थायी है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Detachment / Aloofness"

Attachment only consolidates the bondage and detachment or renunciation only releases us from bondage. When truth prevails in the seeker, when the supreme reality unveils itself before the anxious pursuer of the knowledge, he develops a natural aloofness towards all objects of material desire. This detachment from worldly objects grows day by day. This is a clear indication that the spiritual seeker, the Sadhaka, is marching ahead towards spirituality. If a man does not experience detachment or sense of renunciation, he can not make any progress on the path of spirituality. Renouncing worldly attachment is itself a great force helping the seeker to attain uninterrupted meditation, ultimately leading to self-realization. The thoughtful and appropriate detachment only is beneficial otherwise it is a temporary phase, fading out slowly without any effective gain.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"राग का त्याग और द्वेष का प्रेम में परिवर्तन "

 अपने प्रति होने वाले अन्याय को सहन करते हुए यदि अन्यायकर्त्ता को क्षमा कर दिया जाय तो द्वेष, प्रेम में बदल जाता है। अपने द्वारा होने वाले अन्याय से स्वयं पीड़ित होकर जब उससे, जिसके प्रति अन्याय हो गया है, क्षमा मांग ली जाय और इस प्रकार उससे क्षमा मांगते हुए अपने प्रति न्याय कर स्वयं दंड स्वीकार कर लिया जाय तो राग, त्याग में बदल जाता है।

     जब राग और द्वेष त्याग और प्रेम में बदल जाते हैं, तब मुक्ति की प्राप्ति स्वतः ही हो जाती है अथवा यों कहें कि अभिन्नता और असंगता स्वतः आ जाती है। यही वास्तविक आनंद है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Give up Affection and Convert Malice into Love"

While enduring the injustice being done to us, if we forgive the person doing injustice, the hatred towards him gradually changes to compassion. If we beg pardon from the victim of our own unjust behavior, and accept the penalty for our mistakes, the attachment to our own egoistic self gets converted to magnanimity and detachment.

When the feelings of affection or possessiveness and jealousy or malice are converted to detachment and compassion, real freedom from all bondages naturally follows. Or we may say, the unity with eternity and detachment from worldly matters, develop spontaneously. This is the only divine bliss.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya,

"उच्चतम अवस्था की प्राप्ति"

यदि दूसरों के विचार आपके विचारों से मुक्त हों तो उनसे लड़ाई-झगड़ा न करो। अनेक प्रकार के मन होते हैं। विचारने की शैली अनेक प्रकार की हुआ करती है। विचारने के भिन्न-भिन्न दृष्टिकोण हुआ करते हैं। अतएव सभी दृष्टिकोण निर्दोष हो सकते हैं। लोगों के मत के अनुकूल बनो। उनके मत को भी ध्यान तथा सहानुभूतिपूर्वक देखो और उनका आदर करो। अपने अहंकार चक्र के क्षुद्र केंद्र से बाहर निकलो और अपनी दृष्टि को विस्तृत करो। अपना मन सर्वग्राही और उदार बनाकर सबके मत के लिए स्थान रखो, तभी आपका जीवन विस्तृत और हृदय उदार होगा। आपको धीरे-धीरे, मधुर और नम्र होकर बातचीत करनी चाहिए । मितभाषी बनो । अवांछनीय विचारों और संवेदनाओं को निकाल दो। अभिमान या चिड़चिड़ेपन को लेशमात्र भी बाकी नहीं रहने दो। अपने आप को बिलकुल भुला दो। अपने व्यक्तित्व का एक भी अंश या भाव न रहने पावे। सेवा-कार्य के लिए पूर्ण आत्मसमर्पण की आवश्यकता है।

यदि आप में उपर्युक्त सद्गुण मौजूद हैं तो आप संसार के लिए पथप्रदर्शक और अमूल्य प्रसाद रूप हो। आप एक अलौकिक सुगंधित पुष्प हो जिसकी सुगंध देश-भर में व्याप्त हो जाएगी। यदि आपने ऐसा कर लिया तो समझ लो आपने बुद्धत्व की उच्चतम अवस्था को प्राप्त कर लिया।

पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"On the way to Enlightenment"

Do not argue with others if you find their thoughts conflicting with or going against yours. There are countless number of people living on our planet having diverse views, ideas, beliefs, ways of thinking and outlooks. There is every possibility that any of these viewpoints could be right. Therefore, you should learn not to disregard others’ opinion, be a sympathetic listener and respect their views. Get rid of any egocentric self-opinionated attitude you might have and expand the horizons of your vision. Be open-minded and, be willing to listen to and consider others’ views. Then only your life would become extremely fruitful and really helpful to others.

Talk gently, humbly, amicably, pleasingly and moderately. Give up any unworthy ideas and strong feelings. Get rid of any traces of arrogance or grumpiness. Try not to attach any importance to yourself. The task of serving humanity expects an individual to become totally devoted to the cause, with other people being at the forefront of his/her consideration.

If you do possess all the the aforesaid characteristics, you are indeed a leading light and a boon to the world. You are like a celestial fragrant flower whose fragrance will disperse far and wide (i.e. inspire others). If you do succeed in accomplishing this much, you can safely assume that you are on your way to reach the acme of enlightenment.

Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"जीवन दिशा"

आज झूठ बोलने, मनोभावों को छिपाने और पेट में कुछ रखकर मुंह से कुछ कहने की प्रथा खूब प्रचलित है। कोई व्यक्ति मुख से धर्मचर्चा करते हैं, पर उनके पेट में पाप और स्वार्थ बरतता है। यह पेट में बरतने वाली स्थिति ही मुख्य है। उसी के अनुसार जीवन की गति संचालित होती है। एक मनुष्य के मन में विश्वास जमा होता है कि 'पैसे की अधिकता ही जीवन की सफलता है।' वह धन जमा करने के लिए दिन-रात जुटा रहता है। जिसके हृदय में यह धारणा है कि ‘इंद्रिय भोगों का सुख ही प्रधान है’, वह भोगों के लिए बाप-दादों की जायदाद फूँक देता है। जिसका विश्वास है कि ‘ईश्वरप्राप्ति सर्वोत्तम लाभ है,’ वह और भोगों को तिलांजलि देकर संत का सा जीवन बिताता है। जिसे देशभक्ति की उत्कृष्टता पर विश्वास है, वह अपने प्राणों की भी बलि देश के लिए देते हुए प्रसन्नता अनुभव करता है। 

 जिसके हृदय में जो विश्वास जमा बैठा है, वह उसी के अनुसार सोचता है, कल्पना करता है और इस कार्य के लिए जो कठिनाईयाँ आ पड़ें उन्हें भी सहन करता है। दिखावटी बातों से, बकवास से, बाह्य विचारों से नहीं, वरन भीतरी विश्वास-बीजों से जीवन दिशा का निर्माण होता है।

 -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Direction of life"

Nowadays there is a general tendency to tell a lie, live a lie and behave like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Someone may be talking a lot about morals, righteousness or religious matters but his/her life could well beriddled with wrongdoings and selfish acts. The only thing that really matters is person’s deep-rooted beliefs. That is what decides the overall direction of life. Someone may have a firm belief that having lots of money is a sign of a successful life and would keep busy, day and night, amassing money. Someone else may have a notion that having sensual pleasures is the most important thing in the life and may squander away the family fortune in the pursuit of having such pleasures. Someone who strongly believes that realising God is the ultimate achievement of life may give up all the worldly pleasures and live a devout life like that of a saint. Someone who cherishes patriotism would happily sacrifice his/her life for the sake of the nation. 

The deep-seated beliefs of a person influence and shape his/her way of thinking and imagination. He/she would even endure any amount of difficulties that may arise along the way to realising them. It is not the pretended talks, gossips or the outward thoughts but the deep-seated inner beliefs of individual that actually decide the direction of his/her life. 

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"आत्मनिरीक्षण की आवश्यकता"

आत्मकल्याण के मार्ग पर चलने वाले को आत्मनिरीक्षण की प्रवृत्ति अत्यावश्यक है। इसका आशय यह है कि हमको विवेक के प्रकाश में अपने दोषों पर विचार करना और उनको दूर करने का प्रयत्न निरंतर करतेरहना चाहिए। इस प्रकार के आत्मनिरीक्षण बिना निर्दोषता की प्राप्ति हो सकना बहुत कठिन है।

- पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

"Self-introspection: A necessity"

Continual self introspection is necessary for anyone who wishes to be on the path of self-development.  This means that we must objectively examine our weaknesses and we must persevere in our efforts to mitigate them. Without such self-introspection, it is near impossible to rid ourselves of our weaknesses.

-Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya

"संगति"

एक विद्वान ने कहा है, “जल जैसी जमीन पर बहता है, उसका गुण वैसा ही बदल जाता है। मनुष्य का स्वभाव भी अच्छे-बुरे विचारों के लोगों की संगति के अनुसार बदल जाता है। इसलिए चतुर मनुष्य बुरे लोगों का साथ करने से डरते हैं, लेकिन मूर्ख व्यक्ति बुरे आदमियों के साथ घुल-मिल जाते हैं और उनके संपर्क से अपने आपको भी दुष्ट बना लेते हैं। मनुष्य की बुद्धि तो मस्तिष्क में रहती है, किंतु कीर्ति उस स्थान पर निर्भर रहती है जहां वह उठता-बैठता है और जिन लोगों या विचारों की सोहबत उसे पसंद है। आत्मा की पवित्रता मनुष्य के कार्यों पर निर्भर हैऔर उसके कार्य संगति पर निर्भर हैं। बुरे लोगों के साथ रहने वाला अच्छे काम करे यह बहुत कठिन है। धर्म से स्वर्ग की प्राप्ति होती है, किंतुधर्माचरण करने की बुद्धि सत्संग या सदुपदेशों से ही प्राप्त होती है। स्मरण रखिए कुसंग से बढ़कर कोई हानिकर वस्तु नहीं है तथा संगति से बढ़कर कोई लाभ नहीं है।”

पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,  

"Companionship"

A learned man has said: “Water acquires the quality of land upon which it flows”. The same way, the nature of man too, changes according to the company of people having good or bad thoughts. Therefore, wise men avoid contacts with bad people but foolish persons mingle with bad people and spoil themselves. A man’s wisdom depends on his brain, but his prestige and status usually depend upon his surrounding and choice of people. The sanctity of the soul is derived from a man’s deeds which are ultimately induced by the company he keeps. A person doing good in spite of bad company is very rare and difficult. Religion can take you to heaven, but wisdom for practicing religion is obtained from good company and sermons of learned men only. Please remember that nothing is more harmful than bad company and nothing is more beneficial than a good generous companionship.

Pt. Shriram Sharma Aacharya,

Imagination: A Necessity

To be influenced by emotions and imaginations, is a desirable characteristic of human brain. He can be considered an animal who remains satisfied with whatever situation he is thrown in, and does not feel a need to visualize rosy pictures of a glorious future. Wit or wisdom, in fact is a refined form of vision only. If you intend to start a business, your imagination will create a mental picture of your successful business with all minute details like: the benefits to be derived, places where customers are located, where to find the cheapest raw materials and best time to buy and store it, seasonal patterns of high and low sales volumes, etc. Thus, the entire business plan is visualized before starting the actual activity. With proper decision making skills and little refining based on experience, this mere imagination can be made into a grand successful project. But a mind without such imagination will keep on toiling hard in the rut of life, nothing more than that.

ज्ञान संचय

अनेक विचारों और जानकारियों का मस्तिष्क में भरना, बुद्धि बढ़ाने का एक आवश्यक उपाय है । छोटे बालक को यदि गंदी, बासी या छूत के रोग वाली मिठाई दे दी जाय, तो वह खा लेगा, चाहे उससे पीछे हानि ही क्यों न उठानी पड़े, किंतु बड़ा आदमी जिसे भोजन की विशुद्धता के संबंध में ज्ञान है, हानिकारक मिठाई को न खावेगा । गँवारों को उनके हित की बात बताई जाय तो भी उन्हें उल्टी लगती है । कारण यह है कि जिसे जानकारी नहीं है, वह उस संबंध में हित-अहित को न समझ सकेगा, फिर ठीक निर्णय तो कर ही क्या सकता है ? इसलिये जीवन की महत्त्वपूर्ण समस्याओं और आवश्यकताओं के संबंध में हमें अधिक से अधिक ज्ञान का संचय करना चाहिए । उत्तम पुस्तक पढ़ना, योग्य व्यक्तियों से पूछना और ज्ञानपूर्ण वातावरण में रहना अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त करने का मार्ग है । इन्हें अपनाने से बहुत लाभ हो सकता है ।

Accumulating Knowledge

Filling up mind with many thoughts and wide range of information is one essential way of increasing wisdom. If stale, rotten and spoiled sweet is offered to a child,  he will eat it irrespective of the danger and harms himself in the process.  But, a mature man aware of food hygiene will never eat a harmful sweet. A stupid will always think adverse only, even if you guide him for his own benefit, because he does not know what is right and what is wrong, so how can he decide? Therefore we should accumulate maximum knowledge about important issues and essential requirements of life. Reading books of high morals, enquiring with learned people and staying in the environment that encourages knowledge – are but a few of the available options which increase our wisdom and following them can do a great benefit to all of us.

कार्यस्थल की सुसज्जा

अपने काम में आने वाली वस्तुओं को साफ-सुथरा रखना, उन्हें सुंदर बनाना और सजाकर रखना यह भी एक छोटा मनोरंजक कार्य है, जिससे चित्त में प्रसन्नता की लहरें उत्पन्न होती हैं। गंदी, टूटी हुई और बेतरतीब पड़े हुए कागजों वाली मेज पर काम करने की अपेक्षा एक साफ-सुथरी, सुंदर और सुसज्जित मेज पर मन अधिक लगेगा, चित्त प्रसन्न रहेगा और काम अधिक एवं उत्तमता के साथ हो सकेगा ।

Keeping the workplace neat and tidy

The task of keeping all our things neat and clean and enhancing their looks is sort of fun. It really helps to cheer up our mood. We can focus our mind better; work more efficiently; and stay motivated when our desk is clean and tidy compared to the one which is rather dirty and messy, cluttered with piles of papers and broken things.

भूल

भूल से बुद्धि-विकास होता है। एक भूल का अर्थ है - आगे के लिए अकलमंदी। संसार के अनेक पशु भूल से विवेक सीखते हैं लेकिन मनुष्य उनसे बहुत जल्दी सीखता है। भूल का अर्थ है कि भविष्य मेंआप अपनी गलती नहीं दुहराएँगे। भूल से अनुभव बढ़ता है। संसार में व्यक्ति के अनुभव का ही महत्व है। अनुभव अनेक भूलों द्वारा अर्जित सद्ज्ञान है। भूल यदि दोहराई न जाय तो बुद्धि-विकास में बहुत सहायता करती है। महापुरूषों के जीवन में अनेक क्ष णऐसे आए हैं, जब वे भूलों के बल पर महान बने हैं।

- पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

Mistake

Mistakes in a way help us in developing our brainpower. A mistake may mean that we will learn from it and become sensible enough not to repeat it in the future. Many animals acquire their capacity to make better judgement by learning from their mistakes but human beings are the ones who learn lot faster. Making a mistake may mean that you will not let it happen again in the future. Mistakes help us gaining experience. And it is the experience of an individual that really counts anywhere in the world. Experience is actually the wisdom which we acquire by learning from mistakes. Mistakes could prove very helpful in developing our brainpower so long as we don’t let them happen ever again. Several great people have had many occasions in their lives when they did commit mistakesbut were quick to learn from them which helped them become great.

स्मरण शक्ति बढ़ाने का व्यायाम

कोई ऐसा एक रंगा चित्र लीजिए, जिसमें अनेक वस्तुएँ दिखाई पड़ती हों। सीनरी के चित्र इस कार्य के लिये अच्छे बैठते हैं। एक चित्र को एक मिनट ध्यान से देखिये, फिर एक कागज पर लिखिये कि उसमें क्या-क्या चीजें देखीं ? बाद में अपने लिखे हुए कागज और चित्र का मुकाबला करके देखिये कि आप क्या-क्या बातें लिखना भूल गए हैं? अब दूसरा चित्र लीजिए और उसे देखिए तथा पूर्ववत् उसमें देखी हुई चीजों को भी लिखिए, तत्पश्चात् परीक्षा कीजिए कि अबकी बार क्या छोड़ा गया ? एक चित्र एक बार ही काम में लेना चाहिए, क्योंकि दूसरी बार कोई चीज छूटना प्रायः कठिन है। एक दिन में दो-तीन चित्रों का अभ्यास काफी होगा। यह जरूरी नहीं है कि इतने चित्र खरीदें तभी काम चले। सचित्र पुस्तकों में अनेक चित्र आते हैं, ऐसी एक किताब में कई दिन का काम चल सकता है।एक मिनट का अभ्यास ठीक हो जाए तो फिर समय घटाना चाहिए औरधीरे-धीरे एक-दो सेकंड देखकर ही चित्र का पूरा विवरण लिखने का अभ्यास करना चाहिए।

एक रंग के चित्र के बाद बहुरंग चित्र का अभ्यास है। इसमें दीखने वाली चीजों का स्वरूप और रंग दोनों लिखते जाइये, यह दूसरा अभ्यास है। इसलिए आरंभ काल में देखने के लिए एक मिनट से कुछ अधिक समय भी लिया जा सकता है, फिर क्रमशः घटाते जावें। कुछ दिन लगातार चित्र दर्शन और लेखन का अभ्यास करने पर स्मरण शक्ति का काफी विकास हुआ मालूम होता है।

Exercise For Improving Memorizing Power

Take any monochrome (one-colored) picture having many items. Scenic pictures are most suitable for this task. Look at the picture for one minute. Now put it away and write a list of everything you saw in the picture. Then tally your list with the items in the picture to see what you missed out. Take another picture and repeat the exercise once again to check what you missed out.  Use a picture only once because it is less likely to miss out anything when you repeat the exercise using the same picture. Practicing this exercise on 2 or 3 pictures everyday should be more than enough. You don’t have to buy pictures to practice it. There are plenty of pictorial books available having several pictures. One of such book may go on for days. Once you start doing well in a one minute exercise, you should gradually reduce the time taken to observe the picture to 1-2 seconds in the end.

The second exercise involves studying multicolored pictures. You will have to write the description of both the colors and the appearance of the various elements in the picture. You can take more than a minute to start with but should again start reducing the time gradually. If you continue this practice of observing and noting down the description of the picture, you will soon notice that your memorizing power has improved significantly.

Buddhi Badhane Ki Vaigyanik Vidhi (The Scientific Approach to Enhance Wit and Wisdom)- Page 34"

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

निष्काम लोकसेवा ही पूजा

निष्काम सेवा करने से आप अपने हृदय को पवित्र बना लेते हैं। अहंभाव, घृणा, ईर्ष्या, श्रेष्ठता का भाव और इसी प्रकार केऔर सब आसुरी संपत्ति के गुण नष्ट हो जाते हैं। नम्रता, शुद्ध, प्रेम, सहानुभूति, क्षमा, दया आदि की वृद्धि होती है। भेदभाव मिटजाते हैं। स्वार्थपरता निर्मूल हो जाती है। आपका जीवन विस्तृत तथा उदार हो जाएगा। आप एकता का अनुभव करने लगेंगे।आप अत्यधिक आनंद का अनुभव करने लगेंगे। अंत में आपको आत्मज्ञान प्राप्त हो जाएगा। आप सब में 'एक' और 'एक' में ही सबका अनुभव करने लगेंगे। संसार कुछ भी नहीं है केवल ईश्वर की ही विभूति है। लोकसेवा ही ईश्वर की सेवा है। सेवा को ही पूजा कहते है।

                          - पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

Selfless Service is the only worship

Our heart is sanctified by selfless service. Ego, hatred, jealousy, superiority complex, and many such vicious feelings are destroyed. Humility, pure love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy and such virtues are developed. Prejudice and inequality vanish. Selfishness gets uprooted. The life becomes fulfilled and generous. You will feel united with consciousness and start enjoying the bliss. Ultimately you will attain self-realization and will start seeing one and the same consciousness prevailing in all. The world is nothing but only a manifestation of the Almighty God. Service to mankind is the service to God, and this is considered as nothing but worship only.

                -Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya

असफलता

लगातार असफल होने से आपको साहस नहीं छोड़ना चाहिए। असफलता के द्वारा आपको अनुभव मिलता है। आपको वे कारण मालूम होंगे, जिनसे असफलता हुई है और भविष्य में उनसे बचने के लिए सचेत रहोगे। आपको बड़ी-बड़ी होशियारी से उन कारणों की रक्षा करनी होगी। इन्हीं असफलताओं की कमजोरी में से आपको शक्ति मिलेगी।

असफल होते हुए भी आपको अपने सिद्धांत, लक्ष्य, निश्चय और साधन का दृढ़ मति होकर पालन और अनुसरण करना होगा। आप कहिए, ‘कुछ भी हो मैं अवश्य पूरी सफलता प्राप्त करूंगा, मैं इसी जीवन में नहीं इसी क्षण आत्मसाक्षात्कार करूंगा। कोई असफलता मेरे मार्ग में रूकावट नहीं डालसकती।’

प्रयत्न और कोशिश आपकी ओर से होनी चाहिए। भूखे मनुष्य को अपने आप ही खाना पड़ेगा। प्यासे को पानी अपने आप ही पीना पड़ेगा। आध्यात्मिक सीढ़ी पर आपको हर एक कदम अपने आप ही रखना पड़ेगा।

                              -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

Failures

You must not lose courage and stop making attempts when faced with constant failures. Failures can teach us a lot. You will be able to figure out the causes that led to the failure and will be able to take necessary precautions against them in the future. You will learn how to cleverly outwit the causes of the past failures. The failures can become a blessing in disguise and empower us with many essential capabilities.

When faced with any failure, you must strengthen your resolve and stick to your principles, goals, determination, the ways and the means. Say to yourself, “I will definitely be successful whatever it takes. I will realize my real potential—not tomorrow, not in the far future but this very moment. No failure whatsoever can ever stop me moving ahead.”

You will have to put in efforts and take initiative yourself. A hungry person will have to eat food himself to satisfy his hunger. A thirsty person will have to drink water himself to quench his thirst. The same rule applies to the field of spirituality as well in which the seeker will have to take every single step themselves to attain their own spiritual progress.

           -Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya,

"The Second Tenet of Self-refinement: Mastering Our Feelings

Continual self refinement needs us to suppress unwanted urges while simultaneously cultivating divine virtues. Anger, hatred, pride, greed, cruelty, and despair etc are just a few amongst the negative emotional urges. All of them should be uprooted slowly and steadily. One of the ways of getting rid of them is to develop the opposite tendencies in the form of patience, love, affection, encouragement, humility, compassion, and truthfulness etc. As we continue to develop these positive attributes, the unwanted patterns and impressions will

disappear on their own. Love one and all. Your enemies will disappear and your circle of friend will get bigger. Similarly, practicing patience, humility, and compassion will slowly and naturally eradicate all unwanted patterns and feelings.

           -Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya,

"आत्मनिर्माण की दूसरी साधना - भावनाओं पर विजय"

गंदी वासनाएँ दग्ध की जाएं तथा दैवी संपदाओं का विकास किया जाए तो उत्तरोत्तर आत्मविकास हो सकता है। कुत्सित भावनाओं में क्रोध, घृणा, द्वेष, लोभ और अभिमान, निर्दयता, निराशा अनिष्ट भाव प्रमुख हैं, धीरे-धीरे इनका मूलोच्छेदन कर देना चाहिए। इनसे मुक्ति पाने का एक यह भी उपाय है कि इनके विपरीत गुणों, धैर्य, उत्साह, प्रेम, उदारता, दानशीलता, उपकार, नम्रता, न्याय, सत्य-वचन, दिव्य भावों का विकास किया जाए। ज्यों-ज्यों दैवी गुण विकसित होंगे दुर्गुण स्वयं दग्ध होते जाएंगे, दुर्गुणों से मुक्ति पाने का यही एक मार्ग है। आप प्रेम का द्वार खोल दीजिए, प्राणिमात्र को अपना समझिए, समस्त कीट-पतंग, पशु-पक्षियों को अपना समझा कीजिए। संसार से प्रेम कीजिए। आपके शत्रु स्वयं दब जाएँगे, मित्रता की अभिवृद्धि होगी। इसी प्रकार धैर्य, उदारता, उपकार इत्यादि गुणों का विकास प्रारंभ कीजिए। इन गुणों की ज्योति से आपके शरीर में कोई कुत्सित भावना शेष न रह जाएगी।

                              -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

"महापुरूषों का जीवन प्रकाश"

आदमी मर जाता है, उसके साज-समान, महल, तिबारे टूट-फूटकर नष्ट हो जाते हैं, परंतु उसके जीवन का सार उपदेश और शिक्षाएँ वे अमर वस्तुएं हैं, जो युगों तक जीवित रहती हैं। इस पृथ्वी पर आज तक न जाने कितने व्यक्ति आए और मृत्यु को प्राप्त हुए, उनका नामोनिशान तक शेष नहीं बचा है, किंतु जिन विचारकों, तत्ववेत्ताओं और महापुरूषों ने अपने जीवन के अनुभव रखे हैं, वे आज भी मशाल की तरह हमें प्रकाश दे रहे हैं।

 

                              -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

"The Brilliance of Great Men"

A man dies and all his belongings – material objects, households and gadgets get gradually destroyed. But the essence of his life, his speeches and teachings are immortal which keep on existing for ages to come. Countless people came to the world and vanished without even leaving a trace behind, but those thinkers and great philosophers who expressed their thoughts of high moral are, like a torch, illuminating our lives even today.

           -Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya

"Development of intellect – the third tool for realizing self-development"

Development of intellect (i.e. wisdom or good judgement) imparts us an ability to make a distinction between right actions and wrong actions. It gives us wisdom to discriminate between what is right, auspicious or appropriate and what isn’t. There are four main means of accomplishing the development of intellect—satsanga (i.e. keeping in touch with or listening to enlightened people), reading, analytical thinking and (learning from) mistakes.

           -Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Aacharya,

"आत्मनिर्माण का तृतीय साधन - बुद्धि विकास"

'बुद्धि विकास' से सत्कर्म तथा दुष्कर्म का विवेक जाग्रत होता है। शुभ क्या है? अशुभ किसे कहते हैं? इत्यादि ज्ञान मनुष्य की बुद्धि के विकास द्वारा ही प्राप्त होता है। बुद्धि-विकास के चार प्रमुख साधन हैं - सत्संग, अध्ययन, विचार और भूल।

 

            -पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

"परिस्थितियों का रोना न रोयें"

लंबी-चौड़ी योजनाएँ बनाने की अपेक्षा अपने पास मौजूद साधनों को लेकर ही छोटे-मोटे कार्यों में जुट जाया जाए तो भी प्रगति का सशक्त आधार बन सकता है । परिस्थितियाँ अनुकूल होंगी - साधनों का बाहुल्य होगा, तब व्यवसाय आरंभ करेंगे, यह सोचते रहने की तुलना में अपने अल्प साधनों को लेकर काम में जुट जाना कहीं अधिक श्रेयस्कर है । काम छोटा हो अथवा बड़ा उसमें सफलता के कारण, साधन नहीं, अथक पुरुषार्थ, लगन एवं प्रामाणिकता बनते हैं । देखा जाए तो विश्व के सभी मूर्धन्य संपन्न सामान्य स्थिति से उठकर असामान्य तक पहुँचे । साधन एवं परिस्थितियाँ तो प्रतिकूल ही थीं, पर अपनी श्रमनिष्ठा एवं मनोयोग के सहारे सफलता के शिखर पर जा चढ़े । वे यदि परिस्थितियों का रोना रोते रहते तो अन्य व्यक्तियों के समान ही हाथ पर हाथ धरे बैठे रहते और संपन्न बनने की कल्पना में मन बहलाते रहते ।

पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,

"Avoid Wailing Over Circumstances"

Instead of making big plans, the utilization of available tools and working on whatever small tasks are on our hands, can provide a sound footing for progress. It is far better to plunge into work with minimum available resources, rather than waiting for comfortable situation and abundance of instruments. For any task, small or big, success does not depend on tools and resources, but untiring efforts, perseverance and honesty are the roots for success. If we see, all noble rich people of the world have risen from a very ordinary situation to the amazing level. Situations were always unfavorable and tools were limited, but with their sincere efforts and right attitude, they reached the pinnacle of success. Had they kept wailing over circumstances, they would have been sitting idle even today, pampering the mind in imagination of illusive riches. 

Pt. Shriram Sharma Aacharya,

"सदुपदेश की संगति"

जब आप सदुपदेशों की संगति में रहते हैं, तो गुप्त रूप से अच्छाई में बदलते भी रहते हैं, यह सूक्ष्म मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रक्रिया स्थूल नेत्रों से दीखती नहीं है, किंतु इसका प्रभाव तीव्र होता रहता है। अंततः मनुष्य उन्हीं के अनुसार बदल जाता है।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य,  

"Good Company of Sermons"

 

When you are exposed to sermons and good thoughts, silently, internally, you keep on changing towards nobility and humbleness. This is a psychological process working at micro level, not visible through physical eyes, but having a profound influence on our life style. Ultimately the man is molded accordingly.

Thought Power

Those who adopt good moral conduct in place of wicked conduct, achieve excellent life and longevity. They obtain physical and mental purity while being blessed with money and children. For the upliftment of the soul, the foremost requirement is the excellence of character.

Forgetting is also Important

It is not correct to think that God did an injustice by instilling in us a trait of forgetting past memories. No. He has intelligently designed our brain and its amazing capabilities. If we keep on storing old details in memory, at a point of time there can be no room for thinking about present activity. Therefore, the information stored on the surface today gradually sinks to lower level as time goes, making brain cells free for new data processing of day to day activity. In the same way as a wave on water surface moves ahead vacating the space for the succeeding wave that follows behind. This is a reason for forgetting old, past information.    

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

Selfless Deeds

When helping others becomes the only motive of a man, there does not remain a slightest fraction of any selfish desire. He gets extreme pleasure in charity and service of others. The service rendered without expecting any reward imparts a unique pleasure and joy. These selfless deeds provide tremendous spiritual power and internal strength.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

कला लोकरंजन ही नहीं, भावनाओं का परिष्कार भी करे

भावनाओं के विकास और परिष्कार में कला का अति महत्त्वपूर्ण उपयोग है । संगीत, गायन, वाद्य, अभिनय, नृत्य, चित्र, साहित्य आदि कला पक्ष भावनाओं को उभारने में बहुत सहायक होते हैं । इन दिनों इस पक्ष का दुरुपयोग भी बहुत हुआ है । कामुकता भडक़ाने और लम्पटता को प्रोत्साहित करने में आज के कलाकार, कलाप्रेमी और संचालक बुरी तरह जुटे हुए हैं । फलस्वरूप जन-मानस में आदर्शवादी उमंगें उठना बंद हो गई हैं और लोगों के मन मॉंसल रूप-विन्यास-श्रृंगार, यौन आकर्षण की अधोगामी चेतनाओं को अपनी आकांक्षा का केन्द्रं बनाकर शारीरिक और मानसिक स्तर पर दिनों-दिन अधिक पतनोन्मुख होते  चले जा रहे हैं । कला का यह प्रत्यक्ष दुरूपयोग ही है । इसे सरस्वती माता को वैश्या के स्तर पर ला खड़ा करने जैसी दुष्टता ही कहा जायेगा । 

कला की शक्ति महान है, वह मानवीय अन्त:करण को भाव-विभोर कर सकने और उसमें प्रस्तुत उच्च आस्थाओं एवं मान्यताओं को ऊर्ध्वनगामी बना सकने में समर्थ हैं । प्राचीनकाल में कला का उपयोग लोक-मानस में उत्कृष्टता का संचार करने वाली कोमल भावनाओं को तरंगित करने के लिए ही किया जाता था । कला भक्ति-रस के इर्द-गिर्द धूमती थी । आत्म-विज्ञान वेत्ता मनीषियों ने इसी प्रयोजन के लिए भक्ति रस का विशाल कलेवर खड़ा किया और उसके साथ कला के समस्त अंग-प्रत्यंगों को जोड़ा । मूर्तिकला, चित्रकला, कीर्तन, प्रभुस्तवन, वंदना, नृत्य, कथा, साहित्य आदि प्राचीनकाल के सारे कला प्रयास भक्तिरस का अभिवर्द्धन करने के लिए नियोजित थे । इससे अन्त:करण गुदगुदाने की भावनात्मक अभिव्यंजना का आनन्द भी मिलता था और आस्थाएँ एवं मान्यताएँ ही ऊर्ध्वहगामी बनती थीं । वास्तव में इस प्रकार के सोद्देश्य कला प्रयासों को ही सार्थक कहा जा सकता है ।

-पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य

Art Plays Important Role in Entertainment and Refining Emotions

Art plays an important role in both the development as well as evolution of human emotions. Music (vocal  &  instrumental), dance, acting, painting, literature etc. all play a significant role in invoking an emotional response. This emotional inducing aspect is being exploited these days. Many people who are involved in any way

with the various arts are exploiting by inducing lustful feelings.  As a result people are gradually moving further away from idealistic enthusiasm. The focus is more on external beauty and this is leading to a deterioration of human values, both physically as well as mentally. This is a brutal misuse of art. It is denigrating the pure

beauty, the reverence, and the idealism of Saraswati, the goddess of art.

The power of art is immense. This power can fill our hearts with positive sentiments and it is fully capable of uplifting us to the highest level of consciousness. In the past, art was inspired by

devotional sentiments. All the spheres of art such as sculpture, painting, recitation, prayers, dance, and literature had evolved from roots of religious devotion and reverence. This connection between art and spirituality was instrumental in increasing internal satisfaction, it helped in increasing happiness, and it helped in deepening our faith and perception. Art with such objectives has great meaning.

-Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

Freedom of choosing Krishna

Duryodhan and Arjun both went to Shree Krishna.
Prior to the Mahabharata war both Kauravas and Pandavas wanted to keep Krishna on their side.
Duryodhan went first and due to his ego sat near his head.
Then came Arjun and because of his humbleness, sat near his feet. Shree Krishna woke up and saw Arjun.
After greeting him, He was about to ask the reason for his visit, but Duryodhan spoke in between,” I have come first so I should have the first say”.
Shree Krishna was in two minds, he said “Arjun is younger of you two so he will get the priority, but I’ll fulfill your demand also.
On one end I am there and on the other my huge army.
Say Arjun what do you want? ”. There was freedom of choice, it depended on the intelligence as to who asks what – God’s grace or His opulence.
Arjun said, “I’ll choose you, even if you don’t fight and just remain with me.”
Duryodhan was too happy to hear this ‘foolish’ decision of Arjun and his joy knew no bounds after getting Shree Krishna’s army.
Not only did immoral Duryodhan lost the battle of Mahabharata to Arjun who had Gods support and weaponless Lord Shri Krishna but was also killed along with his brothers and friends.
Qualities of those like Duryodhan who chose the wrong path and like Arjun who chose to be on God’s side are both present in a human being- one can be called vivek or righteous intellect and the other can be called immoral intelligence.
To choose among them is one’s freedom.

Picture of opportunity

Once an artist displayed his paintings.
Several rich and famous people of the town came to see it.
A girl also came to see the paintings.
She saw a man portrayed in the last painting whose face was covered with hairs and who had wings attached to his legs.
Under the painting was written in big letters “opportunity”.
The painting was not very attractive so most people would move on without noticing it.
The girl’s attention was there on the painting from the beginning.
The girl went near the artist and asked,
“Why are the hairs covering the person’s face and the wings attached to his feet in the painting?”
To this the painter replied,”Daughter, this is painting of opportunity.
Since normally people can’t recognize it so I have covered its face so that at least people become curious to know who he is.
Wings are attached to his feet because opportunity which is there today won’t be there tomorrow and thus it should be grabbed before it flies off and utilized to maximum”.
The girl got the message and got engaged in making her destiny.
Time is life. Nobody has control over time.

Whatever we have Is It less ?

A saint was explaining with intense feelings, the results of taking the shelter of God and consequences of performing bad karma.
Among the audience was a dacoit who had planned to rob the saint and other prosperous listeners after the lecture was over.
But he got shaken from inside when he heard the life transforming stories of Ajamil, Ganika, Tulsidas and Bilva mangal.
The way the stories were narrated forced him to think over his own deeds and do self-introspection.
After the lecture ended, the dacoit fell into the feet of the saint and told him all his pervious sins and asked how to correct his behavior and follow the right path.
Those instructions changed his life. From then he started living a life centered on God, and the hole he had dug up with his sins, he started covering it with selfless social service.

Properly plan where you have to go

There was a rule on a land in which a person who was chosen as king from among common people, would have to go to a lone and barren island after serving the term for ten years.

So many kings had lost their lives in this manner.

Those who ruled became concerned at the end of their terms but then it would be too late for them.

Once, a wise man became king when no one else was willing to do so.

He had future at the back of his mind. He examined the island and started planting trees, making ponds and populating with people.

In ten years, that barren island had become a very beautiful place.

After his term as the king, he went there and started living happily.

Every one gets some days in life for free choice.

In this one who plans his present and future well lives life satisfactorily and happily as the wise king.

Whatever we have Is It less ?

A saint was explaining with intense feelings, the results of taking the shelter of God and consequences of performing bad karma.

Among the audience was a dacoit who had planned to rob the saint and other prosperous listeners after the lecture was over.

But he got shaken from inside when he heard the life transforming stories of Ajamil, Ganika, Tulsidas and Bilva mangal.

The way the stories were narrated forced him to think over his own deeds and do self-introspection.

After the lecture ended, the dacoit fell into the feet of the saint and told him all his pervious sins and asked how to correct his behavior and follow the right path.

Those instructions changed his life. From then he started living a life centered on God, and the hole he had dug up with his sins, he started covering it with selfless social service.

The secret of Success!!!

There is a story about a young man, who – like all young men – wants to become a millionaire. So, he goes to see a wise guru. “Meet me at the beach tomorrow at 4 am,” says the wise guru, “And I will reveal the secret to success.”

So the next morning, the young man shows up on the beach at 

4 am, wearing a suit and tie. The guru is already in the water and reluctantly, the young man wets his feet.

“Come out further,” the guru says.
“This is an expensive suit,” the young man replies, “I came here to learn the secret to success, not the secret to swimming.”
“The secret must be told in this water. It is your choice to learn the secret or not,” replies the guru.
So the young man goes waist-deep.
“Further,” the guru says.
So the young man wades deeper, until the water is up to his neck. 
“Now tell me the secret,” the young man demands.
“Sure,” says the guru, and suddenly forces the young man’s head under the water.
The fellow resists and tries to push the guru off, but can’t. Just before the young man loses consciousness, the guru pulls him back up and asks a question:
“When your head was under water, what did you want to do?”
“I WANTED TO BREATHE,” the young man sputters.
“When you want success as much you wanted to breathe just now, then, and ONLY THEN, will you have success.”

The difference between people who are successful in life and those who aren’t can be summed up in one sentence: Successful people are always willing to get their suits wet.

A ‘suit’ is just a metaphor for your comfort zone. A belief or an idea that you hold dear. Perhaps you wanted to become an artist but you were conditioned to think: artists can never make money. To earn my living, I must be a doctor or engineer.

So that’s what you do with your life. You might make a lot of money. You might even be seen as ‘successful’ by the world. But deep inside your heart you know. This isn’t what you wanted. And if you didn’t get to live your life the way you wanted to, how the hell can it be a success? You are merely sitting on the shore, watching the waves of possibility. You accepted the role of an ‘extra’, when you could have chosen to be a star. But it’s never too late, to rewrite the script. Because the movie that’s playing out is your life. If you want success, you need to start by asking yourself some tough questions. Here are five of the most important ones.

1. How much do I really want it?
So you daydream about how your life could be or should be. But then you snap out of it and come back to ‘reality’. 
That’s not good enough. Whatever your project, your plan, your idea – it must be a burning desire. You must want it so badly that it becomes a reality – at least in your own head.

When you hold a vision of that magnitude within you, it gives you courage. The courage you need to leave the safety of the shore, and wade into the unknown.

2. How far am I wiling to go?
You have a vision in your head, that’s great. But other people don’t see what you see. Can you deal with that?
The world is full of cynics and know-it-alls (and parents) who believe that things should remain just the way they are. You will have to turn your back on them all, knowing that you know better.

You have always been rewarded for ‘good behaviour’. Now, learn to seek out and stand up for your own good.

3. How long will I hold out?
Success doesn’t come in a day, in a month, or in a year. Rishis and munis stood on the mountain tops, on one leg, until Gods descended from the heavens.

Choose your mountain and choose which leg to stand on. Then be there, with utmost devotion and sincerity, for as long as it takes. That is tapasya – the passion for your work.

One day, you will open your eyes and ‘Success’ will be standing there, in front of you.

4. How does it make me feel?
Anything worth having takes blood, sweat and toil. But anything worth having also feels very good. And I don’t mean when you actually have it, but even as you sweat for it.

A life is enjoyed in its living, and not in some distant future moment of achievement. When you lose yourself in what you do, every moment is a luminous pearl.

Success is visible when you’ve strung all those pearls together, when the necklace is ‘complete’. But the process of creation is the real miracle.

5. How much further do you want to go?
You have name, fame, money, lifestyle and ‘success’ in your chosen field. Everything you ever dreamed of has come true, now what?
Yesterday you were nobody, today you have something to lose - your market cap, your popularity, your ‘price’ in the market.
The trouble is, the more you try to hang on to things outside of you, the more they weigh you down.
Success is ultimately about lightness of being. About peace and quiet, internal joy.

6. If you were to ‘lose it all’ – can you still preserve that state of mind?
Then you too will be a wise guru, beckoning young men and women into the water. To make their millions, then look back and laugh.
Because what you thought was ‘success’ is no big deal, after all.

Rashmi Bansal, Author