Swami Tejomayananda
Knowledge finds divinity
In my previous columns, I have written about the meaning of education and knowledge, the difference between the two and how education is the means to the end (knowledge) and not the end itself. Some misconceptions were dealt with and removed. Now, let us consider the highest knowledge — the Vision of Oneness.
Mantra to live happily
Knowledge should bring about inner transformation in a person. There should be a positive change, a blossoming of the personality. Such a transformation can happen only with true knowledge, the discovery of Truth. Knowledge of the Truth transforms a person, whereas mere information does not. It is sad that although we talk of quality education, the quality of our life has not changed.
Find key to knowledge
The words education and knowledge have many meanings — their literal meaning, a general meaning as understood by common people and the interpretation given in the scriptures. Generally, education is understood as schooling. Learning of the three R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic) is understood as basic education.
Live your values
Everyone admits the importance of values and a value-based life. There are no two opinions about this. The only problem is that when we are face to face with the ground realities, we find that it is not so easy to put our lessons on values into practice. The problem remains the same from student to adult life — students know that they should
Who’s dynamic: Ram or Ravan?
The word “dynamism” is such that the moment we hear it we feel kindled within. When we see a person who is overactive or hyperactive, we feel s/he is very dynamic. When someone walks very fast, we think his/her gait is suggestive of their inherent dynamism. Or sometimes, when someone speaks with force, we say that s/he is a dynamic person.
Happiness is a serious matter
At an informal gathering, someone asked me: “How do we have fun in life?”
“By being serious”, I said rather seriously, because the pursuit of happiness is a serious matter. A superficial approach to anything leads one to trouble. So “eat, drink and be merry” is a shallow view of life. Only deeper enquiry will take us to the truth.
Seeds of inspiration
At the onset of Baisakhi, a festival celebrated widely in Punjab to mark the beginning of the new harvest season, one is bound to question the need for festivals and their significance.
First, let’s analyse the need for these religious festivals.
Why good people suffer
“Why do good people suffer or why do bad things happen to good people?” This question seems to be very common these days. It seems as though the good people get the brunt of all suffering while the evildoers enjoy life. But if we observe closely we see that everyone undergoes suffering in some form or the other. Keeping this in mind, our question becomes meaningless. Just because a person is good does not mean there would be no suffering in his/her life.
Connecting with God
In my last article, I had dealt with the existence of God. Once we know and accept that He exists, the next question is how do we “realise” Him.
Each one of us is endowed with three powers — the powers of knowing, desiring and acting. It is only when we become aware of our potential powers that desires arise and we want to possess, create or become something. Knowledge creates desire and this in turn becomes the motivating power behind all actions. The source for all this is the infinite potential within us. Our scriptures refer to this potential as “God”.
Does God exist? Yes.
In the present age of Internet, technology and information explosion it may interest one to know that there is even more information on one topic — God. Even God would be surprised and amused at this! God reigns supreme, whether or not we believe in His existence. The atheists endorse it by not believing and the believers by surrendering to God.
