The problem should not be how to live glamorously so that you make others envy you, but, how to live gloriously or better still, how to die gloriously! So gloriously that you are not put to the humiliation of dying again. When you know that thieves have broken into your neighbor's house, you become extra-cautious and every night, before you retire, you examine every lock and bolt in the house. When you know that death has carried away a victim for the house next door, why do you not examine yourselves whether you are equipped to meet it, when it comes to you.
Devotion, dedication and discipline toward God alone can instill within the gift of Self Confidence. We are fearful at all times not because we are ashamed of our “Self”. No! We are all aware within our hearts of how much we stray from our “Self”. That awareness of straying makes one experience smallness in front of the truth that the Self is at all times. Straying from the “Self”…becoming acceptant to the way of straying…being comfortable with it and then looking for company or friends that too stray and hence accept the straying…is not a true way of life. True Self Confidence is when one is fully and completely devoted to the truth. The self confident one dedicates his every moment of life toward that truth and utilizes that strength to keep all straying at bay. For him discipline is not a restriction or controlled behavior for a period of time. Discipline is his sincere resolve to his devotion and loyal companionship to his dedication. Self Confidence is not an introduction toward worldly success…it is an introduction to one’s soul with whose strength he handles whatever that comes along his way with equal mindedness and with equal spirit. You have failed only because you have strayed from devotion, dedication and discipline. And that failure is graded by only those eyes that have failed themselves and strayed from their “Self”. Be brave! Those that have fallen will surely rise…and those that have risen will surely find the need to pick up those that are about to fall. Yes! You can love your “Self”. You can dedicate your life to it. You must not sway from that sincere resolve…you must be “Self Confident”. You must wipe both the pictures of hell and heaven…and then wiping them both you must walk ahead. It is time to find God within your love, your effort and your sincere attitude.
We all have a mind that is unique to our own nature that we believe in and follow. Naturally then, the way we use our intelligence is also individualized. Now to take that mind with the individualized intellect toward the heart will also be different for every being. It may appear that our goal is the same but realize that even with the closest one with a similar interest you are walking on two different roads…toward maybe the same goal.Do not be frustrated between differences that you encounter in life. Every difference is only data for you to think deeper and reach the common source i.e. the Self (or the Atma) within.If you are afraid of differences then you will develop a fear to think rationally. We have to be stable and peaceful when we encounter differences.Some differences are highly undesirable. They give rise to fear and pain. But realize that you can get over that too. You do not need to adapt to the differences if your principles do not allow it. But you can always find a higher love that will allow you to patiently tolerate the difference.Most worries arise because we dread meeting with differences. Let us try not to think too hard. Let us also not try to assert ourselves forcefully. Let us not play mind games with each other. Let us learn to listen patiently. Let us learn to speak timely. Let us turn toward peace!Sometimes you may find someone that thinks like you. Sometimes you may find someone that makes you think. Sometimes you think and immediately disagree with it. Sometimes you think high. Sometimes you think low. Sometimes we encounter a difference within our own selves and sometimes we experience a difference with another’s mind. Yes! There are differences…there will be differences both within and without. But in the midst of them all we will all learn the important lesson that to surface above all differences depends upon how quickly one can connect with his heart. Those that can reach pure love within themselves will be able to survive the tremors.
Just like the feet hold the weight of the entire body - the wisdom of truth holds the weight of the divine entity within
You must use all the talents awarded to you, in a prayerful and humble mood. Until then, you have no right to seek the help of the Lord, His intervention. When the anguish of a devotee's heart is expressed as a cry or a groan or a sigh, the Lord is as far only as that sound could reach; He rushes to the rescue. His ear is always on the alert to listen to the cry of His children.
People pray to God to relieve them from pain, grief and loss, to confer on them wealth, health and strength; but, if you develop an intimate attachment to Him and make Him yours, He will manage to give you all that you need. Do not demean the relationship into bargaining; give me this, then I shall give you this in exchange; if you insist on wages, you become a servant. Become His own. He is providing for the idler, the insane, the shirker; can He not provide for you?
Of what profit is it to plaster all the wall space in your home with the pictures of Swami, when He is not installed in your heart? You declare that He moves, from inside, every thought, word and deed; you cry out, "Swami, are you not aware of my grief?", you do not cry out, "Swami, are you not aware of my errors?" There you dare hide from me, as if I do not know! Such devotion is just show, arranged for exhibition only.
The Lord, Himself, has paved your path. It is His Divine Will that chooses your companion for every length of this life.
