In the last piece I spoke of how Buddha’s teachings can be summed up in three parts: Sila, morality; Samadhi, concentration; and panna, intuitive wisdom and how Sila is the bed rock of spiritual growth. Let us examine Samadhi, concentration now. It means fullness with which we observe phenomenon. In order to cultivate such concentration and see that it does not get uprooted we need to build five protections or nuggahitas. The first is Sila Nuggahita- It is morality’s protection against gross … [Read more...] about Overpower will with knowledge
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The clash between good and evil
In the last piece I spoke of how Character is born when self interest struggles with concern for the other. Let us go through this story from The Devil and Miss Prym to see how this struggle happens. Even though Ahab (the evil one) had begun to sharpen his knife the moment Savin ( the saint) set foot in his house, safe in the knowledge that the world was a reflection of himself. He was determined to challenge the saint and so he asked him: "If tonight, the most beautiful prostitute in the … [Read more...] about The clash between good and evil
Sincerity is a path to attain godliness
In the last few pieces I have proposed that why the path of wisdom is a surer and more enriching path to spirituality. Let me now present what are the ways to develop this wisdom and how it can then take you to bliss (ananda). The first pillar of wisdom is virtue. And the foundation stone of this pillar is sincerity. One of the foremost votaries of sincerity, who was also perhaps its keenest student, was Confucius. Sincerity in the Confucian meaning has three fragments. The first and … [Read more...] about Sincerity is a path to attain godliness
Sharpen your mind to achieve success
In the last piece we discussed that the highest and most enriching path to spirituality is through the mind. This stands to reason. Because like happiness, spiritual bliss also is a state of mind. So it is no wonder if mind holds the key to spiritual experience. Let us try to understand this. The greatest of ancient scholars classified love in to three types. Agape- which is love that is independent of your liking or disliking. This is unconditional love e.g. the love that Jesus speaks of when … [Read more...] about Sharpen your mind to achieve success
Belief must stand the test of wisdom
In my last two pieces I discussed how an overemphasis on spirituality can dilute action and how the so called spiritual gurus, often unknowingly, take you on a make-believe ride and make you miss life. Misdirected religion and spirituality can engender another problem. It can tie you up in rituals and superstition. You lose the power of differentiating the eternal teachings (Sanatana Dharma) from the temporal recommendations (Yug Dharma). For example Geeta says that you should resist evil and … [Read more...] about Belief must stand the test of wisdom
Chasing a Mirage Called Spirituality
Last week, I wrote about how too much focus on the sacred (spiritual) dilutes action. The blind pursuit of the spiritual also has other undesired effects. Let us see what these are. Alfred Hitchcock was once traveling by car with a friend. He suddenly pointed out of the car window and said, "That is the most frightening sight I have ever seen." His companion was surprised to see nothing more alarming than a priest in conversation with a little boy, his hand on the child's shoulder. "Run, little … [Read more...] about Chasing a Mirage Called Spirituality