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
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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
Put Social Welfare Above Spirituality
One of the reasons why I was thrilled to receive the invitation to write for this column is its name, Sacred Bull. I love it. So in my first piece let me talk about two great men who in a somewhat similar style challenged the status of the sacred. The first was Confucius, who said, “To give one’s self earnestly to the duties due to men and while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, this may be called wisdom”. Why does Confucius suggest that we keep aloof from spiritual … [Read more...] about Put Social Welfare Above Spirituality