When you have several "causes"

[Aupmanyav]

Do you get mental peace that fast?

Yeah. Thanks to some meditation that I did years ago and found the switch. Now I just switch it on and off.

 

[Sharmaji]

Sharmaji,

1. Rewards from efforts at spirituality is measured partly out of true spiritual progress and partly from the eagerness expressed by the soul to make efforts in achieving progress. That is, you will get rewarded when you have made enough spiritual progress, but you will also be rewarded when you *try enough*.

2. While rewards do await to those who strive, it is important to keep in mind, such rewards do not come in 1 day! To some, it may take several years, to some others, it may take even longer... as in, decades. The karmic effects of one's karmas cannot be ruled out completely.

3. The most important point to keep in mind is *Keep at it!*. Strive in all possible ways, be a good human and a good sadhaka. Rewards will be thrown your way.

I feel the whole idea of Karma is something I have a lot to learn about, it’s what drove me away from Hinduism many years ago as I felt things that had happened to me were a punishment in the sense of the Abrahmic teachings, I try to do meditation regularly but it’s all taking a lot of time, there is so much anger inside of me that bursts out for no reason. I think I have to learn to simply accept my reality. Maybe I should read the scriptures more as I’ve been neglecting this practice too.

 

[Sharmaji]

I concur with this sentiment. Patience is lost these days, and some folks will just give up. Personally, I think it is the underlying subtle overtone from Abrahamism that we only have one life to live. This is because people identify with the individual ego/personality of this life, rather than the soul. Where you say 'decades' above, I would say 'lifetimes'.

When discussing this topic with my Guru, one of his observations was to look at frequency. So how frequently do you get angry, or upset, of have restless nights. If you can decrease the frequency of negative, and increase the frequency of the positive, you're gaining. In my view, this allows for the slow but sure change we are all looking for.

I’ve been told all my life to be more positive I just don’t know how when I’m so self sorry, it’s annoying everyone around me and I truly would like to change but a part of me is still living in the past even though that is so wrong.

 

[ajay0]

I feel the whole idea of Karma is something I have a lot to learn about, it’s what drove me away from Hinduism many years ago as I felt things that had happened to me were a punishment in the sense of the Abrahmic teachings, I try to do meditation regularly but it’s all taking a lot of time, there is so much anger inside of me that bursts out for no reason. I think I have to learn to simply accept my reality.

As Krishna says in the gita, "Equanimity of mind is yoga" and 'Yoga leads to skill in action.'

An agitated mind is obviously inefficient and one is bound to take poor decisions due to impulsiveness and reactivity.

Meditation may take time and perseverance, but it is bound to increase self-awareness, patience and nonreactivity in the long run, which can enhance one's professional and personal life.

Maybe I should read the scriptures more as I’ve been neglecting this practice too.

Scriptural study is an austerity recommended by Krishna in the Gita, and can enable you to remember or keep in mind fundamental points of wisdom through contemplation.

 

[Vinayaka]

I’ve been told all my life to be more positive I just don’t know how when I’m so self sorry, it’s annoying everyone around me and I truly would like to change but a part of me is still living in the past even though that is so wrong.

I did prayaschitta, focusing on it, and it truly helped.

 

[Sharmaji]

As Krishna says in the gita, "Equanimity of mind is yoga" and 'Yoga leads to skill in action.'

An agitated mind is obviously inefficient and one is bound to take poor decisions due to impulsiveness and reactivity.

Meditation may take time and perseverance, but it is bound to increase self-awareness, patience and nonreactivity in the long run, which can enhance one's professional and personal life.



Scriptural study is an austerity recommended by Krishna in the Gita, and can enable you to remember or keep in mind fundamental points of wisdom through contemplation.

Are there any scriptures apart from the usual ones you would suggest me? As for meditation I know it’s the key to everything, it’s how Mahakaal transcended everything I just wish I would be more disciplined at doing it.

 

[Sharmaji]

I did prayaschitta, focusing on it, and it truly helped.

What exactly were your acts of penance?

 

[Vinayaka]

What exactly were your acts of penance?

kavadi

 

[Sharmaji]

kavadi

Okay that’s not something I would ever do.

 

[Vinayaka]

Okay that’s not something I would ever do.

I think you have to do something with some actual intensity to it. Before that, on 6 separate occasions, I did 108 prostrations in front of Murugan. (the God I most closely associate with prayaschitta) I was working with a particular area of my mind I was still reacting to. Bu after a few months, I felt that it wasn't working. Hence the more intense experience. But intensity varies with the individual as well, so some other things might work for you. There are lots of strategies employed in my sampradaya. I'll link you to a book that explores 10 different ones.

Himalayan Academy Publications - Life Skills for Hindu Teens

It's written for youth, but could easily be used by adults too. Put into short story format to illustrate each strategy, it shows various things you can use to stabilize the mind, or get more positive.

 

[Sharmaji]

I think you have to do something with some actual intensity to it. Before that, on 6 separate occasions, I did 108 prostrations in front of Murugan. (the God I most closely associate with prayaschitta) I was working with a particular area of my mind I was still reacting to. Bu after a few months, I felt that it wasn't working. Hence the more intense experience. But intensity varies with the individual as well, so some other things might work for you. There are lots of strategies employed in my sampradaya. I'll link you to a book that explores 10 different ones.

Himalayan Academy Publications - Life Skills for Hindu Teens

It's written for youth, but could easily be used by adults too. Put into short story format to illustrate each strategy, it shows various things you can use to stabilize the mind, or get more positive.

Thank you so much. During my youth I removed myself from Hinduism and went into a different direction hence I don’t know much about it. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

[Vinayaka]

Thank you so much. During my youth I removed myself from Hinduism and went into a different direction hence I don’t know much about it. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

The book is a free download. I'd be curious as to what you think of it.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I’ve been told all my life to be more positive .. but a part of me is still living in the past even though that is so wrong

Now, who is this enlightened person who knows the future? I too will like to meet him/her. You make your own life. Tear apart the fetters. Decide not to look back at past. You can't change it.

 

[Sharmaji]

Now, who is this enlightened person who knows the future? I too will like to meet him/her. You make your own life. Tear apart the fetters. Decide not to look back at past. You can't change it.

You’re right. Hinduism tells us to not look at the past but to live in this moment. Last week I finally let go of what had been haunting me for so long. I think I can finally come alive again.