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Swami Tejomayananda

It is better not to come under their sway because then we are unable to live the knowledge we have understood from the scriptures.

Mystic Mantra: We must rise above likes and dislikes

The best way of overcoming likes and dislikes is to remain steadfast in the performance of one’s own duty — svadharma.

15 Feb 2020 6:23 AM

The vasana “seed” can be destroyed by diligently working on oneself. Through repeated practice, our divine fragrance will emerge and eventually the dust of unhealthy habits created by desires is brushed off. (Photo: Pixabay)

Mystic Mantra: Understand harmful habits and change!

The subtle, imperceptible residue that persists in the mind is called a vasana.

31 Jan 2020 2:26 AM

Effortlessly give up all pleasures, name, fame, power, relationships, wealth, objects and attachments if they obstruct spiritual progress. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Total surrender needed for peace

Vibhisana left Lanka with the firm conviction that the Lord would protect and shelter him.

17 Jan 2020 7:41 AM

Let us understand that we are born in this world and have to live our own lives. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: All you need is common sense!

Also remember that — if we do what we need to do, then one day we will be able to do what we want to do.

03 Jan 2020 6:39 AM

In addition to a year that is beautiful and joyful, we should wish for our loved ones a year that is auspicious — shubhamand joyful. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Bring fresh outlook and vision to New Year

It is only when we seek and work for something greater, higher and nobler that we can accomplish a qualitative change in our life.

20 Dec 2019 1:36 AM

The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the essence of all the Upanishads.

Mystic Mantra: The glory of the Bhagavad Gita

The background, setting and atmosphere of the Upanishads were very different.

06 Dec 2019 2:44 AM

Some people are attached to gross objects like food; others pursue the subtler joys of literature, music, and art.

Mystic Mantra: The mind is the human body’s software

The body is similar to the hardware and the mind is like the software of a computer.

22 Nov 2019 2:44 AM

The senses see objects in the present; the mind focuses on the past; and the intellect plans the future.

Mystic Mantra: When desire arises, we must be vigilant

The intellect has the ability to plan, think and improvise; it also knows how to improve upon previously experienced pleasures.

25 Oct 2019 12:55 AM

On the other hand, religious festivals not only give us occasions for merrymaking, but also present us with a noble, divine vision. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Why religious festivals are so important

The Sanskrit word for entertainment, manoranjana, means delighting/entertaining the mind.

10 Oct 2019 12:11 AM

Wisdom is in not having expectations from anyone, because the only one we can truly depend upon is the Lord — our sole well-wisher and friend.

Mystic Mantra: Clear vision dictates sound action

The centre of everyone’s sympathy, she remained completely unfazed.

27 Sep 2019 6:29 AM

The desire that should be considered an enemy is the desire for more sensual pleasures, indulgence and gratification of the senses. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Less is more - Beware the trap of material desire

The desire for realisation of Truth, for Liberation, or for God, is also a desire, which will cause some agitation, until it is fulfilled.

12 Sep 2019 12:23 AM

Our spiritual practices are meant to integrate all these three. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Integrate action, emotion and thought

Emotion is a power that influences our entire life.

16 Aug 2019 5:31 AM

Mystic Mantra: The glory of Krishna’s flute

Hollow and empty, the flute does not produce any sound of her own.

02 Aug 2019 12:14 AM

An expression of devotion cannot be measured in terms of material or financial values

Mystic Mantra: The inherent power of worship

True worship is an expression of one’s devotion, reverence and gratitude to someone from whom one has gained immensely.

19 Jul 2019 12:05 AM

The Bhagavad Gita itself portrays mastery with the apt comparison of a turtle who has the ability to withdraw its limbs, into its hard shell, the moment it senses danger.

Mystic Mantra: Are you in command?

Physically restraining the body but allowing the mind to dwell on various pleasures can lead to dire consequences.

05 Jul 2019 12:10 AM

Narada Bhakti Sutra defines devotion as “supreme love for God”.

Mystic Mantra: Love is the essence of devotion

Even without doing any of these things (puja, prayers and chants), the heart should be full.

21 Jun 2019 3:13 AM

If we accept that in the world of maya, nothing is impossible, then going further, there will be no surprises in life.

Mystic Mantra: Maya belongs to God - ‘Maya O Maya’

Life teaches us to be prepared for all contingencies.

07 Jun 2019 12:19 AM

Values are permanent, but valuables are impermanent.

Mystic Mantra: In life, care less for the transient, seek the eternal

When Angulimal saw the Buddha, he was surprised because the Buddha was calm and collected and had no fear.

29 May 2019 1:00 AM

The beauty of the air is that we all breathe at the same time and yet there is no competition.

Mystic Mantra: Enrichment - Between our outer & inner lives

Deep within, each one knows what to do, but when it comes to action, we hold back.

10 May 2019 12:45 AM

Through the message of the Bhagavad Gita, we receive advice and direction at all times — for all times. (Photo: AFP)

Mystic Mantra: The Gita — Applicable to all times

Despite all our intelligence or accomplishments, we have experienced situations in which we realise the importance of the right direction.

26 Apr 2019 12:35 AM

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Sanjeev Ahluwalia