Concluding values to find some headspace.

The journey of life can be a little bit like a rollercoaster ride, sometimes elating and sometimes we are on the downward pull.   We can feel a little overwhelmed at times, at thoughts that arise or at the world that surrounds us or situations within the community or family.   We might want things to be different than they are now, the mind may be overwhelmingly negative or busy.   Looking into these values ​​is going to help you make a roller coaster ride into a peaceful boat ride on a gentle river.   Remember life is beautiful - a gift and a great opportunity to self explore and become joyful and aware of the beauties that are inside and all around us.   There is no moment that should be lost.

In the last two posts we have looked into some of the values and here are the last ones given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna as he stands on the battlefield, that battlefield symbolic of our daily struggles and what we go through. 

Understanding the nature of the human existence - This is having a realistic view of our life span - death is certain for one who is born, but there can be no knowing of when this will come, and if we reach old age probably disease will also visit.   Acknowledging the realities but still marveling at life takes a certain attitude.   We should endeavor to be alive to the fullest each moment, and make it work towards the greatest discovery of the true self; which lies beyond these limitations.

Freedom from ownership - We do not own anything because we are not the author of anything - we are not the creator alone, we are here but what did we bring with us?   We achieve nothing by ourselves.   We may have a few things but we do not own them.   We may make a pot of clay, but where did the clay come from?   Everything is given.

Developing an attitude of caring but without attachment - we have people in our lives, they may be a partner, friend, child or other family member, we should remember that we do not own them - they are free in their own entities.  Try to let go of any ideas of control, take good care of them but let them be free. 

Equanimity of mind - keeping our poise when we are in a situation that we can consider good or bad or good or bad company.   Being contented in success or in failure or in essence the attitude of a karma yogi; that the result of our actions is not in our hands so we are happy with what is given even though this may be different than our intention.

Devotion - Keeping our hearts and minds set on a higher awareness, or a greater force, will prevent the ego from growing.   We need to find what works for us, to what should we be devotional.   That only you can find by practice and enquiry and from not following blindly.

Absence of craving for company - know that you can be happy by yourself.   Craving to be with others can also be an escape from taking the time to look at yourself.

Study and seeing the self - by looking into the teachings and by constant self observation, see the truth about yourself or at least start to delve into it on a journey of discovery.   Find that you are profoundly beautiful and limitless, keep these in mind and enjoy them in contemplation.

I have these values ​​pinned on the door to my meditation space; reading through them is a great way to let them settle with you.   Consider them and settle with them, allow them to take some space within you and become comfortable with them.   Notice how you feel and to how you are reacting to situations that arise around or within you with these values in mind.

Take care of yourselves because you are a very precious part of life

Wishing you beautiful days

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti

Mangala / Nicky

Recommended reading - The Teaching of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Dayananda.

Values for a calm and abiding mind continued

In the last posting we looked at five values ​​mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita to be able to maintain or work towards a calm and abiding mind.  A mind that is peaceful and free from reactions from the world around us and the actions or words of others or our own ignorance when it rises.   A mind that is suitable then to start to dive inward and begin to understand the nature of the true self and go beyond the limitations of the limited self.   In any case no matter how deeply you want to dive or if you want to just dip your toes in, these values ​​are priceless nuggets of wisdom that can help reduce the things that bother us, by acknowleding them and taking them on board we become stronger and more contented.    Instead of worrying about small things; that in our minds and through our imagination can turn into bigger things, we become more contented and can spend more time feeling the life that is around us and feeling the life that is within us.    And that life is beautiful, so let your consciousness expand by taking a look at these values ​​and by applying them see your pleasantness increase!

In the last post we mentioned - absence of pride, unpretentiousness, non-injury, accommodation to others and straightforwardness.   This time we look at -

Serving the teacher or Guru - here the Gita says for you to completely surrender yourself to the teacher so you can receive knowledge.   This does not mean that you surrender your intellect blindly and accept whatever you are told.   You can not fill a full cup - you have to empty yourself so you can be filled.   This does not mean you are open to exploitation, you still have to make your own decisions and choices, but readiness to serve the teacher represents and cultivates the right attitude.

Purity - You maintain cleanliness both inside and outside your body, your clothes, your house etc., all kept clean by being alert about yourself.   And by being alert about yourself this helps to cleanse the mind.

Steadfastness - Whatever you are called upon to do by your family, society, countrymen or humanity, you do, holding your mind steady.   It is our duty and we do it with good intent and enthusiasm.   The results of your action are not your doing, that lies with a higher force, accept them and move on.

Self-Restraint - mastery over the mind, trying to not let the ignorant mind gain control over the wise mind.   Be aware of your thoughts and do not let negativities rise upward; a wise man sees everything as an opportunity.   Do not get involved with gossiping or talking negatively about anyone.  Try not to be misled by your own thoughts, we can constantly observe our thoughts and feelings, be aware of them but be unattached to them and know that all things pass, nothing is permanent.

Dispassion towards sense objects - know that the pleasures of the world do not bring happiness; happiness lies internally not externally or with objects.   Try not to be a slave to the sense organs and get caught up in advertisements, and our own likes and dislikes.   One who is not caught up with the fancies of the mind has dispassion towards worldy things and can remain unaffected if one has them or not.

Absence of Egoism - we never achieve anything by ourselves there are always a number of factors, people and considerations that help us achieve anything, remembering this reduces the ego.

We will look at the remaining values ​​in the next posting.   For now, with a peaceful, abiding mind, without wants and with a pure, steadfast mind, have beautiful days.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Mangala / Nicky

Values for a calm and abiding mind from the Bhagavad Gita.

In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krisna lists twenty values ​​for living, to gain a peaceful abiding mind that is suitable for gaining knowledge of the true self.   I have these pinned on the door of my meditation space, go over them everyday and I am grateful to have them as reminders to try and keep that naughty mind leveled and myself grounded.   The vasanas (thought waves) can become tsunamis if we do not keep observant of  them and keep aware of them so as they are just small waves that we can manage.   I am finding it helpful to have these reminders at my heart, and to keep in touch with them so as to let go of what no longer serves and allow space for love and keeping us with ourselves.

1.    Absence of pride - a proud person demands respect and expects others to recognize them for their qualities because they feel insufficient without recognition.   We can not be happy with respect that comes from demand. Be humble.

2.    Unpretentiousness - someone who presents themselves as something other than what they are creates problems for themselves.  If you tell a number of lies then you have to remember them all to keep on the right foot.    If you speak the truth then you need not pose.

3.    Non-injury - One life depends on one another   How can you hurt something that is part of yourself?   One that respects the sanctity of creation and does not consciously hurt anything in action, thought and deed is practicing ahimsa - nonviolence.

4.    Accommodation to others - If we are constantly wanting to make somebody  different, we are always disappointed.   Accept that we are all part of the world, somebody may not be in the right place or time to change.  There are not good and bad people, just happy and miserable people, we are a mixed bag of folk.   Accept each other and this will take a large part of your problems away.

5.    Straightforwardness - when thought, word and deed are in harmony with each other then this makes you a straightforward person.   Be aware of the mind that is the most tricky part, if you act in a certain way and say some things but the mind is thinking about the opposite then you are only a cheating yourself, be aware of what parts of the mind need working on.

Sometimes we may want to use or use harsh words and this may make us feel more powerful for a moment, but remember that these words have to flow through your heart, do you really want to add toxins and pollute the place which could be full of love and joy?

We will continue with the next 5 instructions in the next posting, for now have beautiful, straightforward, non-violent, accommodating, unpretentious and humble days.

Love and light to the heart

Mangala / Nicky

Yogi Winter Bean Stew

Now the cold season is here, those hearty wholesome winter warmers can comfort and strength

Plant foods contain dramatically higher amounts of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins; when we eat we are unified with the environment and each other. I often wonder how many people have been involved in planting seeds to harvest, to food on my plate. I am looking for gratitude to those people and I am now consuming the mighty Sun for providing the energy for the seeds to grow and the energy to which I am now consuming. Our food produces energy that drives our body, but we also think of our thoughts and emotions, which in our lives may be a little less passionate. By eating well and the right foods we can pick ourselves up and be enthusiastic and full of vitality again. 

Here is a simple little winter warmer that I love and find wholesome, comforting and warming. I am very good at working with others, and I am very good at it. But here are the ingredients for your own taste.

In a saucepan add -

A generous helping of olive oil.

A knob of unsalted butter (or pure organic ghee)

Coriander

turmeric

Cinnamon

A little black pepper

Ginger

Put on the low heat, allow the butter to melt and the spices to mix

Add -

Fresh chopped tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes mixing with the butter and spice mix.

Add -

Some water - just enough to cover the tomatoes and continue to cook on a low heat.

When simmering Add -

Kidney beans - (or any preferred beans)

A handful of masoor dhal - pre-washed

Chopped zucchini

2 chopped carrots

Keep simmering for about 20 minutes.

Add a handful of fresh herbs - I like to add rosemary and mint

A splash of lemon juice.

Simmer for a further couple of minutes.

Allow to cool a little before serving with rice or chapatti and a dollop of fresh pure organic natural yoghurt.

And enjoy - if you are eating alone, then eat in silence with any other distractions and eat mindfully tasting each mouthfull. If you are with family and friends then enjoy together and talk about uplifting things while eating. Make sure you are comfortable while eating and chew well. Going for a little walk after your meal will also help with the digestion process.       

And when you are preparing your food send a little love into it and it will warm your heart!

Simple eating but High thinking!

Have beautiful warm and cozy days

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Mangala / Nicky