Dialogue with Guru

The power of conviction

We should at least have the requisite viveka (wisdom) not to be mislead by others. We must possess the requisite inner strength to counter pressures from others. We must have the self-confidence to prove our discoveries as authentic. We must have the courage to fight against injustice. We must be perseverant enough to stick to our chosen ideal path. Struggle not escapism; hardwork and vigour and not compulsion, is the true definition of a man.

Arise, awake and stop not, till the goal is achieved.

If determination is strong, then the journey does not stop until the goal is achieved even if the path leading to the desired goal is strewn with thorns, instead it (the journey) is accomplished sooner as the thorns promote the pace of one’s strides.

The flow of pure thoughts

We must always live with the following spirit:

1. Those pure thoughts that have ennobled me, boosted my self-confidence and have continuously propelled me on the path of struggle and perseverance, I am sure they will awaken each and every individual of the country as well and thus, will increase the self-esteem of the nation. In this way, our country will touch the pinnacle of success and shall lead the world.

2. Thoughts are our greatest strength, sublime thoughts save me from performing any evil actions. These sublime thoughts equip me with necessary strength to fight against adversities and difficulties. With the power of thoughts and determination, I will transform every defeat into victory and emerge stronger from every difficult situation whatsoever. Life is like a farm and thoughts are like the seeds sown in it. As our thoughts, so will be our personality, behaviour, attitude and conduct.

The flow of divine and pure thoughts is life; whereas any hindrance in the flow of such thoughts is death. We can live through our thoughts for ages to come.

The internal language of our silent thoughts and sentiments can be experienced from the reaction of others.

Every thought is a cause, and every situation a result. It is a fact that whatever you do unto others, is what you do to yourself. Purity of thoughts is indeed the

mahavrata: Of non-violence, truth, etc. This purity itself stands for morality, spirituality and humanity.

The impurities of thoughts is the cause for many malices such as violence, crime, brutality, exploitation, injustice, unrighteousness and corruption. Never think awfully of others, because thinking foul of others means thinking foul of our own self.

Pure thoughts form the foundation for pure food, behaviour, conduct and a pure life. Thinking good for others means you are thinking good for yourself. Firmness in thoughts acts as a bridge to success. Purity in thoughts itself signifies the unity of the society.

Our entire life is the result of thoughts. Thoughts are the seeds of this life-like tree. Great thoughts is the foundation for every kind of happiness. Inculcating samskara (values) through pure thoughts and firm determination, eventually leads one to reach the heights of greatness. To be thoughtful is humanity and to be devoid of thoughts is bestiality. The flow of pure thoughts is the source of harmonious and effective speech.

Purity in thoughts is the solution to every problem.

Divine thoughts form the backbone of any healthy, prosperous and powerful nation.

Each one of us must always think that my life is for the service of the nation, of its people and for God- our mind must always be filled this spirit. Listening to thoughts is like picking up flowers and contemplating on them is like beading a garland. The great and generous thoughts that we habitually think, transform into great actions. A thoughtful and value-oriented person becomes prosperous and great; whereas a person devoid of any wise thoughts and good samskara (values) becomes penniless, poverty stricken and disrespectful. A person lost in a crowd can easily be traced out, but the life of a person lost in the vicious jungle of thoughts, is full of darkness when he is. A person trapped in the web of negative and evil thoughts ends his life in a way much similar to a spider which loses its own life by trapping itself in its own woven web.

Senility is not age factor, rather a result of thoughts. If someone has energy, power, vigour, bravery and self-esteem in his thoughts, then he is young irrespective of his physical age. Gautama Buddha referred to this power of thoughts and said, “We are what we think”. The objective of this life is to control the continuous flow of thoughts.

Invest so much time for self-upliftment that you don’t have any time to invest in defaming others. Self-awakening is the only solution to every adversity and trouble. Extraordinary thoughts are the greatest power and wealth. Thought is the greatest strength of this world.

Impure thoughts such as-violence, hatred, anger and revenge can make a person cruel or criminal; whereas pure thoughts can make a person progressive, national, spiritual and humanitarian. Impure thoughts are the root cause for various problems such as violence, stress, crime, murder and suicide, similarly negative thoughts are the root cause of flaws like frustration, prejudices and egoism.

If impure thoughts defame the character of a person and lead him to terrorism, naxalism, maoism, regionalism, racism and other heinous fields meant for the destruction of mankind, and thereby force him to barter his body, religion and honour, then, pure thoughts build the character of a person. (Excerpted from the book Divine Transformation: Building Blocks for Englightened Life, Ideal Nation & Peaceful World by Acharya Balakrishna)