Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_3

Yet another episode, yet another set of leanings. The episode has rightly described learning as a journey. It is an attempt to continuously learn, learn and learn more. The episode evolved around Sabhykaam and depicted this in true sense. It also shows how the constant discouragement from Malhar Kaka did not deter him. Although faced with lot number of hurdles, one being that of caste discrimination, he still goes to Acharya Gautam with a request to improve his learning. Acharya Gautam agrees to teach him. This was solely because of his passion to learn.

This highlights knowledge is above caste, creed or religion. Everyone deserves to be education. I would rather put it as- "Education is our birth right."

Sheeza Shakeel

Ritika Malik_HRLP 037_UPANISHAD GANGA_EPISODE 14

This episode is besed on the Grihastha Ashram. It shows hoe the husband and wife are always together irrespective of good or bad times. It shows how an individual is committed towards his duties and responsibilities and his commitments towards economic development. Marriage is all about understading each other and accepting each other with the differences.
The episode revolves around a kind hearted man who could not see anyone in pain. He sacrifices all that he has without being selfish. He believes in this idea of sharing with the people around him to see them happy. The man immense love for helping the needy one's made his wife to contribute to his compromises. the kind of role played by him was shown in a very positive way and in a very inspirational way.

Ritika Malik_HRLP 037_2012_UPANISHAD_GANGA 1

This episode was about Moksha. A person who gets moksha means that he is free from all the sufferings, pain. I tmeans the liberation from all bondages.
The narration about Moksha was shown in a very wonderful way. The story revolves around a man Kotikaran. The story emphasied on him, explaining as to how he gave all his wealth and began to serach for a greater objective of finding one self. One own self. He, after giving up all his wealth, began to search for answers about his life. He began to search for the very purpose of his life.
My understanding of Moksha after watching the episode is, deattaching oneself from all the boundages and set ourselves free from all the pain and suffering od life.
This indeed was a very informative episode on one's understanding towards Moksha.

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019

Episode 14 th  of Upanishad Ganga had emphasis on “Grihastha ashrama”, the second phase of human life. It states that marriage is the commencement of new life where the husband and the wife stand by one others side in times of joy and sorrow. It shows the individual’s commitment towards his family and duties, how they manage the “religious principles”, “economic development”, “human senses” and materialistic life.

The poet in the story is a kind hearted person a humanitarian who cannot see others in sorrow and agony. He sacrifices everything he has with him without thinking about himself and his family. He feels everybody’s sorrow is his own sorrow and everybody’s happiness is his own happiness.

 He relates to everyone & believes in principle of sharing. One must have enough for his livelihood and should give to others which might not be valuable to one. This philosophy even transforms his wife from being acquisitive to sharing person & understands the truth of life. The character of the Poet instils us that on should think of society, respect others & not believe in worldly values.

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019

 “Sannyasa Ashrama”

When human is away from all worldly pleasures and completed all his duties in first three stages of life, he is ready to accept the fourth and the final stage of human life – “Sannyasa”.

At this stage one shall completely disconnect to the world, start devoting his time in spiritual pursuits, work for the welfare of society and seeking the freedom from the cycle of rebirth. 

At this stage one has nothing to lose or achieve, he has no home, no other attachment; He is virtually combined with God. So he can devote his rest of the life in doing all goods and making other life better.

The learning is “time will come when we have to accept and surrender all our duties and leave the chair for other”, that is the time when we can use our knowledge and experience for making other’s life better and wok for the society and leave world happily.

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019

Episode 15 - “Vanaprastha Ashrama”

Human life is believed to be separated in four stages (Ashrams) and today’s episode of Ganga Upnishad portrayed the third ashram of human life called “Vanaprastha”.

There is always a right time for right duty, and in the stage of self realization one shall be prepare for the next stage of life and should leave all worldly pleasures. 

Vanaprastha stage of human begins when his duties as householder comes to the end like he has completed all duties towards children, wife and become a grandfather. His children are well settled and able to take care of themselves. At this stage one shall relinquish all physical, material and sexual pleasures and take rest from his social and professional life. He shall go near to the nature and spend his time in prayers. 

This stage is treated as the preparation for the final stage of human life and we shall accept this truth and be well prepared for Sannyasa. 

The biggest learning is to self realize the right time to move on to the next stage (or duty) and give responsibility to concerns. 

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_2

This episode of Upanishad Ganga highlighted one of the stages of life system in Hindu society- "Grihast Aashram". The life of a Grihasta is considered a 'Jivayagna'- a lifelong saga of self sacrifice for the benefit of others in society.

Marriage is regarded as a means to spiritual glory and a part of spiritual duty with devotion to perpetuate the family tradition. It is constant struggle to selfless. It is all about accepting the person with the differences. Looking for the best in the person and understanding the root cause of the action is the key to a successful relation.

This was very well evident in the story spun around Maagh, a messiah for the needy and poor. He is selflessness personified. Maagh's immense love for the poor often led to his wife compromising on certain needs. Yet, his actions was interpreted in the right way and the difference in opinion was avoided. Each of the characters in the episode have set a benchmark for us to learn and practice a way to a balanced life.

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_1

Here starts a Sunday  morning on a serious note- Moksha. Going by the literal meaning it is the liberation from the bondage of karma,  from the vicious cycle of birth and death forever. But I guess it is much beyond that. It was wonderfully narrated in a form of story.

The story was spun around a proud businessman' Kotikaran' and his transformation to a peacemaker- a monk. This transformation highlights how he gave up on all worldly affairs and began to be aligned with a greater objective in life- knowing self. Also, he was capable enough to inspire people around. A thief ‘Satyawadi’ began to think about his purpose of life follow Kotikaran in his journey till he achieves ‘Salvation’.

I would like to conclude saying that the true understanding of Moksha is when it become possible to have absolute control over five senses-- the stage of absolute wisdom! It is certainly not easy but like they say "Nothing is impossible to a willing heart".

Sheeza Shakeel

Upnishad Ganga – Episode 12

They say if you have ego on your side then you do not really need an opponent.  Ego alone is enough to defeat you in the race of life. Most of us just pretend to be someone whom we are not. I have seen many people who are really proud of their achievements and in the pursuit of various materialistic pleasures they often tend to lose themselves. They may pretend to be happy but still they fail to have that sense of satisfaction which they thought they would get after achieving various materialistic pleasures. That is the time they realize that the purpose of their entire life is defeated.

Most of us keep running behind things for the entire life and then discover that even after having what they always longed for, they are not happy. In the entire process of achieving something which we feel would give us happiness, we get so obsessed with our materialistic goal that we don’t even mind compromising on certain values and ethics.

It is important for us to understand what actually gives us happiness. Is it wealth, power and abundance or is it influencing people positively and transforming their lives to an extent that gives you an immense sense of satisfaction. Respect is commanded and not demanded. So if we put others need before our need and we really help someone in need without any self interest, we create a cloud of positive energy in our vicinity. We should not forget that life is about selflessly giving what you have rather than just longing for what you don’t.  If we can do that we can certainly lead a life which has a much greater meaning.

Anvesh Apale_HRLP014_Project Management_Scheduling

It’s is rightly said:-"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail ". Today’s class on project management taught us scheduling which is an important concept in planning a project. The overall success of any project depends on the completion of various activities which are an integral of that project.

It is essential to estimate the duration for each activity. For the successful tracking of various tasks, it is also important to estimate the start time and the required completion time of each project. We should also ensure that the estimates are aggressive, yet realistic. If we can manage the schedule of each of the activities which are a part of the project, we can ensure the timely delivery of the project without compromising the quality of deliverables.

Scheduling is required because often there exist a dependency in the various activities identified as a part of project. For instance if activity 2 is dependent on activity 1, then activity 2 cannot ideally be started before the completion of activity 1. The earliest finish time of any activity can be calculated by the earliest start time and duration estimate. We learned the concept of scheduling and slack by doing a couple of activities within our groups.  It was an enriching experience because we were able to apply these theoretical concepts on a project of our choice.

Surbhi Bajaj_HRLP_029_2013_Upanishad Ganga

The previous episode of Upanishad Ganga was on retired life or "Vaanprastha."
The episode starts with the aftermath of the Kurukshetra war. Duryodhan is dying in his father, king Dhritarashtra's lap. Dhritarashtra  is shattered after the death of all of his hundred sons. He is grieving with his wife but is not ready to give up his empire to the Pandavas. He is still not free from the attachment of luxuries and his palace. After fifteen years when Dhritarashtra is not allowed to conduct a ritual for his sons he decides to leave with his wife to go to Tapovan.
Sutradhaar rightly states that retired life is not a weakness of human life. It is during this age that a human being becomes free from all the "moh" and starts getting closer to God. In my opinion, may be God deliberately designed old age like this so that a human being realises that he comes to this world alone and leaves it alone.
In the next part we get to see how Samrat Bhimbhisara's son wanted to kill him to dethrone him and rule the kingdom. After he is successful in enslaving his father him he feels victorious. On the other hand the king feels that he should have given up the feeling of "moh" with his son long time ago. He should have known that human beings are governed by the feelings of greed and ambition.
When Bhimbhisara's son becomes a father he is elated at the first moment when suddenly he realises that his father must have experienced the same joy when he was born and through the years he must have felt various emotions, he must have put in so much effort in bringing him up and must have had many expectations from him. He immediately orders his servant to free his father. When the servant informs him about his father's demise he feels deeply repentant of his deeds. He feels that when he finally realised that his father was right, his son came to his life to prove him wrong.
The episode had a beautiful message. It talked about how old age gives us a chance to leave all worldly pleasures.

Sameeksha Khanna_HRLP038_June 2012

Episode 14 of Upanishad Ganga was based on “Grihast Aashram” i.e Married Life. A new beginning where in starts a journey of selfless friendship, love, acceptance, understanding and sacrifice.  It marks the starting of new Faith in a person other than our parents and siblings with whom we have to spend our whole life.

The story was based on mahakavi Maagh who had a nature of doing charity. He is shown as a person who can never say “no” to the needy and will do anything to help him. He showed the compassion that a true soul should have for human beings and their needs. He never let go the needy bare handed from his door as he believed that “the need of the person who asks is greater, therefore we must share what we have with others.”

As a girl, from this episode, I came to learn that understanding between the family members is must to carry out a successful and contented life. Mahakavi Maagh’s Wife gave an example of an ideal wife who understands the motive behind her husband’s giving & generous nature, though she feels a little irritated because she has to compromise with her desires, yet she supports her husband with great zeal towards his intentions.  Where Mahakavi Maagh set a very high standard t help his fellow beings, his wife set an example of a lady, a wife and above all a mother and served as the best link to complete the circle.

Thus, understanding the motive behind the action is the base of all deeds.

Sukriti Sinha_HRLP023-Upanishad Ganga 10/6/12

Last Sunday's episode of Upanishad Ganga emphasised on the art of giving. Also, without expecting anything in return. Swamiji is such a renowned poet, everyone respects him and loves him. He has a very philanthropic approach to life. He believes that if one own anything that can be of value to someone else then one should give it to that person. He does not believe that material wealth is richness. Here we learn that its the love, trust and respect from people is what is your  real wealth and you should value it with your life. 

Moreover, the "Sevak" or Swamiji's servant is his most devoted follower. He even goes to th extent of stealing things from his house and selling them on Swamiji's orders. It is this practice of living for others which transforms even Dhruvswamini from a materialistic women to a philanthropist. 

Thus we learn that material wealth is your most invaluable wealth. Your real wealth lies in giving it to the needy and receiving his love and respect.

Regards,

Sukriti  

Nikhil_Arora_MLP010_Self_Leadership_June2013

“Grihasthaashrama” or Married life was the theme of today’s episode on Upanishads. It says that marriage marks the beginning of a new phase of life with joy and togetherness where the husband and wife pledge to stand by each other in the toughest of times.

The story unfolds with how the swami poet lives his life with the core values and sacrifices everything that he has towards the betterment of the society and fulfilling the needs of others. His wife fails to understand his generosity for others and questions him on numerous occasions as to why he donates everything to the needy ones. The swami on the other hand explains her that we must have food and shelter and the basic amenities of life necessary for our survival and whatever extra we have we must all donate it in charity and in helping out the needy ones. The wife of swami also admires her husband deep down her heart for being so generous which shows their compatibility.

One touching moment in the story comes when a Brahman comes and asks the swami to help him with money and ornaments in order to enable the marriage of his daughter. The swami did not have any money to help the Brahman but he stepped into the shoes of Brahman and thought as if it was his own daughter that was getting married and his inner voice asked him to help in every possible manner. It was fascinating to see that swami sold all his expensive and preserved ornaments and also stole his wife’s bangles to help the Brahman.

I really felt connected to the story and it has left a huge impact on me and has come as an eye opener and I feel that now its time to leave the “I” world and give a different meaning to life by serving the society to the best of my ability. I would to sum up the entire episode with a quote

“Dhanya hai gṛhasthasrama, jaham dusarom ka duḥkha apana duḥkha aura dusarom ka sukha apana sukha hai.” This means

Blessed is Married Life, wherein others' sorrow is our sorrow and others' joy is our joy.

Ishan Kapahi_MLP002_Self Leadership_May 2012

                            Grahasta Ashram....

The second phase of life of a person is known as the grahasta ashram. This is considered to be the most flavored ashram of all. In this when a person comes in after his first phase he goes to the grahasta ashram. The episode depicts the flavors like respect, understanding, tension, love and being upset. Depicted by a beautiful concept of a mahakavi , great poet, who is also a great donator, a philanthropist also. But his wife is always worried because to fulfil his desire of helping others has cost them a fortune always. Whatever he wins in the contest while coming towards home he donates it to the needy nad the poor. One day a yachak comes to his house for getting help. The reason being that yachak requires money so that he can marry his only daughter. The mahakavi, out of his nature, decides to help him and for doing so he tells his servant to gather the jewellery in the house so that they can somehow arrange for the wedding. At the end of the day there was only one thing left for the wedding which was the kangan which are to be given to the bride. The mahakavi takes out the kangan from his wife's hand and gives it to the servant so that the wedding can be prosperous knowing that when his wife come's to know about it then there will be chaos!! Still he gives it and in the morning when he is about to leave for the wedding his wife calls him. Saying that in a wedding both kangan should have been given. Pleasantly shocked the mahakavi smiles knowingly!!
The grahasta ashram is one of the most flavored and revered ashramin the phases of life in which a person has to fulfill his karma with the knowledge and plethora of emotions!!!

Sameeksha khanna_HRLP038_Self leadership_June 2013

"Guru Govind dou khade kaakey laagoon paye, balihaari guru aapne Govind diyo bataye"- Kabir

A Guru is a symbol of true nkowledge and wisdome

Knowledge is da greatest gift one can have and to use that knowledge at right time for right people is the sign of a true soul.

This story tells us about Acharya Gautam’s unbiased decisions about who should be his deciples and Satyakaam’s endless efforts to be one of Gautam’s Deciples.

Satyakaam, being a Daasi’s Son and his leniage being unknown, was always abandoned by the society and specially by the teachers, but his keenness to gain knowledge always led him to ask more and more questions. This inquisitiveness of a child towards knowledge made Acharya Gautam to accept him as his desciple inspite of some raised eyebrows.

This story tells us that we should always have that inquisitive child alive in ourselves and never leave the hope. Gaining knowledge or degree isn’t the only achievement, the actual achievement is to gain respect for each and everyone in the society despite of his/her social background or the society to which they belong.

 

The story of Satykaam also tells us that we can do something beyond blaming the 'system'...Our society needs people like Acharya Gautam who took the initiative...Despite all odds..Made satykaam his disciple. Satyakaam Jaabaal inspires us to be the change that we wish to see in the world...Despite all the tremendous pressure a student faces today, he can excel. If there is a will...sooner or later.... There WILL be a way.

Sameeksha Khanna

HRLP

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019_Self Leadership_May2012

Self-Leadership

We had a wonderful session with Anil Sir on “Self Leadership”. The very first session with him after a delightful Induction week those made me leave back all my preconceived notions. It made me ponder on the fact “who am I?” “What does my existence on this magnificent place means?”

                                

He explained the entire holistic concept of the five layers of the existence of a human being and to understand one and to connect to it. To trace the existence of “I” one has to overcome the barriers of the five senses, perceptual intelligence, Information, Emotions and Ego. I came across the relation of brain and heart and the Inspired leaders are one who unites to inner voice and taps into the power.

It’s the ego that makes us reluctant and hides the creative part of one which is still present in the human being.

I came to know that I am an intuitive person and strongly follow my intuitions.

On the finishing note to lead someone one has to monitor oneself and understand 3 basic questions of life - “Honour who you are?” “Understand who you are?” “Discover who you are?”

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019_Self Leadership_June 2012

Vidhyarthi Jeevan: Truths of Life

‘Satyakama Jabala’, a very ancient story from the ‘Chhandogya Upanishad’ educates the real meaning of Brahman, a true student and a real teacher.


Satayakama a young innocent boy with the zeal to study and know the world is always hovered with a question that why can’t even I have a guru to show me the path of enlightenment.  His innocence is seen when he questions his mother “Am I fire?” “Am I sun?” His inquisitive nature reflects that one should never stop asking questions to oneself. It shows the determination and perseverance of one not leave the path of learning and to be honest at all times. 


The serial depicts and made me think that, what is the prominence of learning in our life? Just the means of earning livelihood or the satisfaction of our inner self to make us feel complete. A part of the episode depicts that earlier the education system was biased and to have a Guru one must be born in higher class. But the shackles were broken and knowledge is no more imparted on the caste, creed, culture and the social status of the human being.


The serial explains the real meaning of being a Brahman: Person with supreme knowledge, honesty, kindness and true human values. And teaches us that service towards our teachers, devotion to truth and sincere performance of our duties are the only paths towards the real knowledge.


The serial shows the keenness to learn, determination, will power, truthful and never to die spirit of the boy that everyone must possess. One should be passionate to gain knowledge. It also teaches us that we should respect everyone and treat them equally.

Ishan Kapahi_MLP002_Self Leadership_May 2012

                                                 The first ashram of life

The story which was depicted in the episode was about the about the first ashram of the life. It depicted a child who was son of a dasi who had served many people. The child , always having so many questions, is unable to find any priest who would take him as their disciple. Considering that he has no knowledge about what is background is the priests always refuse to his requests. One day a priest from outside the native place comes to the shore for some prayer offering to the gods. The child goes to him and asks if he would be able to teach him and make him disciple. Sensing the inquisitiveness in his tone he asked him to go and ask him to go and ask his mother regarding his background to know if he is fit for being called his disciple. Ecstatic the child runs and asks his mother about the same. Knowing that she cannot tell the background or the gotra of the child she tells him to say that she is the son of Jakala. Verbatim, the child tells it to the priest who accepts it and makes him the disciple. Irate, the other priests go to the king and tell him to ask why such a ghastly decision has been taken!! While leaving the shore, the king asks why has he taken in Satykam, the child, as his disciple. Understanding the implication of the question the priest said that truth is the only background required for a person to gain knowledge and nothing else. Whatever Satyakam has told , the way he has told is only truth. The person who says truth is the one who has touched the brahma and nothing else can disharm him.
The understanding was this from the episode that the starting ashram or the vidyarthi ashram is the one for knowledge. And knowledge does not mean that you have recite rhyms etc it means to have the knowledge of being. And truth is the only knowledge which is the basis for any form of knowledge to be undertaken regardless of caste and creed!!

Nikhil_Arora_2013_MLP010Self Leadership_June 2012

Today I watched another inspiring episode of Upanishads where I learnt how important it is to realize the “ULTIMATE TRUTH” of life and awareness of truthful living and what are the pre-requisites of getting good learning. The first part of the serial forced me to ponder upon the fact as to why it is important to study. Is studying in our life confined only to earn money and have a lavish living for ourselves or is there is bigger picture that we really need to see. The answer to the question is that we need to study and learn so that we can serve the society by removing all the barriers of caste, creed and religion as that will help in expanding our individual consciousness and match is with the Universal consciousness.

The serial showed us that if we are ready to speak the truth then we will be close to achieving the ultimate goal of our life. The serial also helped in realizing that the preaching’s of religion makes a person on dependant on the idols, beliefs and blind faith which hinders our growth as a human being.

If we consider today’s scenario I believe we find a lot of students or keen learners who are not able to get education owing to the fact that they do not belong to the high class society. The serial show cased the fact the only requirement to education and learning should be the keenness to learn rather than the background of the student. We must leave our dogmatic approach and rigidity of traditions and realize the common goal which is “Let all mankind be happy”. 

Vasu Bansal_HRLP001_Self Leadership_May 2012

“True knowledge exists in knowing and stating your own truth.”

If you have the power to abide by truth, if you have thrust for knowledge then no one can stop you from learning.  “Satyakama” is a young boy who yearns for knowledge. He is in quest of finding a guru. His determination is not shaken even when no one is ready to preach him. He kept pondering about the questions like “Where did I come from?””Who am I?””What is the truth of life?” Is my origin from river which finally meets the ocean or From the Sky or From the Drop of rain which finally meets the river? Like every river has two banks, where is our other side?

And the only answer he used to get was food is the ultimate truth till one day when he meets Guru Gautama and pleads to accept him as his disciple. When enquired about his father and gotra(lineage) , Satyakama rushes to his home to seek answer from his mother. Jabala,a women to stand by truth, preaches the same to her son and asks him to tell his guru , that He is Son of Jabala, Satyakama Jabala as she isnt aware of his father. The moment guru hears Satyakama truth; he agrees to accept him as his disciple.

Now the question arises how did Guru Gautama accept Satyakama as his disciple even after knowing the truth? For a while, even I got impatient to know the reason behind guru’s decision. The strong message which guru wanted to convey by his act was “Truth can only lead to Truth. A person who can speak truth, who can hear the truth deserves to know the ultimate knowledge”.

Sugandha Singh_HRLP019_SelfLeadership_May 2012

MOKSHA: An ultimate purpose of life

Truly saying, I do not have great knowledge of Vedas and Upanishads, but I am always keen to learn values from them. After watching the “Upanishad Ganga: 12th Episode “MOKSHA”, I got to learn the real meaning of this word.

Moksha is the ultimate liberty, the goal of human life, liberation of the soul from the cycles of birth and death, in other word to become fearless of losing anything. Once you become fearless you will feel the everlasting happiness and great confidence within yourself.

In our daily life, the infatuation to the illusory world of the senses and as illusion of worldly love and attachment is ruling over human beings, these are the part of our life. It is very hard to give up or change any favourite thing, any liability and habit.

Moksha is “Param Purushartha”, liberation from all bondages is our right. Real meaning of MOKSHA is to give up all the odds (Physically and mentally) like ego, selfishness, greediness etc.

Everyone faces challenges in life. If we aim to achieve something, we usually have a goal in mind that is what motivates us. Like in football or hockey we aim at the target and in exams we aim to study and pass through.

There are many goals like this in life, but what are the most important things in life that we shall really be trying to achieve?

We live to learn our lessons. After we die we are reborn into a different body. Means, if we do something wrong and do not meet the goal; we have to start all over again. If you do it right you are free.

There are some ways to move-up yourself to Moksha: the path of knowledge, good works, love and devotion for others and control over senses. 

Sukriti Sinha_HRLP023_Self Leadership_May 2012

The 13^th episode of Upanishad Ganga has many learnings hidden beneath the surface of the story of Sabhyakaam.  First we see the urge in the child to learn, to get educated, to gain knowledge. Learning is something that each one of us should keep striving towards. Next, we see the behaviour  of Malhar Kaka, who discourages him to get educated. In spite of this, Sabhyakaam does not give up. In spite of facing social barriers such as caste discrimination (being the son of a Dasi), he requests Acharya Gautam to teach him. Perseverance always pays. Acharya Gautam agrees to teach him only because of his passion to learn and perseverance. He agrees to impart him the knowledge that he has been asking for since such a long time, despite the fact that other gurus were against this notion. This teaches us that knowledge is not bound by caste, religion or creed. It is everyone’s right to be educated, irrespective of who their mother or father is or which religion they belong to. It also teaches us the lessons of Equality. Each person should be treated equally and with respect. Only if you give respect, will you get it in return. J

Regards,

Sukriti

Vasu Bansal_HRLP001_Self Leadership_May 2012

Moksha

Sri Krishna Govinda Hare Murare  ,
Hey Natha Narayana Vasudeva

Ego....our biggest enemy. It doesn’t allow us to see who we are. All of us give charity in form of money, clothes and other materialistic things, but it’s difficult to donate your ego.   We need to know ourselves.  Every day of our life we pretend to be someone who we are not.  Seek your own real identity...

The story revolves around a rich man “Kotikaran”. He is full of ego and pride as he can acquire anything, even a human being, with power of wealth. One day, while doing charity, he comes across a saint who asks him to donate his ego rather than his land, money and clothes. Kotikaran is taken a back and forced to think.Who he really was? Who am I? What was his purpose on this earth? He gives up everything to search for his answers.  A thief who has seen both faces of Kotikaran (as a rich man and as  a pious saint) encounters similar questions . In order to steal, precious knowledge which Saint Kotikaran has, the thief abides to follow him till he steals away Kotikaran’s wealth.

 We need to look at the entire world, not with different perspectives but with one thought.  If we can find our real “I”, we will see our own reflection in all people around us. We should not try to win the world but to win ourselves.  

We need to understand the importance of our Body, Instinct, Mind, Heart, Brain and I, harmonise and have control on them, then we can attain the next step “Moskha”, which is the pinnacle of human life cycle.

Shruti Mishra_HRLP013_Self Leadership_June 2012

A child named Sabhyakaam was interested in gaining knowledge so that he can know more about truths of life and its significance.  But Malhar Kaka told him that studies are of no use as he can earn money by just rowing a boat and even the Brahmins who are highly educated ask for Bhiksha from others.   He used to ask a lot of questions about his origin from his mother and his uncle. But no Guru wants to teach Sabhyakaam as he is son of a Dasi. Then I day he met Arharya Gautam and he asked him to impart knowledge to him. Acharya Gautam asked the boy to ask his father to meet him so that he can know the caste and creed (kul and Gotra) of the boy. After asking his mother about his origin the boy met Archarya and told him that his mother is Jabaala who served a lot of people and therefore even she does not know about his origin. Acharya Gautam agreed to teach the boy about the lessons of life despite of disagreements of other Gurus.  Thereafter the Raja Palak met Acharya and asked him why he wants to teach the son of a Dasi and whose father is not known. Archarya Gautam said that Sabhyakaam and his mother are true and therefore Brahmgyan should be imparted to him.

Therefore, I learned that we should be true to other selves and to others. Caste, creed and origin do not make a person who he is but it is the truth and knowledge that makes a person. Moreover, knowledge should not be restricted to people who are of high caste and origin. Every person should be treated equal.

Shruti Mishra_HRLP013_Self leadership_May2012

After watching the episode of Upanishad Ganga, I realized what “Moksha” is.  We all want to owe a large house, earn wealth and buy number of materialistic things thinking that all these things will give us happiness in life. All materialistic things can give you happiness for a while and happiness from these things cannot last long. It is necessary to understand who you actually are and what you want in your life. Identify yourself as a person and be selfless. Understanding your inner self is the most important step to realize what you want in our life to attain happiness.  Happiness is inside a person and not in materialistic things or the wealth you own.

In order to understand your inner self it is important to shed your “ego”, once you are grounded then only you can free yourself from the boundaries that have restricted yourself to achieve your inner happiness. A person who understands his inner self is free from all the bodily pleasures and understands the actual meaning of happiness and salvation.  

If there is darkness in your life then one should realize that happiness is just round the corner.one can not have sorrows in one’s life  forever.

The small kid wants to study but non of the acharya(teacher) accepts him as a student because he is not a bharamcharya or kshatriya. the willpower of the child was so strong that he would go to each and every teacher and ask if he could be their student. One day he ask his mother that why do teachers reject me to be their students and the reply was that” do not give up your hope sooner or later you will find a teacher for yourself” which gave him the determination and energy to find an acharya for himself as soon as he got to know that the gautam acharya is coming. He goes to him and the acharya agrees to be his teacher only on the condition that he should go to his mother and ask about his kul and the gotra. when the child went back to the acharya saying that he does not know his kul or gotra as his mother has helped lots of people the acharya accepts him as a student by saying that the mother had the truth to tell and not everyone has the guts to tell the truth though a lot of acharya retaliated that he should not get education but gautam acharya said that the truth is everything. One should introspect everyday and ask questions which themselves would have answers.

Key learnings:

·         one should have the will power ,dedication and the focus in whatever you do.

·         You should never lose your hope

·         Always speak the truth

·         Introspect everyday

·         Keep on asking questions to yourself

·         Darkness cannot be in your life forever

KhushbooAdlakha_HRLP025_SelfLeadership_June2012

Moksha or Salvation was the concept of today’s episode of Upanishad Ganga. I could understand the meaning of the term as being one’s journey towards leading a selfless life. A life which is beyond all materialistic pleasures. It is about knowing the ‘I’ within you. It is about your journey to understand God’s reason for sending you to earth.

The story line revolved around a rich man called ‘Kotikaran’. He was an egoist and was asked by a Sadhu to give his ego to him. Those words of Sadhu made Kotikaran think about his inner ‘I ’and inspired him to follow the path of Salvation. Kotikaran made a thief ‘Satyawadi’ think about his purpose of life and he decided to follow Kotikaran in his journey till he achieves ‘Salvation’. The lesson was well taught but following the path is certainly not a piece of cake as it is about suppressing your inner desires and rising above them.

                    By the end of the programme, I was left with a few questions. If attaining ‘Moksha’ is really possible? What will happen if I don’t do it? Are there people who have attained ‘Moksha’? How did they do it? Where did they gather all the motivation / courage from? Didn’t people around them influence them? What is the means of such understanding?

Regards,

Khushboo Adlakha