The Atmatoo, has no obligation, or duty.

The Atma (Divine Self) has no entry or exit, no form or imperfection. It is subtler than the subtlest, greater than the greatest. Like space, it is all pervasive - and being ‘everything’ it is free from the feelings, ‘I and mine’. Just as fire is heat, Atma is consciousness. As it is beyond distress or delusion, it is Paramananda – supreme, everlasting ecstasy. The Buddhi (intellect), like the moon, has no light in itself; it only reflects the brilliance of the Atma which is like the sun. The Sun by its very presence dispels darkness and so is called the Enlightener; but it is neither doing this consciously nor is it duty bound. The Atmatoo, has no obligation, or duty. If asked how the Atma becomes a ‘doer’, the reply is: ‘Is the magnet acting, simply because the needle nearb y moves? The Atma therefore is the core of all beings; the awareness in all.

AATAM-BODH: The world is a nest of crows

AATAM-BODH: The world is a nest of crows: The world is a nest of crows; some caw in praise, others in derision. But you should be above the reach of both. Make light of praise an...

The world is a nest of crows

The world is a nest of crows; some caw in praise, others in derision. But you should be above the reach of both. Make light of praise and treat it as something unworthy of your attention, only then can you enjoy real happiness and be free. Even Avatars like Rama, Krishna and Baba have not escaped blame; will normal men be spared? People are fond of themselves, their own religions, customs and homelands. This affection makes one criticise other’s faiths and beliefs. Though related to religion and ones' relationship to God, such impulses are impure. Recognize this fact and remove these tendencies by repetition of God's name and meditation, that fill the heart with the universal wisdom of theAtma. These tendencies will be transformed and transmuted into sacred impulses, and will eventually vanish.

AATAM-BODH: If you wish to attain Self Realization, you must ...

AATAM-BODH: If you wish to attain Self Realization, you must ...: While the liberated soul overcomes the impulses, an ordinary person cultivates them. One can use pure impulses to remove impure ones, but in...

If you wish to attain Self Realization, you must uproot them completely

While the liberated soul overcomes the impulses, an ordinary person cultivates them. One can use pure impulses to remove impure ones, but in due course one must discard them too; just as the thorn that is used to remove a thorn is also thrown away. If you wish to attain Self Realisation, it is not enough if you control the impulses; you must uproot them completely. Just like negative ones, good impulses too lead to bondage. This means that, even the purest desire - craving for liberation, has to be cast away eventually. One should attain the stage where neither good nor bad, attracts or repels; for a shackle is a shackle, be it of iron or gold. So if you wish to realise God, you should uproot your impulses, curb the mind, and strive to un

AATAM-BODH: Spiritual Factory

AATAM-BODH: Spiritual Factory: The body is the most wonderful workshop in the entire world, because it is the temple of the Lord. In this ‘spiritual factory’, impulses o...

Spiritual Factory

The body is the most wonderful workshop in the entire world, because it is the temple of the Lord. In this ‘spiritual factory’, impulses ought to be sublimated, impurities have to be weeded out and good tendencies nurtured. The uprooting of impulses is the goal here, though this is a very difficult task. While intoxicants enslave you only temporarily, impulses can overpower you for a whole lifetime! But they can be overcome with will-power, faith and determination. Do not give up, whatever the hardship you might face in this struggle. The very purpose of meditation is to attain freedom from these mighty and manifold impulses.

AATAM-BODH: how can you re-gain your divine nature

AATAM-BODH: how can you re-gain your divine nature: Remember, the one who is a slave to impulses and tendencies ( vasanas ) is devoid of Jnana (wisdom). In truth, such a person is a weaklin...

how can you re-gain your divine nature

Remember, the one who is a slave to impulses and tendencies (vasanas) is devoid of Jnana (wisdom). In truth, such a person is a weakling. The impulses invade the heart, causing endless trouble. They remind you of the pleasures of past experiences and make you crave for them again. The desires that arise thus, make the senses and their leader, the mind, restless; having no choice, you then pursue these cravings. The impulses operate so subtly and powerfully, that all this happens in the twinkling of an eye. Just as the seed contains within itself the trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers and fruits, so too, all these effects lie dormant in the vasanas. But let Me assure you - there is no cause for despair! You can regain your divine nature, that was lost by neglect, as soon as you uproot your impulses.

WHY KALASH IS KEPT IN ALL RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONS

When conducting religious ceremonies a kalash (water pot) takes the pride of place amongst other paraphernalia. It is mostly made of copper. Other metals used are brass or stainless steel. The kalash is filled with water and the top is closed by placing a coconut tied in a red cloth along with mango leaves. At the end of the ceremony the water is used as charanamrit and also sprinkled around the home. It is believed to bring good fortune.

A kalash is considered auspicious because the Hindu triad – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh – reside in it along with their consorts – Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga. During the churning of the ocean amrit (celestial nectar) was found in a kalash. It is believed that Sita emerged from a kalash in mother earth. In older temples a common scene is that of Lakshmi seated on a lotus and two elephants on either side offering water for a bath from a kalash held in the tusk.
In the Rig-Veda, 3/32/15, it is said:
A kalash filled with pure water is offered to Lord Indra.
In the Ramayana, it is said:
When Ram returned to Ayodhya after victory in Lanka, at his coronation lines of kalash filled with water were placed.
In the Atharva-Veda it is said that with the blessings of Surya mankind is prospering and enjoying good life since times immemorial, as though with an urn full of celestial nectar.
One also prays to Varun, so that the kalash may be symbolic of the grandeur of the ocean.
Human life has been compared to an earthen pot filled with water, which is symbolic of life. Just as the body is useless or inauspicious without life, an empty kalash is considered inauspicious. Therefore, in any ceremony it is always filled with water, milk or grains to make it auspicious. On death an earthen pot filled with water is taken around the dead body, the water allowed to drain away and the earthen pot then destroyed.
In the Devipuran, it is explained that at the beginning of a prayer to Ma Bhagwati one must first fill a kalash with water and appropriately establish it. During Navratri, prayers are conducted in many Hindu homes and a kalash is an important part of the set-up.