Coming together to forgive and heal (1 of 2)

Good morning friends. When people have pain, the best thing to do is by coming together. By doing that you can forgive and then you’ll heal.

Paryushan is the most important annual Jain observance.

For both Shvetambars, who observe the festival over a period of eight days, and Digambars, for whom Paryushan Parva lasts 10 days, this is a of intensive study, reflection and purification. It takes place in the middle of the rainy season, a time when Jain monks and nuns cease travelling and stay with a community and are available to them for instruction and guidance.

Paryushan means “abiding” or “coming together”. It is also a time when the laity takes on vows of study and fasting with a spiritual intensity similar to (temporary) monasticism. Paryushan concludes with confession and forgiveness for the transgressions of the previous year.

The most important part of Paryushan is daily meditation and prayer, which provides an opportunity for looking within and towards the teachings of the Tirthankaras for guidance. Beginning on the fourth day of Paryushan, it is customary for Murtipujak Shvetambars to read from the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture which recounts the life of Mahavira — the 14 dreams of his mother before his birth, followed by the story of his birth, life and liberation. It also recounts the lives of other Tirthankaras and the rules of Paryushan. Among Mahavira’s teachings are those that advocate gender equity, of the importance of ensuring equal status to both women and men.

The book of scripture would be carried ceremonially through the streets, water sprinkled in its path along the way, purifying the entire town. Jains often take time off from work during this period and eat a much simpler diet than their usual vegetarian diet. Jains avoid eating root vegetables like potatoes, onions and garlic — as harvesting them for food would entail destroying the entire plant.

Happiness is sleeping well

Good morning friends. Some of you may ask how can we be happy if we are sleeping. Some may think it’s a silly question to ask. But actually it’s not. There are some people who love to sleep. They got their happiness with it rather than going to the malls, watching movies, party at night and others. I have read one article and he found his happiness in sleeping well.Spiritualism or happiness is not a physical object, therefore cannot be described by labels or brands or, at the other extreme, by simplicity.Both are states of being felt by an individual. If wearing Gucci makes someone happy, that may be the person’s way of being happy. Another person might find happiness in meditation or in leading an austere life, that’s his way of achieving the same goal.

Spiritualism transcends oneself. It is a state of being where one thinks not about self-happiness but happiness of others, wellness of the environment , harmony of nature and metaphysical things such as the meaning of life, birth, death, etc.

Being religious means believing in the existence of God and following a particular faith to supplant this belief. Being rich or materialistic has nothing to do with being religious. Any one form of happiness does not preclude us from being spiritual or religious. It is left to the individual to find happiness.

People wear God in amulets and pendants. That doesn’t make them non-spiritual or more spiritual; to each his own. The problem arises when one decides to wear God on, say briefs. Physical displays of disrespect should be avoided as they intrude upon other people’s beliefs and sentiments.

In the day-to-day context, it is important to do good deeds like sharing your happiness, loving others just as you would have them love you, making decisions that are holistic rather than selfish. It also means finding a purpose of living that is larger than earning and consuming and making every decision with this in mind.

My idea of happiness is being able to sleep well every night knowing that the day was well-lived and experienced to the fullest. – The Times of India

(Sabeer Bhatia is the co-founder of Hotmail and an entrepreneur)
timeslife@timesgroup.com

How does self-respect contribute to our happiness? (1)

One part of your life that either builds self-respect or tears it down is behavior–the choices you make. Everyone is involved in a multitude of choices every day and your self-respect depends on the quality of your performance.

You do your best.
You do poorly.

You do it right.
You mess it up.

You do what is required.
You cheat.

You follow instructions.
You disobey.

You give it all you've got.
You do it half-heartedly.

You keep your agreements.
You go back on your word.

These and more are choices you make day after day, according to the principles that guide you.

Consider some statements from wise King David:

Knowledge of Sin

Thy word have I treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee (Ps. 119:11).

Insight and Understanding

I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed thy precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word (Ps. 119:99-101).

Peace and Stability

Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble (Ps. 119:165).