What makes an action correct? There are 3 steps.
Before action: Use SMILE. What is my intention? Have pure intentions, no ulterior motives.
Implementing action: Follow the proper steps and procedures, don’t take shortcuts. They will cost you.
Integration: Must integrate everyone, should be cohesive and better the most. Ask yourself am I integrated?
Heaven and hell. These are both literal and figurative places. They are real for seekers. Wrong action will become a hell for us.
Obstacles to Right Action
Past: We often have negative emotions (guilt, regret, inhibition) that come from dwelling on the past. But the past is dead, gone. When is it ok to look at the past? First, for lessons. Remind yourself what happened, this will save you from committing mistakes. Be reflective. Second, look to the past for inspiration. Think if this as a Superbowl highlight. If I was able to do something really good once, what stops me from doing it again? If we look back and aren’t reflective or inspired, then don’t think about it. It doesn’t deserve your energy.
Future: The future is unborn. Worrying about the future just brings anxiety and stress. Nothing good comes of it, nothing we can do. Focus on what you can control. The only reason to look into the future is to envision your ideal or goal.
Present: The only thing we have is now. Engage in what you can control. But sometimes we get too excited in the present, which leads to being overwhelmed. This can throw us off. If that happens then just pause. Waiting is ok.
When the mind is in the present, that is peak efficiency. If I am not full of regret or worry (I am guided by the past and envision the future), that is efficiency. We all have time but are we efficient? Being is present is hard. Multitasking is actually inefficient and impossible really. So how do we practice being in the present?
Mindfulness: Be exactly where you are. Focus on breathing.
Pick 3 things you choose to be fully present in. Eating, getting dressed, talking to children, etc. Picking 3 things begins a habit. We will start to begin to live in the natural present. Breathing and focus will bring the body and mind in alignment.
The Joy of the Artisan.
Q: Why japa?
A: Japa, chanting mantras bring focus. 108 is a spiritual number. We have 5 senses plus body, mind, intellect. When these 8 negate themselves, we have truth. 1 +8 =9. 9 is sacred.
Q: Upanayanam is usually for boys.
A: No, was previously done for boys and girls then changed but we should do for boys and girls.
Q: Explain integration.
A: Ask if most people are better off by the action. Does it fit who I am? Am I evolving? Is it holistic?
Q: How to combat worry?
A: Be busy, study.
OM WORK: Pick 3 things you choose to be fully present in. Eating, getting dressed, talking to children, etc.
In speech, we must practice:
Satyam = Truth
Priyam = pleasant speech
Hitam = for the good or benefit of others
Mitam = speech that is measured
Truthful conversation are often difficult conversations require eye to eye or personal interaction. We have to move away from always having digital conversations. Truth means living up to our ideals. Even if it is one ideal (for example, punctuality or moderation) then do it 100%. Do it fully.