MANAGING KARMA
How can we work out karma? First, we must know fully that we ourselves are the cause of all that happens. As long as we externalize the source of our successes and failures, we perpetuate the cycles of karma, good or bad. As long as we blame others for our problems or curse the seeming injustices of life, we will not find within ourselves the understanding of karmic laws that will transmute our unresolved patterns. We must realize that every moment in our life, every joy and every sorrow, can be traced to some source within us. There is no one “out there” making it all happen. We make it happen or not happen according to the actions we perform, the attitudes we hold and the thoughts we think. Therefore, by gaining conscious control of our thoughts and attitudes by right action, we can control the flow of karma. Karma, then, is our best spiritual teacher. We spiritually learn and grow as our actions return to us to be resolved and dissolved. Here are some affirmations designed to re-educate the subconscious mind about the events we face in life.
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SAGELY ADVICE FOR A GOOD LIFE§
Hold a positive attitude, for expectations have a magnetic power. Develop right thinking, for thoughts are building blocks of life, forming our destiny. Stop complaining, start thanking. Stop criticizing, start appreciating. Learn to speak to your subconscious self, for it is the repository of tremendous powers. Contact the source of success—God—Who is closer to us than our parent, friend, sibling or spouse. Develop a healthy sense of humor, for laughter is an all-round tonic. Finally, never give up.§
DADA VASWANI§
DAILY FAMILY AFFIRMATION§
We, the (name) family, beseech the grace of Lord Ganesha to manifest His blessings of peace and harmony within our home and to joyfully fulfill the spiritual, social, economic, cultural and educational goals of family life as outlined in Hindu scripture. We dedicate ourselves, individually and together, to our daily worship, spiritual disciplines and study. Knowing that bonding is essential, we hold daily family meetings and weekly gatherings to cooperatively solve problems and create a loving, uplifting atmosphere in which each member develops discipline, responsibility and the spirit of divine service. We remain close-knit and cultivate unity by talking together about the experiences of our day and extend our affection and harmony to other families as well. We take time for training, and we value mistakes as opportunities to learn. To us, the guest is truly God, welcomed and honored with heartfelt hospitality. Through our thoughtfulness, care and compassion, we allow an abundance of gold to accumulate within our home. We give generously of our income and our time to further our religion. We are filled and thrilled with God’s Cosmic Energy, creatively alive and in tune with the universe.§
ART BY S. RAJAM§