Category Archive: Philosophy and Religion

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs

The Couplet by Kabir
कर बहियाँ बल आपनी, छोड़ बिरानी आस। 
जाके आँगन नदी बहे, सो कस मरत प्यास॥

Transliterated
Kar bahiyan bal aapani, chhod birani aas |
Jake aangan nadi bahe, so kas marat pyas॥

Translated
Use your own strength, give up hopes from others.
Who has a river flowing in their courtyard, how can they die of thirst?

My Understanding
Both Steve Jobs and Audrey Hepburn, in their way, convey the timeless idea of self-reliance and the power of internal resources in achieving satisfaction, success, and overcoming challenges. They accurately reflect Kabir’s core message. Kabir emphasizes the importance of using one’s capabilities and resources rather than depending on others, highlighting that the means to quench one’s thirst (or solve one’s problems) lies within one’s domain. Hepburn’s quote underscores the idea that what might seem impossible can become achievable once we shift our perspective to see the potential within us, advocating for a mindset where self-belief paves the way for turning possibilities into realities. Similarly, Jobs’ words encourage finding one’s calling and following it passionately, suggesting that true satisfaction and excellence in one’s work come from internal motivation and love for what one does rather than external validations. Together, these reflections teach us the power of inner resources, passion, and the belief in oneself as the foundations for fulfillment and success.

“Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” – Naval Ravikant (contemporary philosopher and entrepreneur)

The Couplet by Kabir
कामी लज्जा न करै, न महें अहिलाद।
नींद न मांगै सांथरा, भूख न मांगे स्वाद॥

Transliterated
kāmī lajjā na karai, na mēṁ ahilād |
nīnd na māṅgai sāntharā, bhūkh na māṅgē svād॥

Translated
The one driven by desire shuns shame, feels no discomfort |
He doesn’t seek a bed for sleep, nor craves taste when hungry ||

My Understanding
The quote by Naval Ravikant, a contemporary philosopher and entrepreneur, succinctly reflects Kabir’s observations. It speaks to the idea that being led by desires—be it for physical pleasures, comfort, or even necessities—places us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. Just like Kabir pointed out that desires make us overlook moral, ethical, or qualitative considerations, Ravikant suggests that desires trap us in unhappiness until they are fulfilled, often disregarding the consequences or sacrifices made along the way. Both thinkers, despite the vast differences in time and context, converge on the wisdom of recognizing and managing our desires to find true contentment.

Resisting the allure of desire in our modern world is a formidable challenge. We’re constantly bombarded with enticing advertisements and social media feeds that insinuate we’re lacking and need more, more. However, there is a beacon of hope! Through my own journey, I’ve discovered a handful of straightforward techniques that can guide you toward genuine satisfaction, not just fleeting pleasure.

First and foremost, let’s delve into the power of mindfulness. It’s akin to pressing the pause button on life. Take a moment to inhale deeply, and truly observe what’s unfolding in the present – the sensation of your feet on the ground, the rhythm of your body as you take a step. It may sound simplistic, but it’s a potent tool to break free from the cycle of incessant craving.

Next, practice gratitude. When you take a minute to appreciate the good things in your life—your cozy bed, a hot cup of coffee, a friend’s laugh—you shift your focus from what you’re missing to what you do have. This little trick can make you feel instantly richer, even if your bank account says otherwise.

Moreover, it’s crucial to establish goals that resonate with your innermost self. Disregard societal norms dictating what you should aspire to – a lavish mansion, a flashy car. Reflect on what truly brings you joy. Perhaps it’s communing with nature, or lending a hand at a local shelter, or mastering a musical instrument. When your aspirations align with your values, they transform into a wellspring of genuine fulfillment, not just fleeting excitement.

Of course, it helps to have healthy habits in place. You know the drill – eat well, move your body, get enough sleep. These might seem obvious, but many ignore them when caught up in desire’s siren song. A little self-care goes a long way in crowding out the space for unhealthy cravings.

Let’s not forget the power of community. We’re social beings. We need a connection to feel whole. Seek out people who lift you up and see you for who you are, not what you have. And don’t underestimate the satisfaction that comes from helping others—it’s a quick way to remember how blessed you are.

Now, here’s the thing – we’re all going to have desires that don’t serve us. That’s just part of being human. The key is learning to be okay with imperfection, even though sometimes we’ll mess up. When you catch yourself chasing after something that’s not making you happy, take a deep breath and ask yourself what you need. It could be a simple thing like a cup of tea or a bigger thing like time alone. Whatever it is, permit yourself to have it, and watch how that shifts your energy.

A little practice, a little focus, and some attention to detail—and suddenly, life is so much more joyous and satisfying!!

“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.” – Leo Buscaglia

The Couplet
जिन खोजा तिन पाइया, गहरे पानी पैठ |
मैं बपुरा बूडन डरा, रहा किनारे बैठ ||

Transliterated
Jin khoja tin paaiya, gahre paani paith |
Main bapura boodan dara, raha kinaare baith ||

Translated
Those who searched, found it, diving deep into the water |
I, the poor one, feared drowning, remained sitting on the shore ||

My Understanding
Leo Buscaglia’s words remind us that life’s true treasures are found when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s like Kabir’s poem: sometimes, we have to dive deep into the unknown to find what we’re looking for.

In our modern world, filled with screens and endless digital distractions, this can be a real challenge. We’re constantly bombarded with information and images that tell us we’re not good enough, that we’re missing out, that we need to buy this or do that to be happy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost.

But remember, the power to change your relationship with technology is in your hands. You can learn to navigate the digital world in a way that not only nourishes your soul but also empowers you. Focus on what truly matters – seek out the gems in a sea of content. Look for things that stimulate your mind, evoke emotions, and inspire you to grow. Remember, it’s always about quality over quantity.
Take a break—your devices aren’t going anywhere. But permit yourself to put them down now and then. Go for a walk, read a book, or have a conversation with a real person. These little breaks will refresh your mind and soul.
Connect, don’t just collect followers. Social media can be a tool for staying in touch, but it should always be the same as real connections. Reach out to friends, family, and new people in real life. Look at them, listen, and share your own. They are what truly enrich our lives. Listen to their stories. Share personal time and moments.
Never stop learning. The world is full of wonders, and you have the chance to discover them. Learn something new every day, whether it’s a new skill or a new way of seeing the world. Curiosity is your best friend on this journey.
Your time and attention are precious. Set boundaries. Decide what deserves them and what doesn’t. Limit mindless scrolling, and make space for the things that truly enrich your life.
Spend some quality time away from the screen. Get offline – ditch the devices, explore nature, pursue a hobby, and spend time with loved ones. These offline experiences will give you a new perspective and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
These practices won’t be easy at first—change never is—but I promise you, the more you commit to seeking depth and meaning in your life, the more you’ll find. You have the courage to dive deep, confront the unknown, and come out the other side stronger and more fulfilled.

So start today. Make a choice to engage with the world in a way that nourishes your soul, not just your screen. You’re worth it, and so is your time. Dive in, and see what you discover.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Kabir – The Couplet
“सकल पत्थर में हीरा भया, कुटिल मूरत हंस पसंद।
कबीरा हंसा चुगै मोती, कौआ चुगै कंकर ||”

Transliterated
“Sakal pathar mein heera bhaya, kutil moorat hans pasand |
Kabira hansa chugai moti, kaua chugai kankar ||”

Translated
“Among all stones, the diamond is precious; a crooked figure is not preferred.
Kabir says the swan picks up pearls, and the crow picks up pebbles.”

My understanding

When I first read Kabir’s beautiful couplet about the swan and the pearls, something inside me sparked. It was as if a wise old friend was speaking directly to me, reminding me of what truly matters. You see, I’ve spent so much of my life (and probably a lot of yours too) obsessed with the surface-level stuff – the way I look, the way others perceive me, the number of likes or comments on my latest post. But Kabir’s words cut through all that noise and point to something much deeper: the value of our inner qualities over outward appearances.

It’s not that looks or achievements don’t matter at all. Of course they do, and we all have moments where we care far too much about them. But what Kabir’s swan teaches us is that true fulfillment and connection come from a place of authenticity and genuine care for others. It’s the same lesson Maya Angelou was getting at with her words about the impact of our actions.

In a world where social media and fake news bombard us with images and information designed to manipulate our emotions and beliefs, these ancient wisdom teachings are a lifeline. They remind us to pause, to look beneath the surface, and to value the depth and substance of who we are and what we share with others.

You see, when we get caught up in the superficial and the deceptive, we lose sight of what makes us truly human. We forget that at our core, we are beings capable of great love, empathy, and connection. And when we forget that, we suffer. We feel empty and disconnected, even in the midst of a thousand likes or followers.

But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Kabir’s swan and Maya Angelou’s words offer us a way out of the shallows and into the depths. They invite us to remember what really matters and to live our lives accordingly. To seek out and nurture the pearls of authenticity in ourselves and others, even amidst a sea of deceptive pebbles.

So, I invite you to take a moment. To pause from the endless scrolling and the constant comparison. To ask yourself, what truly matters to me? What are the pearls I want to cultivate in my life and in my relationships? And how can I start valuing those things more deeply, even in the face of all the noise and distraction around me?

Because when we make that shift, when we choose the depth and substance of our lives over the fleeting allure of superficial success, something amazing happens. We find a sense of peace and fulfillment that is truly unshakeable. We connect with others on a level that is profound and meaningful. And we rediscover the joy of being human, right here in the messy, beautiful, imperfect reality of our lives.

Make today a new beginning – the first day of the rest of our lives. And let us pledge to be always true to ourselves – starting now!!

“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” Oprah Winfrey

Kabir – The couplet
“काहू काही समुझावत, रे काहू काही समुझै।
सार श्रृंगार दोऊ की जानत, सार श्रृंगार में जाई॥”

Transliterated
“Kaahu kaahi samajhaavat, re kaahu kaahi samujhai |
Saar sringaar dou ki jaanat, saar sringaar mein jaai ||”

Translated
“Who’s persuading whom, and who’s understanding whom?
Only the true lovers know the essence of love, entering into its depths.”

My Understanding
Kabir’s beautiful doha taps into the very heart of what love and understanding mean. It suggests that the labels and roles society gives us are meaningless when it comes to finding true connection. To really know and cherish someone, we need to look beyond the surface and embrace what lies beneath. It’s about diving into the depths of a person’s soul, understanding their hopes, fears, and authentic self.

Oprah’s wise words highlight how important integrity is, especially when no one is watching. It’s easy to be good when others are around, but true character shows up when we think no one is looking. Doing what’s right because it’s the right thing to do, not for applause or recognition, now that’s integrity. And that kind of authenticity is what builds lasting relationships and a life of true fulfillment.

These two messages come together to remind us that real relationships and meaningful actions require us to go deeper. We need to move beyond the facades we put on for the world and embody understanding, integrity, and genuine connection in all we do. Because when we do that, we create a life and relationships that are rich with love, trust, and fulfillment.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” Carl Jung (Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst)

Kabir – The couplet
दोस पराए देखि करि, चला हसन्त हसन्त |
अपने याद न आवई, जिनका आदि न अंत ||

Transliterated
Dos parae dekhi kari, chala hasant hasant |
Apne yaad na aavai, jinka aadi na ant ||

Translation
Looking at the mistakes of others, we keep laughing|
Our own faults are never remembered, they are lost from memory||

My understanding
Carl Jung’s quote above resonates with Kabir’s doha. It highlights the importance of introspection when we criticize or become irritated by others. It suggests that our reactions to others serve as mirrors reflecting our own issues or traits that we have yet to acknowledge or fully understand. Like Kabir, Jung encourages us to use our observations of others as opportunities for self-growth and increased self-awareness rather than as moments for judgment or derision.

It is a common human tendency to notice and laugh at the mistakes of others, while often being oblivious to one’s own flaws. The lines suggest that while it’s easy to see and mock the errors of others, people rarely reflect on their own faults, which, like those of others, have no beginning or end, implying they are numerous and continuous.

Kabir’s message is a call to humility and self-improvement, urging us to remember that everyone has flaws, and rather than ridiculing others for theirs, we should focus on correcting our own. This is a reflection on the human condition and a lesson on the virtues of patience, understanding, and compassion in our interactions with others. Kabir, through his poetic simplicity, teaches the importance of introspection in the journey toward spiritual and personal growth.

Achieving introspection amidst the rush of modern life requires intentional effort and practice. It involves cultivating habits that allow one to pause, reflect, and engage with one’s inner self. Here are some strategies to make time for introspection:

Set Aside Dedicated Time

• Schedule Quiet Time: Just as you would for any important appointment, schedule a regular time for introspection. Early mornings or late evenings are often quieter times when you can be alone with your thoughts.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation or mindfulness for a few minutes daily. These practices can help center your thoughts and make you more aware of your mental and emotional states.

Use Daily Activities as Opportunities for Reflection

• Mindful Walking: Turn routine activities like walking into opportunities for reflection. Focus on your surroundings and your inner feelings rather than letting your mind wander to daily worries.
• Journaling: Keep a journal to write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding your personal growth over time.

Technology and Apps

• Digital Detoxes: Periodically disconnect from electronic devices to avoid constant distractions and create space for deeper thinking.
• Use Apps Wisely: There are apps designed to remind you to take moments for gratitude, meditation, or simply breathing exercises throughout your day.

Seek Solitude

• Find Quiet Spaces: Sometimes, the best way to introspect is to remove yourself from noise and distractions physically. Quiet spaces like parks, libraries, or even a secluded spot in your home can provide the perfect setting for reflection.
• Solo Activities: Engage in solo activities that allow you to be with your thoughts, such as reading, painting, or gardening.

Engage in Conversations and Experiences that Challenge You

• Deep Conversations: Have meaningful conversations with friends or mentors that challenge your perspectives and encourage you to think deeply about your beliefs, actions, and goals.
• New Experiences: Step out of your comfort zone by trying new activities or learning new skills. Reflect on these experiences and what they teach you about yourself.

Set Goals for Personal Development

• Reflect on Goals Regularly: Set personal development goals and regularly reflect on your progress towards these goals. This can be a form of introspection that leads to actionable insights.
• Feedback and Reflection: Seek feedback from others and use it as a basis for self-reflection. Understanding how others perceive you can provide valuable insights for personal growth.

Incorporating introspection into your daily life doesn’t require large blocks of time; rather, it’s about making the most of the moments you have and being intentional about seeking understanding and growth.

“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” – Steve Jobs

Kabir – The couplet

“साधना बिनु सब सूना, साधना सब काज।
साधना बिनु सुधि ना होई, साधना सब राज॥”

Transliterated:

“Saadhana binu sab soona, saadhana sab kaaj।
Saadhana binu sudhi naa hoi, saadhana sab raaj॥”

Translation:

“Without simplicity, all is hollow; simplicity is the essence of all deeds |
Without simplicity, there’s no wisdom; simplicity is the ultimate truth ||

My Understanding

The human brain is geared to complexity and most humans tend to allow thoughts to stray and float away – on tangential threads. Cognitive bias (an example is confirmation bias, where one has the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or hypotheses), emotional influence (stress, anxiety, excitement, or even boredom can lead to wandering thoughts as the brain seeks to process and cope with emotional stimuli), neurobiology (dopamine levels?), environmental factors (e.g.: noise, distractions, or interruptions), lack of mindfulness or attention control – all are factors leading to this straying of thought.

While these factors contribute to the tendency of the human brain to create complexity where none exists, they also underscore the richness and flexibility of human cognition, allowing for creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability in various situations.

The trick is to train ourselves to focus on the core task at hand, and train all tangential threads to either contribute to the core by bringing them back to the central point, or teaching ourselves to immediately discard them rather than allow them to drag us further away. When we do this, all of a sudden, the mind finds clarity of both purpose and process, and finds goals to be easier to achieve. And this, I believe, lies at the heart of all success stories – simplicity and focus.

” Ninety percent of the world’s woe comes from people not knowing themselves, their abilities, their frailties, and even their real virtues. Most of us go almost all the way through life as complete strangers to ourselves – so how can we know anyone else?”

– Sydney J. Harris

 
Kabir – The couplet
कबीर मंदिर लाख का, जड़ियाँ हीरे लाली।

दिवस चारि का पेषणा, बिनस जाएगा काली।। 

Transliterated:
Kabir mandir laakh ka, jaddiyaan heere laali |

Diwas chaari ka peshna, binas jaayega kaali!!

 
Translation:
This body is a construct of but meat and bones (transient objects), but it houses the priceless mind |
It is with us for a limited time (four days) – learn to use its treasures or perish – it is your gain or loss ||
 
My understanding:

A lot of human thought focuses on the human body’s limitedness and frailty – ignoring the strength and compassion of the mind within. When we put the mind to work, the body’s weaknesses become strengths instead, and the average human becomes a titan who moves mountains and creates wonders.

Kabir here exhorts us to go deep within and find that eternal fountain of youth and strength within that can help us become much better versions of ourselves!

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”

– Kahlil Gibran

 
Kabir – The couplet
कबिरा ते नर अंध है, गुरु को कहते और | 

हरी रूठे गुरु ठौर है, गुरु रूठे नहीं ठौर ||

 
Transliterated:
Kabira te nar andh hai, gure ko kehte aur |

Hari roothe guru tthour hai, guru roothe  nahi tthour!!

 
Translation:
Blind is the man who ignores the guru |
If the Lord turns away, the Guru will show the path, but if the Guru turns away, there is no one left to give direction ||
 
My understanding:

To find God, we needed the right guide – be it Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, Krishna, or some other wise person – to whom we ascribe all the qualities of Godhood. These wise ones understand our deepest yearning and strive to put us on the path we need to be rather than the one we want to be on.

However, our base tendencies tend to drive us away from those teachers who point us to the right rather than the desired path – and much later, we wonder why we ended up on a path full of brambles rather than where we needed to be!

The teaching here, be it Gibran or Kabir, is not to ignore the one who corrects us but rather to be intelligent and rational, rather than emotional and desire-led, in our choice of guide.

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.”
– Thomas Merton
 
Kabir – The couplet
कबीर प्रेम न चखिया, चखी न लिया सौ ।
सूने घर का पहुना, ज्यों आवे त्यों जाउ||

Transliterated:
Kabir Prem Na Chakhiya, Chakhi Na Liya Sau |
Soone Ghar Ka Pahuna, Jyon Aawe Tyon Jaau||

Translation:
Kabir says that he who has not experienced love, has not tasted the nectar or love |
Is like the visitor who came to an empty house, rand the bell, and left with no meeting ||

My understanding:
So let us drive down this path of understanding love more properly. Experiencing true love seems to be a primary purpose of life, going by the above couplet. Here Kabir is rather explicit, saying that the absence of love is akin to a wasted visit – a life without love is a life of wasted purpose.

What is this love referenced here? This is neither lust not infatuation – which is what we experience normally and presume to be love. Love is service in its truest form – thought, action or direction designed to satisfy the other, with absolutely no expectation of result or reciprocation for the self. The act is the satisfaction, the act is the result, and the act is the consequence.

My sense of awareness says, “I am me – I am engrossed in this life and its actions, and am justifiably desirous of the resultant enjoyment”. This lust for result drives us into the deadly embrace of desire. Desire, like fire, consumes without satiation. So I am left feeling empty and dissatisfied at the end of the act, wanting more but bereft of the energy to continue.

True sadhana is the effort to overcome this rush into the arms of desire under the guidance of ego. When the act is the cause, the act and the result, satisfaction is built into the equation already. Doing is already the result – so there is no separation of cause and effect.

The Brihaddaranyaka Upanishad says:

कामः संकल्पो विचिकित्सा श्रद्धः अश्रद्धः धृतिर्धृति
हृदिरभीररित्येतत् सर्वं मां एवती ॥

Kamaho Sankalpo Vichikitsaa Shraddhha Ashraddhha Dhritirdhriti
Hridirbhirarityetat Sarvam Mama Eveti ||

Meaning: Desires, resolves, doubts, faith, hate, patience, anxiety, shyness, knowledge, fear – all of them are in the mind.

To overcome all of these by myself is nigh impossible. As I overcome one or two or even three, the others will take advantage of my lack of attention to them and overcome me rather effortlessly.

This is very similar to a walk down an unknown path in utter darkness. No matter how careful I am, I will stumble, fall, twist an ankle, hurt myself, or do myself some serious harm. Even if the path were without any inherent danger, my anticipation of the worst will ensure I do something stupid and cause trouble for me.

But that same walk, taken while holding the hand of someone I trust, will be a walk down a sunny path. There is no darkness for the other is my light and shining beacon. That which was an obstacle will now work to be of service to me, not a stumbling block.

This is true love. Connect with the self, let each action and though be born to serve another, and understand that the action is its own reward. Life then becomes its own reward. And we will begin to understand the true meaning of liberation (moksha).

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.”

– Kahlil Gibran

Kabir – The couplet

कागा काको धन हरै, कोयल काको देत |

मीठा शब्द सुनाये के , जग अपनो कर लेत।|

Transliterated:

kaga kako dhan harai, koel kako det |

Meetha sabd sunai ke, jag aapno kari let ||

Translation:

The crow does not take anyone’s wealth, the cuckoo does not give to anyone |

It turns the world to itself only by speaking in a sweet voice ||

My understanding:

The more technology and information work to inform us of extensive detail all around us, the human has focused deeper on instant gratification and trying to find satisfaction in possession. But our culture, the wisdom of our ancients and our own instinct tells us that giving, not taking or holding, has the real key to unlock the door to satisfaction and inner peace.Even as we learn and hone this lesson and work to internalize it, a key item is missed – possession is not just physical. The mind keeps more junk locked away in the folds of memory than we are willing to accept. So after every spring cleaning in the house, we need to practice the same effort in the mind – give up those negative memories, cleanse out the uncertainties in the mind and forgive every imagined or perceived slight and negative word/thought. This will arm us with the right perspective and the ability to step into each moment with the innocence of the new-born – and receive nature’s bounty continuously in bounds!

“When you stop living your life based on what others think of you real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self-acceptance opened.”

– Shannon L. Alder

Kabir – The couplet
भक्ति भेष बहु अंतरा, जैसे धरणि आकाष |

भक्ति लीन गुरु चरण में, भेष जगत की आस ||

Transliterated:
Bhakti bheSh bahu antara, jaise dharani akaas |

Bhakti leen Guru charan me, bheSh jagat ki aas ||

Translation:
The is a difference between being devoted and wearing a devotee’s dress – as between the sky and earth |
Devotion comes at the Teacher’s feet – the dress is to impress the rest of the world ||

My understanding:
Our daily actions are normally driven by how we want others to perceive us, or by our effort to be what others expect us to be. But all this achieves is that we become a reflection of our perception of others – which is true neither to our self or to the other. To be truly myself is when I can be honest and free – which is the only way to let my internal light shine through. When I present myself as myself, and not a reflection of someone or something else, I will always find acceptance – and the world will reciprocate back with true value for me.

“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” – Erich Fromm, Escape From Freedom

Kabir – The couplet
साधु गाँठ न बंधाई, उदर समाता ले,

आगे पाँचें हरी खड़े, जब मांगे तब दे ||

Transliterated:
Sadhu gaanTh na bandhaai, udar samaata le |
aage paanche Hari kHade, jab maange tab de ||

Translation:
The knowing one (enlightened one) does not tie the self down with possessions, taking only as much as is needed |
He knows that the Lord is all around, providing as soon as the need arises||

My understanding:
Greed, and not need, seems to be the driving force in our life today. We want, but care little for what we are giving up satisfying our thirst for “more”. This has led to our situation of extreme hunger amid plenty.

Today, our knowledge and innovation has taught us to produce more, create much more from the same set of resources, and be able to expand our presence into much larger spaces at the same time with the use of technology.

However, our greed is training us to limit and shutter access to this knowledge and resources, so that the individual can collect more – even if most of the collections are gathering dust an demanding more from the collector for their preservation.

As Nietzsche said, “Even the most beautiful scenery is no longer assured of our love after we have lived in it for three months, and some distant coast attracts our avarice: possessions are generally diminished by possession.”

So, let things be where they are, seek only that which is absolutely necessary, and suddenly you will find yourself swimming in the river of plenty, instead of struggling in the desert of desire.

Seek not more than you need

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”– Col 1:16

Kabir – The couplet
जगत जानियो जिहि सकल, सो जग जानियो नाहि ।
ज्यो आँखें सब देखिये, आँखें न देखि जाहि ॥

Transliterated:
Jagat Janiyo Jihi Sakal, So Jag Janyo Naahi |
Jyo Aankhen Sab Dekhiye, Aankhen Na Dekhi Jaahi ||

Translation:
He who makes us aware of the world, the world is unaware of Him |
Theses eyes that show us everything, we cannot see them ourselves  ||

My understanding:
This is the simplest way to understand the need for the guru, the guide. I cannot see my own eyes, but without them, I see nothing in the physical world. I need someone to tell me that I have eyes, for else I would be unaware of them – obviously, since I cannot see them!

All power, all realization, all knowledge sources from inside of me, but I stay unaware of my own depths until the proper guide introduces me to the complete me, and educates me on how to work with me.

And this is where the internet, the library and my ability to read, comprehend and understand fail me by either misleading me or blinding me to the WHOLE truth. For to read is one thing – but I can only look for something based on what I know, what I understand, what I infer. I cannot look for and therefore learn that which I do not know of. And if I do not know of it, I will never be able to find that one elusive thread that will link everything in a way that makes complete sense.

The guru, the guide, the one who lights the path – He is the one who can not only show me the next appropriate path to walk on, but also keep awakening the right response in me so I can look for, understand, comprehend and then develop myself to the next level at every moment.

So now the prayer –
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu,  Guru Devo Maheswara
Guru Saakshaat Parabhrahma, Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha

गुरुर ब्रह्मा गुरुर विष्णु गुरु देवो महेश्वरः
गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः

Guru – the Guide – is the one who dispels darkness – in the mind, in the soul, in the heart. Guru is the one who is beyond the Gunas (fundamental subtle qualities) of Tamas (ignorance/darkness), Rajas (activity/aggression) and Sattwa (happiness/benignness) and beyond form.

To that Guru, my obeisance – for without His guidance, I am but a clay doll without rational function.