Q: What is the difference between Vishnu and Mahavishnu? A: There are uncountable Vishnus whereas there is only one Mahavishnu. Vishnu is the protector and sustainer of one universe, whereas ......
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Q: How can I get my overactive mind to relax? A: Get into the habit of being by yourself for some time every day and listen to soothing devotional music. Put away all your gadgets during this time. Practice breathing deeply. Talk to your mind and gently coax it ......
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Q: What is the size of the soul? A: The Vedas explain that the soul is the size of a strand of hair that has been split widthwise into ......
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Q: World population is increasing. Does this mean that there are new souls being created? A: The soul is eternal. It does not take birth, nor does it die. So, there is no question of new souls being created. The population of humans ......
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Q: Why is it dangerous to trust one’s own intellect? A: Our intellect, the deciding power of the mind, has five faults known as ‘Panch Klesh’. One of these is favorable attachment ......
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Q: I am from India. With help of my parents I got engaged to a very good and kind man but after two months of engagement I am sure I don’t wish to get married. I feel terrible breaking the engagement and don’t know what to do. A: It’s better to explain your feelings ......
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Q: As a practicing devotee I am supposed to be humble. Does this mean that I should never scold my kids or put my foot down at home or the workplace? A: There are times when you will have to scold and raise your voice, but make sure you do so only externally while remaining humble internally. Usually we remain humble externally while we become angry internally. You will need to ......
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Q: Please share a mantra that can help me live a more peaceful life. A: A very powerful mantra is: Speak little. Speak sweetly. Q: Life is very stressful. I have too many thoughts in my head and I am not able to manage. Help! A: You do not have to figure everything out right away. Trying to work out too many issues at once is ......
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Q: Why is it so difficult to see our own faults? A: Our ego has us believe that we are the perfect ones living in the midst of severely imperfect people. Q: Why are some people so moody? A: Everyone is moody, not just some ......
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Q: How do I get to the top of my career? A: One step at a time. Q: Sometimes my work seems very daunting. What should I do to check my panic at that time? A: Divide the work into manageable parts. Look at its ... ...
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Q: What will help me remain calm in the midst of chaos in my life? A: The acceptance that everything has a reason and that everything is unfolding exactly as it should. Q: Why don’t I feel that everything has a reason? A: It comes with the daily ......
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Q: What is the best way to start the day? A: With remembrance of God. Q: How to stay away from pettiness? A: By repeatedly reminding yourself that life ......
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Q: What is difficult to mend once broken? A: Trust Q: How can I be sure I have faith in God? A: Loving Him in even adverse conditions means that you have ......
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Q: What is the perfect age for practicing devotion? A: Your current age. Q: What is the meaning of destiny? A: Fruits of actions performed ......
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Q: What never goes out of style? A: Kindness. Q: What makes a person attractive? A: Confidence and ......
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We see many types of people living in the world, and every individual is a unique child of God. Yet, all the people of the world can be generally divided into ......
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You expect everyone you meet to agree with you, but not even one single person in your life will be pleased with you all the ......
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Every life comes with joys as well as trials and tribulations. Every day is full of pleasure as well as pain. Every person has good and bad inside them. There is no such thing as a ‘perfect life,’ ‘a perfect person’ or a ‘perfect day.’ The onus is on you to actively ......
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As a seeker, you may be wanting to know the level of your spirituality. If you ask yourself about how you are faring in spirituality, your mind will provide a favorable answer. It will tell you that all is well and that ......
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Nature is powerful. Nature is wise. Nature is an endless source of inspiration. Nature is a silent teacher. Observe Nature and ......
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Contrary to popular belief, devotion to God is not an activity for us to perform monthly, weekly, or even daily. It’s not a chore that has to get done from time to time. Devotion is a state of mind in which ......
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The true meaning and the serious implication of the word 'Guru' elude those who generally use it to mean 'expert.' The eternal Vedas define 'Guru' as 'the one who ......
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We humans would do well to look towards the animal kingdom and learn how to better manage many aspects of living; one of which is eating and accumulating only as much as we need. Hibernators such as squirrels gather nuts for the winter, but only as many ......
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Ever-new tech innovations are making the world smaller and smaller. People who are geographically oceans apart can see and chat with each other. Social media platforms allow people to find long-lost family members and friends. They make it easier for the police ......
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Y is for Youthful. You don’t have to be young or look young to be youthful. If you are receptive to new and fresh ideas; if you are willing to accept that there is more than one way of doing things, and if you are excited about learning ......
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W is for Welcoming. Some people have a way of making you feel at ease in their home, their group, and in new surroundings. They look you in the eye and genuinely pay attention to what you are saying. They sit and talk with you when no one is talking ...
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U is for Uplifting. Some people lift you up by being encouraging and inspiring. Their words and gestures lift your spirits and make you believe in yourself. You may be feeling gloomy but they will pull you out of the darkness until you can see the light. These people may not be teaching in a school or college ......
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S is for Simplicity. We often complicate very simple matters and manage to confuse ourselves and others. Wise ones work towards simplifying life. Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” A genius ......
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Q is for Quietness. We are constantly exposed to sounds from digital devices, traffic noises, construction noises and loud conversations. Exposure to these sounds affects our ability to concentrate and take the right decisions. Even sleep time is disturbed by the presence of the humming and buzzing sounds from the devices...
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P is for Patience. In this day and age, the word ‘patience’ sounds odd to many people. Technological advancements have been occurring at a dizzying pace and we have become accustomed ......
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M is for Modesty. In the midst of loud, brash and in-your-face culture, modesty is often mistaken as a weakness. It is anything but. Whether inner or outer, modesty is the strength of an individual. When you dress modestly, you show ......
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K is for Kindness. Those who are kind to us hold a special place in our heart. We fondly remember their acts of kindness, be it an encouraging smile, a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. Of what use is beauty, wealth, physical strength or status in society if the heart ......
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I is for Impartiality. The world is full of different kinds of people. Being children of the same God, we are all members of the same global family. Some members of this family are rich; some are poor. Some are highly educated; some are completely illiterate. Some are ......
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G is for Gratitude. We owe so much to so many for our existence and sustenance, and for our education and knowledge. From time to time we observe special occasions such as Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, and Valentine’s Day. On these days we express thanks to various ......
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D is for Discipline. A disciplined individual works on putting limits on the mind and makes continuous efforts to control the mind. No one is born disciplined; it’s a choice we make in life. We all have a choice ......
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A is for Appreciation. Busy brooding over what is missing in life, we overlook the blessings we already have. We must learn to appreciate the abundant gifts ......
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The infinitely merciful God has given us the human body using which we can elevate ourselves spiritually. He gives us fruits, vegetables, rice, grains and so much more to sustain the body. But do you know that God provides us ......
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A pure heart attracts God but a deceitful heart repulses Him. God says – Take all your worldly attachments and string them......
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When we realize that time is short, we act quickly and get the important work done first. Students hurry up and revise their lessons when they realize that exams are only days away. Travelers walk at a brisk...
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The word 'friend' makes us smile and brings about emotional satisfaction. Everyone needs a friend to talk to and share feelings with. Friends hold your hand in difficulties and rejoice with you in good times. A true friend will ......
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There is an ocean that needs to be crossed. No; not the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Southern, or the Arctic Ocean. It's the Ocean of Maya. You may ask, "Which ocean is this?" It is the unlimited ocean of our...
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When life is moving smoothly, we pat ourselves on the back and take all the credit. When things are not going well, we shift the blame to others. We attribute our problems and failures to loved ones, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, acquaintances, and even ......
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Time is a priceless commodity that we may not have much of. What are you spending your time on? Important matters or trivial pursuits? You are once again wondering what your neighbors ......
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Catch the Kindness virus. Choose to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Refuse to be ......
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When a relative, friend or coworker is grieving, many of us do not know how to offer consolation. We don’t know what to say or how to act. So, we send a card and flowers but prefer to stay away. We hesitate ......
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Dear Readers, I received a beautiful message today. The author is unknown but the message is I am sharing it with you. A young lady sat in a bus. At the next stop a loud and grumpy old lady came and sat by her. She squeezed into the seat and ......
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Decide to lose. When engaged in a battle of words with a family member, decide to lose the argument. You will emerge victorious, with the twin bounty of peace and humility in your hands. Decide to say something. If you hear someone insulting another or judging others by their looks, color, race or religion, decide to not remain quiet. Say something. Let it be known that you don’t agree....
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Scriptures state repeatedly that guidance of a divine teacher is necessary for one who wishes to live a purposeful life and who wishes to know God. Such a teacher is known as the Guru. A Guru possesses theoretical knowledge of all the scriptures and a practical experience of God. Although a Guru descends to earth for the sake of everyone, not everyone is attracted towards a Guru. Some are...
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The entire world celebrates the arrival of the New Year. Different cultures celebrate in their own unique and fun-filled ways. It’s not wrong to celebrate having survived a year full of difficulties, heartaches and challenges. At the same time, we should ponder life and reflect on the fact that another year has passed, leaving us with less time. A prison inmate looks forward to the passing of d...
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The New Year inspires new beginnings and brings fresh optimism. The world is the same. You are the same. But you are inspired to make a fresh start. I wish all the readers a very wonderful and happy new year. My gift to you comes as usual in the form of thoughts and words: Life is full of challenges and demands. Instead of thinking about what you wish to accomplish in your entire life, concentr...
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