Browsed by
Month: April 2017

F – ‘Finding a purpose in life’ by R. M. Lala #AtoZChallenge

F – ‘Finding a purpose in life’ by R. M. Lala #AtoZChallenge

Comments 5 comments

“God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. The purpose may not be something grand, though we could well be led to something much bigger than what we may have imagined.”  ~R. M. Lala.

We had the privilege of knowing author Mr. R.M.Lala personally as our family friend and philosopher guide. Russiuncle – as my siblings and I fondly called him since we were kids, had a special place in our home and hearts. We admired his tender-heartedness and his benevolent attitude to life. He had a charming presence with an infectious aura of optimism. We loved his sense of humour. Our respect for him grew multifold when he battled cancer in his last days with immense strength and wisdom.

Man always has and continues to strive to know his purpose in life. Why is he here and what place does he hold in this chaotic world? In ‘Finding a purpose in life’, Mr. Lala speaks about 26 people who inspired the world, their thoughts and what led them to pursue deeper meaning in lives. They include Mahatma Gandhi, Jamsetji Tata, Mother Teresa, Dr. Abdul Kalam, Sudha and Narayan Murthy and others who made an impact. By sharing their stories, he stimulates the reader to think of his or her own purpose in life.

Key Highlights:

“We need to examine our lives daily, where we spend our times and our energies.”

Man wants to know a place where he can anchor his spirit, find a direction and pursue a purpose beyond his own advancement. Those who find it have a sparkle in their eyes even at eighty years of age; those who don’t look vacant-eyed even at forty.

“Dreams need not die in the face of unfavourable circumstances. They may only be delayed. There is a right time for everything.”

“As my sufferings mounted, I soon realised that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation –either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force.”

Russiuncle, having left behind a legacy of inspiration, fondly remains in our memories.

 

To buy this book, click here:

http://amzn.to/2mVj4nr

Other books by Mr. Lala:

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Read my previous posts in chronology:

A: A New Earth 

B: Brahma Kumaris

C: Chicken Soup for the Soul

D: Dialogue with Death 

E: Eat Pray Love 

 

Image courtesy: http://rmlala09.blogspot.in/ 

 

 

E – ‘Eat Pray Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert #AtoZChallenge

E – ‘Eat Pray Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert #AtoZChallenge

Comments 9 comments

“You cannot see your reflection in running water, only in still water.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert

‘Liberating’ – this was one of the most profound emotions felt after I read the novel ‘Eat Pray Love’. The timing of the book coincided with my separation and with the reality of being on my own. Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s own story of self-discovery across three countries, this book was a revelation of sorts for me….

…That of several possibilities a newly divorced single woman can experience in her life:

  • She steps out of a situation that is toxic and does not serve any purpose
  • She is okay to not feel guilty while looking for pleasure (read food) in another country
  • She travels to India (like many foreigners do) in pursuit of devotion, in search of a Guru

If you yearn sincerely enough for a Guru, you will find one. The universe will shift, destiny’s molecules will get themselves organized and your path will soon intersect with the path of the master you need.

  • She can surrender to her new reality and make peace with it
  • It is possible for her to forgive her ex-husband and more importantly, forgive herself
  • She must learn to control her mind when everything else around her seems out of control
  • She finds herself and then finds love again

The movie based on this book had Julia Roberts playing Elizabeth. She was good as always, but movies hardly ever come close to the magic of reading the books!


Key Highlights:

‘Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water.’

‘When the karma of a relationship is done, only love remains. Its safe. Let go.’

‘The hub of calmness- that’s your heart. That’s where God lives within you. So stop looking for answers in the world. Just keep coming back to that centre and you will always find peace.”

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Have you read the previous ones?

A: A New Earth 

B: Brahma Kumaris

C: Chicken Soup for the Soul

D: Dialogue with Death 

 

Image courtesy: http://www.studio-t.it/en/

D – ‘Dialogue with Death’ by Eknath Easwaran #AtoZChallenge

D – ‘Dialogue with Death’ by Eknath Easwaran #AtoZChallenge

Comments 19 comments

“We can find our centre of gravity within ourselves by simplifying and slowing down our lives.” ~Eknath Easwaran

When I saw this book on a friend’s list of recommended reading for personal growth, I said to myself ‘Talking to death already? Not so soon.’ To let the curious cat out of the bag, I bought it anyways. Only to discover later that this book was more about living than it was about dying.

If we have noticed a sport well -it is towards the last few minutes that the players are suddenly more energetic, playing their best foot forward and going all out. Reaching closer to a deadline creates a sense of urgency. Just the same way, it is the eventuality of death that makes us conscious about our existence. Who are we really? What are we here for? If we could live for an eternity, there would be no urgency in finding these answers. We would simply be living without ever having to worry about an end. It is indeed death that questions our very life!

Thinking about death is to be alert about having first lived well! Wake up and take a look at your life before you look at death. ‘Dialogue with Death’ will compel you to live before you die.

Key Highlights:

We begin to take life seriously when we take death seriously

‘Everything passes. You haven’t got much time.’

‘The human being needs meaning in order to live and meaning cannot come from events outside us. It can only come from within, from the way we see the world.”

“We are all involved through the web of karma.”

Take a look at more books from Eknath Easwaran here:

http://amzn.to/2nF9xzZ

 

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

C – ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ books #AtoZChallenge

C – ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ books #AtoZChallenge

Comments 22 comments

“We cannot learn without pain.” ~Aristotle

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we find ourselves in situations we have no control over. Changes in our lives can be daunting. But when we realize that there have been many others before us in similar circumstances, it is comforting. ‘The Chicken Soup for the Soul’ has been a reassuring set of books with inspiring stories of people from all over the world. Many of their books have been a part of my daughters and mine reading ritual together.

There’s always a ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ book for you – no matter what your age or stage in life!

During the process of my divorce, its edition of ‘Divorce and Recovery’ was an eye-opener for dealing with everything related to divorce. Reading personal stories of grief and loss helped me deal with my own experience. I could relate to all the confusion and turmoil within, often with an objective view. The people in the stories were strangers, their situations were in a different context, yet it felt as though we are all in this together. The chosen ones!
This book helped me acknowledge all the crazy emotions running through my mind and heart. It brought forth a reassurance that a broken heart can be healed.

The thought of divorce meant entering a dark place, one I was determined never to know.

Throwing light on the various situations I could possibly face ahead, it helped me to deal with visitation scenario, financial perils, children’s well-being, dating after divorce and more. I was filled with the hope of surviving my divorce and the much needed optimism of thriving thereafter. Divorce can be life’s greatest lesson!

A highly recommended self-help book for divorced women, men and families.

Key Highlights:

‘For the first time I was doing what was best for me. I finally acknowledged that I deserved more.’

“There are all kinds of reasons for two people to stay together and all kinds of reasons for them to move apart.”

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” –Robert Muller. 

Buy this book here:

http://amzn.to/2mUUIKG

 

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Image Courtesy: jackcanfield.com

 

 

B- BRAHMA KUMARIS #AtoZChallenge

B- BRAHMA KUMARIS #AtoZChallenge

Comments 35 comments

“Making things positive doesn’t mean a sunny outlook; it means making the choice to see problems as opportunities.” ~ Brahma Kumaris

I happened to chance upon the ‘Awakening with Brahma Kumaris’ TV show many years ago. B K Shivani had held my attention then. I was impressed that here was truly a learned spiritual influencer who could speak with good clarity and diction.

A few days later, a dear old school friend gifted me something unique for my Birthday -‘The Happiness Index’ DVD set by the Brahma Kumaris. Some serendipity!

Listening to B K Shivani was like applying a soothing balm to the wounded heart. So much truth being spoken in such simple language. She emanates immense wisdom for practically dealing with our daily challenges. Watching this series was my introduction to the Brahma Kumaris movement and more importantly, to meditation!

No one is responsible for my hurt, pain, fear or anger. It is my own creation in response to their behaviour, and I have another choice. The choice to be happy.

What followed was my interest in some of their ways of life – the Rajyoga meditation at the B K centre, understanding the theory behind the Prajapati Baba, the divinity of the Didis and listening to the daily ‘murli‘ (divine message of the day).

People come to explore their own spirituality irrespective of their cultural backgrounds. The Brahma Kumaris meditations help develop inner calm, clear thinking and personal well-being.

‘Practical Meditation’ is a concise book on the foundation course of Rajyoga Meditation that includes Self-Awareness, Controlling Thoughts, The Law of Karma, Supreme Soul and the Eight Powers. A simple introduction to the simple ways of life, each lesson concludes with a suggested meditation.

Watch a glimpse of the first episode of ‘Awakening with Brahma Kumaris: The Happiness Index’ with Sister Shivani: https://youtu.be/YzkK2HndNuM

Listen to a few samples of Rajyoga meditation music here:

http://bit.ly/2nsxI0K

Om Shanti!

 

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Images courtesy: kerala.brahmakumaris.com; www.awakening.in; omshantimusic.net.

A– ‘A NEW EARTH’ by ECKHART TOLLE #AtoZChallenge

A– ‘A NEW EARTH’ by ECKHART TOLLE #AtoZChallenge

Comments 37 comments

“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.” ~Eckhart Tolle

Happy to begin the #AtoZChallenge talking about one of my favourite authors and speakers – Eckhart Tolle. His bestselling spiritual guide ‘The Power of Now’ which I had read earlier was such a revelation of living in the present moment.

‘A New Earth – Awakening to your life’s purpose’ also touches upon living in the now while taking a look at our ego-based state of mind. It is an inspiring transformational book with practical tips to bring about a shift in our reality and that of the present day humanity.

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.

This book is about awakening – beginning with the recognition of your own awakened or unawakened state of mind. Eckhart throws light on our ego-based state of consciousness and gradually leads us to an entirely new understanding of ourselves. We are not our egos but we do not realise it is our egos that make us miserable. If you are spiritually open and ready, a shift in consciousness will take place while reading this book. You will awaken to a lot more within than just your life’s purpose!

*This book features on Oprah’s Recommended Reading and Book Club

Key Highlights:

“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.”

“People don’t realize that now is all there ever is: there is no past or future except as memory or anticipation in your mind.”

Eckhart Tolle was ranked #3 on the list of 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People of 2015, just behind Pope Francis and The Dalai Lama.

Hear him speak with Oprah on this video clip: 

http://bit.ly/2mUQ13w

Discover all about him and his teachings right here:

http://www.eckharttolle.com/

Want to buy this book? Go to Amazon:

http://amzn.to/2npssfo

Other Bestsellers by Eckhart Tolle:

           

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Linked to Blogchatter: http://bit.ly/2olW8hb.

Image courtesy: http://bit.ly/2oohHOd

%d bloggers like this: