From Struggles to Strength: Lessons in Disguise.

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

Embracing the Veiled Gifts:

In life’s fabric, challenges frequently appear as opportunities. I regret not learning this sooner: it is amid adversity that one’s character is tested and refined. When the ego is crucified, the inner person gets sanctified and reborn stronger, wiser, and more in tune with the universe’s symphony.

Trouble-free upbringing:

I had a trouble-free upbringing throughout my teenage years. Learning began the moment I left the safety and security of my childhood behind and entered the life of adult world: service in Civil Aviation as Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), married life, social life, and then beyond until the age of 55 years. Beyond the age of 55, lessons learned started bearing fruit through wisdom due to enlightening knowledge gained through books, which I have shared in my series of posts “My Journey Through Books.”

Threads of Adversity: Bullying, Leg-pulling, Betrayals:

My life’s path has been a complex web woven from bullying, leg-pulling, and betrayals. Each new challenge is like painting a new picture in my mind’s eye. At times, it felt like the world was an unyielding furnace, relentlessly heating up and hardening my character. Through these tests, I was able to distil a fundamental realization: that difficulties, no matter how severe, are really just gifts from the cosmic tapestry in disguise.

The Supreme Guidance: Names Fade, Truth Remains:

In the quiet of my thoughts, I was able to pick up on a subtle hint of direction from the Supreme, the Absolute Reality that weaves the fabric of creation. All of these concepts—whether you call them God, the Almighty, Brahman of the Vedas, or the Divine Matrix—are just words for the same thing. The mysterious symphony of probability known as the Quantum Mind is responsible for conducting the cosmic ballet.

With age comes a wealth of invaluable treasures that only time can bestow.

Intuition: The Cosmic Compass:

In the fires of adversity, I discovered the value of listening to my intuition and following the cosmic footprints it revealed. I was able to find my way out of the barriers and into the bright open space of comprehension because of it. When I finally let go and let the Quantum Mind run the show, that’s when I finally felt at peace.

Faith and Gratitude: Keystone Arches to Non-Dual Absolutes:

The gap that separates our limited selves and the boundless expanse of non-dual absolutes can only be traversed by means of the keystone arches of unwavering trust and gratefulness. They are the alchemical elixir that converts dark pain into brilliant enlightenment. Through trials, through tribulations, I learned to bow in reverence to the dual nature of existence, to embrace the dance of light and shadow as the harmonious interplay of a cosmic duality.

The Resonance of Gratitude:

Being grateful puts an individual in sync with the universe’s most fundamental vibrations. A sacred agreement with the cosmos to develop, transcend, and evolve through every test and difficulty. It’s realizing that every setback is really a stepping stone to a larger reward, and that every betrayal is a means to a more intimate connection with one’s true Self.

Threads of Insight: Stardust’s Journey in the Cosmic Loom:

As I make my way across the vastness of space-time, I will carry this knowledge inside the fibres of my being. Sometimes blessings come disguised as difficulties rather than in the form of affluence or glory. The quantum mind, the dance of probability, has taught me to hear the music amid the noise, to uncover the gifts buried in the trials of life.

In conclusion, the lesson learned is to embrace adversity as hidden blessings and express gratitude for the elemental forces shaping our existence.

Walking with Faith and Gratitude- Expressing Gratitude towards the Five Elements:

Steps Towards Cosmic Evolution:

The Five Elements of the Universe in Eastern Philosophy:

In Eastern philosophy, the universe is believed to be composed of five fundamental elements, each representing a unique aspect of existence. These elements are:

Earth (Prithvi)
Water (Ap)
Fire (Tejas)
Air (Vayu)
Ether (Akasha)

1. Earth (Prithvi): The Nurturing Ground

Honouring the Foundation of Life

In gratitude, I acknowledge the solid ground beneath my feet, the nurturing embrace of Earth. It cradles life, providing stability, sustenance, and a fertile bed for growth. With reverence, I give thanks for the steadfast support that allows existence to flourish.

2. Water (Ap): The Essence of Vitality

Blessing of Life’s Essence

With heartfelt thanks, I honour the flowing streams, the life-giving rivers, and the very essence of vitality – Water. It cleanses, nourishes, and sustains all living beings. I express gratitude for the fluidity that allows life to adapt, to grow, and to find its course.

3. Fire (Tejas): The Illuminating Force

Kindling the Inner Light:

In reverence, I extend my gratitude to the radiant force of Fire. It brings warmth, light, and transformation. It is the spark within, the illuminating force that guides our journey. With deepest thanks, I honour the fire that burns within and around us.

4. Air (Vayu): The Breath of Life

Embracing the Breath of Existence

With a heart full of gratitude, I acknowledge the gentle whisper of the Wind, the Breath of Life – Air. It carries the essence of vitality, the very breath that sustains us. It touches every being, reminding us of our interconnectedness. I give thanks for the life-giving force that permeates every moment.

5. Ether (Akasha): The Boundless Space

Embracing the Infinite expanse

In profound appreciation, I recognize the boundless expanse of Space, the Ether that cradles all existence. It holds the potential for creation, the canvas upon which life unfolds. With deepest gratitude, I honour the infinite possibilities that arise from the vastness of the cosmic canvas.

With gratitude in my heart, I bow to the harmonious dance of these five elements, for they constitute the very fabric of our being and the essence of the universe itself. They remind us of our interconnectedness with all of creation, and for this, I am profoundly thankful.

Dear friends!

Greetings!

My spiritual journey, which I began at the age of eight (8), has spanned an amazing long period till date and has been an enthralling trip. Join me on a transforming journey that spins a web of development, resiliency, and profound understanding.

Introduction:

Through a journey marked by spiritual exploration, both ascent and descent, I navigated the turbulence of life’s demands. In a world besieged by chaos, discovering inner tranquillity may appear elusive, yet my odyssey revealed a transcendent truth. Beyond the confines of culture and creed, my path led me to a profound revelation—a realization that defied the very divisions that once shaped me.

Captivated by Christ: Nurturing Curiosity and Spirituality in Childhood:

I was miraculously drawn to the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ as an 8-year-old growing up in an Orthodox Hindu Brahmin family. As I watched my family pursue day to day well-being and desires related to this materialistic world through their devotions, the idea of worshipping idols for merely materialistic desires didn’t sit well with me. Images of Jesus held a mesmerising attraction in the tangle of my early memories. His stare appeared to penetrate the depths of my impressionable heart, sowing the seeds of wonder and spiritual yearning that would later direct my journey of self-discovery. Those sights, which will always be imprinted in my memory, sparked a flame of inquiry that cut through space and time. My interest in Christian literature, especially the Bible, drove me to investigate it, and as the years passed, my relationship with Christian trusts and Churches across India grew stronger. I started attending Churches and gaining knowledges from Christain scholars.

Spiritual Foundations: Cultivating Goodness through Devotion to Jesus and the Ten Commandments:

[Jesus Christ] by Library of Congress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

With the association of these Christian communities, I soaked up rich knowledge that complemented Jesus’s teachings perfectly. I developed a strong bond with Him because of my love and devotion for Him, which helped me internalise the holistic behaviours contained in the Ten Commandments. Each lesson served as a steppingstone that was painstakingly constructed with love and commitment, helping to mould a life characterised by honesty, compassion, and a clear sense of direction. I even had moments that I can only characterise as miracles as I travelled along this path, which I thought were the result of my unadulterated love for the Lord Jesus. Even if they deserve their own section, these instances of miracles serve as evidence of my sincere faith at the time.

Battles of Faith and Love’s Unconventional Journey:

My voyage was woven with significant encounters, yet no matter how deeply I thought about it, the mystery of the Genesis chapter’s cosmic beginnings remained. Scepticism surfaced as a student immersed in the fields of physics and mathematics. My allegiances were also put under duress by various Christian organisations that fervently desired my Baptism as proof of my conversion. I broke up these relationships at this point, a decision that contrasted with my unwavering allegiance to Lord Jesus. In the shadow of possible planned marriages with Christian suitors, an unanticipated affection grew for the future wife of my life. I let go of those associations in this delicate dance, but my unwavering love for Jesus remained, a thread that went through everything else.

A Turning Point in Self-Realization: Nurturing Wisdom through the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta:

My father’s gifting of the Bhagavad Gita signalled a turning point that had tremendous significance. A remarkable vista of insight emerged as I read through the text with a contemplative mindset, exposing the core of the Absolute Self and the profound depths of “non-duality,” a tenet of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. A dramatic change took place during those years of intensive academic study at the university. Ancient knowledge, contained in the Gita’s words, began to permeate the crevices of my perception, enhancing and changing my perspective.

I read all 18 chapters of the Gita through careful study, their wisdom echoing in my heart like the blissful echoes of eternity. The shlokas, which were filled with eternal lessons, evolved into threads that carefully woven my understanding together. This wasn’t simply a simple reading; it was a profound comprehension of universal truths that cut through time and cultural barriers.

Indeed, the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings served as a pivotal point in my quest for self-awareness and a transforming axis. It was a beacon, showing the way to self-realization and the understanding of interdependence. My vision of the world and my role in it have been permanently changed by the timeless Gita’s whispers, which have been sewn into the fabric of my mind.

Temporarily Deferred: Navigating Technical Responsibilities Amidst the Quest for Spiritual Insight:

1983: 9th June:

I entered the world of employment and obligations as life went on. The pursuit of spiritual enlightenment momentarily yielded to the demands of my technical duty obligations, wherein I devoted myself to ensuring the seamless operation of Air Navigational services, safeguarding the realms of Air Traffic Services with unwavering diligence. The texts I previously immersed myself in slowly receded from my routine as technical papers and tests took my time and energy.

Seeds of Wisdom Sown: An Unconventional Exchange of Inspiration and Knowledge:

A significant turning point in my journey occurred in 1989 when an enveloping invitation to connect with the Absolute Self emerged. I was pulled to the Ramkrishna Mission’s exhibit at the Calcutta Book Fair despite its busy atmosphere. There, in my mother tongue, I found a book on the Upanishads and the four Vedas, which was a treasure trove. Despite the limited time I spent with these materials, I was aware of their importance.

I gave the Upanishads and Vedas to my father in a gesture of familial solidarity and the sharing of knowledge, urging him to read their contents. This act was inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, which was a gift from him, and had its origins there. I admitted that Vedanta had “stirred my soul,” hence these books ended up in my library. I gave my father these materials because I understood the limitations of my time and that their advice was too valuable to be left unread.

This dialogue resonated with the timeless wisdom that has been passed down through the ages, creating a link that transcended simple pages and serving as a symbol of how we are all on a common quest for wisdom amid the ups and downs of life’s responsibilities.

Navigating the Depths: A Journey of Resilience, Reflection, and Renewal:

A turbulent chapter of life at the age of 55:

I entered a turbulent chapter of life at the age of 55, leaving me to battle an unsurmountable difficulty. I discovered myself facing the intimidating waves of hardship, much like a lone ship navigating a rough sea. I turned to the ageless wisdom of classical philosophies and the comforting embrace of motivational literature for solace in the face of this daunting task. In my moments of weakness, it seemed as though the wisdom of the past was calling to me and extending a lifeline.

I found a haven of comfort in the hallowed lines of the Vedas and the profound insights of the Upanishads, a refuge where ancient voices whispered the secrets of perseverance and the art of finding meaning in the midst of turmoil. But my voyage went beyond history’s written records and crossed the boundaries of contemporary science, particularly the fascinating field of quantum physics. Here, the interaction of particles and potentials mirrored the intricacy of existence and provided me with a fresh perspective on the complexities of life’s secrets.

In the wake of the storm, this time of reflection and discovery evolved into a profound voyage that involved a reawakening and a search for a new sense of direction. I found a treasure trove of ideas when I dug further into these wells of knowledge that transcended convention and culture. It was a journey to the heart of the human experience and a symbol of the human spirit’s tenacity and the limitless capacity for rejuvenation that lives within each of us.

My search for comfort evolved into a celebration of the human potential to endure, to look for comfort, and to come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more sensitive to the delicate melodies of existence’s symphony.

These investigations led me to discover a fresh perspective on eternity. During this stage, I discovered again what “equanimity” really means. It seems as though the culmination of several teachings and life experiences had led to this insight. The purest expression of equanimity became my compass, helping me to keep my composure in the face of life’s ups and downs.

My reflections on my journey and the learnings I encountered along the way were collected in blogs titled "My Journey through Books." I want to encourage others to follow their own paths to self-discovery and inner peace by sharing my experiences and learnings.

Conclusion:

Looking back on the course of my life, I am humbled by the interaction of various religions, ideologies, and life experiences that came together to show a fundamental truth.

The wisdom of yore, inscribed in sacred texts, whispered by sages, and echoed through generations, resonates across time and space, offering solace to those who heed its call. And as this wisdom intertwines with the unyielding spirit of humanity, a remarkable metamorphosis takes place. The human spirit, a tenacious force that defies the odds, becomes the vessel that sails the seas of turmoil and uncertainty, charting a course toward the tranquil haven of equanimity.

In embracing this truth, we come to understand that the quest for equanimity is the embodiment of our shared human journey, transcending the labels that often divide us. It is a universal voyage that traverses the landscapes of the heart, propelled by the collective yearning for balance, unity, and inner peace. The symphony of diversity, when orchestrated by the wisdom of ages and harmonized by the resilience of the human spirit, creates a crescendo that resonates through time, inviting us all to embark on the profound expedition toward equanimity, where our souls find their ultimate rest.