Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail. Bhartrhari
--------------------------------------------------------- The Peril of Idleness and the Triumph of Energy 1 In the annals of human history, the dichotomy between idleness and energy has been a perennial theme. Bhartrhari, the ancient Indian philosopher, succinctly encapsulates this timeless truth: "Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail." This assertion underscores the profound impact of idleness on human progress and the unparalleled virtues of energy in shaping destinies. 2 Idleness, akin to a dormant volcano, harbors destructive potential beneath its tranquil surface. When individuals succumb to idleness, they squander precious time and potential. It is a breeding ground for stagnation, fostering complacency and apathy. In idleness, the mind languishes, devoid of purposeful engagement, and the spirit withers under the weight of inertia. 3 Moreover, idleness is not a solitary affliction but a contagion that spreads its insidious tendrils across societies. Nations plagued by idleness witness a decline in productivity, innovation, and social cohesion. Economic prosperity eludes them as opportunities remain untapped and talents lie dormant. Idleness erects barriers to progress, impeding the collective ascent of humanity. 4 Conversely, energy emerges as the beacon of hope amid the shadows of idleness. Energy fuels ambition, propelling individuals towards their goals with unwavering determination. It is the driving force behind innovation, as pioneers’ channel their energy into breakthroughs that shape the course of history. From the light bulb to the internet, every milestone of human achievement bears the indelible imprint of energy. 5 Moreover, energy is contagious, igniting sparks of inspiration and resilience in its wake. Societies characterized by a culture of energy witness exponential growth and development. They harness the collective vigor of their citizens to surmount challenges and chart new frontiers. In the crucible of energy, dreams are transformed into reality, and aspirations find fertile ground to flourish. 6 The cultivation of energy demands conscious effort and unwavering commitment. It requires individuals to transcend the allure of idleness and embrace the virtues of diligence and perseverance. By harnessing their inner reserves of energy, they can unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the tapestry of human progress. 7 Education plays a pivotal role in nurturing energy, instilling in individuals the values of curiosity, passion, and resilience. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, societies can empower their citizens to confront challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. Furthermore, mentorship and guidance provide invaluable support on the journey towards self-actualization, inspiring individuals to push beyond their limits and reach for the stars. 8 prashantatma vigata-bhir brahmachari-vrate sthitah manah sanyamya mach-chitto yukta asita mat-parah BG 6.14: Thus, with a serene, fearless, and unwavering mind, and staunch in the vow of celibacy, the vigilant yogi should meditate on Me, having Me alone as the supreme goal. 9 Goddess energy can be manifested as Durga, Lakshmi, Kali, and Saraswati. They are the cosmic energies of strength, beauty, and wisdom. Durga is the unfathomable one and is the cosmic warrior goddess which battles with ignorance and dispels darkness. Goddess Durga riding a lion, her face shining with peace and compassion and carrying weapons in her arms is the power behind sensational breakthroughs. 10 Maa Durga is a dark manifestation; Goddess Kali represents a dissolving power of time and the timelessness of deep meditation. Kali is beyond any norm and convention. Dark as the night, dancing on Shiva, tongue thrust out with a garland of skulls. She represents the calm of meditation where no thoughts exist except for the awareness of infinite space. Sri Lakshmi or the Goddess of good fortune is the essence of harmony and abundance. She is the deity of wealth and good fortune, standing on a lotus flower. She is the Shakti of prosperity and blissful benevolence. Saraswati represents pure flowing energy, dressed in white, creative inspiration, holding the sacred texts, mala beads, and the Veena. She is iconic of mantra fulfilment. She adorns a swan whose beak can separate the milk of wisdom from the water of material existence. The goddess great gift is a mental insight that gives us judgment can lead us to find divinity in the world Deity puja is a powerful way to free ourselves from the egos so we can identify with our Shakti in its purest form. When we invoke the deities as a source, we can open ourselves to the subtle divine energy always present within us, ready to show us the way. 11 There are no boundaries as to the energy that may serve as the focal point of Invoking Energies. You need only choose a spiritual guide to connect with and an object to represent them. Preparing for the puja ritual, you will need an altar and offerings. Meditation, chanting, the reading of sacred texts, offerings of food and water, and cleansing are part of the ritual. Just as you adorn your body your spiritual body also accepts the fragrances of incense, flowers. An altar created with the deity and its sacred geometry, the yantra and mala beads that are used in the chanting of mantras provides a focus for the energy of the divine and a seat of our consciousness. Center yourself and release any stress you may feel, breathe in through your right nostril and out through the left. Repeat with the left nostril. Release all negativity and open your heart to the energies of the divine. Ringing of a bell and Invoking Energies, chanting the mantras and the cleansing and dressing of the deity, we are creating a connection with the cosmic divinity. 12 Hinduism’s tantric and yogic traditions affirm the sacredness of material reality and contain teachings and practices to unite people with divine energy. Hinduism’s Tantric tradition teaches that the entire universe is the manifestation of divine energy. Yoga – derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “to yoke” or “to unite” – refers to a series of mental and physical practices designed to connect the individual with this divine energy. 13 Our Vedic scriptures project energies through different YOGAs. Invoking Energies means Kundalini means 'She who is coiled; the serpent power or the prana, the primordial cosmic energy in each individual which eventually, through the practice of yoga and meditation, rises up the Sushumna Nadi or the consciousness. In this process, the kundalini awakens each successive chakra. 14 In the eternal struggle between idleness and energy, the stakes are high, and the consequences profound. Bhartrhari’ s wisdom resonates across the ages, serving as a timeless reminder of the perils of idleness and the triumph of energy. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us heed his words and cultivate the boundless energy within us, for therein lies the promise of a brighter tomorrow. K Rajaram IRS 15524 16524 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thatha_patty+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopTGgmpTwr2erQQqbsshijcpudEyFLfodHZO9c550FsJA%40mail.gmail.com.
