Venugopal Acharya's Blog, page 4
October 4, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-14
The Divergent Paths: Babur’s Missed Opportunity for Heart Space Living
Amidst Babur’s self-perception as a holy warrior of Islam, an era of religious harmony was unfolding in India with the emergence of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. In contrast to Babur’s concept of Jihad, India witnessed the growth of Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism that emphasized peace and the love of God. The humble Vaishnava saints became messengers of peace, offering a message of harmony. While Babur excelled in...
September 30, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-13
Eventually, frustrated and disheartened, Babur returned to Fergana, hoping to reclaim his lost kingdom. Unfortunately, fate dealt him another harsh blow, and he suffered a resounding defeat. Left with no other choice, Babur escaped with a small group of loyal followers and sought refuge in the rugged mountains of Central Asia, relying on the hospitality of local tribes. Enduring poverty and humiliation, Babur gradually lost hope of ever reclaiming his beloved homeland. And this meant he was goin...
September 27, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-12
Just as seasons transition from summer to monsoon, and winter arrives unasked, our emotions also undergo constant change. In fact, our feelings fluctuate daily, often shifting multiple times within a single day. Consider asking any mother if she loves her child, and she will likely affirm this without hesitation. However, if you inquire whether she is always “happy” with her child, you will discover a range of different emotions that she experiences in relation to her offspring. These emotions m...
September 23, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-11
Another friend confided in me that whenever he felt low and sad, he eagerly anticipated his Sunday visits to the temple. He imagined himself entering the peaceful ambiance of the temple, associating with other monks and congregation members, and finding shelter. This thought provided him the strength to immerse himself in his struggle-filled life. However, he admitted that when he actually visited the temple, he felt restless. I suggested that perhaps he was addicted to living in the ‘gap’—const...
September 20, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-10
The ‘Gain’ vs ‘Gaps’ Consciousness
Living solely in the realm of struggle and seeking immediate gratification denies us true peace. While there may be fleeting satisfaction in fulfilling our senses, the underlying inadequacies and gaps persistently haunt us. But, when we enter the peaceful shelter zone, we also tap into the realm of gain. The difference between the consciousness of ‘gaps’ and ‘gains’ is profound.
An individual immersed in constant struggle primarily focuses on the gaps in ...
September 16, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-9
2. Struggles in the House of Problem Solving
The mind, not content with seeking pleasure alone, also gravitates towards suffering. It thrives on ranting, moaning, and indulging in a multitude of undesirable emotions such as hurt, pain, melancholy, judgments, prejudices, fear, and anger, among others.
An illustrative incident sheds light on this phenomenon. Years ago, a wealthy man from Mumbai expressed his desire to forsake his riches and embrace a peaceful life in Khirsu, a lesser-known v...
September 13, 2023
WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-8
The Three Types of Happiness
According to Vedic wisdom books, there are two distinct dimensions of happiness: the temporary or material and the eternal or spiritual. And human beings have discovered a third phenomenon that has emerged in modern times.
Type 1 and Type 2 Happiness
Let’s first examine the first two types: Material and Spiritual.
Material happiness can be seen as a relief from suffering. For example, imagine the overcrowded local trains in Mumbai, where hundreds of peopl...
