Venugopal Acharya's Blog, page 5

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-7

It is true that a captivating dance number on a mobile screen can temporarily elevate our dopamine levels, but engaging in the chanting and dancing of the Holy Names of Krishna during kirtans can offer us a more fulfilling experience. While our taste buds may be aroused by the sight or smell of crunchy, spicy Indian snacks topped with tamarind chutney, true satisfaction of the palate is discovered when we mindfully savor our daily meals consisting of chapatis, vegetables, rice, and dal. Nature o...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-6

4.     Vikasita – Developed consciousness and 5. Purna vikasita – Fully Evolved consciousness

These two states represent the pinnacle of advanced consciousness, where an individual’s sense of identity merges with the universe, and they recognize themselves as servants of God. In this state, they perceive their oneness with divinity and find deep contentment in being instruments of God, spreading joy and hope in the lives of others. They perceive the presence of God everywhere and in everythin...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-5

However, if humans refuse to seek a life beyond mere sense gratification and struggle, we risk devolving into nothing more than well-dressed, polished, and sophisticated two-legged animals. We regress to lower stages of consciousness, neglecting our unique capacity to explore and realize our spiritual potential.

The Different Levels of Consciousness

According to the Vedic literatures, there are five stages of consciousness:

1.     Avrata – Covered Consciousness

The Vedic wisdom books...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-4

However, when happiness becomes synonymous with the pursuit of sensory pleasures alone, it follows the law of diminishing returns. With each subsequent increase in indulgence, the pleasure derived from it diminishes, eventually leading to pain and dissatisfaction. For instance, if you are served a single gulab jamun (a syrupy Indian sweet), you may relish it. The second serving may bring additional pleasure, and perhaps after the fourth serving, you may declare that you’ve had enough. But if you...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-3

A folktale from Bangladesh drives home the point emphatically:

Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy man who employed a poor maid servant. Her daily tasks included cleaning the house and washing her master’s dishes. As she went about her duties, she couldn’t help but gaze at the luxurious, cushioned bed in awe. Throughout her entire life, she had never experienced the comfort of sleeping on such a bed. Residing in the slums on the outskirts of town, she had grown accustomed to the hardness ...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-2

As we progress through life, we encounter various challenges and responsibilities that require our attention and effort. From childhood onwards, we strive to address these issues, such as pursuing education, finding employment, managing loans, and securing a place to live. Life is filled with numerous gaps that need to be filled, leading us to exist in what can be called the “struggle zone.”

Constantly grappling with challenges can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Therefore, amids...

WHY should we develop our Heart Space? – Part-1

Is there a choice? Our lives would become a constant rollercoaster if we opt to reside in either of the other two houses—the House of Pleasure or the House of Struggle. It’s essential to give ourselves a break! Let’s examine the three options available to us:

House of Pleasure – The allure and pitfalls of sensory gratification.House of Problem Solving – The challenges and setbacks we encounter.House of Peace – Home State – The benefits of dwelling in the Heart Space.

To clarify, ...

WHAT is a Home State (the Heart Space?) – Part-3

While it’s common to analyse external events and people using our minds, it’s also important to examine the state of our own mind. Instead of being fully identified with our thoughts, we can practice stepping back and cultivating awareness. Through slow breathing and fostering positive emotions like gratitude, we can expand our heart space and live in our true Home in the inner world. We will then not only see the world through our mind, we’ll also see our mind!

In essence, meditation involve...

WHAT is a Home State (the Heart Space?) – Part-2

The sage imparted his wisdom, saying, “We all face the same set of worries and problems, which are like a handful of salt. The difference between us lies in our hearts. Is it small like a cup of water, or is it large and benevolent like a beautiful lake? If you live with a scarcity mindset, always focusing on your inadequacies and fears, you are living in a constricted heart space. When problems, like the palmful of salt, enter your small heart cup, you’ll feel overwhelmed with bitterness. The m...