S.B. Keshava Swami's Blog: Tattva | S.B. Keshava Swami, page 4

Decide for Yourself

Firstly, try to ensure that your decisions reflect your dreams and not your fears. We often make decisions based on what we fear could go wrong. That may save us from some problem, but it definitely won’t transport us to our full potential. Average decisions are primarily founded upon fears, amazing decisions are based on dreams, where we acknowledge fears without being restricted and choked by them. 

Secondly, don’t just make decisions which will please people in the here and now, but make decisions which will genuinely serve and enrich them. We look for acceptance, acknowledgement and appreciation, but the bigger thing is to deeply think how we can do the best for them in the bigger picture. Sometimes we may have to take bold decisions (which often meet with opposition) that will serve others in the long term. 

Thirdly, there is a temptation to make decisions based on impulse and intuition, but the best decisions also incorporate inspiration and guidance. We have to follow our heart’s calling, but hearing from others can often help us better identify that inner calling. Just like Arjuna, who turned to Krishna for guidance, we have the opportunity to get feedback on our intentions from spiritual books and spiritual friends. 

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)

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Breakfast of Champions!

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. But why is it so hard to digest? How can we learn the art of hearing without defending?

There are two fundamental blocks:

We can’t see – it’s difficult to see the picture when you’re inside the frame. Entangled in our own emotions, perceptions, habits and opinions, we struggle to go beyond. A neutral observer can clearly see things that we are completely oblivious to. Our modes of functioning, however, become so engrained that we convince ourselves we must be right and conveniently disregard any opinions to the contrary. 

We don’t want to see – success, we feel, is to be ‘perfect,’ and when that perfection is questioned, our pride awakens to defend. More important than perfection, however, is progress. A spiritually successful day is one where we improve, refine and develop ourselves. How is that possible if we’re unaware of our shortcomings? Stagnate in the illusion of perfection or progress in the reality of struggle – the choice is ours.

Even when feedback is out-and-out wrong, we’d do well to avoid disregarding it completely. Can we still learn a principle from what is being said? Even if the details are wrong, could the feedback apply to us in a different way? Can we take it as a timely warning of what not to do? Can we use their seemingly inaccurate analysis as an opportunity to exercise humility? All high ideals, I know, but that’s what makes a sincere spiritualist so special. The great saints demonstrated how even the harsh criticism of an unreasonable faultfinder can enrich our spiritual growth, what to speak of the earnest words of concerned friends.

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)

Incorporation of ISKCON in New York

Today is the anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation in 1966.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, was a spiritual disruptor of the highest calibre. In 1966, at the age of 69, homeless, penniless and alone, he arrived in the Lower East Side of New York, searching for ‘better opportunities’ to share the message of the Gita. This was Skid row; the lowest of the low. Here he lived, worshiped, studied and taught. Every evening, his decrepit residence, the rat-ridden 94 Bowery, would fill up with buzzing acidheads, bearded bohemians, ruined alcoholics and disillusioned dropouts. Sex, music, LSD and consciousness expansion; that’s what made them tick. The Swami would nonchalantly step into the makeshift ‘temple’ and take his seat at the front, face-to-face with these confused souls who were looking for real love, real happiness and real spiritual experience.

The Swami was unfazed; his expression exuding bottomless depth and boundless compassion. In short, straight-forward philosophical discourses, he delivered eternal truths with resounding impact. When he sang in simple tunes with a bongo drum, their heads would spin and their hearts conquered. His tremendous devotion empowered his urgent message to penetrate the depths of their consciousness. He effortlessly smashed layers of illusion, unrelentingly exposing the fallacy of all materialistic ideology.

From these humble beginnings, Prabhupada went on to establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and in a few short years made ‘Hare Krishna’ a household name. More than institutionalised religion, ISKCON was designed to be a movement for dynamic spiritual adventure. Beyond rules, regulations and rituals, it’s meant to facilitate deep spiritual experience. ISKCON continues to grow in beautiful ways, delivering wisdom that breathes in a world that is suffocating from materialism.

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Guru Purnima

In spiritual India, today is reserved for honouring teachers and guides. The post-modern mind often rebels against authority figures and the principle of gurus. They promote fraternity more than hierarchy – position and titles don’t mean as much as camaraderie and kindness. The post-modern are explorative more than conclusive – the truth they say, is something we are constantly discovering and absoluteness smells suspicious. Post-modernism promotes inclusivity over exclusivity – nobody has a monopoly, claim or control over the truth, they say. Though these notions may sound antithetical to traditional spirituality and the acceptance of a guru, not necessarily.

In Vedic tradition, the guru is as much a loving friend as a protective father, eagerly waiting to give independence and empowerment so that the disciple can creatively design their destiny. The guru lends vision and opens doors, allowing the disciple to explore a previously inaccessible world of opportunity. The guru teaches the absolute truth, but then encourages the disciple to mine that oceanic knowledge for their own jewels of wisdom and insight. The relationship with gurus and guides is one of the most mystical and beautiful components of the spiritual journey. Of this I am fully convinced.

Take some moments to offer gratitude to all those who have helped you on the journey. Nobody in this world is self-made.

You’re on Mute!

“You’re on mute!”- that has become one of the great utterances of the ‘Zoom age.’ We’re all familiar with someone speaking and speaking, oblivious to the fact that nobody is hearing them. Ironically, it doesn’t just happen on zoom when we are physically inaudible. Often, people’s messages seem to repeatedly fall on deaf ears. How do we communicate in such a way that people will be naturally enthused to listen?

The first thing is that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. So the most basic way in which to help anyone in their life is to first become a good friend. Show them that you don't have an agenda above and beyond their own wellbeing. When they have confidence that you are genuinely interested in them, that you have the best intention in mind, then they'll be much more open to hearing you. 

Secondly, we have to be a good example. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and use words if necessary.” We can inspire people in spirituality without saying a word, because actions speak louder than words. Sometimes they say “your character is speaking so loudly, I can't hear a word you're saying.” 

Thirdly, when sharing knowledge, try to deeply understand the needs, interests and concerns of the people you are serving. Then, creatively demonstrate how spirituality addresses those needs on the deepest and most practical level. After all, everyone wants to know how this will tangibly help them in their life. 

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)

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Live to Give

One year has flown by! On 26th June 2022, I accepted vows of lifetime renunciation (sannyasa) - my name was changed from "Sutapa Das" to "Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami" (or "Keshava Swami" for short). They say it's the final vow - we close all the doors of material opportunity, to clear the path to a world of unlimited possibility. My deep gratitude for the kindness and support everyone has showed me on this journey into the unknown. It's just the beginning... looking forward to many more adventures, experiences and divine encounters.

Someone asked me what my reflection was after one year in the renounced order. This is what came to mind.

The essence of spiritual life is selflessness. It runs antithetical to the selfish notions of materialistic paradigms, imprisoned in the tiny and humdrum world of “I, me and mine.” We live to give. When we embody the spirit of being concerned about others, their wellbeing, their happiness, their prosperity on all levels, then miracles happen in our own lives. When our spirit of giving comes from a deep place of care and compassion, that ‘giving’ actually becomes the energising force of our life. That’s why you see the saints tirelessly and ceaselessly giving, without any sense of fatigue or fade. When we give, not seeking appreciation, reward or anything in return, then we enter a different arena. When giving becomes an act impelled by the heart, an expression of who we are, it attracts divine energy. For the great souls, when others “take” and accept their service, they actually feel like they are being given to.

So I guess I have witnessed a glimpse of that… but of course a long way to go! If the essence of life is to give, then giving one’s very self is the ultimate aspiration. That is the vow of the sannyasi - mind, body, words, and no holding back - the world becomes their family. I’m not there, but trying to embrace that life which has opened up before me. Thank you to everyone for being so generous and accepting whatever small service we have offered. In your acceptance, I have been the greatest receiver.

Smile! It’s an Emergency!

Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda Dance at Ratha-yatra. Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc. (www.krishna.com). Used with permission.

When people fall ill they go to a hospital, but when it becomes an acute emergency the help comes to them. The annual chariot of festivals, known as Ratha Yatra, is that proverbial spiritual ambulance. In times of ailing spirituality, the Divine ventures into public view to meet those who are apathetic, preoccupied and lacking enthusiasm in anything remotely spiritual. The smiling face of Krishna, seated upon a beautiful chariot and accompanied by a festival of music and dance, injects an incredible energy and spiritual buzz back into the world. Witnessing this festival leaves a powerful impression in the heart.

Jaganatha Ratha Yatra is the oldest street festival in the world. Originally conducted in Jagannatha Puri, India, the ‘Lord of the Universe,’ Krishna, is set upon a chariot along with His brother and sister. Alongside a procession of over one million people, the chariot is manually pulled to its destination – a charming devotional act signifying the ushering of Divinity back into our hearts. Srila Prabhupada took this festival all over the world, and now, in every major city of the world, this historic event is reenacted.

Smiling is a universal language that overcomes all barriers. Most people have forgotten how to smile, and of the few that haven’t, their smile often covers up an unhappy heart. On this day, when we see Krishna in his smiling form, we pray to reawaken this natural joyfulness. In an age where so many apprehensions hijack our consciousness, we sometimes forget the most basic thing – that life is meant to be a happy journey. May the Lord of the Universe transform us into smiling souls – and when you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.

Spiritual Discrimination

One thing I've learnt in my spiritual journey is that years in a spiritual movement is not the sole measure of spiritual accomplishment. That doesn't mean we shouldn't respect those who have been practicing for many years. In reality, however, it’s not the number of years in your life, it's the amount of life in those years. So, we shouldn’t have an unrealistic or utopian vision of spiritual practitioners who may perceive as falling short of the ideals.  

When we do detect some ‘fault,’ the first thing would be to acknowledge that we could well be wrong. Furthermore, when we see faults in others and discrepancies around us, it's often a reflection of something within ourselves. If something is agitating me, attracting my attention and disturbing me so much, it may mean that some elements of those things are within me as well. Do I sometimes fall prey to that weakness? The great teacher, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, said “When faults in others misguide you, then be patient, introspect and look for faults within yourself. Know that nobody can harm you unless you harm yourself.”

Secondly, spiritual vision means to not just see how far someone is from the ideal, but to appreciate also how far they have progressed and improved from where they were. If someone is progressing, if they are proverbially ‘in the shower’ and cleansing their consciousness, it would be unreasonable to write them off for being unclean.

Thirdly, faults in others should not decrease your faith in the power of the spiritual tradition. I can share with you innumerable stories of accomplished people I have spent time with. I used to think saints were people of the past, the personalities we read about in scriptures, but then I started witnessing saints walk in front of me. One type of person sceptically looks around, picks up on bad examples and concludes that’s the standard. Alternatively, we can look around with a gracious heart and see amazing examples and be inspired by that. Let us not descend to the lowest common denominator but rather look at those who are flying high in the spiritual sky.

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)

The Heart to Forgive

How do we find the heart to forgive someone?

The goal of life is not to remember all the terrible things that someone has done to you, but rather to remember all the wonderful, divine things that are happening to you every single day. But while we’re hijacked by these negative thoughts, emotions and bitterness towards others, we don’t have the headspace to fully acknowledge the beauty in our lives. Forgiveness is essential because it frees up room in our consciousness. The spiritual knowledge of the Bhagavad-gita gives three essential insights which help us to forgive.

Firstly, we develop a deeper vision of ourselves. We are spirit souls on a journey through different chapters of life and all of our current experiences are connected to previous acts. This is a not a chapter of life which is in isolation. So, when someone sends some negativity towards us, when someone seemingly does something unreasonable, illogical, impulsive and hurtful, we know there is a higher reason why I’m going through this. It helps us avoid imprisoning ourselves into victim mentality. Other people are the messengers of our karma, delivering us lessons that we need to learn. Rather than holding them responsible for my difficulties, I instead take that responsibility myself.

Another insight that facilitates forgiveness is when we look at ourselves and realise we also made many mistakes. We have been unkind to others. We’ve also fallen prey to the human weakness of causing harm and anxiety to others in small or big ways. Thus, we appreciate that people are weak. We can’t be judges for other people’s mistakes and then lawyers for our own. There will be times when we will make mistakes and we will require the broadmindedness of others to forgive us.

Finally, forgiveness become easier when we appreciate that the world is meant to be uncomfortable and frustrating. The world is meant to be imperfect, but the Bhagavad-gita explains it’s ‘perfectly imperfect.’ In other words, all the problems and discomfort of this world are meant to remind us that we're not made for this realm. We can thus forgive, because we can appreciate that whatever we went through is ultimately an impetus moving me towards eternal freedom.

Forgiveness, empowered by these deep insights, becomes much more possible. The greatest personalities in our tradition were able to forgive even the greatest injustices, because they were empowered with this broad vision of reality.

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)

Gita Unlocked – New Course!

Over 25 years ago, the ‘spiritual disruptors’ entered my life. When they started dropping bombs of wisdom, it shook my world. Aspirations and plans that I previously held in high esteem were obliterated and the landscape of my life was being reconstructed before my eyes. I was becoming more aware, more conscious and more purposeful. I realised that till that point, my entire worldview had been founded upon blind acceptance of so-called truths. Going against the grain wasn’t easy, but the excitement, adventure and intrigue was generating a hunger to keep on exploring. Looking back, I marvel at how that disruption helped me progress to a beautiful new paradigm.

I’d love to share that same wisdom with you.

Join us on an adventure to unlock every chapter of the Bhagavad-gita and access priceless jewels of wisdom. If you're ready to redefine success, rediscover your identity, reposition your lifestyle, remould your mind and rediscover true love then look no further. We're on a mission to question, challenge and empower you into higher grade conscious living! Through eight online sessions, optional free tutorials and self-study reflection, you'll gain a unique understanding of the Bhagavad-gita's profound wisdom.

Time: Every Thursday 8.00-9.30pm BST, 1st June - 20th July

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Join Here: www.thinkgita.org/unlocked