MyLifeYoga

“Wisdom is knowing I am nothing,
Love is knowing I am everything,
and between the two my life moves.”
—Nisargadatta Maharaj

If we identify ourselves with our ego then we need true wisdom to realize that we are truly insignificant. This knowledge does not arise as an intellectual exercise but comes about from the deeper well of life-experiences.

When we reach the level of wisdom to realize that our ego-identity is nothing, our lives overflow with joy and love. From this overflowing emotion of selfless love comes a realization that our True Self encompasses everything. Every molecule and atom dances to the beat of its joy and the entire universe is nothing but its plaything!

Having fleeting insights into our deeper identity we still struggle with our ego-self and our life oscillates between the two. Here is the translated version of what Nisargadatta Mharaj probably meant:

“Wisdom is knowing I (the ego-identity) am nothing,
Love is knowing I (Deeper Self) am everything,
and between the two (Ego-identity and Deeper Self) my life moves.”

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (April 17, 1897 – September 8, 1981) was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher of Advaita (Nondualism).

One of the 20th century’s exponents of the school of Advaita Vedanta philosophy (nondualism), Sri Nisargadatta, with his direct and minimalistic explanation of non-dualism, is considered the most famous teacher of Advaita since Ramana Maharshi.

In 1973, the publication of his most famous and widely translated book, I Am That, an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers.

Credits:This has been written by Raj Shah and edited by Ketna Shah.

“When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy._When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,’ and others say, ‘Nay, sorrow is the greater.’ But I say unto you, they are inseparable.” —Kahlil Gibran

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how embracing one side of a spectrum invaluably deepens our understanding and often our appreciation of the other. The catalyst of this contemplation was something I experienced a few weekends ago. Over the course of two days, I was in the company of a loved one preparing to leave his body, followed by that of a newborn arriving into the world.

In addition to witnessing these two, vastly varying phases of life, I observed a full spectrum of my own emotion—sorrow and joy, fear and comfort, denial and acceptance. While my sorrow certainly deepened my gratitude for experiencing joy, my joy only deepened my appreciation of my overall ability to feel.

Likewise, I witnessed my beloved friend, Eric, who passed away a week and a half after my visit; find such balance between reason and passion. Eric was like an uncle to me. Throughout his nine-year battle with bladder cancer, he experienced a great deal of pain, but he did not allow himself to suffer mentally. He put up an enormous fight against the cancer with his body and worked ceaselessly to harness and better understand his mind. In addition to self-study and meditation, Eric and his wonderful wife used music as an outlet to channel their emotions (he was an amazing guitarist, who taught me so much). Continue reading →

If the journey of yoga corresponds to the journey out of the ego, then this journey also entails an upsurge of creativity and joy. In this wonderful video you will see how both creativity and joy combine to create this matrix of music, dance, and melody.

You can find out more about The Mayapuris here. Kirtans are devotional singing and dancing and are done in the tradition of Bhakti Yoga. The Mridangam that the Mayapuris play is a very ancient Indian instrument. Lord Shiva, the first yogi, is said to have danced to the beat of Mridangam. This is the beat, that even today is supposed to energizes the Universe.

Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you either hear or are about to repeat a rumor.

In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?”

Wait a moment, Socrates replied. “Before you tell me I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Test of Three.”

“Three?”

“That’s right, Socrates continued. Before you talk to me about my student let’s take a moment to test what you’re going to say.” Continue reading →