VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living by RKM GURUGRAM

Self-expression - An element of a happy life

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:20:10 +0530

Swami Vivekananda says, “all poetry, painting, and music is feeling expressed through words, through colour, through sound.” Our theme this month is based on this self-expression. We invited our readers and resource persons to send us their creative work that they use to understand, speak and communicate with the world. An expression that unburdens and provides immense joy!

POETRY

Strength - Where I Still Stand…

By Divya Satish, Student of Grade 12, Excel Public School, MYsore

They say strength is fire, one that never bends,

With steady hands, a will that never ends.

They say the strong don’t stumble - they only fight,

They stand unbroken through the darkest of nights.

They call it a mask that hides every pain,

A voice unshaken through every mere strain.

They say it’s moving on, and never looking back,

A smile in hard times, hiding every little crack.

But strength, to me, sounds nothing like their tales,

It may not roar, it may even appear frail.

It trembles, it breaks, it goes unseen -

Yet it is mine, fierce in the spaces between.

Strength is in the moment my eyes refuse to lie,

The courage behind tears I no longer deny.

It is in knowing that I am fragile, still feeling it all,

It is a spark that rises though I nearly fall.

Yes, I do - I start in pieces, small and frail,

My voice a whisper, my hands pale.

My chest, often a storm no one can see,

A tide of hopelessness that pulls down on me.

It feels like weakness - every shiver,

The kind that shows doubt and fear.

But then, a spark ignites deep inside -

This is my courage, my unyielding guide.

The spark grows, only grows,

And slowly, I reach, as my hands find themselves.

I cradle myself, my heart steady and true,

And soon, it becomes my strength - the fire that carries me through.

Strength is the moment my voice cracks -

And I still speak, although it feels like I lack.

It is when my hands are trembling, and they still reach for help,

Finding courage in the quiet, somewhere within myself.

It is giving myself the space I need,

It is saying aloud, “I am hurting,” and letting it bleed.

It is facing myself, looking back in the mirror,

Even when I have confessed truths hidden behind my armour.

Strength is still rising with the morning’s light,

Holding myself steady, standing through the faint fight.

Strength is letting out the tears I once swore to keep inside,

It’s carrying pain like water and refusing to drown in the tide.

Strength is in expression, in admitting what I do not know,

In letting questions rise, and letting courage grow.

It is in staying, even when the world would turn away,

In owning each hurt, and letting myself stay.

This strength is forged in moments only I have known -

A quiet power, fully mine, yet endlessly grown.

And that kind of strength - it’s not really quiet;

It is the strength of simply continuing to be.

Music
"Music is the highest art and, to those who understand is the highest worship" - Swami Vivekananda

Self- expression often brings us closer to inner harmony. For me, music has always been that path. A humble rendition of Chandrachooda Shiva Shankar Parvati in Raga Darbari Kannada

Singer: Mr. Rohan Pillai, Associate Professor, Delhi Technological University

Music has been a constant companion in my life since childhood. I began learning Tabla (Guru – Makrand Halwe Sir) and Vocals (Guru – Ramesh Indu Basu Sir and Gurumaa Sudeshna Basu Mam) at the age of five, and later completed विशारद in Tabla. During my undergraduate years at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, I was the lead singer of a semi-classical rock band called Saptak, which gave me the opportunity to perform live music on stage and explore music in a collaborative way. Like many college bands, we eventually went our separate ways as everyone pursued different career paths.

In recent years, balancing professional responsibilities, a part-time PhD, and some health challenges meant that music often took a back seat. Yet through all these phases, music has remained a constant friend—my space for reflection and self-expression. I often remind myself of the beautiful line from the song "Ruk Jaana Nahin" by Kishore da:

“रुक जाना नहीं तू कहीं हार के

काँटों पे चलके मिलेंगे साये बहार के

ओ राही, ओ राही...”

The message resonates deeply with me - Life may slow us down with responsibilities, health challenges, or different career paths, but the music within me keeps urging me to move forward.

Arts and Craft (with poems they inspire) - Various Mediums

Finding Myself
By Saswati Ghosh (Delhi)

On a stretch of silent velvet black,

Where time itself forgets its track,

I placed a hut of fragile wood...

A trembling heart where longing stood.

Before it flows a river wide,

Not just of water… but of tide

That carries years, that carries pain,

That carries loss like hidden rain.

A little boat without a name,

Drifts softly through life’s silent flame.

No oars of pride, no sail of claim;

Just faith that moonlight stays the same.

The coconut tree, tall and lean,

Stands like a sage of all unseen.

Around its crown a few birds fly,

Like tiny pilgrims in the moonlit sky.

Beside it grows a gentle tree,

Soft leaves whispering silently...

As though they know what hearts endure,

And promise that all wounds will cure.

And then the moon…O tender fire,

A silver wound of soft desire!

It does not shout, it does not weep,

It only guards what souls must keep.

This is not craft upon black cloth,

It is my prayer beyond all oath.

It is the silence after tears,

It is the echo of my lost years.

The hut is body, frail and small,

The river… time that carries all.

The boat… my soul that drifts between,

The seen, the gone, the never-seen.

The birds…like hopes that rise and fly,

Returning home through endless sky.

The leaves that tremble, softly free,

Are whispers of that eternity!

And when this cloth and wood decay,

When my patient hands have passed away,

The moon will still, in silver roam…

And somewhere…I will find my eternal home.

Unwinding Within
By Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

Each loop untangles the threads

of confusion, stress,

and mental exhaustion.

Every crochet piece tells a story of compassion, of bonding,

of quiet moments spent between me and my crochet hook.

When anxiety overwhelms me,

I don’t search for words to explain it.

I simply crochet.

And it becomes my silent friend,

helping me rejuvenate,

breathe a little deeper,

and slowly unwind.

For me, the love for my handwork is Anantaa- infinite, endless, & stitched straight from my heart.

Image from the internet

Seeking Knowledge
A Cosmic Invitation
By Saumil Shah (Bangalore)

At the heart of existence lies a simple yet profound understanding: Energy is our being.

What we perceive as the physical body is merely the visible expression of this underlying force—manifesting continuously through sensation, emotion, thought, and action. Beneath the structures of matter and form, life unfolds as a dynamic field of energy. My work begins with this recognition. Every human life enters the world at a singular moment in time. In that moment, the heavens hold a precise arrangement—the Sun, the Moon, the Planets, and the Constellations occupying specific positions across the vast celestial field. This fleeting configuration leaves behind a subtle imprint, a cosmic signature that accompanies us throughout our journey on Earth. Astrology calls this imprint the Natal Chart. Within it converge the 27 Lunar Constellations (Nakshatras), the 12 Zodiac Signs, the 12 Houses that mirror the archetypal stages of human life, and the nine planetary influences that shape the rhythms of our existence. Together they form an intricate design—an energetic blueprint that belongs to each individual alone. No two such designs are ever the same. Within this celestial arrangement lies a quiet affirmation: “Each of us carries a distinct energetic identity, and our lives unfold as expressions of this uniqueness.” Among the planetary rhythms, the Sun moves steadily through the twelve zodiac constellations, completing its cycle in approximately twelve months. The Moon, more immediate in its influence upon life on Earth, travels through the twenty-seven Nakshatras, completing its journey in roughly twenty-eight days. These constellations are not merely distant stars scattered across the sky. They form ancient celestial patterns, each carrying a specific essence and radiating a distinct energetic quality.

In my work, particular emphasis is placed on the Nakshatras, for they influence the subtler dimensions of our psyche. Their connection with the Moon, the celestial body closest to Earth, makes their energetic imprint especially significant in understanding the inner landscape of a human being. Astrology traditionally adopts a geocentric perspective, observing the Earth as the center from which celestial movements are understood. Within this framework we work with nine planetary influences: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node). At the moment of birth, these planetary bodies occupy precise positions within the Nakshatras, Zodiac signs, and Houses. This exact configuration forms the Natal Chart—a cosmic map that reflects the energetic blueprint of one’s life on Earth. Within this blueprint we gain insight into our natural gifts, behavioral tendencies, life lessons, and evolving potentials. Yet the dialogue between the cosmos and the individual does not exist only in the sky. Within the Earth itself exist minerals that resonate with planetary energies. Over immense spans of time—often hundreds of thousands, even millions of years—crystals are formed deep within the Earth through heat, pressure, and elemental transformation. What emerges from this process is not merely matter, but a concentrated reservoir of natural force and intelligence. These minerals are known as crystals, and within astrological tradition they are recognized as planetary gemstones. The renowned scientist Nikola Tesla once observed that within a crystal we see evidence of a formative life principle—an intelligence that may not yet be fully understood, yet is unmistakably present. Across civilizations, ancient sages, scholars, and healers recognized this same truth: gemstones possess the capacity to resonate with the subtle energies of the cosmos. Through careful study of the Natal Chart, it becomes possible to understand which planetary energies are already supportive in a person’s life and which may benefit from greater balance. In such cases, specific gemstones—selected with care and precision— can serve as mediums through which these planetary influences are harmonized. When set into thoughtfully crafted jewellery, the gemstone becomes both an aesthetic expression and an energetic instrument—a bridge between the cosmic and the earthly. My work is devoted to guiding individuals through this process: To understand the celestial blueprint present at birth, and to consciously integrate its energies into life through the resonance of gemstones.

Ultimately, the intention is simple - To deepen awareness of the subtle forces that shape our lives. To restore harmony between the individual and the cosmos. And to remember that beneath all form, we are energy beings participating in a vast and living universe.

Photography

Upholding Values at the Workplace

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:56:14 +0530

This blog is dedicated to values and lessons we can learn from the professional / corporate sector. Knowing and upholding values such as truthfulness, trust, balance, adaptability, we believe, can help us not only in our long-term professional growth but also bring along with it a sense of deep contentment.

Do People Burnout Faster in the Corporate Sector?
Sivarama Krishnan

Three decades ago, when I embarked on my professional journey, the country was experiencing significant transformation, creating a strong drive for growth and ambition among us. What mattered to most of us was performing quality work and pursuing emerging opportunities. I recall a senior colleague who consistently shared two guiding principles: first, the importance of having a genuine passion for your work, and the second is - value of following guidance with dedication. He often referred to a renowned saying from a saint in Rishikesh—"Jano na tho Mano," meaning "either learn or follow." This philosophy became central to our approach at work. Engaging in tasks with enthusiasm and within areas of interest leads to professional fulfilment and joy.

Over the years, the perception that individuals experience burnout in the corporate sector has become increasingly widespread. But, upon closer analysis of Swami Vivekananda’s lectures, we can argue that the burnout may be less attributable to the industry itself and more closely related to one's personal mindset, decisions, and sense of purpose. Swami Vivekananda consistently asserted that work itself does not inherently lead to exhaustion or burnout; rather, it is the attachment to the results of work that does. In his lectures on Karma Yoga, he articulated two key principles. First, organisations should focus on the processes and means, rather than solely on end outcomes—though this topic extends beyond the scope of this article. Second, when individuals are motivated by external rewards such as status, monetary gain, or fear of failure, it usually results in burnout. However, when work is undertaken in the spirit of worship and service without attachment to the results, it serves as a source of strength and happiness.

Swamiji stressed the importance of freedom of thought and conscious choice warning against mechanical living, urging individuals to understand their own nature (svabhava). When one chooses the work consciously, aligns it with their svabhava, and performs it in the spirit of detachment and service, work is more satisfactory and not a cause of burnout.

How to Stay Calm When Both Work and Home Make Demands
Sakshi Goyal

I enjoy my work. I love to take up challenging tasks. I strongly believe that one needs to work on building skills and the rest (money, fame, position etc.) automatically follow. Working late nights, making presentations, digging interesting insights from the data, early morning meetings in case of different time zones never feel like a burden.

This was all possible until home began demanding my attention simultaneously. Our 7-year-old son, my husband and I were in total sync in managing daily routines where my husband went for work and my son used to be in daycare until 6 pm. There were only some days that adjustment was required when our son was ill and one of us was needed to take care of him. But a growing child has growing demands. He no longer wanted to go to day care as his all friends were now grown up too and he wanted to spend time playing sports with his age group. The fights among friends were no more a momentary thing but would bring more emotional feelings. His growing interest in football and rigorous practice sessions needed a more enriching diet. A sense of guilt started creeping in that I was not able to pay attention to his growing needs (emotional, physical, developmental). At the same time, growth in career came in, the nature of my work changed. Many stakeholders would mean many expectations. More expectations would mean increased availability at work. On the other hand, keeping sync between my husband and me became a challenge.

Was I not able to effectively balance work and home or did I not have the right spirit to support my family? Was my family expecting too much from me or was I not able to manage time? These questions troubled me. Guilt raced with self-doubt, a deadly combination leading towards a loop of disrupted clarity, decreased focus, and decreased performance.

This was the place where I stopped becoming critical of myself and my situation but focused on accepting – myself and the situation. I changed the questions I asked myself. What matters most to me? What is it that I cannot afford to compromise on? What is my priority at the moment? How can I best utilize my time? Out of the options available, what is the basis of response - present need or future need? Do I talk to someone and take guidance?

As I got the answers to the above, deeper self-reflection took me to the journey where "work-life balance" became a misleading term because it implied a perfect 50/50 split that stays still. Rather work-life integration or counterbalancing—where you accept that one side will always be "louder" than the other at any given time, became my saving mantra. Understanding the power of saying "not right now" instead of "no". Success isn't doing it all, it’s being present in the room you are currently standing in. Swami Vivekananda mentions in the talk “Powers of the Mind” that we need to learn to concentrate and also learn detachment at the same time. Calmness is a default by-product of clarity in priority, self-discipline, increased focus and mastering the art of detachment.

What helped me was remembering that it is not an overnight change that one can bring. It’s a journey of self-mastery to be uncovered. Being compassionate with oneself. One may take less or more time than others. Focus on the journey.

Handling Stress in the Corporate World
Suresh Srinivasan

Every individual on this planet wants to be happy and wants to live his/her life with comfort, stress-free, enjoying with friends and family. A student in her final year of studies is looking to graduate and get a lucrative job in the corporate sector or a government job. A working employee expects to grow in his career and looking for promotion, bonus, increments and other benefits. But there lies the catch! The gap between what we have and what we wish for, keeps growing bigger and bigger and this leads to a lot of dissatisfaction, frustration, depression and the dreadful word “Stress”.

With the world turning increasingly “VUCA” – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous, the number of disgruntled employees in the corporate sector is increasing and we commonly hear a lot of talk on employee stress, pressure of work, disgruntlement and early health problems!

In my journey of forty plus years in the corporate sector, I have seen a radical change in the Employer-Employee relationships. When I passed out of college, getting a job was considered a luxury and if it was a government job, it was a bonanza! Very few contemplated a job change. You had employees who had completed 4 decades in the organization. Fast forward to today’s times, you do not see any employee planning to spend more than two or three years in a job. Moreover, employers also have no qualms in laying off persons due to falling profits in a quarter! Loyalty has become a forgotten word in the corporate dictionary today.

How do we overcome these challenges and pitfalls and stay calm and stress free?

1.Self-Belief: This is vital and most important. Never stop believing in yourself and your infinite possibilities. Each challenge, if carefully analyzed and dissected with your own unique lens, will give you a solution which will help you surmount the challenges.

2.Acceptance: The world is not ideal and it would be foolhardy to expect it to change the way you want it to be. Accept the situation for what it is and reflect on how to tackle the situation. Remember, acceptance is not resignation to the situation or tolerating a situation! It only means acknowledging that there is a problem!

3.Continuously expand yourself: Keep improving your skills and strengths. If you are given a mundane work, find something in that work which you can improve or make it interesting. An accountant going through a multitude of figures and numbers may find it monotonous but if he is able to find a creative way to sift through the accounts, he will start enjoying it! Match your strengths and skills to the challenges of the job and you will find your flow!!*

4.Live in harmony: Make as many like-minded friends and peers. Create a social environment where you can relax and rejuvenate

5.Have a mentor: Find someone you can trust and confide. Seek advice and this may help give a new perspective to the problems.

6.Be curious and creative in whatever you do: Have an inquisitive mind and explore beyond your work. Learn what the other departments, and other functional groups are doing. Read what is happening around you, new ideas, concepts, innovations, etc. Never give up on learning!

7.Always follow your Dharma: Do not compromise on your values and beliefs. This may sound counter-intuitive, but in the long run, it pays

8.Seek perfection: Strive to continuously improve, little by little, Kaizen after Kaizen. It will give you tremendous satisfaction and courage to take up bigger challenges and maybe achieve breakthrough results.

9.Have a vocational pursuit: A hobby such as music, sports, social service in your free time is a must to relieve your stresses and forgetting your worries where you can pursue some activity which enriches your mind, enlivens your senses and rejuvenates your brain!

My Own Experience

At the age of 50, I was called by a very big corporate group in the South to head their marketing division comprising four auto component companies, a large company and three smaller companies. It sounded like a formidable job with seemingly lot of responsibilities. I took it up and gave up my earlier job in a smaller group. Only after joining the new group, did I realise my folly! Although I was recruited by the Chairman and the President of the group, I was not welcome in the large company by the employees who were all old employees with more than 20-25 years of experience. The other team leaders looked at me with skepticism and I soon found myself being a fish out of water! I was not invited to any meetings, no one updated on the day-to-day happenings. Every day morning, I had a tough time forcing myself to get to work. My Group President who was my boss, said that this was the culture of the organization and I had to find my way in. It was then I started thinking what I need to do. I found out that the other three smaller companies within the group were not doing too well. I started focusing on these companies. They were remote locations and slowly started involving myself in their meetings. I started advising on how to improve sales and operations and the members there being relatively young and amenable to advice, started confiding in me. Many of the new initiatives there started to yield results and this was noticed by the Chairman in the monthly reviews. Meanwhile, in the main company, there was a scandal where some of wrong doings were found and the top leadership was asked to resign. I was given the charge of heading the marketing under a new President. I came back centre-stage and finally retired from the company on my superannuation. When I reflect back, I feel a sense of satisfaction that I did not succumb to my stress and depression but found an alternative outlet to channelize my strengths and regain my stature and rightful place.

* - Finding Flow – The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life By Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Corporate is the Actual Classroom
Yashwant Pankaj

I believe there are a few skills that the corporate environment teaches in the most efficient manner. Adaptability is one that I learned during my corporate experience. Every other month or quarter, you work on a new assignment or project with a different set of internal and external stakeholders. You learn to adapt in any given environment in a short duration of time. Sometimes even when your hard work doesn’t end in success, you learn to live with that. I still remember my first corporate experience, where I worked on a project day and night for more than four months, and suddenly, due to leadership decisions, the project was closed. At that moment, I couldn’t comprehend how to deal with such news. But over time, I have seen so many changes in the corporate environment that it has now become routine to work on a project for some time and then move on to the next with similar energy and motivation. With time, I have become more agile in both my personal and professional life.

The second learning from the corporates is that when everyone gives their personal best to the organization, it can result in the best for the organization and even more so if directed by informed leadership. In most corporate settings, most people try to maximize their own returns. Everyone works toward personal goals, whether in terms of position or money. This also leads to competition within teams and across teams. There is a lot of work happening, not always toward a common goal but toward individual goals, which sometimes does lead to better collective outcomes for the whole organization. However, if the company is driven by a strong leader who seeks not only high returns for investors but also meaningful change in the industry or society, an individual finds a purpose beyond money and position. I believe high attrition is higher in the first setting, where individuals focus mainly on personal achievements. In the social impact sector, the work psychology is different. Since money is not the primary driving force, purpose becomes central. From my short exposure to both corporate and social impact sectors, I see this as a major difference. In the social impact sector, people think more about collective outcomes, and the collaboration is stronger.

The third thing the corporate sector taught me is that everyone is simply doing their job and fulfilling their responsibilities. HR may behave in ways employees dislike, but they are playing their role and conveying the CEO’s message to the rest of the team in their own way. Similarly, the CEO communicates the investors’ expectations to the team. We sometimes feel someone is working against us or trying to take our place, but in reality, most people are just doing their jobs and carrying out their responsibilities.

How Trust at work is Built Outside the Office
Srishti Roy

Most conversations about “cultivating trust at work” sound like theatre. Mandatory team-building, corporate retreats, and carefully moderated vulnerability often make it feel more like performance than connection. My understanding of trust shifted not in meeting rooms but outside the office gates.

As an HR intern at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, I noticed something unusual: our department worked with genuine ease and warmth. We regularly stepped off campus for lunch: bubble tea, Vietnamese coffee, and street candy when budgets were tight. It looked like a perk, but it wasn’t about food. Those moments created a pressure-free space where professionalism softened, and people could show up as imperfect, human versions of themselves. The “work masks” went back on once we re-entered the building, but the trust stayed. I assumed this was a cultural fluke until years later, when, as a mental health therapist at York University, I saw my colleagues overworked and burned out. Once we committed to a monthly off-campus happy hour, something shifted. A neutral space, with food and drinks as an excuse, let us see each other beyond roles and workloads. Trust followed naturally. Eventually, when off-campus breaks weren’t possible, those moments evolved into five-minute walks, bubble-blowing breaks, and unfiltered conversations on campus lawns. The setting mattered less than the intention.

Trust doesn’t grow from forced bonding. It grows when work briefly steps aside—and humanity is invited in.

For the Youth / युवाओं हेतु

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:35 +0530

The beginning of every year starts with paying homage to the greatest saint of modern India – Swami Vivekananda, also the youth icon of India. This special month of his tithi puja and birth anniversary celebrated as the National Youth Day in India, provides an opportunity to immerse ourselves in his ideas. His greatest teaching is ‘Practical Vedanta’ where he asserts that the ideals of Vedanta weren’t to be mulled over only in the forests or caves but also to be practiced in our day-to-day life. In our humble way, we can start to imbibe Practical Vedanta by leading a life of values and making responsible choices. This blog is for all, especially the youth, appealing to our conscience to structure our lives around values to find success and live happily.

The Ideals that Swami Vivekananda expected us to have

by Dr. Anuradha Balaram from Bangalore

Let’s pledge to choose one ideal from the many and give our all to it

Whatever the obstacles that come my way I will keep the deepest mental poise and will always keep my mind cheerful. I will grow inside out.

When I find myself suffering, I will blame neither Man nor God but will look within and try to improve myself. All that I need is within me.

I will not be afraid of making a small beginning. I know great things will follow.

I will give up jealousy and conceit and learn to work unitedly with others.

I know great things require great sacrifices and I am willing to make them.

I will never listen to one friend in private accusing another.

I will be fearless from this day on.

I will have faith in myself first.

I know I can be a giant if I have obedience, readiness and love for the cause.

I will fill my mind with great thoughts and highest ideals as I know that from that great work will come.

Purity, Patience, Perseverance and above all Love – these are my ideals

अपने युवा काल को सुझाव
by Ramesh Dwivedee, Delhi

अपने युवा काल को अगर मुझे कोई सुझाव देना होता तो मैं दो देता।

पहला कि किसी भी कार्य की प्रक्रिया पर उतना ही ध्यान दो जितना कि परिणाम पर।

बल्कि परिणाम की बजाय हमें प्रक्रिया पर ध्यान देना चाहिए।यदि प्रक्रिया सही है तो परिणाम जरूर आएगा। होता क्या है युवा काल में हम बहुत सारे सपने देखते हैं और बस उन सपनों को लेकर हमेशा मगन रहते हैं।प्रक्रिया पर हमारा ध्यान नहीं होता। नतीजा यह है कि वह नतीजे नहीं आते जो हम चाहते हैं और बस एक भारी मन से जीवन में आगे बढ़ते हैं।

दूसरा सुझाव मैं अपने मन को देता कि बीती ताही विसार दे आगे की सुधले।

युवा काल में हम बहुत सारे सपने बुनते हैं। हमारे बहुत से दोस्त होते हैं।हमारे पास कई वस्तुएं होती हैं।धीरे-धीरे हमारे वह सपने टूटते हैं, दोस्त दूर जाते हैं और वह चीजें हम से खोती चली जाती हैं।आगे के जीवन में हम सही निर्णय लेने की हालत में नहीं होते हैं और तब एक अवांछित जीवन में प्रवेश करते हैं।और कभी काल को कभी कर्म को और कभी ईश्वर को दोष देते हैं।हम तब भूल जाते हैं कि स्वामी विवेकानंद ने कहा है,“हम ही अपने भाग्य के निर्माता हैं” (“You are the creator of your destiny”)। तो यह मेरा सुझाव रहेगा मेरे युवा काल को। धन्यवाद।

Conversation between the Young Me with the Present Me
By Sumana Biswas Manna from Delhi

S1 (Young Me): I am so disappointed.

S2 (Present Me): Why, dear? What happened?

S1: I’m so worried about my exams, my hobbies, and everything else… Oh God, please help me.

S2: Why so anxious? How is your preparation going? May I suggest something that might help you?

S1: Will it help me feel calm, peaceful, and free from worry?

S2: Yes, surely. I’ve been practicing this for some time now. Come, sit here. Let me share a few points—choose what feels right for you.

Always remember: we have the right only to our actions, not to the results. This is beautifully stated in the Bhagavad Gita. So, study sincerely, with full attention, but free yourself from worrying about the outcome.

Next comes patience. Everything happens at the right time. No amount of hurry or worry can make things happen faster.

Another important point is letting go. If something happens against your will or choice, simply take a deep breath and mentally chant, “Let go.” Free yourself from that thought. This will help you stay calm and composed.

Finally, sit straight, close your eyes, and breathe slowly and deeply. You will feel relaxed. Practice this every day and notice the difference for yourself.

Along with this, eat light, home-cooked food, include plenty of fruits, drink enough water daily, and sleep well for 5–6 hours every night.

S1: Thank you so much for these tips. I will definitely try some of them. Bye.

Values for the Youth
By Aman Rana from Gurugram
In my opinion, the following three values are very essential for youth to develop in order to achieve anything great and lead a life of happiness and contentment.

The first value: Immense faith in yourself and your ideals

William Shakespeare once said that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. I cannot comment on those who were born great, nor on those who had greatness being thrust upon them, but surely, I can speak of those who have achieved greatness. People who achieve greatness by themselves have immense faith in themselves and their ideals. Mahatma Gandhi was ridiculed for his method of ahimsa to achieve freedom, but he proved its power and mobilized the whole nation. During a protest, he said: “They may torture my body, break my bones, and even kill me. Then they will have my dead body, but not my obedience.” Such was his faith in his ideals. Similarly, we see this in Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.

In science, we have Thomas Alva Edison, Einstein, Nikola Tesla, etc. They all had faith in themselves. People did not believe in them initially, but they believed that what they had thought, they would accomplish by their own methods. Later, they proved it. For example, when Tesla conducted experiments on transmitting electricity wirelessly, people thought he was mad. But after some time, he proved it was possible, and today he is regarded as a visionary scientist.

In entertainment, Jim Carrey and Charlie Chaplin are famous examples. Even in history, some infamous or controversial figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill demonstrated this quality of immense faith.

The second value: Perseverance

If you define determination as a mental state of firmness for a specific target or purpose, patience as the ability to wait for a long-term target with sustained motivation, and persistence as the continuity of effort in a stable manner, then perseverance is a combination of all these, and even more.

People have given different names to this quality. Some call it lagan (लगन), some call zidd (ज़िद), and in modern psychology it is often called grit. Today so many books are available on perseverance and grit in the market, some of them being best bestsellers, which show the relevance of this value in today’s world.

Researches conducted have found perseverance, as an overriding quality in persons who have achieved greatness in life. It is this perseverance, i.e., the continuity of effort with determination and patience that makes a person successful and life worthy.

The third value: Empathy

The above two values can help one achieve something great, but they do not guarantee a fulfilled and happy life. For happiness, one more value is required, empathy. Young people often feel that they alone are important in this world, that only their problems are the world’s problems, and that they have nothing to do with others’ problems. Due to inexperience and tremendous youthful energy, they often fail to recognize the struggles of others. But if they develop empathy, they realize they are just a part of a larger ecosystem, not bigger than it. If they feel connected with this world, they will be easily able to accept their mistakes, and can tame their pride and ego effectively. Less stress, less competition, more collaboration and happiness. Empathy is not just emotional contagion or sympathy. Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone, but empathy is trying to understand the real cause of their suffering. When one knows the real cause, maybe in the future one can help alleviate it. Empathy allows one to make this world a better place. Most great humorists and writers became popular because they can relate to people’s problems. They wrote so well that they gave solace to people through their words and helped make the world relatable, friendlier and hence a better place.

As a parting word - today the young people have become a little bit too mature and sophisticated, I think a balance of maturity and mischief is important.

A Note to My Even Younger Self
by Shatarupa Dutta from Faridabad
Ones I wish I had understood earlier, and ones I now feel anyone who is young today may find useful.

युवाओं के लिए तीन मूल्य

by Saurav Bisht from Gurugram

मैं युवाओं के लिए तीन मूल्यों को आवश्यक मानता हूँ— सत्यनिष्ठा (Truthfulness), क्षमाशीलता (Forgiveness), और पवित्रता (Purity)। जब भी मैं इन मूल्यों पर विचार करता हूँ, तो मुझे यह स्वीकार करने में संकोच नहीं होता कि कई बार मैं स्वयं भी इन्हें अपने जीवन में पूरी तरह से व्यवहार में नहीं ला पा रहा हूँ, जबकि ये मूल्य मेरे लिए भी उतने ही आवश्यक हैं जितने युवाओं के लिए।

सत्यनिष्ठा (Truthfulness)

आज के समय में हम सभी—मैं भी—सोशल मीडिया और भौतिकतावादी दुनिया पर अत्यधिक ध्यान देने लगे हैं और धीरे-धीरे उन्हीं को ही सत्य मानने लगे हैं। परंतु वास्तविक सत्य इससे कहीं गहरा है। सबसे आवश्यक है स्वयंको जानना औरस्वयं के प्रति ईमानदार रहना। जब हम अपने प्रति सत्यनिष्ठ होते हैं, तभी हम अपने वास्तविक स्वभाव, अपनी आवश्यकताओं और अपने जीवन की सही दिशा को पहचान पाते हैं।

क्षमाशीलता (Forgiveness)

आज का मनुष्य अनेक विचारों, परिस्थितियों और बाहरी प्रभावों से अत्यधिक विचलित है। हम स्वयं को सही दिखाने के प्रयास में कई बार अनावश्यक बोझ अपने भीतर रख लेते हैं। क्षमाशीलता हमें यह सिखाती है कि हम हर परिस्थिति को बदल नहीं सकते, विचार और स्थितियाँ हमारे नियंत्रण में नहीं हैं, उन्हें छोड़ देना भी एक कला है। जब हम बाहरी शोर से हटकर स्वयं पर ध्यान केंद्रित करते हैं, तभी आंतरिक शांति संभव होती है।

तीसरामूल्य: पवित्रता (Purity)

आज हम प्रतिदिन अनेक दृश्य देखते हैं, अनुभव करते हैं—कुछ हमें तत्काल लाभ भी देते हैं। परंतु वास्तविक विकास के लिए मन, विचार और आत्मा की पवित्रता आवश्यक है। हो सकता है कि पवित्रता हमें अल्पकाल में कोई विशेष लाभ न दे, लेकिन दीर्घकाल में यह हमारे चरित्र, निर्णय और जीवन की दिशा को सशक्त बनाती है

3 values
By Tapan Dhar from Jammu

Every Jeev has intellect - ‘buddhi’ (या देवी सर्व भूतेषु बुद्धि रूपेण संस्थिता - 'दुर्गासप्तशती’) using which evolution takes place incessantly and in that process of manifestation, when jeev reaches human form, buddhi reaches a certain level where one responds to the internal and external world based on higher/deeper observations, analysis and conclusions.

- One starts taking into account what is permanent and what is transient/temporary (नित्य-अनित्य-वस्तु-विवेक).

- One evolves further and discovers the commonality despite all differences/diversities and develops same sightedness (सर्वभूतेषु येनैकं भावमव्ययमीक्षते| अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि सात्त्विकम् - Gita 18:20).

- One starts to celebrate and utilize this commonality to seek / find / realize the ultimate success – performing ones duties in an attitude of worship (यत: प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम् | स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानव: - Gita 18:46) प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म / अयमात्मा ब्रह्म / तत् त्वम् असि / अहं ब्रह्मास्मि).

Do you all agree? As for me, I totally agree with these and have found contentment following these values. I would be happy to see people - especially the youth of today, to test the validity of these ideas / values by practising them.

On Spirituality (a year-end special edition)/ आध्यात्मिकता पर (वर्ष के अंत का विशेष संस्करण)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:18:56 +0530

For this year end special edition we ran a survey within the VIVA team. We asked simple questions on spirituality and many graciously responded, expressing themselves with vulnerability and beauty. Let's read what they have to say and learn from each other. Let's begin with a thoughtful poem that speaks of an ideal of approaching life like an ever flowing river.

जीवन एक नदी
by Dharmendra Pandey

अविरल बहती इस नदी को देखता हूँ

तो सोचता हूँ,

क्या जीवन है इसका !

शुरू हुआ तो अब रुक नहीं सकता

और मज़िल है समुद्र से मिलना

मार्ग कठिन है, अनजाना है

कहीं ऊंचे पर्वतों से गिरना,

तो कहीं घने जंगलों से गुजरना

कभी सीधा मार्ग,

तो कहीं टेढ़े मेढ़े रास्ते

कहीं मीलों मील पत्थरों पे चलना

तो कहीं दलदल से निकलना

कहीं पहाड़ों से गिरते पत्थरों के टुकड़े बदन को छील जाते हैं

तो कभी हवा और बारिश आसपास का कचरा गोद में डाल जाते हैं

कहीं निर्जन वन का एकाकीपन

या फिर शहरों का कोलाहली जीवन

अपनी इस यात्रा के दौरान

कितने अनगिनत प्राणों को सींचती जाती है

मनुष्य के जीवन और उसकी सभ्यता की साक्षी भी ये नदी ही तो है !

इस तमाम उतार चढ़ाव के बावजूद

इसने रुकना नहीं सीखा है

पत्थर भी मिले

तो उन्हें तराश कर, नया जीवन दिया

प्यासे की प्यास बुझाई

स्वयं को पूजने वालों का अभिवादन भी स्वीकार किया

लिया कुछ नहीं, सिर्फ दिया

किसी को पीने का पानी

तो किसी को सिंचाई का जल

किसी को निर्माण के लिए रेत

तो किसी को खेती के लिए उपजाऊ थल

पर गंतव्य एक ही है,

और वह है सागर से मिलन

असीम से मिलन!

लक्ष्य तय है

पर उससे पहले

मिले हुए इस जीवन को

परोपकार में समर्पित कर देना

कितना कुछ सिखा जाती है ये नदी

बाधाओं को मुस्कुरा के पार करना

जो मिले उसे सहर्ष स्वीकार करना

पर इसके बावजूद ध्यान लक्ष्य से न हटाना

काश कि मानव जीवन भी सतत सलिल प्रवाह सा हो!

To me, spirituality is ... (मेरे लिए आध्यात्मिकता है....)

Being calm and peaceful within and going out of the way to serve people

Nandini Seshadri

A journey of self discovery, deepening inner awareness and making meaningful interactions for mutual transformation

Chhandita Sensharma

मेरे लिए आध्यात्मिकता का अर्थ है—अपने आप को जानना, अपनी चल रही जीवन-यात्रा को याद रखना, और हर पल खुद को बेहतर बनाना। यानी बीते हुए क्षणों को अपनी आँखों के सामने रखकर उनसे सीखते हुए आगे बढ़ना

Saurav Bisht

Being easy with life by accepting everyone, doing good to others as well as to myself

Sumana

Personal transformation

Arpita Sud

Discipline to come back to doing the same thing

Jasbir Kaur

एक शब्द में कहना हो तो 'खोज', जीवन के वास्तविक उद्देश्य की खोज मेरे लिए आध्यात्मिकता है , संसार की क्षण-भंगुरता को स्वीकार करते हुए इसके अस्थाई अस्तित्व को सार्थकता प्रदान कर

Shilpi Sharma

Finding a connection

Anuradha Balaram

Finding that God within

Sudha Nagendra

Becoming tangibly aware (and not only intellectually) of the higher Self and manifesting the realisation in serving others in a spirit of reverence

Parthasarathi Chakravorty

Freedom

Neha Phull

Spiritual place of utmost importance to you (आपके लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण आध्यात्मिक स्थान)
Why is it important to you? (यह जगह आपके लिए क्यों खास है?)

Anuradha Balaram

Nandini Seshadri

Parthasarathi Chakravorty

Sudha Nagendra

Chhandita Sensharma

Saurav Bisht

Jasbir Kaur

Sumana

Shilpi Sharma

Neha Phull

Arpita Sud

Anuradha Balaram

Nandini Seshadri

Parthasarathi Chakravorty

Sudha Nagendra

Chhandita Sensharma

Saurav Bisht

Jasbir Kaur

Sumana

Shilpi Sharma

Neha Phull

Arpita Sud

Adding Value through Values - मूल्यों से मूल्यवर्धन

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:27:36 +0530

At what point do we choose higher values? Why don’t we respond when values are imposed on us? What values can I employ at work in general and to my role as a value educator in VIVA specifically? These and many related questions are attempted to be answered in our articles this month on the theme of ‘Values’. Hope our readers question, self-enquire, discern and gain clarity. Let’s all add value to our lives by practicing Values.

My Authentic Self and the Value it adds to my Life

by Ajanta Sircar from Pune

To a person whose sensibility is rooted in the Hindu ideological truths; he knows that his ‘authentic self’ is ‘The Self’ which is of the nature of ‘existence’, knowledge’, and ‘bliss’ itself. Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s fundamental message to mankind was this central idea and that to realize ‘It’ is the goal of every human life. Each and every individual is designed to intuit its presence within himself by what is ordinarily understood to be the ‘call of one’s conscience’/ ‘Atma ki awaaz’ (in Hindi). The pitch and clarity of this inner voice that guides us in making our choices, is relatively clear in childhood and begins to get blurred with time unless one continues to pay due attention to its presence.

In common parlance, our ‘Personality’ is mistakenly understood to be our ‘authentic self’, which is constantly changing for the better or worse with time and experience. But ‘authentic’ is that which is Pure, True, Honest, good and legitimate and so in essence it

should bring one everlasting joy, peace and contentment. When we brazenly and unabashedly express ourselves in the name of being authentic, do we always end up feeling peace and joy in the core of our being or are we left to languish in guilt and poor self- esteem? In our present Avatar, we are a bundle of inherited positive and negative flux of aspirations and tendencies that is on a path to gain joy and contentment, deploying our strengths and weaknesses as a means to achieve it. Only if our aspirations can be directed steadily towards achieving the only veritable goal; by aligning our choices, values and personality- constituting our thoughts and actions, to the goal; then what we may exhibit and naturally express will resemble our ‘Authentic self’. A feeling of unshakable inner peace and joy even in the face of challenges is a sure way to know that we are on our way to unravel our ‘Authentic Self’.

बच्चों में मूल्यों का विकास: आत्म-खोज का महत्व

by Anand Panwar from Jabalpur

बच्चों का स्वयं के माध्यम से मूल्यों (Values) को खोजकर सीखना एक प्रभावी और स्थायी प्रक्रिया है। जब बच्चे मूल्यों (Values) को अपने दम पर खोजते हैं, तो यह उन्हें थोपने की तुलना में बहुत अधिक प्रभावी होता है।

जब बच्चा स्वयं खोजता है तो बच्चे को अपनेपन की भावना मिलती है। जब बच्चे किसी मूल्य (Value) को अपनी खोज के माध्यम से अपनाते हैं, तो वे इसे अपने व्यक्तिगत अनुभव से जोड़ते हैं, यह उन्हें उस मूल्य (value) को अधिक महत्व देने और उसका पालन करने के लिए प्रेरित करता है। स्वयं से खोजना बच्चों को विवेकपूर्ण रूप से सोचने और मूल्यों के बारे में सवाल करने का अवसर मिलता है। उदाहरण के लिए, यदि एक बच्चा दूसरों के साथ साझा करने के महत्व को नहीं समझता है, तो उसे साझा करने के लिए मजबूर करने के बजाय, हम उसे एक ऐसी स्थिति में रख सकते हैं जहां वह दूसरों के साथ साझा करने का अनुभव कर सके। इस तरह, वह स्वयं साझा करने के महत्व को समझेगा और इसे अपने व्यवहार में शामिल कर सकता है, लेकिन जब बच्चों पर मूल्यों को थोपा जाता है, तो वे उन्हें बिना सवाल किए स्वीकार कर सकते हैं।

हालांकि, जब बच्चे मूल्यों को खुद से खोजते हैं, तो वे उनके बारे में सोचते हैं, उनका विश्लेषण करते हैं और यह तय करते हैं कि वे उनके लिए सही हैं या नहीं इसलिए जब वह स्वयं खोजते है तो उन्हें मूल्यों को वास्तविक जीवन में लागू करने का अवसर मिलता है और वे उन्हें विभिन्न स्थितियों में लागू करने का प्रयास करते हैं। यह उन्हें मूल्यों को समझने और उन्हें अपने व्यवहार में शामिल करने में मदद करता है, इससे उन्हे दूसरों के साथ बातचीत करने और मूल्यों के बारे में चर्चा करने का अवसर मिल सकता है, जब बच्चे मूल्यों को खुद से खोजते हैं, तो वे अपने विचारों और अनुभवों को दूसरों के साथ साझा करते हैं। यह उन्हें दूसरों के दृष्टिकोण को समझने और मूल्यों के बारे में अपनी समझ को गहरा करने में मदद कर सकता है।

इसलिए हम बच्चों पर मूल्य थोपने के बजाय, हम उन्हें स्वयं खोजने के अवसर प्रदान कर सकते है। इससे वे अधिक प्रभावी ढंग से सीख सकते है और अपने जीवन में इन मूल्यों को लागू कर सकते है।

My top tips for Resource Persons on how to add value as Value Educators in VIVA

by Indrani Roy from Delhi

Attitude towards the work

If you are a resource person of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Institute of Values (VIVA) and take it up merely as an employment opportunity, you may not be able to fulfil the purpose of joining such an organization. This is a unique opportunity to develop your personality on the ideals set by our value education program. This requires constant engagement and getting aligned to the program in degrees. You have to see yourself as not just a content provider but a person who inspires. Your job is to facilitate and help the students unfold the infinite potential lying dormant in each of them. You are a great contributor towards nation-building. To achieve this, a service-oriented mindset is of utmost importance.

Patience, sincerity, and dedication

In implementing this program, you will be primarily dealing with teachers on whom you have no control or authority. Principals of the school may be of very limited help. You will have to win them over by love and understanding. There is no other way. Keep following up with teachers with utmost patience.

Relationship

Your success and the success of our program is directly proportional to your relationship with the teachers. Try to develop a bond with your teachers. This requires regular contact with your teachers. Reaching out to the teachers on call will be challenging in the initial stage but persist. WhatsApp messages can be used for communication but relationships can be built only by meeting in person and through telephone calls.

Communication

While communicating with the teachers keep in mind that each one is great in their place. They may be great contributors in their area of work, even if due to some constraints they are not running our program. Be a good listener. Listen with empathy to what they are saying without interrupting.

Lastly please bear in mind that students learn much more from who you are than what you say. Each of the resource persons should strive to become live ambassadors of the program, live the values and inspire with your wonderful personality.

Swami Vivekananda said, “purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success and, above all, love”. Let’s nurture these attributes in ourselves and strive to become shining examples of value educators.

Share an example where your innate value added value in someone's life.
Can you share an instance when someone's value added value in your life?
How has the meaning of a value unfolded for you over time?

Share your thoughts in the comments box below

Worshipping the Divine Mother of the Universe

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:36:00 +0530

The blog centres on the theme of the Divine Mother. It features a video message from Swami Shantatmananda, a Hindi poem, a short history of mother worship in Bengal and a reflection. It also highlights inspiring women saints from India through a short quiz.

Swami Shantatmananda reveals the significance of Divine Mother worship

The Origins of Mother Worship in Bengal
Written and illustrated by Saswati Ghosh from Delhi

In Bengal, the worship of the Mother, is not a ritual alone - it is a heartbeat that echoes through eternity. From the earliest days, when farmers bowed before Dharti Ma for harvest, and boatmen sought the blessings of Ganga Ma before their journeys, the Divine Feminine was seen as the giver of life, the one who nurtures and protects. Village goddesses like Chandi, Manasa, and Shitala held the people close, assuring them that the Mother never abandons her children.

With the rise of Tantra in Bengal between the 6th and 10th centuries, these folk beliefs intertwined with the spiritual philosophy of Shakti. The Goddess was no longer only the village guardian; she became eternal Adi Shakti, the primordial energy of the universe. Temples like Kalighat in Kolkata, Tarapith in Birbhum and Kamakhya in Assam became famous centres of Shakta worship, where the Mother was adored in her fierce and compassionate forms.

Durga Pujo, as Bengal knows it today, blossomed in the medieval era. Historical accounts mention the first grand household pujo organized by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Majumdar of Nabaddeep in the 16th century. By the 18th century, wealthy zamindars of Calcutta- such as the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family- made Durga Pujo a festival of both devotion and social gathering. Over time, the ‘baroari pujo’ (community worship) emerged, making the celebration accessible to all.

What makes Bengal’s mother worship unique is its intimacy. The Goddess is both Mahishasura Mardini, fierce and victorious, and Uma, the tender daughter returning home. This dual vision is Bengal’s gift to the world: the Mother as cosmic power, yet also as a beloved family member whose arrival brings tears of joy.

Even today, when the conch blows and the dhak beats, Bengalis feel more than seasonal festivity; they feel eternity descending into the present. In the clay idol that dissolves back into the river, they see the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Mother worship in Bengal is thus not history alone; it is the timeless recognition that the Divine Feminine is both our origin and our destiny.

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता ।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥

To that Goddess who dwells in all beings as the eternal Mother

Salutations to Her, salutations to Her, again and again, forever.

Thoughts on the Condition of Women in Society and the Prevalence of ‘Devi’ Worship in India
by Sobha Menon from Delhi

It’s the season of Devi worship in all her different forms – as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali. A time when both women and men, with equal gusto, participate in rituals and festivities to celebrate the Divine Feminine in a manner unseen in any other religion. It draws the attention of people around the world – sometimes with delight, sometimes with scepticism and derision at the contradictions between the fervour and enthusiasm for such worship and the unceasing incidents of gender abuse in our society.

So, how has the tradition of Devi or Shakti worship endured for centuries despite such contradictions? We find that every time the message behind important traditions weakens, our spiritual leaders rise to re-emphasise their significance. More than a hundred years ago, Swami Vivekananda had said: “Without Shakti...there is no regeneration for the world.” Was he talking about Shakti in just the divine form? No.

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Swami Vivekananda asserted, “Why is it that our country is the weakest and the most backward of all countries? Because Shakti is held in dishonour there.” In this context, Sri Ramakrishna’s ritual worship of his wife and spiritual consort Sarada Devi as the Goddess Shodashi, on June 5, 1872— two decades prior to the Swamiji’s statements – holds special significance. That worship had not just awakened Sarada Devi’s own divinity, but also prepared her for the important role she was to play in the worldwide spiritual movement of the Ramakrishna Mission – a movement that helped shape minds and, in turn, the slow but sure resurgence of women in all walks of life, including the Independence struggle.

Sarada Devi’s immediate reaction to Sri Ramakrishna’s mention of the spiritual partnership he expected from her was: “What can I do? I’m merely an uneducated woman?” But, we see, that later, even while in the middle of her domestic chores, Sarada Devi would be sought by Swami Vivekananda and his brother monks for her opinion on important matters, especially if there was a conflict of ideas – and Sarada Devi’s word was final for one and all among the monks and devotees. In a letter to Swami Shivananda, Swami Vivekananda writes: “You have not yet understood the wonderful significance of Mother’s life. None of you. But gradually you will know.”

The spiritual movement that started with the worship of the Goddess Kali by Sri Ramakrishna, evolved into the awakening of the divinity in the living form of Sarada Devi – but it didn’t end there. It emphasised the divinity in all women.

Today women in India are surging ahead in all spheres of public activity – even in physically challenging areas. But crimes against women persist. The concept of Shakti, too, will surge ahead, bringing back concepts which were already in Hinduism and re-emphasising those best suited for our times.

शुभागमन
by Shilpi Sharma from Gurugram

शरद आगमन,

है अब आंगन ,

ग्रीष्म थोड़ी अलसाई है ।

शुभता आलता,

रंगे चरण कमल,

देहरी पावनता पाई है ।

थके मेघ है, तृप्त है धरती,

चहुं ओर छटा हरियाई है ।

मन हर्षित है, तन उर्जित है,

शीतल बयार इठलाई है ।

भानु स्वयं मां मार्ग बुहारे,

उषा वंदन में चरण पखारे।

मधुर मारुत के स्वरों ने मिलकर ,

मंगला आरती गाई है ।

संध्या का धैर्य पूर्ण हुआ ,

मां ने चन्द्र का शीश छूआ ।

जगमग तारों की जोत जलाकर ,

सप्त ऋषियों ने पूजा थाल सजाई है ।

पर्वत वासिनी धरा पर उतरी ,

गंगा यमुना से मिलन हुआ ।

महामाई दक्षिणेश्वर पहुंची ,

परमहंस ने चरण छुआ ।

काश फूल करबद्ध है आतुर ,

भाव माला पहनाई है ।

तू जननी, तू पालक है मां ,

भूल क्षमा कर, हम बालक है मां ।

मैं तुमको पूजूं , तुम मुझे दुलारो,

मंगल बेला आई है ।

Quiz on Women Saints of India

I am an ancient Vedic philosopher with an unparalleled intellect and fearless participation in philosophical debates dominated by men. I am one of the Protagonists of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Who am I?

“It is not a man we need but a woman; a real lioness, to work for the Indians, women especially;” expounded thus by Swami Vivekananda, I, an Irish woman dedicated her life to India in the field of women’s education, plague relief work, helping Indian scientists secure funding for research, titled ‘Lokmata’ by Rabindranath Tagore, and more…Who am I?

My legacy has been that of a ‘philosopher queen,’ as I united my spirit of piety and military skills restoring the glories of my national land. Reconstructing pilgrimage sites, free kitchens, unfailing justice, compassion and fair governance, respectful to all faiths…How do you remember me?

I am a Hindu mystic poet who displayed unwavering devotion to the Supreme Lord. With royalty in blood, I defied patriarchal norms, social expectations and family persecution to live an independent, spiritual life centered in divine love. Who am I?

Share your thoughts in the comments box below

The Divine Mother and You

What does the idea of the Divine Mother mean to you personally?

The Ideal and Practice

Do you think our worship of Devi matches how women are treated today? Why or why not?

Your Role Model

Is there an inspiring woman who reminds you of Shakti? Share her story with us!

The Secret of Work

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:59:47 +0530

"By work alone men may get to where Buddha got largely by meditation or Christ by prayer.”

“Liberation means entire freedom — freedom from the bondage of good, as well as from the bondage of evil. A golden chain is as much a chain as an iron one.”

“The very reason of nature’s existence is for the education of the soul; it has no other meaning; it is there because the soul must have knowledge, and through knowledge free itself.”

“The whole gist of this teaching is that you should work like a master and not as a slave; work incessantly, but do not do slave’s work.”

“If you can invariably take the position of a giver, in which everything given by you is a free offering to the world, without any thought of return, then will your work bring you no attachment.”

“Now you see what Karma-Yoga means; even at the point of death to help anyone, without asking questions. Be cheated millions of times and never ask a question, and never think of what you are doing. Never vaunt of your gifts to the poor or expect their gratitude, but rather be grateful to them for giving you the occasion of practicing charity to them. Thus, it is plain that to be an ideal householder is a much more difficult task than to be an ideal Sannyasin; the true life of work is indeed as hard as, if not harder than, the equally true life of renunciation.”

Click the link below to read 'The Secret of Work' from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/1-2-3-the-secret-of-work

The Secret of Work
- Dr. Shyamolima Ghosh Choudhury (New Delhi)

Work is ordinarily expected to lead to some sense of fulfillment. However, many times work leaves us feeling rushed, exhausted, dissatisfied. Despite the emptiness that work sometimes creates, it is also difficult to not-work. This conundrum arises because of incorrect identification of the self with the mind-body complex and what are known as upadhis. According to Swami Vivekananda the objective of Karma is not to do good to the world or to the Self but the attainment of moksha. True work is the process of uncovering the soul so that naiskarma or worklessness may be attained. Transformation of consciousness from the gross to subtle to causal is the secret of skillful work. According to Indian psychology the inner instrument or antahkarana comprises the manas, buddhi, chitta and ahamkara. Regular practice of work, through successes and failures, allows the inner faculties to disidentify with the thoughts, feelings, sensations that arise in the mind-body complex, to loosen the grip of the small ego, and to rise up to the subtle level of ahamkara. Vedanta prescribes the practice of three types of detachment - karma anasakti, karmaphal anasakti, and detachment from karma abhimaan. When the will/ego is detached, the mind can turn inwards and an interiority is born which further leads to the twin development of deep concentration and development of universal love/compassion. The aspirant moves from subtle to an expanded cosmic level of consciousness. The realization that the ultimate source of all work energy is the divine allows the “doer” to be relaxed, to step back and allow life to operate through one’s being. This is known as ‘dexterity in work’ and is characterized by self-remembrance. Aspirants can also surrender all their work to the Divine. Thus, constant self-remembrance or remembrance of the Divine is the secret of skillful work and marks the beginning of spiritual life.

Benefits of practising Karma Yoga – Personal Takeaways
- Sunanda Ganguli (Delhi)

In one of lectures on Karma Yoga Swami Vivekananda dealt with the science of work. For him work alone reaches its highest when it is done absolutely without hope of reward – work for work's sake. For him Karma yoga is one of the paths in which a man realises his own divinity through work and duty. According to this view, through selfless action the mind becomes tranquil and free from the disturbances caused by desire and attachment. Karma Yoga is one of the roads leading to the same center – God. He wrote, "I shall not cease to work; I shall inspire men everywhere, until the world shall know that it is one with God." But Swamiji is Swamiji. How can I, an ordinary mortal, think like him?

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Karma Yoga in Modern Times
- Chhandita Sensharma (Gurugram)

Working towards one’s goals, which define our roles and responsibilities in society, is significant for the well-being of individuals. When work is only driven by a sense of duty, we often feel burdened and dissatisfied. In such cases, one can work towards reframing roles as opportunities to serve and finding work we are passionate about, thus interacting positively with our work.

Often, one’s work also becomes their primary source of identity wherein aspects of life like relationships, hobbies, and health take a backseat. While this provides a strong sense of purpose, meaning, and self-esteem, failures can cause identity crises and also loss of self-confidence. Focusing on work-life balance and fulfilling the needs of others are important aspects of our lives in achieving internal and external harmony.

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Imagine a family where all members are driven only by materialistic pleasures. All family members are chasing a fat pay check, lavish cars, bigger houses, international holidays. While their lives might seem very happy, are they truly ever content? Mindset shifts wherein there is a focus on other aspects like shared quality time, finding joy in the process of work are key for greater happiness.

Ideally, we can all follow Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on ‘karma yoga’: be unattached to the fruits of your work. Work with dedication and sincerity to reach our goals and improve from our mistakes. Other aspects like respect, recognition, financial stability and social status come easily to those who emphasize on continuous improvement. Practicing the ideas suggested by Swamiji on ‘The Secret of Work’ can help each one of us live a meaningful life, rediscover our identity, and strengthen self-belief.

A nature centric quiz on Karma Yoga

Can you guess how nature shows us to be Karma yogis?

I float on water, remaining clean and unaffected by it. Just as a Karma Yogi engages in actions while remaining free from attachment to fruits of the actions or the impact of the world. Who/what am I?

We thrive in an interconnected network of actions (providing oxygen, dispersing seeds, nourishment for growth), diverse species, each performing their role without specific expectations. What am I?

I collect diligently from one, bring to another. I am not attached to the sweet outcomes that are the results of my actions. What would you call me?

I don’t discriminate on who to shine on. My light and warmth is available to one and all, without expectations. Who am I?

Share your thoughts in the comments box below

Can we find joy in working without thinking of results?

Can we work devotedly and serve selflessly?

Can we practice karma yoga little by little?

Finding Joy in our Friendships - मित्रता में आनंद

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:26:41 +0530

Friends enter our lives in unexpected ways and at different times. There are friends who listen patiently, friends who comfort us in distress, friends who hold up the mirror, friends who partner with us in our goals and friends whose very presence delights our soul. This blog speaks of friendships and its unique role in our lives.

Working up a Friendship

Dr. Anuradha Balaram (Gurugram)

I asked my domestic help to take the day off the other day. Her answer was immediate. “I’d rather come to work – I get to walk and talk to my friends – giggle and push my anxieties from my mind”. I remember a friend telling me a few years ago, “I wonder what I’d do if I could not get away to work. I just can’t stand being around my in-laws all the time. At work, I can chat with friends who understand my point of view.” During the Covid pandemic, mental health issues became pronounced for many as they could not really meet their friends at work over a leisurely cup of tea and some taaza gossip. Work from home is a real drag and can virtually send you into a downward spiral of isolation and depression.

Yes, work brings with it friendships – some of which last long after we retire. There is a common context which brings people together at work and here and there, we find a soul-mate, who is willing to listen and understand what we are going through.

In our younger days, complaining about a common boss, grumbling about dead-lines, gossiping about so and so – all this can weave a friendship that relieves the mind of day-to-day struggles that we all have to endure.

As we mature, colleagues of our age can act as a mirror, reflecting clearly when our face is dirty and can even offer us the much–wanted warm water and soap to cleanse ourselves.

I have made some of my best friends at work – both male and female. Even today, four decades after we first met, we enjoy sharing our trials and our triumphs. We know each other’s follies and can laugh at them. We can discuss family matters with abandon and maintain confidentiality where needed. Give me a work environment and an opportunity to make a friend and I will consider myself blessed.

A Companion for Good Times and Bad

Aman Rana (Gurugram)

25,000 years ago, in the Chauvet cave, a young boy sharpened his spear by rubbing it against a stone. He replaced the worn grip of his atlatl with fresh leather. Full of energy but clouded by anxiety, he paused—and looked into the eyes of his trusting (mystical) companion. Not a single word passed between them, but their eyes glittered. Doubt faded, replaced by confidence. Together, they set out— started their expedition and ended up hunting a big deer, enough for the entire family for a few days. That night, he slept in peace.

Cut to today. A young lady working in an MNC in Gurugram came home, frustrated, after the boss said all her ideas were useless and the project which she was leading was given to her colleague. Now she just needs to follow her orders. The thought of rejection and being trashed, even after putting a lot of effort into the project, was buzzing in her mind. Even after struggling to get out of this vicious circle of negative thoughts, a direct loop from hell, she could not come out. She tried many techniques like watching movies etc., but nothing worked. She tried to sleep but could not. Finally, she went to the patio where she saw her friend lying on his back with legs in the air like he was holding up the sky. She burst into laughter. He came running towards her convulsed with joy. He had killed the buzzing thought. Again, not even a single word was spoken by either of them but both their eyes were glittering. Suddenly happiness had taken the place of sadness and frustration.

If we go by the proverb, a friend in need is a friend indeed, this friend has helped us from prehistoric times to modern times. While bullock carts have lost their importance to motor vehicles, stone weapons to fire arms, and paper to digital docs with even the institution of marriage being in a vulnerable state, this friend enjoys ever-increasing importance.

Can you guess who this friend is?

Let’s see what this friend can teach us

Thor

Loyalty

This friend never took any oath of allegiance, like the vassals of a lord, but is always ready to share the fate of the master, ready to get slain before the master. Have you ever heard any other Julius Caesar saying "Et tu, Brute?" (You too, Brutus?) to his dog named Brutus.

Sacrifice

Not all sacrifices were sung enough? Kalpana Chawla we all know, but how many of us have heard about Laika, a Soviet space dog who was the first animal in space, the first to orbit the Earth and to die for it? Are dogs not protecting our houses and fields much better than a medieval Knight protected the castle?

Selflessness

Despite being very attentive to human feelings and needs, dogs have never asked anything in return for the work they have done and the love they have shown, just a pat on the head. They are doing the duty for the sake of duty, and showing love for the sake of love. From the last few decades, defense forces are rewarding military dogs for the medical help and other signaling work they have done at the war front. But this selfless soldier never had any such aspirations or expectations. Have you seen any dog asking for the Nobel Peace prize for having resolved a conflict between two sworn enemies?

Here the intention is not to glorify what our selfless friends have done and are still doing; they don’t care about being glorified; they are already very satisfied with chew toys and some affection. The point is to reflect:

Do these values still matter to us? Do we even consider friendship important anymore?

As humans we can control and launch a mission to Mars, can easily control a Supersonic aircraft but cannot control our own heart, throbbing with anger and despair. A real friend can easily calm down your racing heart; this is the power of friendship.

For me, friendship is important and to develop a strong friendship I need some deeper values. You may choose to search for your own values. But while you're searching, look down. That wagging tail beside you may already have them.

वो पुरानी बातें
Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

सुकून के कुछ पलों में , पुराना कुछ याद आया ख्यालों में

वह दोस्ती मासूमियत भरी, वह दोस्ती विश्वास से बनी

वह आपस में मिलना मिलना, वह दुख में अपनी तकलीफ बताना

पर अब कहां मिलती है ऐसी दोस्ती, नहीं रही अब दोस्तों में पहली सी संगति

जिसे देखो सोशल मीडिया में व्यस्त है,

चैटिंग और इमोजी भेजना कनेक्ट रहने का नया मंत्र है

ऑनलाइन के जमाने में स्क्रीन और नेट से है बंधे हम

नहीं रहा वह अपनों में, अपना सा अपनापन

पास बैठ के अब गुफ्तगू नहीं होती,

अपना अनमोल समय दे इसकी जरूरत महसूस नहीं होती

100 लोगो की फ्रेंड लिस्ट पाकर भी खुद को अकेला पाया

आत्मीयता का यह नया अंदाज अब सभी ने अपनाया

इस सोशल मीडिया के युग में आज फिर ख्याल आया

हर दिन फ्रेंडशिप डे बनाते थे, हम

साधन थे कम पर साथियों के साथ खूब खिल खिलाते थे हम

काश दुनिया कुछ बदल जाए, वो पुराना वक़्त वापस लौट आए।

ऑनलाइन मैसेज न हों, बस आमने-सामने बातें हों।

फ़ॉलोअर्स का नहीं, बस सच्चे दोस्तों का साथ हो।

Friendship Quiz

He was Sri Krishna's childhood friend. He met him years later, when Sri Krishna was the King of Dwaraka. This story is remembered for the depth of their friendship, despite the difference in status. Who is he?

Who among the following considered Swami Vivekananda as their friend: (i) Margaret Noble (ii) Josephine MacLeod (iii) J.J. Goodwin (iv) John D. Rockefeller

Who suggested the name 'Vivekananda' to Narendranath Dutta?

They were friends. They were cousins. They fought a war together. Their dialogue forms the heart of a timeless spiritual text. Who are they?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Do you believe that friendship is at the heart of any good relationship?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

How do you deal with the silence when friends don't reach out to you?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Who is your constant companion in life, your eternal friend? Have you ever thought of that?

Self-Belief/आत्मश्रद्धा

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:15:10 +0530

Self-respect, self confidence, self-esteem - so many interchangeable words but the core idea underlying each of them remains the same, that of an undying belief in our real self, the core of our being that is capable of "anything and everything", the source of our existence and the reason for our happiness, that which we call self-belief or atmashraddha (आत्मश्रद्धा). This blogpost contains articles on self-belief where contributors have expressed what they mean when they speak of this belief in themselves and how it has expressed itself in their lives whether as confidence to do something, respect to take an action for oneself or simply love of this existence.

Vanity is Fair
- Ujay (Delhi/Mumbai)

Professional Fashion Model. This is my job title. My job is to look for jobs every single day. Attend five to ten fittings/auditions in a week and I might crack one or two. As a model already in his 30's and up against hundreds of other candidates, usually a decade younger, mostly of Russian, European descent, the competition is tough and rejection hurtful. Especially when it is your bread and butter. Negative criticism from photographers and directors about how you look during shoots is another story. To be employable, I have to ask myself certain questions daily. Do I look lean and muscular enough? Is my skin glowing enough? Is my hair shiny enough? Are my teeth white enough? And believe me, it is never enough. Given that there is no employment in the business of fashion modelling in the absence of an affirmative to the above, in my profession, vanity is fair!

Cut to me at a beautiful beach in the picturesque Seychelles, Africa a few weeks ago with a friend from a corporate background. He asks me to click a picture as he poses on a rock in his fancy beachwear. I click, he checks. He is not pleased. He then asks me to click another five to six. Except he doesn’t move at all. Maybe a few micro-millimeters. I click another six, inspite of my irritation levels rising. Sire checks. Not pleased. “Click a couple more”, he says. Now he makes an effort to do a half smile, exhale every ounce of air from his lungs till his tummy looks, well, strangely flat. He flexes his biceps. He growls under his breath for me to “quickly click!”. He’s holding his breath after all. End result? He is not pleased. And I walk off.

To look physically beautiful in a picture is great. But, is that your goal? Instead of trying to look like that influencer, finding and portraying your own Self would create a much stronger connection with a viewer, than the connection created with mere vanity as its foundation.

Self-Belief - The journey continues…
- Govind Bisht (Faridabad)

It all began when I started reading about Swami Vivekananda.

It took me six months to complete his biography. The beginning felt distant, but the last 50 pages stirred something deep within me. It felt like Swami-ji was speaking directly to the youth—to me—asking, “What are you doing with your life?”

I joined Ramakrishna Mission, Gurugram (then the Delhi Centre), in January 2020, just before the COVID wave. On my very first day, the Revered Secretary Maharaj entrusted me with responsibilities in the Northeast—and that’s when the real journey began. Since then, I’ve walked through the floods of Assam, the humidity of Barak Valley, the rains of Meghalaya, and the heat of Uttar Pradesh. I’ve missed meals, waited for buses that never came, shared cabs, faced landslides, and dealt with tough living conditions. Many times, it felt like nature was testing me, asking, “Will you give up now?”

Honestly, I almost did—more than once. There were moments when I doubted everything, thinking my efforts weren’t showing any results. But each time I paused to reflect, something within reminded me to keep going. As Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” And looking back today, the picture slowly begins to make sense. From Resource Person to Zonal Lead to Program Implementation Lead—what matters most isn’t the title, but the inner transformation. I’ve become more grounded, more patient, more human.

I now realise this journey is far from over. There are still many more layers of life to explore. And for that, I need faith in the process, patience in the everyday, perseverance in my actions, purity in thought—and the freedom to just be. Swami Vivekananda believed in the infinite potential within each of us. Gradually, step by step, I am also learning to trust in that inner strength.

Deep gratitude to Revered Swami Shantatmananda Ji, to my patient and wonderful mentors at VIVA and all my teammates who’ve walked this path with me.

आत्मविश्वास
- Shilpi Sharma (Gurugram)

आत्मविश्वास होना चाहिए ,

आत्मविश्वास से सब संभव है ,

यही बचपन से सुना था ।

मां बाबा गुरुजी भैया,

सभी बड़ों ने यही कहा था ।

लगभग सभी महान पुस्तकों में ,

मोटे-मोटे अक्षरों में लिखा था ।

संपूर्ण जीवन का सार ,

इसी शब्द पर आकर रुका था ।

पर जब भी कुछ नया करना चाहा,

छोटे-छोटे सपनों का

आसमान नया घड़ना चाहा ।

मां बाबा गुरुजी पुस्तक ,

सब की तरफ हाथ बढ़ाया ,

थी जरूरत सबसे ज्यादा

पास सभी के अभाव पाया।

कभी डर से मन घबराया ,

कभी हिम्मत ने साथ निभाया,

कांपे कदम, बढ़ीं ,गति सांसों की ,

फिर समान गति से कदम मिलाया।

कभी कर मेहनत पैर जमाया ,

तूफानों ने उसे, हिलाया।

धीरे-धीरे खड़ा होना ,

गिरना ,संभलना, चलना, दौड़ना ,

दौड़ते - दौड़ते पुनः गिरना,

यह खेल सदियों चलता रहा,

चल रहा है, यूं ही आगे चलता रहेगा,

यह आत्मविश्वास कोई वस्तु नहीं,

जो बाजारों में बिकता रहेगा ।

उठो जागो ,चलते रहो ,बढ़ते रहो

यह अनंत स्त्रोत का कूप है ,

तुम्हारे ही भीतर खुदा हुआ।

इच्छा शक्ति की रस्सी बनाओ,

संकल्पों के बल लगाओ,

साहस की घिरनी पर चढ़ाओ ,

कर्म शक्ति का कलश गिराओ।

मजबूत हाथ से रस्सी खींचो ,

जब चाहे जितनी मर्जी खींचों ,

उतना भर -भर कलश मिलेगा।

यह आत्म, अमृत अनंत समाया,

विश्वास जल अनवरत मिलेगा ।

आत्मविश्वास बनाम अहंकार
- Dharmendra Pandey (Delhi)

आत्मविश्वास का अर्थ है स्वयं पर विश्वास। अंग्रेजी में इसे बताने के लिए हम सेल्फ बिलीफ, सेल्फ रेस्पेक्ट, सेल्फ एस्टीम जैसे कई शब्दों का प्रयोग करते हैं। इन सभी शब्दों को हिंदी भाषा में यदि एक ही शब्द से अभिव्यक्ति देनी हो तो हम इसे आत्मश्रद्धा कह सकते हैं।

स्वामी विवेकानंद ने कहा कि हर मनुष्य संभावित रूप से दिव्य है और जीवन का लक्ष्य है इसी दिव्यता को प्रकट करना अगर सरल शब्दों में कहा जाए तो आत्मविश्वास स्वयं के प्रति एक आश्वस्तता है कि हम जीवन की किसी भी चुनौती का सामना कर सकते हैं, या हम जो भी करते हैं उसे और बेहतर बना सकते हैं,, जो भी हम ठान लें उसे पूरा कर सकते हैं । पर यह मात्र आश्वासन ही रह जाएगा यदि हम इस आत्मविश्वास को मूर्त रूप देने के लिए कुछ न करें। जैसे घर में बिजली है या नहीं ये पता लगाने के लिए हमें बत्ती या पंखे का बटन दबाना पड़ता है वैसे ही जब तक हम किसी काम को करने के लिए उठेंगे नहीं, कैसे पता चलेगा कि हम उस कार्य को कर भी सकते हैं या नहीं। एक बात और। जब हम स्वयं पर श्रद्धा रखते हैं तभी हम दूसरों पर भी उतनी ही श्रद्धा रखेंगे जितनी कि स्वयं पर।

पर हम आत्मश्रद्धा को अहंकार समझने की भूल नहीं कर सकते। अहंकार का अर्थ है अहम् + कार = स्वयं को ही कर्ता मानाने वाला, स्वयं को महत्व देने वाला, स्वयं को बलशाली व औरों को हीन मानने वाला। अहंकारी व्यक्ति अपनी पहचान 'मैं क्या हूँ' से नहीं बल्कि 'मेरे पास क्या है से बनाता है' और दुर्भाग्यवश स्वयं को नहीं जान पाता ।

Moments in Life I have shown Self-Respect

Shobha Menon from Ernakulam says,

I have memories of a feeling of self-respect from the time I was a child whenever I achieved something. And this is the way I defined “self-respect” throughout most of my life. But something changed after I began visiting Ramakrishna Mission, started reading the books published by the Mission, joined the Awakened Citizenship Program and perhaps even because I’m much older now. For me, I feel my self-respect growing when I’m able to do something for others – and I also see that the self-respect I feel for myself is also there in so many other people I meet from all walks of life.

Indrani from Varanasi says,

I was staying in the college hostel during a group project. The project had to be submitted the next day, so we all planned to work on it together that night. But when the time came, everyone went to sleep, thinking I would do everything. I was left alone to finish the entire project. I stayed up till midnight, tired and stressed, but I kept working because I cared about the team and our marks. The next morning, no one asked how I felt or offered any help. They just praised the work and gave me the next task. Slowly, this became a pattern. I was no longer treated like a teammate, but like someone who would always say yes.

One day, I decided to say no. It was difficult, but I knew it was right. That day, I learned some important values. I learned that teamwork means sharing both effort and responsibility. I understood that helping others is good, but not at the cost of your own respect. I realised that setting boundaries is not selfish—it is necessary. And most of all, I learned that self-respect is the foundation of true confidence. Since then, I remind myself: saying “no” doesn’t make me rude. It means I value myself. And that is a value I will never forget.

Bharani from Hyderabad says,

There was a time when my character and integrity were questioned based on hearsay, not truth. What hurt most was that it came from someone I held in a high esteem. It shook me deeply. But I chose not to respond in anger or self-defence. Instead, I stood by my truth, with quiet strength and dignity. That experience taught me that self-respect sometimes means walking through pain without losing yourself—and believing in who you are, even when others don’t.

One message woven in the fabric of time – Self-esteem!
- Neha Phull (Bangalore)

Swami Vivekananda, after his return from America, said to a large gathering on the occasion of his visit to Kumbakonam, ‘Have faith in yourselves, and stand up on that faith and be strong; that is what we need.’ And that is what we need to rouse our innate potential, our families, our community, our nation and the entire humanity itself! These pristine words of Swamiji on having faith in oneself and holding up our self-esteem, he expounded again and again while addressing his nation. He lived the experience of what healthy self-esteem could do for an individual and his country. These ideas of Swamiji are not that different from the positive psychologists of the modern world. Dr. Nathaniel Brandon, a Canadian-American psychotherapist, spent a lifetime of clinical practice and research on this one idea of Self-esteem. Nathaniel Branden describes his book ‘The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem’ as “the definitive work on self-esteem.” Through a few examples mentioned in this writeup, we will try to draw parallels between this modern psychologist’s understanding of self-esteem, with that of the philosopher, author and world teacher Swami Vivekananda.

Both the personalities directly or indirectly expound the significance of a healthy self-esteem in the context of our existence and also in adapting to the volatile changing environment of the world. They state that a healthy self-esteem could culminate in the ultimate fulfilment of a life lived.

Please see below a few similarities in their thoughts:

Swami Vivekananda proclaimed, “All search is vain, until we begin to perceive that knowledge is within ourselves, that no one can help us, that we must help ourselves.” - CWSV Vol 1 p.258

Nathaniel Brandon introduces self-esteem to the readers thus: “The stability we cannot find in the world we must create within our own persons.” – Pg-XI

Swami Vivekananda: “The glory of man is that he is a thinking being.”- CWSV Vol 2 p.336

Nathaniel Brandon: “If I trust my mind and judgement, I am more likely to operate as a thinking being.” Pg – 4

Swami Vivekananda: “Whatever you believe, that you will be.”- CWSV Vol 3 p.284

Nathaniel Brandon; “Of all the judgements we pass in life, none is as important as the one we pass on ourselves.” Pg-XV And, “the belief that they are powerless becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Pg-XVII

Swami Vivekananda: “Without expression, how can we live?” - CWSV Vol 3 p.441

Nathaniel Brandon: “Our purpose is self-expression…not to prove, ...but to live our possibilities.”

These are just a few statements that show the alignment in the message of self-esteem, self-belief, and self-expression that comes out of their work in the world. Dr. Brandon goes on to list down what he believes, through his experience, are the six fundamental practices of self-esteem:

‘Practice of living consciously, Practice of self-acceptance, Practice of self-responsibility, Practice of self-assertiveness, Practice of living purposefully & Practice of personal integrity.’

He discusses in detail in his book how these practices build the self-esteem of a person, the significance of the practices with examples and the ways of adopting each practice, depicting the interconnectedness of them all.

The point to note here is this: these sayings, teachings, practices, etc., are of no avail if they do not become a manifested reality for us. We can be inspired by these voices around us, however, the assimilation of these ideas and making an effort to manifest these in our lives is left to us. Self-esteem is not a ‘good to have’ lofty principle that we can think about at our time of leisure. It is the very soul of our being woven into the fabric of our lives. A healthy self-esteem is the very inheritance of man, waiting to be claimed.

Quiz on self-respect. Tell us whether the person in the situation shows self-respect

Someone tells you that you did something wrong. You do not agree as you feel you had your reasons so you argued vehemently. You are not willing to listen.

True self-respect accepts a wrong doing without judgments and makes place for a change

You decide to stop speaking to someone since they never invited you to the big party they hosted.

It does hurt to be left out but real self-respect doesn’t make us change our behaviour towards others or our values according to the behaviour of someone else towards us

No one in your family agrees with the volunteering service you have joined. They dismiss it as a timepass fancy and sometimes get upset. You decide to sulk whenever this topic is brought up.

Real self-respect makes a person believe in himself/herself. They are convinced about the steps they take in their life. They can laugh off other’s opinions about them and are not overtly bothered with it

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Do you find it challenging to accept yourself?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Does the concept of self-respect sound daunting?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Whose responsibility is it to raise your self-belief?

VIVA Retreat 2025 - वीवा समागम २०२५

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:55:00 +0530

In this blogpost, you can find reflections on VIVA's team retreat, held in May 2025 at the Sarada Tapovan. Our team members share a witness account, a poem, a photo album and their key takeaways!

A Witness Account

- Anuradha MS (Bengaluru)

Click here to read more

जीवन मूल्यों पर चिंतन

- Sapna Sarkar (Indore)

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया

(कुंवारे समय पर कॉलेज की पढ़ाई करते करते)

भाग रही थी मैं धन के पीछे, वैभव ही आधार बना

स्वयं के सुख को रखा श्रेष्ठ पर, कमाना ही मेरा स्वाभिमान बना।

(शादी का समय)

थक के जब मैं बैठ गई तब, विवाह के बंधन में बंधना स्वीकार किया

खोदी सारी पहचान स्वयं की, हर निर्णय में विवेक से क्यों न काम किया।

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया

जब जुड़ी संस्था VIVA से ,संभावनाओं को मैने पहचान लिया

कर्म योग में शामिल कर उन आदर्शो को, स्वयं का नया आविष्कार किया।

(स्वामी विवेकानंद शिकांगो यात्रा)

सुना एक व्याख्यान जीवन स्वामी जी का, उन जीवन मूल्यों को अपने जीवन में स्वीकार किया

युवा आदर्श आभाव में भी रह सकते थे, हमें ये पथ मार्ग दिखला दिया

भोजन भी मिल गया विद्यालय सफ़र में, मार्ग दर्शक बन शिक्षक ने रास्ता भी बतला दिया ।

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया..

मां मेरी चिंता करती हैं, स्वामी जी भी रक्षा करते हैं

चुना ठाकुर ने करो कर्मों में शामिल, क्योंकि साधन हमें बना दिया

चिंता मत कारों जागृति सफ़र में, हम सबको बड़ा परिवार दिया।

(संघर्ष देख महाराज जी का कहना चाहुंगी)

क्यों मैं चाह करूं अतिरिक्त धन की, महाराज जी ने भी तो दान ही लिया

हमारी शक्तियों का परिचय करा के, जिम्मेदारी पूर्ण अहसास से समाज का उद्धार किया।

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया

कर्म योगी बनी न बनी आज गर्व से यह मैने स्वीकर किया

जो फल सोचा भी नहीं था वो आनंद आत्मसंतुष्टि में पा लिया।

(अंत में कहना चाहुंगी)

हम ठाकुर जी की संतान हैं तो, हम अंश उन्हीं का कहलाएंगे

वो इस कार्य को कैसे करते थे, यही सोच से हम सब एक कर्म योगी बन जाएंगे।

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया।

A Tryst with Shraddha

- Rohit Biswa (Shillong)

Looking back on VIVA retreat 2025 at Sarada Tapovan, I feel I have received three valuable gifts which will last for long with me – some unforgettable memories, great experiences, and learning from impactful sessions.

Firstly, I created many wonderful memories by meeting up team members whom I had only interacted or seen in virtual world. Meeting them face-to-face was full of fun and our time together was even more special.

Secondly, the experience was incredible from taking my first-ever solo trip to sharing a room, attending sessions in a conference hall, going for a morning exercise, trekking and sharing a dining table with senior team members to the laughter, stories, and guidance I received during these moments taught me not only how to grow in life but also how to improve on the field.

The sessions led by Maharaj Ji, Neha Ma’am, and Govind Sir were impactful. But the one by Karthik Sir will be memorable session because it was about experience-sharing by our senior team members. Their stories showed me how the program has transformed their lives.

At last, I just want to say that I learned the true meaning of faith and Shraddha—which to me means respect, care, love, and support for one another.

A team that serves, sustains!

- Sritama Roy (Kolkata)

The first thing that struck me most was Maharaj ji’s incredible willpower and selfless dedication to serve humanity. I was wondering how a monk could establish so much—not for himself, but for the greater good. I also observed the compassion and teamwork among few other team members as well—whether it was drying wet clothes or caring for the unwell, the spirit of service was everywhere.

I realized that when we focus on others or a larger cause, our own problems feel smaller, making us happier and more fulfilled.

Another key takeaway was the importance of open communication. This retreat gave us the opportunity to know each other and resolution of conflicts through an honest dialogue exchange, which is crucial for a diverse team like VIVA for strengthening our team bonding.

Overall, the retreat recharged me with positivity and motivation for the year ahead. I truly look forward to more such rejuvenating experiences annually.

Experiential Learning

- Bornali Pandit (Chandigarh)

I liked the team bonding which we developed in the team. I learned how I can become a more caring and helpful person.

In the retreat we were around fifty people. Each of our perspectives and opinions were different but all the members accepted and gave attention and respect to others’ views.

As a girl I felt I was in a safe and comfortable environment in this team.

In our program we speak about honesty, integrity and commitment and I felt that everyone in the team practices all these qualities in their day-to-day life.

Engraved forever in the heart

- Priya Ruidas (Mumbai)

I feel blessed that I was a part of the retreat which was held in Jaulangi, Uttrakhand. I got a chance to meet the VIVA family and bonded well with the whole team. It was a great experience. The retreat centre is on the lap of the mighty Himalayas which signifies how much dedication, conviction, perfection and care went into bringing Maharaj’s vision to life. I was completely in awe of what Maharaj has built for all our benefit. I experienced the vibration of the divine nature, the calmness of the mountains and peace in that place where it is easy to connect with oneself.

Apart from the beauty of that place that we enjoyed, there were interesting sessions for us which were conducted by Revered Maharaj ji and other teammates. They helped me gain much needed insight. I learnt how I can reflect on things in my mind. I was able to understand through Maharaj Ji's sessions, that though it is not easy to find peace in carrying out our work or actions, there are some practices that can be adopted that can bring the much-needed peace we work towards. As a normal person, even I can become a Karma yogi. I gained a new perspective on VIVA’s program and understood how it is related to our life. I also got a chance to talk with Maharaj ji one on one that I think was the highlight of the retreat for me. The clarity that I received after speaking to him is helping me play my new role effectively.

I would like to conclude by saying that it was an unforgettable experience with lots of lovely memories. I will always keep those memories in my heart with love and care.

शारदा तपोवन में तीन दिवसीय कार्यशाला से मेरी सीख

- Ravi Sharma (Ajmer)

पहले दिन मैने महाराज जी के सेशन से सीखा की हम विषय, प्रयोजन, अधिकारी, सम्बंध इन चारों में तालमेल बिठाते है तो हम सभी स्वयं की खोज कर सकते है।

नेहा मेडम के सेशन से सीखा इच्छा और उद्देश्य में क्या अंतर है और हमें हमारा उद्देश्य स्पष्ट होना बहुत जरूरी है ।

दूसरे दिन महाराज जी के सेशन में सीखा शिव ज्ञान से जीव सेवा करना हमे कर्मयोगी बनाता है।

गोविंद सर के सेशन से सीखा हम हमारे द्वारा किए जाने वाले कार्यों को सेवा भाव के साथ करे तो हम स्वयं का ओर हमारी संस्था कंपनी का विकास कर सकते है।

वहां के शांत वातावरण से सीखा की हम हमारे मन को शांत रख कर कार्य को बेहतरीन ढंग से कर सकते है।

A Pen Picture

- Shatarupa Dutta (Faridabad)

In the quietude of the Himalayas,

Where the clouds whispered and the winds carried tales,

Our team gathered—not just as colleagues,

But as companions on a journey deeper than just work.

Three days.

No deadlines, no dashboards.

Just hearts, minds, and souls—

Pausing, reflecting, aligning and re-aligning.

We sat in silence,

We spoke in stories.

We laughed till our eyes watered,

And listened till our hearts overflowed.

In every shared experience,

A mirror of our collective spirit was revealed.

From playful games,

To dramas that stirred forgotten emotions,

And musicals where voices met like old friends—

With the joy of being seen and celebrated.

There were tears—of gratitude, of grace.

There was joy—deep, contagious, uncontainable.

Love flowed like the downpour,

Blessings crystallised like the dew on morning grass.

And amidst all this,

We found our why again.

Not in spreadsheets or calendar schedules—

But in the unwavering call to serve,

To work with dignity, with love,

And to walk together in purpose.

We returned lighter, fuller, clearer.

Yet, something within remains “positively dissatisfied”—

Hungry for more connection, deeper service, higher joy.

And so, we look ahead with gleaming eyes,

To the next retreat,

The next unfolding.

Until then,

We carry the Tapovan within us—

As a stillness,

As a song,

As a promise.

VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living by RKM GURUGRAM

Self-expression - An element of a happy life

Music ​​"Music is the highest art and, to those who understand is the highest worship" - Swami Vivekananda

Arts and Craft (with poems they inspire) - Various Mediums

Finding Myself ​By Saswati Ghosh (Delhi)

Unwinding Within​By Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

Seeking Knowledge​A Cosmic Invitation​By Saumil Shah (Bangalore)

Photography

Upholding Values at the Workplace

Do People Burnout Faster in the Corporate Sector?​Sivarama Krishnan

How to Stay Calm When Both Work and Home Make DemandsSakshi Goyal

Handling Stress in the Corporate World​Suresh Srinivasan

Corporate is the Actual Classroom​Yashwant Pankaj

How Trust at work is Built Outside the Office​Srishti Roy

For the Youth / युवाओं हेतु

अपने युवा काल को सुझावby ​Ramesh Dwivedee, Delhi

Conversation between the Young Me with the Present Me ​By Sumana Biswas Manna from Delhi

Values for the Youth​By Aman Rana from Gurugram ​In my opinion, the following three values are very essential for youth to develop in order to achieve anything great and lead a life of happiness and contentment.

The first value: Immense faith in yourself and your ideals

The second value: Perseverance

The third value: Empathy

A Note to My Even Younger Self​by Shatarupa Dutta from FaridabadOnes I wish I had understood earlier, and ones I now feel anyone who is young today may find useful.

सत्यनिष्ठा (Truthfulness)

क्षमाशीलता (Forgiveness)

तीसरामूल्य: पवित्रता (Purity)

3 values ​By Tapan Dhar from Jammu

- One starts taking into account what is permanent and what is transient/temporary (नित्य-अनित्य-वस्तु-विवेक).

Do you all agree? As for me, I totally agree with these and have found contentment following these values. I would be happy to see people - especially the youth of today, to test the validity of these ideas / values by practising them.

On Spirituality (a year-end special edition)/ आध्यात्मिकता पर (वर्ष के अंत का विशेष संस्करण)

जीवन एक नदी ​by Dharmendra Pandey

To me, spirituality is ... (मेरे लिए आध्यात्मिकता है....)

Spiritual place of utmost importance to you (आपके लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण आध्यात्मिक स्थान)​Why is it important to you? (यह जगह आपके लिए क्यों खास है?)

Adding Value through Values - मूल्यों से मूल्यवर्धन

My Authentic Self and the Value it adds to my Life

बच्चों में मूल्यों का विकास: आत्म-खोज का महत्व

by Anand Panwar from Jabalpur

My top tips for Resource Persons on how to add value as Value Educators in VIVA

Share an example where your innate value added value in someone's life.​Can you share an instance when someone's value added value in your life?​How has the meaning of a value unfolded for you over time?

Worshipping the Divine Mother of the Universe

Swami Shantatmananda reveals the significance of Divine Mother worship

The Origins of Mother Worship in Bengal ​Written and illustrated by Saswati Ghosh from Delhi

Thoughts on the Condition of Women in Society and the Prevalence of ‘Devi’ Worship in Indiaby Sobha Menon from Delhi

शुभागमन​by Shilpi Sharma from Gurugram

Quiz on Women Saints of India

Gargi Vachaknavi

Sister Nivedita

Rani Ahilyabai Holkar

Meerabai

Share your thoughts in the comments box below

The Divine Mother and You

The Ideal and Practice

Your Role Model

The Secret of Work

Drops of Wisdom... Swami Vivekananda on ​'The Secret of Work'

"By work alone men may get to where Buddha got largely by meditation or Christ by prayer.”

“Liberation means entire freedom — freedom from the bondage of good, as well as from the bondage of evil. A golden chain is as much a chain as an iron one.”

“The very reason of nature’s existence is for the education of the soul; it has no other meaning; it is there because the soul must have knowledge, and through knowledge free itself.”

“The whole gist of this teaching is that you should work like a master and not as a slave; work incessantly, but do not do slave’s work.”

“If you can invariably take the position of a giver, in which everything given by you is a free offering to the world, without any thought of return, then will your work bring you no attachment.”

Click the link below to read 'The Secret of Work' from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekanandahttps://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/1-2-3-the-secret-of-work

The Secret of Work ​- Dr. Shyamolima Ghosh Choudhury (New Delhi)

Benefits of practising Karma Yoga – Personal Takeaways ​- Sunanda Ganguli (Delhi)

Karma Yoga in Modern Times​- Chhandita Sensharma (Gurugram)

A nature centric quiz on Karma Yoga

Can you guess how nature shows us to be Karma yogis?

Lotus

A forest ecosystem

A bee

The Sun

Share your thoughts in the comments box below

Can we find joy in working without thinking of results?

Can we work devotedly and serve selflessly?

Can we practice karma yoga little by little?

Finding Joy in our Friendships - मित्रता में आनंद

Working up a Friendship

A Companion for Good Times and Bad

वो पुरानी बातें​Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

Friendship Quiz

Sudama

Josephine MacLeod (1858 – 1949)

Music
"Music is the highest art and, to those who understand is the highest worship" - Swami Vivekananda

Finding Myself
By Saswati Ghosh (Delhi)

Unwinding Within
By Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

Seeking Knowledge
A Cosmic Invitation
By Saumil Shah (Bangalore)

Do People Burnout Faster in the Corporate Sector?
Sivarama Krishnan

How to Stay Calm When Both Work and Home Make Demands
Sakshi Goyal

Handling Stress in the Corporate World
Suresh Srinivasan

Corporate is the Actual Classroom
Yashwant Pankaj

How Trust at work is Built Outside the Office
Srishti Roy

अपने युवा काल को सुझाव
by Ramesh Dwivedee, Delhi

Conversation between the Young Me with the Present Me
By Sumana Biswas Manna from Delhi

Values for the Youth
By Aman Rana from Gurugram
In my opinion, the following three values are very essential for youth to develop in order to achieve anything great and lead a life of happiness and contentment.

A Note to My Even Younger Self
by Shatarupa Dutta from Faridabad
Ones I wish I had understood earlier, and ones I now feel anyone who is young today may find useful.

3 values
By Tapan Dhar from Jammu

जीवन एक नदी
by Dharmendra Pandey

Spiritual place of utmost importance to you (आपके लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण आध्यात्मिक स्थान)
Why is it important to you? (यह जगह आपके लिए क्यों खास है?)

Share an example where your innate value added value in someone's life.
Can you share an instance when someone's value added value in your life?
How has the meaning of a value unfolded for you over time?

The Origins of Mother Worship in Bengal
Written and illustrated by Saswati Ghosh from Delhi

Thoughts on the Condition of Women in Society and the Prevalence of ‘Devi’ Worship in India
by Sobha Menon from Delhi

शुभागमन
by Shilpi Sharma from Gurugram

Drops of Wisdom...
Swami Vivekananda on 'The Secret of Work'

Click the link below to read 'The Secret of Work' from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/1-2-3-the-secret-of-work

The Secret of Work
- Dr. Shyamolima Ghosh Choudhury (New Delhi)

Benefits of practising Karma Yoga – Personal Takeaways
- Sunanda Ganguli (Delhi)

Karma Yoga in Modern Times
- Chhandita Sensharma (Gurugram)

वो पुरानी बातें
Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)

Vanity is Fair
- Ujay (Delhi/Mumbai)

Self-Belief - The journey continues…
- Govind Bisht (Faridabad)

आत्मविश्वास
- Shilpi Sharma (Gurugram)

आत्मविश्वास बनाम अहंकार
- Dharmendra Pandey (Delhi)

One message woven in the fabric of time – Self-esteem!
- Neha Phull (Bangalore)