VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living #Ideas

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.

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.

Click here to continue to read this post

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?

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?

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Does the concept of self-respect sound daunting?

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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.

Silence Speaks - ख़ामोशी कुछ कहती है...

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:01:45 +0530

Can Silence speak? We explore this idea through a range of articles, poems, illustrations and quotes. Have you experienced a spoken silence? Your comments are welcome!

How does Silence Speak in Meditation?

By Bornali Ghosh from Kolkata

Illustration by Nidhi Agarwal from Gurugram

What do we understand by the term Meditation? It is a tool which helps in focusing or clearing the Mind to bring calmness & awareness and helps us to look outward and inward!

Most of the time, our mind continues to chatter and run here and there, as our focus is on people, situation and environment which is not congenial or not as per our liking. This chattering is almost like an addiction, and it goes on and on. We are used to it so much, that we do not even bother to think that mind chatter is actually not natural! At times when we realize that the mind chatter has to be stopped, we try to control the ‘outside reasons’ which is causing the chatter! Ironically, all that is outside can never be controlled! So, what next? Should we understand calmness of mind instead?

Why is calmness of Mind necessary? Imagine you are sitting with a group of friends who are speaking loudly. Faintly, you hear your favourite song being played far off. What will you do to hear it clearly? Remove yourself from the gathering and go to a place which is quiet, to hear the song. Isn’t it? Basically what you are doing is, improving your concentration to enjoy the song and for that you move to a quiet place.

We have experienced quietness several times in life, with someone whom we love, to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with self, to look back on what has been done so far, to peek into the future or understand what the present demands from us. In all such times our mind is one pointed. In all the above mentioned conditions we speak to ourselves silently! In such silence, we find ourselves to be alone but not lonely!

Meanness of the outside world and inability to satisfy others, inflicts pain. Then, at times we decide to be quiet, calm and reflect. Eventually, we realize how fruitless are the material pursuits for which we succumb to lust, anger, greed, attachments, ego or jealousy. Such realisation happens when our mind silently speaks!

Click here to read more

At time we just lose our sanity. Due to some inference from the past or may be just like that, we are not good to others. Then our conscience silently speaks! Tells us, stop, check, rectify and move on.

When our creative instinct does not allow us to sit quiet, and is demanding manifestation, disturbance is something we avoid. We are by ourselves, giving vent to our creativity. How much we enjoy the moment when in a minute way we also experience how the creator feels and relates with his creation. At such times we are calm and quiet, silently talking to our creative self.

When our loved one leaves us behind and embarks on a different journey, there is a void which quietens us. The connection that we were so much used to is suddenly not there! There is silence inside and out. We realise that the connection is still there beyond the physical realm. Then the silence speaks between us!

When we are into so many things at a time and share mind space with family, friends, colleagues, strangers, we experience a sheer need to be with our self. What do we call it? Me Time? This is when silence speaks.

All such instances mentioned above are times when we willingly focus on our selves. We ponder, we connect, we meditate on different aspects to get answers, and we do get them! This experience is common to all, be an atheist or a believer! We allow silence to speak through the tool- meditation. Most of the time we don’t even realise it. We only find ourselves engrossed in a one-pointed thought which has consumed a lot of time! The experience is ‘living in the moment’ which gives us a feeling of connection to the idea we are nurturing. This feeling is gratifying but temporary! What can we do to feel it always?

That is when we feel the need to meditate upon the Supreme in any form? When we do so, we connect to the eternal source of Purity, Peace, Love, Knowledge and Power. This enables us to realise what we are and experience the happiness which seems to be so elusive. A meaningful and purposeful life is what we always crave for. Understanding our true divine nature fills us with love and gratitude for our creator. This happens only when Silence Speaks!

The methods and techniques of meditation are various but the crux of it all is the willingness to listen when SILENCE SPEAKS!!

Ecstatic Silence of Sri Ramakrishna

By Karthik Shankar from Bangalore

Perfect yet playful,

Eternal yet evolving,

In You is all in all,

Through Your serene face,

Silence speaks

One who took mighty vows,

Poverty, chastity, obedience and service,

Your blessings fill one with knowledge,

To overcome Kamini-Kanchan,

In Your loving voice,

Silence speaks

In every movement You exist,

Even a leaf is carried by Your grace,

Your touch moulded lives of perfection,

By Your benign glance,

Silence speaks

Your presence spells freedom,

A powerful force art Thou

For liberation in a moment even,

Of Your holy name,

Silence speaks

खामोशी की गूँज

By Hariom from Lucknow

खामोशी से मेरा हृदय धड़कता है

खामोशी से प्रतिदिन सूरज उगता है

खामोशी में ही मुझमें विचार आते

खामोशी से ही फूल खिलता है

भाग दौड़ के इस जीवन में

असफलता के आँगन में

उतार चढ़ाव के जीवन में

खामोशी से लड़े जंग हमनें

पुरखों के अनुपम अनुभवों में

स्वयं की जीवन यात्रा में

सिर्फ मैंने यही है जाना

खामोशी से सफलता सजाना

बड़े से बड़े धुरंधर भी

बड़बोलेपन में सब खो देते

खुशियों के संसार में

स्वयं अन्धकार कर देते

जीना है तो कोशिश करो

ओस के जैसी खामोशी से

स्वयं की जीवन यात्रा में

सफलता का संसार रचो

Illustration by Nidhi Agarwal from Gurugram

मौन वाणी

By Shilpi Sharma from Gurugram

मौन में शक्ति समाहित, 

मौन में सामर्थ्य है । 

पढ़ ना पाए मौन आखर, 

ज्ञान फिर सब व्यर्थ है।  

मौन के ही रंग सारे, 

मौन के ही भाव है । 

मौन गहरा शांत समुद्र, 

शब्द नाव पतवार है । 

मौन जब शिव ने धरा तो, 

आदियोगी बह्मांड बनाए । 

मौन ओम, मौन नमः, 

मौन ही कहलाए शिवाय। 

देख देश का दुख दर्दशा, 

दिन तीन शिला पर मौन बिताए । 

स्वामी तप से जागे ऐसे, 

विश्व चेतन जागृति जगाए । 

मौन की भाषा अलग है, 

मौन की गति न्यारी है । 

मौन आत्म निरीक्षण अवसर है, 

मौन अंतरमन की तैयारी है ।

Guess who said this?

“The nearer you approach to God, the less you reason and argue. When you attain Him, then all sounds—all reasoning and disputing—come to an end. Then you go into samādhi, into communion with God in silence.”

“Accumulate power in silence and become a dynamo of spirituality.”

“Silence is truth. Silence is bliss. Silence is peace. And hence silence is the self.”

“Serenity of mind, kindliness, silence, self-control, honesty of motive – this is called the mental austerity”

"A fool is known by his speech; and a wise man by silence."

Experiencing Silence

By Sunanda Ganguli from New Delhi

It was so crowded and noisy in the evening during aarti. Now the pilgrims have returned to the inns and the shops have downed the shutters. It's quiet, only the sound of water from the Mandakini River and of the bells swaying gently by the wind can be heard.

I was standing by Holy Shankaracharya’s samadhi near Kedarnath temple. It was a full moon night – the samadhi, the Kedarnath temple, the snowcapped mountains, the moon's soft glow, everything around was unworldly. The night sky had come alive with silver light – the Master Painter had cast a magical spell over everything, all around. Is He happy with all that He has created? I had goosebumps all over. It's a moment of breathtaking wonder, perfect for contemplation, reflection, or simply basking in nature's splendor. The Holy Bull was sitting quietly in front of the Kedarnath temple and I whispered my wishes in its ear. It will definitely convey it to Kedarnathji. I will forever cherish those moments of silence and peace.

Adi Shankaracharya placed immense importance on silence as a path to spiritual realization, achieving a state of oneness with Brahman and enlightenment. He considered silence to be a higher form of teaching than words, capable of conveying truths that words alone cannot. Swami Vivekananda also talked about the power of silence in the life of a seeker.

While climbing a path uphill many a times we feel out of breath, thirsty, unable to take a step when a fellow trekker graciously offers her half-filled bottle of water (not thinking at all what she will drink if the water is finished), nodding encouragingly without any word – both exchange smiles and namaste, the giver and the taker move on silently through the majestic silence. A 'Thank you' that is unspoken yet heard in the silence.

Illustration by Nidhi Agarwal from Gurugram

Beyond Expectations

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:03:55 +0530

In this blogpost, we present a range of thought-provoking ideas and anecdotes on the theme of expectations. Two beautiful poems on moving from foolishness to wisdom are also included. Do you think our expectations are also follies in some way? We welcome you to share your perspectives in the comment box below.

Man proposes, God disposes

by Smt. Malavika Ghosh from Gurugram

Can we appreciate instead?

by Smt. Jaya Priya Srinivas from Gurugram

Expectations whether from society, family or even ourselves can create pressure to conform, which often stifle experimentation and risk-taking, both essential to creativity. Instead of asking what can I create, we start thinking what will they like. That shifts focus from originality to approval. Instead of enjoying the journey of making something new, we worry about the end result living up to the idea of ‘good’. When someone tends to expect too much from others or themselves, it can limit not just their creativity but also growth and relationships. Instead of waiting for results, appreciate effort, uniqueness and intent. Let go of “shoulds” – let people grow with space and support. Recognize individuality. Everyone creates, thinks and grows differently. That is not wrong – it is beautiful.

Freedom in being

by Smt. Geeta Dhyani from Mumbai

If we analyse our life, we find that that often we are miserable because life did not turn out according to our expectation. As a mother, I have expectations from my children; as a wife, I have expectations from my husband; while my children and husband may be blissfully unaware of it and even if they are aware they may not be in a position to fulfil it. This not only makes me miserable but puts a strain on those for whom I care. In the transactional world having expectations is normal. My boss expects me to meet my deadlines – that is fair enough. I can’t expect my boss to have no expectation from me, that would not be fair. But with life, friends and human relations one of the sure causes of misery is expectations and sometimes unrealistic ones!

Swami Vivekananda said, “we are all beggars. Whatever we do, we want a return. We are all traders. We are traders in life, we are traders in virtue, we are traders in religion. And alas! we are also traders in love”.

When good things happen as expected, it gives us happiness but when good things happen without any expectations it gives us joy. A flower blooms spreading it fragrance, a tree with its thick foliage gives shade to weary travelers, the meandering river flowing gracefully gives bountifully to all. All along nature gives without expectation. We may still have much to learn.

Folly

by Dr. Anuradha Balaram from Gurugram

As a child I looked at my parents in awe

As I grew, I saw in them many a flaw

And wondered why they were not perfect!

What folly! Parents are human too

As a youth I thought I could change the world

I thought I knew how to set things right

I marched on with more aggression than sense

What folly! I could have listened to the wise

Marriage, I thought was a garden of roses

Always smooth and joyful I thought it would be

Each partner would automatically know what the other wanted

What folly! All relationships need to be nurtured carefully

As a parent I thought my children would be exceptional

And charter their life according to my plan

I yelled and insisted on them listening to me

What folly! Each child creates its own destiny.

As a professional I thought achievement was the goal

And did not give my health or talents adequate thought

I burnt midnight oil and took on much stress

What folly! A balance is called for.

As an older person I thought my life would be boring

With nothing much to do or learn

I thought my days would pass without cheer

What folly! When I can volunteer

From Foolishness to Freedom

by Smt. Saswati Ghosh from Delhi

I lived my life in borrowed light,

Seeking love in others’ sight.

Every smile, every nod,

Felt like blessings—a whispered God.

I shaped my days to fit their mold,

Spoke their words, did as told.

Bent and bowed to earn their praise,

Wore their judgments on my face.

I framed my laughter to their tune,

Hid my tears beneath the moon.

Bent my dreams to match their sight,

Dimmed my fire to keep them bright.

Their laughter warmed, their silence burned,

A single frown—my world upturned.

I danced for love, I begged to stay,

Yet felt unseen—just cast away.

I lost myself in wanting more—

More approval, love, and open doors.

Then life, so cruel, yet strangely wise,

Tore the veil before my eyes.

A moment came, sharp and clear,

A voice within, fierce yet near:

"Why do you kneel? Why do you crave?

Are you not whole? Are you a slave?"

A shudder ran, breaking the chain,

A whisper rose beyond my pain.

I looked around—where were they?

Were they ever meant to stay?

The love I chased, the hands I sought,

Were they ever mine? —I have never thought!

I wept, I raged, I fell apart,

Tore their voices from my heart!

I saw my hands—they once were free,

Not made to clutch, but let things be.

No more seeking, no more chase,

No more molding for their embrace.

Their love is theirs, their eyes their own,

Yet here I stand—not lost, not thrown!

Their world is theirs, their weight is gone,

I have myself—I’m moving on.

Now I rise, with my open hands,

No need to prove, no need to stand!

Where love is given like a prize—

I am enough. I realize.

Not foolish now, nor wise am I,

Just free at last—beneath the sky.

Expectations: A working woman’s perspective

by Smt. Anamika Jeypaul from Dubai

As a wife, a mother and a working professional, the expectation is one of balance among family, home, friends and work. As a first, I’ve learnt with time not to carry work, the related frustrations, or my imposing title at home. I leave them at my doorstep and enter as the cheerful wife and mother. I manage my home just as effectively, but neither am I called a ‘manager’ nor do I demand any respect for that twin self. There are moments when my true personality is not clear even to me, but the wiser voice within guides me to what’s really important – the love and care I give.

All mornings are spent listening to meeting chatters and evenings are spent listening to much important chatters of young minds making sense of their world. I am paid to manage people in the day and but I hold back from managing lives in the evenings so they can learn by themselves what the world means. Sick children equal taking days off from work which equal putting in extra time at work later to play catch up. Alternately, I can demand time off from work but not a moments rest from work at home.

The time that I relish are the ones spent on creative expressions, in keeping a beautiful home, cooking creatively, creative problem solving with the kids and at work. I am expected to keep traditions alive and all the work that goes into it is mine alone to bear. But what I expect of myself is nurturing the seed of spirituality and the power of prayer in my children, so I find time for this most important duty.

What expectations from me are justified? The ones others place on me or the ones I place on myself? I may not have an answer, but I’m happy that we live in times where I can fit my world around the knowledge that it’s okay to drop the ball sometimes so long as you get back up and start to juggle again.

Expectations: From and of a homemaker

by Smt. Arpita Sud from Gurugram

We understand expectations from any assigned work, once we understand the role we are meant to play in the whole scheme of things. Therefore, organizations have clear work profiles for employees to consider before they apply for the job, saving the trouble of an expectation mismatch.

Does this concept also apply to homemakers - our mothers, our aunts, our sisters, our friends - the wives, when they work for the benefit of the family within the home or even outside of it. This role doesn’t come with any set expectations other than that small stipulation of incomparable perfection, silent obedience and complete loyalty. The oath is taken on the night of the wedding cheer and every moment thereafter most women watch themselves fail before their eyes and those of the society. Their desire to help, nourish, care, create and serve is at best rewarded with expensive gifts or at worst ridiculed as an escape into comfort.

Instead of the struggle to define the role of a homemaker, I choose to define the expectations I have from myself and from my life:

I expect to receive respect and love but not before I have given all the love, I feel bounding in my heart

I expect to share my life’s experience and learnings with my children and expect them to clear the table of their dishes and not scream for a glass of water

I am okay with putting aside my expectations, without a thought of sacrifice, to be able to fulfil everyone else’s goals

I expect to understand before being understood

I expect to be the helping hand when no one else is around

I expect to fulfil all expectations my family has from me without belittling myself or compromising my integrity

I expect to express my talents and nourish my soul with teachings from the greatest

I expect to stand up for myself when I am pushed to a corner

From others, all that I expect is some space of quiet time to call my own

Our 2nd Podcast Episode on Happiness is Live!

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:00:01 +0530

Summary

Basics of happiness can be understood by thinking of two words which are often used in each other's place - Joy & Happiness. Often used in each other's place, these words have a distinctive meaning. Joy is generated from within; things which I do that gives me joy. On the other hand, happiness is something that is largely dependent on external aids. Joy is a deeper bliss one experiences when they do things that are of value to their internal being. An even better understanding of joy is linked to the Upanishadic idea of our real nature - Sat-Chit-Ananda - You are joy itself! We don't remember this and often suffer on account of ignorance of our real nature. All the practices which our Shastras speak of, are linked to the ultimate joy that is intrinsic to every person.

Even when we analyse the life of a regular person going through a workday with their issues and responsibilities, we realize that this joy our scriptures speak of, can be experienced more and more as we move from a mindset of gross to subtle. This mindset has the potential to remove our existential problems and difficulties as well, as joy slowly develops from within. Life of Sri Ramakrishna is the perfect example of someone who was suffering with a fatal disease and yet he exuberated joy day in and out. His very presence and the atmosphere around Him was full of joy as He reached the subtlest element within Him, His own nature which is joy itself. If you are an aspirant, all suffering even can generate a tremendous sense of resilience and determination to delve even deeper to find out the Truth for yourself, your real nature - that is joy. Sri Ramakrishna used to say - look upon human beings as a veritable manifestation of God and find that joy within that you are God Himself when you are serving the human beings and the sincerity and honesty in your practice will help you trace that inner joy within yourself. We can and should use our rich heritage brought forth by our Rishis - what it is to live beautifully, to be in joy, what is fulfilment. Without running around we need to go back to these roots and explore our way to real Joy. Turning our perspective from striving for happiness to being joyful, constantly going from gross to subtle could be the key that unlocks the bliss in our lives.

About Swami Shantatmananda

Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of “Service to Man is Service to God”, a young professional embarked on a transformative journey within the Ramakrishna Order, becoming Swami Shantatmananda. A monastic for about 50 years, he had a 30-year stint at the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, where he contributed significantly with his expertise in the areas of financial administration and fund management, while pioneering staff welfare schemes. He also played an influential role in setting up the Sarada Seva Sangha, an NGO in Kolkata, working towards women’s empowerment.

Subsequently, he took charge as the Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi in 2007, where he initiated programs to provide a foundation of education for a range of stakeholders by following a train-the-trainer model, which was extremely well-received by educators across India. The resounding success led to the founding of a new centre in Haryana, Ramakrishna Mission, Gurugram in 2022, along with the establishment of the Vivekananda Institute of Values (VIVA), which is dedicated to spreading the man-making, character-building ideas of Swami Vivekananda.

Sarada Tapovan, a retreat centre in the Himalayas, situated at Jalaungi, Tehri District, on the Rishikesh-Uttarkashi Highway, is a significant milestone on the same journey, which was inaugurated in 2024. Built with state-of-the-art facilities, it offers a serene ambience for contemplation and spiritual practices.

Swami Shantatmananda, also known as Jaishankar Maharaj, enjoys sports and music.

About Neha Phull

Neha Phull is a VIVA resource person who, while racing through life aiming to achieve one milestone after another, tumbled down the hill, and found the words of Swami Vivekananda coming to her rescue to help her lead a life of purpose. She says, "It is the unfiltered truth in the majestic words of Swamiji that not just picks me up in the worst of my days but also become a beacon of light to nudge me to move forward towards a bigger goal."

Relevant resources

5:03 - Sat-Chit-Ānanda - https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/5-7-3-iii-the-absolute-and-the-attainment-of-freedom

8:35 - Story of the Brahmachari - A version is found here - https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/1-2-4-what-is-duty

10:40 - Nisargadatta Maharaj - https://nisargadattamaharajofficialcenter.com/about-shree-nisargadatta-maharaj/

11:29 - Sri Ramakrishna - Biography is accessible here - https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/s/lsr/m/sri-ramakrishna-the-great-master/a/cover

13:44 - Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita - English version is accessible here- https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/s/tsr/m/gospel-of-sri-ramakrishna/a/cover-1

14:30 - Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva - An article eludicates the idea - https://vk.rkmm.org/s/vkm/m/vedanta-kesari-2013/a/05-shiva-jnane-jiva-seva%E2%80%94a-modern-mahavakya-oct-2013

21:16 - The Bhagavad Gita - Link to Swani Vivekananda's talk on the Gita - https://englishbooks.rkmm.org/m/the-complete-works-of-swami-vivekananda/a/4-2-3-thoughts-on-the-gita

23:12 - Madalasa - Story of Madalas by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp_ouj7Amug

Towards Happiness – प्रसन्नता की ओर

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0530

The upcoming episode of the Inspired Living podcast with Revered Swami Shantatmananda is a foray into happiness, its real meaning, the secret of being joyful and practices we can adopt to feel this joy even when circumstances around us may pull us down. Stay tuned.

Poem and artwork (watercolors and pastel colors) by Smt. Saswati Ghosh

Happiness

A fairy danced on moonlit beams,

Weaving joy from whispered dreams.

With stardust hands and laughter light,

She painted hope in darkest night.

The Fairy of Joy twirled high in the air,

Her laughter dancing without a care.

She said—

"Like autumn leaves, that swirl and play,

Happiness shines throughout the day."

The Fairy of Love, with a heart full of grace,

Said softly—

"It’s in a silent glance, a warm embrace,

A whispered word, a hand held tight,

A flicker of hope in the toughest night."

The Fairy of Magic waved her wand so grand,

And said—

"Happiness lies in your own hand!

Not in the stars, not far, not wide,

But in your heart, where dreams reside!"

Then they kissed the petals, spun the air,

Left golden sparks in hearts laid bare.

Their wings held songs of love untold,

A magic touch, so soft, so bold.

Happiness, they sighed—

"Is always free,

Not, in lands, beyond the sea.

It lives in you, it sings, it stays,

An eternal gift in endless ways."

Searching for Happiness
by Dr. Hema Raghavan

Happiness is intangible and immeasurable. It is easier to cover the blue sky in folds of cloth than to define happiness. Waiting for happiness is like 'Waiting for Godot', a seminal play where two men keep waiting for the titular hero, Godot who never turns up. The dialogue between the two waiting men as given under reveals the emptiness of happiness:

VLADIMIR: Say, I am happy.

ESTRAGON: I am happy.

VLADIMIR: So am I.

ESTRAGON: So am I.

VLADIMIR: We are happy.

ESTRAGON: We are happy.

VLADIMIR: (Silence) What do we do now, now that we are happy.

We are all the time in pursuit of happiness without knowing what that happiness is! Today's trend all over the world is to search for happiness and that too insta happiness. So what is happiness - the hedonism (pursuit of insta pleasure and self-indulgence) of the modern times or the eudaimonism (philosophy of well-being and virtue ethics) of the earlier times?

Lasting happiness rests with peace of mind, with a stress-free life. Modern scientists in particular, quantum computing scientists have found, that those with a spiritual practice or who follow religious beliefs tend to be happier, less depressed and less anxious than those who don’t.

The Bhagavad Gita, speaks of 'ananda' as happiness, engendered by good thoughts and good deeds. One can experience true bliss through evenness of temper and mind. 'Ananda', is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary state of mind as it is the inherent nature of the 'Atman' or the self. It is not dependent on external circumstances. It is the unchanging, eternal bliss that arises from realizing one's true nature as the self that belongs to the eternal Self.

How to cultivate Ananda? It is through introspection and self-inquiry, through meditation, living in harmony with Dharma (ethical conduct) and grateful surrender to the Lord with humility for granting us our life’s blessings. The Gita also says that happiness rests in accepting God’s dispensation- the good and the bad, because He alone is the Do-er. A Tamil saying is no leaf can move without His bidding. Such an acceptance is possible if one gives up the arrogance of do-ership and surrenders to God the Do-er.

Christianity makes a distinction between Joy and happiness. Joy is permanent as it is divinely bestowed on us. God talks about earthly pleasures and tells us that every good and perfect thing is from above. But the Biblical definition of joy is very different from the cultural view of happiness. Joy comes from His presence, His strength, His deliverance of men and women from grief and suffering.

The concept of happiness in Islam is known as 'falah'. 'Falah' is pleasure and peace that can be enjoyed by all individuals in life and after life.

The best way to summarize happiness as gleaned from all religions is to see ‘that everyone is a house with four rooms- the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room every day even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.’ These can be best attained through Karma Yoga (selfless service), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga or Buddhi Yoga(enquiry of what is real and what is unreal) and Raja Yoga (mastery of the mind).

The Happiness Exercise

By Smt. Neha Phull

In the prime of my youth, I feel invincible

The promise of life ahead brings glorious visions in its flair,

The exuberant options fill joy in the very fabric of my air

Expecting that peace and playfulness will be my constant companion

The cells of my very being will dance in gleeful union

With youthfulness in decline

and the appearance of fine lines

I notice I am merely crawling amongst the crowd

Carrying the burden of survival,

The years are vanishing like the cloud

The hope of acquiring happiness in the world has dimmed

The joy and playfulness have far been skimmed…

When I looked at the scenes of life through another lens

I found, that my perspective needs a complete cleanse

Happiness is not the end

You begin with happiness

The gleeful dance doesn’t come

But it is with the feeling of glee

I dance to life’s rhythm

It is the exercise of happiness

Through the ups and downs

That makes every moment worth living

Not letting disappointment make me drown

It is not over

There are moments I have yet to see

There are places I am yet to be

With this new learning

Can I now add life to my years?

Can I now begin with happiness?

And also spread the cheer…

वास्तविक आनंद क्या है?

By Smt. Shilpi Sharma

आप एक छोटे बालक के व्यवहार का अवलोकन कीजिए। नवीन व सुंदर खिलौने देखकर वह अति प्रसन्न व जिज्ञासु भाव से खेलने लगता है यह उसका आनंद है, और हम इसे मिथ्या भी नहीं कह सकते। परंतु कुछ देर बाद उसकी दृष्टि माता को ढूंढने लगती हैं और अपने सामने माता को ना पाकर वह व्याकुल हो जाता है। अब उसकी रुचि रंग-बिरंगे, ‌मोहक खिलौनों से हट गई है। संसार की कोई भी वस्तु उसकी व्याकुलता को शांत करने में असमर्थ है। अब वह केवल अपनी माता का सानिध्य व दर्शन चाहता है। हम सांसारिक मनुष्य भी उस बालक की भांती है, भौतिक वस्तुओं का सुख हमें आनंद देता तो है, परंतु क्षण-भंगुर होता है। स्थायित्व का अभाव मिथ्या बोध देता है ।जब हमारी अंतर पुकार के स्वर में भौतिक सुखों के प्रति विरक्ति और परमात्मा के प्रति समर्पण का प्राकट्य होता है; तब ईश्वर की उपस्थिति का अनुभव हमारे हृदय को वास्तविक आनंद से भर देता है। सेवाकार्य या किसी की सहायता करते हुए संतोष होता है, आनंद नहीं क्योंकि मैं कर्ता नहीं हूं। ईश्वर ने मुझे माध्यम चुना है। परमेश्वर के प्रेम की परिधि में ही आनंद है। हम सभी के जीवन में अनेक बार ऐसे अवसर आते हैं जब हम इस आनंद की अनुभूति करते हैं। एक ऐसे ही अवसर का अनुभव साझा करती हूं।

पिछले वर्ष एक शनिवार की सुबह सालासर बालाजी मंदिर दर्शन की तीव्र इच्छा हुई। करीब 6 घंटे के सफर के लिए हम दोपहर से पहले निकल चुके थे। यात्रा में एक के बाद एक अवरोध आने लगे। कभी सड़क कार्य तो कभी रेलवे फाटक और इस कारण अनुमानित समय बढ़ता ही जा रहा था। रात्रि 9:00 बजे मंदिर का प्रवेश द्वार बंद हो जाता है और इसी वजह से मन अशांत होने लगा। तभी अचानक तेज बारिश होने लगी, अब तो समय पर पहुंचना असंभव प्रतीत हो रहा था। जल भराव और बढ़ते अंधेरे ने कार की गति को धीमा कर दिया। हमने सब प्रभु की इच्छा पर छोड़कर निश्चिंत भाव से नाम संकीर्तन करना शुरू कर दिया। मन हरि भजन में इतना मगन हो गया की लग रह था कि हम मंदिर में ही है। इतने में एक एस यू वी कार हमसे आगे चलने लगी; बड़ी गाड़ी के चलने से सड़क का पानी हटता गया और हमारी गति भी बढ़ती गई। मंदिर से कुछ दूर पहले तक वही गाड़ी हमारा रास्ता बनाते हए चलती रही और ठीक पहले दूसरी ओर मुड़ गई। अब बारिश भी बंद हो गई थी। प्रवेश द्वार पर सुरक्षा गार्ड्स खड़े थे। हमारे प्रवेश करते ही उन्होंने द्वार बंद कर दिया। मेरी दृष्टि वहां लगी दीवार घड़ी पर गई, जिसमें समय हो रहा था 8:58। बालाजी दर्शन ठीक 9:00 बजे हुए। बारिश रूक चुकी थी परन्तु मन सच्चे आनंद में भीगा हुआ था। व्याकुलता और समर्पण ही सच्चे आनंद की कुंजी है।

Happiness Quiz - Who said this?

“As long as we require someone else to make us happy, we are slaves.”

Swami Vivekananda

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."

Marcus Aurelius

“Happy is the house that shelters a friend.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It is the very pursuit of happiness that thwarts happiness.”

Viktor Frankl

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

Socrates

What makes you happy?
When do you experience joy?
Can happiness can be pursued? Share your views in the comment box below. We would love to hear from you.

Wishing our Readers a Happy and Joyful Holi

Attribution

Sunflowers - Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Nagalingam Flower - https://x.com/rkmbelurmath/status/1259002769140146176/photo/2
Car driving at night - https://www.wagnerbrake.com/technical/parts-matter/driver-education-and-vehicle-safety/driving-in-the-dark.html
Braj ki Holi - https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/astro/religion-rituals/pilgrimage/braj-ki-holi-2023-everything-about-brij-ki-holi-mathura-and-vrindavan/articleshow/98469284.cms

VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living #Ideas

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.

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?

Self-Belief/आत्मश्रद्धा

Vanity is Fair- Ujay (Delhi/Mumbai)

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

It all began when I started reading about Swami Vivekananda.

आत्मविश्वास - Shilpi Sharma (Gurugram)

आत्मविश्वास बनाम अहंकार- Dharmendra Pandey (Delhi)

Moments in Life I have shown Self-Respect

Shobha Menon from Ernakulam says,

Indrani from Varanasi says,

Bharani from Hyderabad says,

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

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

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

Share your thoughts in the comment box below

VIVA Retreat 2025 - वीवा समागम २०२५

A Witness Account

जीवन मूल्यों पर चिंतन

Title

Title

Title

Title

Title

Title

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

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)

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)

At work and at home
By Sri. Srinivas Kumarapuram from Gurugram

Searching for Happiness
by Dr. Hema Raghavan

What makes you happy?
When do you experience joy?
Can happiness can be pursued? Share your views in the comment box below. We would love to hear from you.