Avoid Finding Faults in Others
From the Editor’s Desk
Welcome to Samarpan, the e-Journal of JKYog USA! Samarpan means surrender. Having received a human body in this life, the purpose of life is to surrender our intellect in the service of God and Guru for their pleasure. However, many of us get stuck in the cycle of life and death due to mental afflictions like anger, greed, jealousy, etc. Let us start by learning to avoid finding faults in others.
We are very inspired to progress on the spiritual path under the competent guidance of Shree Swami Mukundananda ji and his Guru, Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj. Our goal is to work together to implement Vedic knowledge (i.e., tatvagyan) drawn from our holy scriptures as taught and disseminated by Swamiji.
Each month, we will present one small piece of the vast knowledge and practical tools to help us apply the knowledge. We invite members of our global community to share ways in which they have applied the knowledge for self-improvement. We would love to hear stories about how Swamiji’s teachings have impacted or inspired you. We will share the most inspirational stories in Voices from the Global Community.
Vedic Wisdom & Application
Challenge of the Month
Avoid Finding Faults in Others
Reflection Questions
- Why do we find others’ faults?
- When do we find faults? Do we know the triggers?
- How can we reduce fault-finding?
Swamiji says that finding faults in others boosts our own ego. It makes us think that we are perfect but others are not. The problem with this attitude is that it decreases our humility and bloats our pride. We find faults when our ego takes over. Like Swamiji says, EGO means Edging God Out. Under the influence of maya, we find others’ faults to hide our own mistakes.
Swamiji repeatedly tells us that pride is hard to remove. To progress on the spiritual path, we must take responsibility for our negative thoughts or emotions, recognize our own faults, search for goodness in others, and develop a positive attitude. To solve any problem, we must first understand its source and find solutions. Let’s reflect on practical and spiritual solutions for fault-finding.
In his book on 7 Mindsets, Swamiji explains the transformational power of purusharth or self-effort (p. 68). Problem-solving can be approached from two different angles - one is positive and uplifting, whereas the other is negative and degrading. Let’s look at both ways.
How we act is our choice. Are we looking for shreya or preya happiness? Which way of thinking is helpful versus harmful? Swamiji shares inspirational stories of top-notch athletes like Virat Kohli and Michael Phelps who sacrificed immediate pleasure (preya) to achieve perfection (shreya). Only with austerity, discipline, hard work, self-control and will-power did they perfect their respective sport. We all need to learn to make the right choice to progress on the spiritual path.
Positive Cycle of Thoughts, Actions and Outcomes
Negative Cycle of Thoughts, Actions and Outcomes
Tools for Your Personal Growth
Having understood the difference between a positive and negative cycle of thinking and acting, here is a sample tracking sheet to record fault-finding so we can learn from our own mistakes. If we increase awareness of the triggers for positive and negative responses, we will become capable of exercising self-control and the power of choice. As Swamiji says, a positive cycle promotes mind management whereas a negative cycle leads self-destruction. A positive attitude is our choice.
See the example of a tracking sheet below. It shows the relation between triggers, actions and outcomes for positive verses negative choices as presented in the graphics above. The tracking sheet will increase self-awareness. Even when negative external triggers are present, we can use internal resources to learn mind-management. Over time, positive choices will increase!
We have provided a blank tracking sheet. You can keep a printed or e-copy of the blank sheet accessible when you are in a difficult situation. It is meant to help us be aware of our choices and take appropriate actions. Remember, change takes time!
Love to Hear from You
- How did you apply the Vedic Wisdom?
- What challenges did you experience in the process?
Please share your comments under “Join the Discussion” below.
Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji
Here are a couple of YouTube video titles and related links where Swamiji describes the importance of a positive attitude instead of finding faults and blaming others.
Hold Your Breath! Check out Upcoming Events
Mind Management 21-Day Challenge
Most of you may already be participating in Swamiji’s 21-Day Mind Management Challenge that began on September 11, 2020. The program is free of cost and the knowledge priceless! In each of the videos released so far, Swamiji brilliantly helps us understand the mechanics of the material mind and how to perfect it through mind management tools. You can join and gain valuable knowledge by reviewing the videos through Swamiji’s YouTube channel. More information here.
Swamiji’s Much-Awaited Book
Swamiji’s new book, “Science of Mind Management” was recently published by Amazon Westland Publications, India. The book has been consistently ranked in the top tier of the publishing world of hot new releases! The book has 10 chapters written in a very user-friendly language. Paperback and Kindle editions are available at a very low cost through Amazon.
JKYog Navratri Mahotsav
The Navratri Mahotsav will be conducted with a lot of fanfare in spite of the limiting COVID-19 conditions. It will be held from October 17 to 25, 2020 with participation by all the JKYog centers in the U.S. The program is free but we encourage you to register here for the event and gain more information.
The first part of the program will be broadcast live through Zoom, from the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas from 11:00 AM until noon CST. You will be able to participate in the pooja, Lalita Sahastranam, and Durga Saptashati. The evening program will be broadcast via YouTube from 7:00 to 9:30 PM CST, and include Durga pooja, archana, Aarti, bhajans, cultural program and interactive activities. Opportunities for seva are also available.
Voices from the Global Community
We would like to share ways in which a member of our global community has been impacted by the scriptural knowledge as taught and disseminated by Swamiji.
This month, we feature Pranav Pattatathunaduvil, a high school student from Plano, TX, who recently received the 2020 Calvin Coolidge President's Scholarship award. He has also shown tremendous leadership in his young life by initiating a non-profit organization to make a difference in the lives of school-age children. Pranav attributes successful accomplishments in his life to Swami Mukundananda ji. Please watch the video where Pranav describes how he benefitted from Swamiji’s teachings.
We invite you to share your inspirations and success stories with us at secretary@jkyog.org .
JKYog Transforming Communities
In this feature, we would like to share the amazing activities and news about programs conducted by various JKYog centers in the U.S. Bal-Mukund is one such program that fills us all with pride!
Bal-Mukund is a specially designed character building program, designed and mentored by Swamiji. It focuses on the holistic development of the child and hones their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual quotient. Multiple Bal-Mukund centers across USA have been imparting quality education and shaping the lives of thousands of children since its inception. On popular demand, we are now offering this program online as well. Details here.
Additionally, there are numerous online programs and classes for adults including Daily Sadhana, Bhagavad Gita Recitation and Study, Life Transformation, etc. Please check out details for all of our online classes here.