AMOKSH Fortnightly eZine

Insight of the Fortnight: Uncertainty of Life is a Boon in fact
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Certainty is the end of the game of life. When the mind experiences certainty, life becomes dull and automated. For example, when people drive a car in the plains, the road is straight and certain, so many drivers tend to doze off and experience even fatal accidents. But when driving in the hills, the path is not certain so one must remain alert and aware, which results in far less accidents.  

While the mind may crave to know the outcome of every situation in order to feel more safe but when we don’t know the outcome, we are much more alive and vital – and ultimately, ironically, secure.   Uncertainty in life fosters an alert mind that is open to unlimited Divine potential.  So we must learn to take comfort in uncertainty.

Learning through Humor: The Hidden
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A man, whose level of drunkenness was bordering on the absurd, stood up to leave a bar and fell flat on his face. “Maybe all I need is some fresh air,” thought the man as he crawled outside. He tried to stand up again, but fell face first into the mud.

“Screw it,” he thought. “I’ll just crawl home.” The next morning, his wife found him on the doorstep asleep. “You went out drinking last night, didn’t you?” she said. “Uh, yes,” he said sheepishly. “How did you know?”

“You left your wheelchair at the bar again.” Learning 
In life, every activity needs thorough planning, particularly if you want to do something that is hidden from others. Perhaps then, even more planning is required.

Your Questions of the Fortnight
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Christine D., Chicago
Winning Question: In the old and new testament, sacrificial offerings are very important, starting with the offering of animals in the old testament, which was initiated under Moses, all the way up to Jesus’ sacrifice of his own body.  What do you feel is the role of sacrifice in establishing a relationship with God and why has sacrifice been such an important part of people’s process of learning about God?
Answer: Sacrifice itself is an inhuman act. Sacrificing an animal or oneself for personal gains is not living love for God. God is love only. And even when Jesus lived the visible form in sacrifice, it was indeed not a sacrifice but a choice made by Him. That choice looks to others as a sacrifice, but sacrifice by itself is not possible. The fact is that out of the available options, you selected the one that was best for you as per your circumstances. This does not at all mean that you sacrificed others or sacrificed yourself for another.

Tabetha C., Philippines
Question: It seems that many people suffer greatly in their elder years with diseases, senility and worse.  Modern medicine often prolongs life but in the process compromises the quality of life for the patient and their family.  What do you feel about this philosophy?  Do you believe life should be prolonged at any cost or should modern medicine adopt a more spiritual philosophy?
Answer: A spiritual philosophy must be adopted.  There are so many spiritual methods, which can be utilized. In medicine it must be considered that that each life needs more depth than length.

Seren T., Finland
Question: Legal euthanasia is a very controversial subject in many countries and is in fact legal now in Switzerland.  What is your feeling on euthanasia when a person has a debilitating, fatal disease and is in great pain — or even if they are old, weary and don’t wish to live anymore?  Is it acceptable in any circumstances to die peacefully via euthanasia if it is the person’s will?  Or is it acceptable in some cases but not in others?  
Answer: Euthanasia or mercy killing is an inhuman act. There are so many instances when a person was on death bed and then a miracle happened, or the dying person had a profound spiritual experience.  I feel life and death must remain in the hands of God only.

Heather P., Minnesota
Question:With modern science, genetic cloning is becoming closer to reality for human beings.  They are already doing it with pets, I read about it recently for dogs and cats.   What do you feel is ethical regarding genetic cloning of animals and human beings, if human cloning becomes possible? 
Answer: There is no harm when quality human beings can be produced by genetic cloning.

Arima R., Riyadh
Question: There are many differing religious and spiritual beliefs about when the soul enters the body.  Some say at conception, some say at birth, and others say at some point in between.  When does the soul enter the body and what is the relationship of the soul to the body?
Answer: Conception itself is the right time for the soul entering the human body. The whole process of a new life gets initiated with conception and life without soul is not possible.

Ramana G., California
Question: I see people panicking everywhere about the state of the present economy, especially given the cost of oil.   It seems prices are getting so high the whole worldwide economy could collapse and although I believe in energy alternatives — it doesn’t seem they are being developed fast enough to avert a crisis.   What do you feel about the current worldwide economic crisis around oil?
Answer: Panic is an extremely dangerous phenomenon. Panic kills a person before any actual death or loss has happened. Scientists world over are already working on an alternative to oil. As per the law of nature, when oil is finished then other forms of energy will be available in abundance. Many trains world over run on electricity only. Many people are using solar energy instead of oil and there are so many other sources that are already emerging.

Insight of the Fortnight: Divine Audience (Sangat)
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All spiritual seekers in this world are part of Sangat, the Divine audience.  Sangat may include members of organized religion but may also include pure souls who are seeking Divine.  The essential prerequisite for Sangat is the intention to seek the ultimate BLISS.  If one is absorbed in material pleasures and attached to religious rituals, one misses the spiritual, which is essential for experiencing the bliss of Divine Love. 

Being a part of the Divine Audience enables a connected human experience where each person is devotionally caring for all of humankind.  Sharing with others in need adds speed to the process of experiencing Divine Bliss.  Each member of Sangat is on the track to live a life that is Divine in every dimension, a life that is beyond self.

Learning through Humor: My Record
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Back at my high school for the tenth reunion, I met my old coach. Walking through the gym, I saw the plaque on which I was still listed as the record holder for the longest softball throw. Noticing my surprise, the coach said, “That record will stand forever.” I was about to make some modest disclaimer that records exist to be broken when he added, “We stopped holding that event years ago.”

Learning
Even when we are attempting to be modest, if we have a feeling of silent ego, it may be enough to lead us into a trap of arrogance in our expression. It is always wise to receive all information before giving a response to any situation in life.  A wise person exercises temperance in his or her expressions and always appears dignified.

Your Questions of the Fortnight
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Catherine W., Salt Lake City
Winning Question: I want my children to grow up and have a strong spiritual base in life. There is a lot of advice available, but I would like to know what you feel is most important for fostering this process?
Answer: To help any person develop spiritually including small children, they must feel the comfort to share their feelings with you.  Let your children express their every wish and learn to identify whether each desire belongs to them.  If a desire is their own then they must learn the strategy to fulfill that desire.  And if they were copying someone else and the desire is not their own true wish then that desire will disappear.  ‘Freedom of self ‘ is the key to spiritual development. Live your love for your children including a one moment old infant.

Timothy R., Geneva
Question:   I am a project manager for an international company where accountability for every detail is paramount.   With every new project, there are so many forms I have to complete that at times I lose all motivation to do my job.  What can I do to inspire myself to take care of the paperwork and remain positive and focused in my career?
Answer: Be clear in your mind about the need for that paper work. If the need is strong and you feel that without fulfilling those processes you will invite potential losses then you will feel the required motivation to complete that work, even if it is tedious.  Be clear about the value of every aspect of what you are doing and you will remain inspired.

Erin T., Alabama
Question:  I am deeply in love with a man who doesn’t love me.  He welcomes me in his life and enjoys my companionship, but I don’t think he is capable of true love or even commitment.  We have been together for 3 years.  What do you have to say about unrequited love – is it ok for me to go on loving him when he isn’t caring for me and not expect anything from him?
Answer:  In true love, we give love without any expectation.  It is fine for you to love this man but you must never allow yourself to be used in any way.  Your mind, body and soul are precious and should not be given in love to someone who does not love you.  Talk to yourself and discover whether you really love this man or if this relationship is fulfulling some other needs.   It is important for you to be clear in your mind about your true feelings so that you do not live in confusion.

Peter C., Australia
Question: What do you think happens to the soul when one dies?
Answer: A controversial question indeed. Firstly, when one learns to live in 100% non-judgmental devotional acceptance in every present moment then the role of soul as such becomes irrelevant, as that is an indication of the merger of one’s soul with the supreme soul. Otherwise after the formal death of a body, the soul is in the process of entering a fresh body and a child is born.

Emily L., Colorado
Question: Should parents continue to finance their children after the children are 18?
Answer: The basic responsibility of parents is to develop their children so that they are independent to earn their livelihood on their own. As a habit they need not finance their children, but in emergency they must.

Mary G, Florida
Question: My son is being bullied at school. How do I help him deal with this?
Answer: This question is not complete.  What are the circumstances surrounding this bullying?  But as a basic understanding, you need to find avenues for your son so that he commands respect from everyone in the school.  Look to extracurricular activities and even sports if your son is able.  You must support your son in becoming independent and strong as if you appear to rescue him or protect him from his peers, you will only worsen the situation.