May 4, 2022

Notes by Akshera Mukkamala

Review

We are talking about the 9 virtues to be happy all the time. The last one we looked at was Samadhanam – Vision. To practice vision, we have to understand that we can do it, whatever it is. We also need to explore to see what we are interested in. Lastly, we need to ask what does the world need.

Shraddha – Shraddha is faith. There are two kinds of faith. The first kind of faith is faith in ourselves. To practice this, we need to keep our promises and use help as a last resort – be independent. The second type of faith is faith in God. God will help us if we do our best. To do this we should pray for the strength to keep us on the right path, to give thanks and for happiness for all beings.

Story

This story is from the Mahabharata. Krishna and Arjun were walking through Forest and it was getting dark. They were looking for some kind of shelter. They found a small dilapidated house and knocked on the door. There was a man inside doing prayers when he heard the knock he came running to the door. He welcomed Krishna and Arjuna in, and asked them what they needed. Krishna and Arjun asked for some food or drink. The man, who was a farmer, gave them each half a glass of milk. The farmer explained that the glass of milk was all he had because his old cow could only produce one glass of milk each day. When Krishna and Arjun were ready to leave Krishna gave the farmer a blessing- may his cow die. Krishna and Arjun continued walking and they came across this big fancy house. They went and knocked at the door. The rich Merchant there told them that they should get off his land. They did and Krishna said may his wealth increase. Now Arjun is very confused. He asked, why did you curse the farmer who was so nice to us and bless the merchant? Krishna replied, I blessed the farmer because the only thing preventing the farmer from being happy all the time was that old cow, when the cow dies he will be happy all the time, and I cursed the merchant because he is already so busy with extra money he will be even more busy and even less happy.

Announcements

As guru dakshina, Shankarji would like for us all to practice what we have learned. 

For the last 5 minutes of the next two classes, we should bring our parents.

RAW

Give thanks to the source of your food.