April 13, 2022

Notes by Om Shreejay

Review

These are the virtues we have learned so far.

1. Viveka – Prioritizing: Do what’s important and finish what you need to do. 
2. Vairagya – Cheerful acceptance: Cheerfully accept what happens. See the positive in everything.
3. Shama – Quietude of Mind: Control your thoughts. Say no to things that you want to do, such as video games.
4. Dama – Discipline: Reduce your amount of comfort and take on more responsibility.
5. Uparama – Understanding: See things from a distinct perspective. 

Virtue of the week: Titiksha

Titiksha is to have endurance. Endurance is when we are faced with something uncomfortable, and we aren’t bothered. Endurance is when we are happy when we usually wouldn’t be. 

Story

When Shankar Ji was studying in Trinidad, they were going to have a retreat in the mountains. Everyone thought it would be like a vacation. But when they got there the road was too muddy so they had to shovel away the mud. There was no electricity and they got bitten by mosquitoes. Everyone was complaining and the teacher was watching them but didn’t say anything. Then when they were having dinner the teacher said that they all needed so many things to be happy e.g. cooling or heating, soft beds, good food, no bugs. 

Lesson from Story

Without endurance, we need so much comfort to be happy. We need endurance to help us be happy in less comfortable situations.

RAW (Reflection Adventure of the Week)

At the end of your shower turn on cold water for the last 15 seconds. Practice titiksha and see if you can bear this discomfort.