Day 2 Reflection Questions

Answer for Reflection Questions day 2.

1. “HUMAN EMBODIMENT” is important and needed, for achieving of our goal of life. Birth as a human being is considered a PRIVILEGE and must be cherished. This is because SPIRITUAL PROGRESS can be made, only in the human embodiment. The MIND is needed for this achievement. Only the MIND, is capable of exploring uncharted territories. Only the mind can gather knowledge beyond known limits, knowledge needed for REALISATION of the SELF. Only the MIND, can INTROSPECT and try to control the MIND itself !!

2. THE THREE PATHS. As soon as we acquire a body, we MUST ACT. There is no escape from this. All ACTIONS can be divided into three categories.Those who have a natural aptitude for gathering Knowledge, may choose the path of knowledge or JNANA YOGA.Those who are naturally emotional, may choose the path of Devotion to the LORD, or BHAKTI YOGA.Those who are not keen on acquiring knowledge or are not emotional by nature, may want to perform their DUTIES regularly and choose to follow the path of action or KARMA YOGA.Most actions performed by man, are SELFISH in nature and done for the fulfillment of one’s DESIRES. Therefore such actions will bear RESULTS or FRUITS. These fruits will be good,bad or indifferent. FULFILLING OF DESIRES, LEADS TO MORE DESIRES being generated. The best option here is to OFFER ALL ACTIONS WE PERFORM, TO THE HIGHEST ALTAR, GOD HIMSELF, AS A FORM OF WORSHIP.

   3.GIVE UP THIRST FOR WEALTH. ADI SANKARACHARYA does not advocate giving up wealth, but giving up “THE INSATIABLE THIRST FOR ACQUIRING WEALTH AT ALL COST”He does not want us to be GREEDY. He does not want us to COVET someone else’s wealth.He wants us to BE CONTENT with what we can acquire by proper means, in accordance with our GOD-GIVEN talents and aptitude.

WHAT THEN? This should keep us peaceful and our minds free of stress, and leave us enough time and energy to persue our GOAL OF LIFE, namely, SELF-REALISATION.

1. Only human can achieve the maximum which is realising our true nature -> freedom from the cycle of birth & death.We can control our thoughts & reflect on who is thinking which other beings like animals can’t do.
2. Karmayoga dedicating the actions to God thereby converting them as worship of God.Bhaktiyoga focusing mind on God.Jnanayoga reflecting on who am I.We must have a combination of all 3 & one predominant among them based on whether we are very active person or emotional & compassionate or analytical.
3. Giving up thirst for wealth means wealth should not be our aim.For self realisation , we need the body to sustain & basic necessities.So we should use our natural talent to earn wealth for our ‘NEED’ not desire.We should not compare with other’s talent or struggle over matters which we are not talented in.