Awakin Talks Webinar Series

On Jul 8, 2015 Dilip Shah wrote on Money is a Lot Like Water, by Lynne Twist:

I think this comparison of money to water is very true. In many respects, money and water are alike as Gertrude points out. Both are resources and very valuable when used right. Both can be dangerous just as well when they are not used right. Another such resource that comes to mind is time. It can also be used well or otherwise. Big difference however, is that unlike money and water, time can not be contained, in any way or form. Time moves on no matter what. So, if we use money like time, it can not be stopped from being used. So, it can not be allowed to be stagnant and it might eventually end up being used for greater good, even if it might start out otherwise. In today's world, many say "time is money". So, I wonder what if we reverse this and say money is time, meaning let us work hard so it can not become stagnant. If preferably much of it or even some of it can be used for greater good, it will still be better than it being stagnant. Finally, unlike water, time is free. It is allocated to all of us in equal amount. We use time allocated to us to do our daily activities including earn money. Some times we use it wisely, some times not. Some of us use it wisely, some do not. In many ways, it is like any other resource, except that it always comes to us free.One more thought on time. We can not really "spend" our allocated time to gain something in return, like we spend money. We can only use time allocated to us. We can, and do, "sell" our time ... [View Full Comment]

On May 22, 2015 Anonymous wrote on A Strange Predicament, by Pavithra Mehta:

I think this article/poem was not just thought provoking but a real masterpiece and scholarly. The author has so much talent and should keep on writing and keep sharing with people. The predicament is about “seeming and inescapable individuality”. I think our individuality results from our “perceived self”. Individuality or perceived self results from our own perceptions and perceptions of others as to who we are and about the world around us. Our perceptions are usually limited by our observations of physical and material world around us. We tend to not go deeper as you did in your article. Many of us are not even capable of. I think if we get out of or get rid of our perceived self, we can be one with “all”. “All” here is not limited to all human beings or even all living beings. It includes all in nature. The flowers, the trees, the sky, the stars, all that makes up mother earth. There is no limit, there is no bottle to hold us in. I also think that perceived self results from ego that we all have. Once we get rid of our ego, it is easy to be one with all. Our ego differentiates us from others. So, once we get rid of our ego, there is no difference. That is why our scriptures advise us to eliminate our ego. Eliminating ego helps us “surrender” – to God and also to “all”. Concept of surrender also brings humility and that is a prerequisite to getting rid of ego, which again helps us be with all. Finally, when did we choose this? The answer is when we “grew up”. We, as children, do not have these limitations of differentiations. As we grow, world starts influencing us and starts imposing limitations upon us. And on whose ill-advice? Obviously, material world that we live in and that influences us as we grow up (seemingly, of course). However, when we get down to the lower leve... [View Full Comment] I think this article/poem was not just thought provoking but a real masterpiece and scholarly. The author has so much talent and should keep on writing and keep sharing with people.

The predicament is about “seeming and inescapable individuality”. I think our individuality results from our “perceived self”. Individuality or perceived self results from our own perceptions and perceptions of others as to who we are and about the world around us. Our perceptions are usually limited by our observations of physical and material world around us. We tend to not go deeper as you did in your article. Many of us are not even capable of.

I think if we get out of or get rid of our perceived self, we can be one with “all”. “All” here is not limited to all human beings or even all living beings. It includes all in nature. The flowers, the trees, the sky, the stars, all that makes up mother earth. There is no limit, there is no bottle to hold us in.

I also think that perceived self results from ego that we all have. Once we get rid of our ego, it is easy to be one with all. Our ego differentiates us from others. So, once we get rid of our ego, there is no difference. That is why our scriptures advise us to eliminate our ego. Eliminating ego helps us “surrender” – to God and also to “all”. Concept of surrender also brings humility and that is a prerequisite to getting rid of ego, which again helps us be with all.

Finally, when did we choose this? The answer is when we “grew up”. We, as children, do not have these limitations of differentiations. As we grow, world starts influencing us and starts imposing limitations upon us.

And on whose ill-advice? Obviously, material world that we live in and that influences us as we grow up (seemingly, of course).

However, when we get down to the lower levels of reality of our world or the world that we live in, individuality is not always bad. It has its benefits. Perhaps, because of the world that we live in, with all its ills, individuality can be beneficial. It all depends on how we use or practice it. This is no different than technology. Lots of benefits when used judiciously. Individuality offers diversity, in views and in practicing life. No one can think comprehensively. So, group thinking provides diversity of views. That, I think, is the premise of Awakin Circles. It is a think tank. Different life styles and customs of different societies enrich our life and our experiences.

Secondly, when tasks are complex, individuals with different knowledge and expertise can work together to accomplish complex tasks. That is teamwork. Complex tasks could not be accomplished without diversity that individuality provides.

So, individuality, when practiced judiciously, can be very beneficial in the world we live in.

With love, for all, always

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On Dec 19, 2014 Dilip Shah wrote on Our Environment Is An Integrated Whole, by Ganoba:

I wanted to share a comment about this week's guest speaker Awakin gathering with Rev. Heng Sure. His stories of being at gunpoint at several points during his bowing pilgrimage made me think about the source of gun violence. Americans value and respect power, and guns can offer a false sense of power and security. From my view as a Jain, homicide is never justified. It was rewarding to hear about how these two monastics continued to wish people well, no matter how much violence or power people tried to hold over them.

On Aug 13, 2014 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji:

One way to be always happy is to figure out how not to be unhappy once you don't even know how to be unhappy, you will be happy always.

Daily Good is an incredible way to start a day. I love it.

On Sep 13, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Dropping That Drug, by Anthony de Mello:

At the last Wed Circle meeting at Harshidaben and Dineshbhai's house, subject of attachment was discussed by some and Dineshbhai mentioned that he worries when some people do not send RSVP. He wondered if that is good thing. Here is my take on attachment. I think many times we misinterpret love as attachment. Love for your family, friends, all beings (human and non-human) is a good thing. When I think of attachment, I think of attachment for material and worldly things - wealth and other "signs" of prosperity. Even those are not really bad. What is bad is what we do or do not do with what we have. Take lessons from Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, the . Kennedys, the Rockefellers and many more philanthropic people. So, let us all enjoy what we have, share as much as we can and enjoy.

On Sep 13, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Dropping That Drug, by Anthony de Mello:

Manisha - Thanks for your input. I am approaching 76 and have both hands totally numb, am diabetic, have left foot totally numb below ankle and left side numb between ankle and knee. My attitude is similar to your father's. I am quite happy with all that I have. To me, a problem is a problem only if I let it become a problem. Otherwise, all I have is mere inconveniences, sometimes minor and sometimes not so minor. Life goes on and I can do most of the things that I need to do, and much more. So, I have no complaints. I accept life as it comes day by day and try to be happy. Good luck to your father.

On Jul 12, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Bridging The Spiritual and Mundane, by Bhikkhu Bodhi:

During the session last night, a 7 year old girl made some comments that I think were extraordinary for her age.My hats off to her parents for starting her on this path at such a tender age. Secondly, I was sitting on the floor in the hallway instead of.on sofa as usual, because I had to leave early. . Many people came over to me and told me that there was room on the sofa. They were obviously concerned about my comfort. Caring about each other is the hallmark of the Wed Circle sessions. Something went wrong during transmission yesterday. Here is how my comments should read. Sorry.

On Jul 11, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Bridging The Spiritual and Mundane, by Bhikkhu Bodhi:

During the session last night, a 7 year old girl made some aat there was room on the ther comments that I think were extraordinary for her age.My hats off to her parents for starting her on this path at such a tender age. Secondly, I was sitting on the floor in the hallway instead of.on sofa as usual, because I had to leave early. . Many people came over to me and told me that there was room on the sofa. They were obviously concerned about my comfort. Caring about each other is the hallmark of the Wed Circle sessions.

On Jun 9, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji:

I think what I meant is that physical stillness is relatively easier to achieve. Emotional (e.g. anger, excitement, crying etc) stillness requires vigilence, practice and determination. I think stillness of mind is extremely difficult to achieve because of the nature of mind. However, when the mind is at peace, we can experience stillness of mind. Hope this helps.

On Jun 4, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji:

Last week, at the Awakin Circle, I put aside my prepared comments below and instead, commented on Dineshbhai’s comments on knowing and doing. This was in relation to happiness and stillness as discussed in the passage. Dineshbhai’s comments were focused on doing vs stillness as doing implies moving. I think we can achieve stillness while “doing” if we feel happy while “doing” and gradually progress to being at peace while “doing”. Peace leads to stillness. Stillness in this context refers to non-physical stillness – stillness of mind and emotions. Physical stillness is not really important. In most cases, it is a necessary part of being a human being and living a human life. So, if we can achieve happiness and progress to being at peace while “doing”, we can achieve stillness while “doing”. Another random thought: Stillness – Learn how to be still (both physical and non-physical), but define stillness first. If you don’t know what stillness is, you cannot learn it, achieve it or practice it. Prepared comments: 1. Existence is mundane only if we let it be mundane. It is in our mind and it is a matter of attitude. It is in our hands and within our control. 2. Don’t try to “find” happiness – just experience it. Happiness cannot be found, it can only be experienced. For that, one has to have an open mind. Happiness is a state of mind and is completely within every individual’s control. Only we can make ourselves happy or unhappy. No one else can do it for us or do it to us. Happiness, as God, cannot be physically experienced with our 5 senses or 5 sense organs – eyesight, touch, smell, hearing and taste (eyes, skin, nose, ears and tongue). We strive to “search” what our 5 senses cannot physically experience. Again, an open mind is the key. Life is a slope. Many times it is a slippery slop... [View Full Comment]

Last week, at the Awakin Circle, I put aside my prepared comments below and instead, commented on Dineshbhai’s comments on knowing and doing. This was in relation to happiness and stillness as discussed in the passage. Dineshbhai’s comments were focused on doing vs stillness as doing implies moving.

I think we can achieve stillness while “doing” if we feel happy while “doing” and gradually progress to being at peace while “doing”. Peace leads to stillness. Stillness in this context refers to non-physical stillness – stillness of mind and emotions. Physical stillness is not really important. In most cases, it is a necessary part of being a human being and living a human life. So, if we can achieve happiness and progress to being at peace while “doing”, we can achieve stillness while “doing”.

Another random thought: Stillness – Learn how to be still (both physical and non-physical), but define stillness first. If you don’t know what stillness is, you cannot learn it, achieve it or practice it.

Prepared comments:

1. Existence is mundane only if we let it be mundane. It is in our mind and it is a matter of attitude. It is in our hands and within our control.

2. Don’t try to “find” happiness – just experience it. Happiness cannot be found, it can only be experienced. For that, one has to have an open mind. Happiness is a state of mind and is completely within every individual’s control. Only we can make ourselves happy or unhappy. No one else can do it for us or do it to us.

Happiness, as God, cannot be physically experienced with our 5 senses or 5 sense organs – eyesight, touch, smell, hearing and taste (eyes, skin, nose, ears and tongue). We strive to “search” what our 5 senses cannot physically experience. Again, an open mind is the key.

Life is a slope. Many times it is a slippery slope. Once you see a slope in front of you, hold back. Some people see a slope and see dangers. When I see a slippery slope in front of me, I think of a skier. A skier sees a slippery slope and sees an opportunity to have the most fun in life. That is because the skier has trained and equipped himself or herself to overcome the dangers and instead enjoy. Is this not a matter of attitude? So, train your mind to overcome obstacles, see opportunities ahead and prepare to enjoy. By the way, do try to avoid dangers by all means.

Perhaps, the only way to be happy is happy is to make someone else (others) happy. Try it, you might like it.

3. Being still – In strictly physical terms, stillness implies lack of motion - as in standing still or sitting still. However, when motion leads to some kind of progress, it may not be too bad after all.

Stillness of mind is difficult, almost impossible to achieve. For most part, it is illusive. Stillness of emotions is easier to achieve. It does take lots of practice, control and effort.

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All Comments By

On Jul 8, 2015 Dilip Shah wrote on Money is a Lot Like Water, by Lynne Twist:

On May 22, 2015 Anonymous wrote on A Strange Predicament, by Pavithra Mehta:

On Dec 19, 2014 Dilip Shah wrote on Our Environment Is An Integrated Whole, by Ganoba:

On Aug 13, 2014 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji:

On Sep 13, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Dropping That Drug, by Anthony de Mello:

On Sep 13, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Dropping That Drug, by Anthony de Mello:

On Jul 12, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Bridging The Spiritual and Mundane, by Bhikkhu Bodhi:

On Jul 11, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on Bridging The Spiritual and Mundane, by Bhikkhu Bodhi:

On Jun 9, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji:

On Jun 4, 2013 Dilip Shah wrote on To Be Simply, Radically, Absolutely Still, by Gangaji: