when competence is accompanied by kindness, we get not only success, but also genuine respect and love.By:&nbsp;B.K. Sheilu&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 27th, 2026We live in a world where competence, professionalism, and efficiency are highly valued. In workplaces and institutions, people are expected to perform their duties accurately, follow procedures carefully, and complete tasks on time. Employers seek workers who are disciplined, skilled, and productive. Those who consistently meet these standards are often praised and held up as examples for others to follow.There is undeniable value in efficiency. It helps organisations function smoothly and contributes to progress and success. In many professions, precision and reliability are essential. People naturally take pride in being capable and effective in their work, and rightly so.While these qualities are important in professional life, human relationships operate on a deeper and more spiritual level. In our personal lives, people are not remembered or loved merely because they were efficient. We do not cherish our friends because they were highly productive, nor do children hold warm memories of their mother simply because she managed every task perfectly. What truly touches hearts is something far more profound — love, kindness, care, understanding, and goodwill.These are the original qualities of the soul.A person may be exceptionally talented and admired for their achievements, but if they lack warmth and compassion, they may struggle to form meaningful relationships. People may respect their abilities, but they may not feel emotionally connected to them. Such individuals often experience loneliness despite their success, because admiration alone cannot replace genuine human connection.On the other hand, there are people who may not possess extraordinary skills or impressive accomplishments, yet they are deeply loved and appreciated. Their sincerity, kindness, and caring nature create comfort and joy for those around them. They listen with empathy, speak with respect, and act with honesty. Such souls naturally receive blessings because they make others feel valued and uplifted.The reason for this is that we are not merely physical beings performing our roles in society. We are eternal souls expressing our qualities through our roles. Skills, talents, and professional abilities are acquired over time and may change according to circumstances. But the qualities of the soul — love, peace, purity, compassion, humility, and honesty — are our original treasures. These qualities define who we truly are.When soul-consciousness becomes strong, our interactions become more meaningful. We no longer see people merely in terms of their usefulness or achievements. Instead, we recognise the dignity and beauty within every soul. Relationships then become based not on expectation and performance, but on mutual respect and genuine care.This does not mean that efficiency and professionalism are unimportant. Excellence in work is admirable and should certainly be cultivated. However, outer efficiency should be balanced with inner virtues. A person who combines competence with kindness becomes not only successful, but also deeply respected and loved.Lasting happiness cannot come from achievement alone. Human hearts long for connection, understanding, and affection. A kind word, a patient response, or a compassionate gesture often leaves a greater impression than even the most efficient performance.Therefore, as we strive to become better workers, professionals, or leaders, we can also pay equal attention to becoming good souls. Along with developing our talents, we can nurture peace in our minds, love in our hearts, and honesty in our actions. These spiritual qualities enrich every relationship and create harmony both within ourselves and around us.The benefits of cultivating the soul’s virtues extend beyond the present moment. The soul continues its eternal journey carrying the impressions it has created. Wealth, status, and achievements remain behind, but the qualities we develop become part of our spiritual inheritance.In the end, it is not merely what we accomplished that people remember. It is how we made them feel. The warmth of love and the strength of genuine goodness leave an indelible mark on people’s hearts. These are the treasures that truly matter, both in this life and in the soul’s journey through eternity.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.6%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/2024_11_17_DG_Sheilu_Didi_b6e1203de8.png" alt="2024-11-17-DG-Sheilu Didi.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_2024_11_17_DG_Sheilu_Didi_b6e1203de8.png 129w," sizes="100vw" width="129px">B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

It is spiritual qualities that matter the most

The vibrations of our inner happiness and love act like a balm on the wounds of the world.By:&nbsp;Eric Le Reste<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 27th, 2026My inner world is like a garden. I need to cultivate beauty in the garden of my mind. I can plant seeds of benevolence, and I can tend the flowers of virtues already growing there, but very often I neglect the one thing that is the queen of all the flowers in the garden – the flower of inner happiness.On a spiritual path we spend a lot of time and energy transforming character flaws, making sure others are well, pleasing others, and fulfilling responsibilities. On a recent self-generated silence retreat, it came to me that I was not paying enough attention to my own inner happiness. Happiness is a virtue. It is part of the DNA of the soul, as are peace, love, and wisdom. Over time, when the soul forgets it is a soul and takes temporary pleasure from the five senses, we end up being confused about what is feeling, what is emotion, and what is a deeper contentment. We chase after momentary feelings of ‘happiness’, but those feelings are really of excitement. For example, eating something special makes the taste buds happy, but the moment passes quickly and the feeling of happiness diminishes, unless we go and buy some more. The other road is to nurture my inner happiness.This other path is very different. Where would my happiness come from if not from those temporary sensations? I decided to work out a way to pay more attention to the deep contentment, true happiness, as a foundation for all other virtues I wish to cultivate. It began with the realisation that I had a great deal to be grateful for. I began to live in an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude awakens other virtues like humility, kindness, and gentleness. I looked for the beautiful, the good, and what is great in my life.Nurturing that kind of happiness takes us deeper into doing that which is beautiful, good, and great; not just observing but expressing it through action. This kind of happiness is real. It is connected with purity. That which is authentic and real, not artificial. The other ways of finding happiness are artificial. This kind of happiness is of the soul. When I sit alone, with myself in my true reality, that of being a soul, and see that I am a naturally beautiful being of light – this is purity. This connects me with The Divine, the One who is constantly good and great, and beautiful. If I nurture this awareness, I am paying attention to true happiness. The manifestation of this kind of happiness is not that I walk around laughing and joking all the time. Happiness experienced on this level is inner, quiet, powerful, and benevolent. I give happiness and take happiness. I can shine that happiness as a mirror so that others can see who they are, what they are. They can see something good, beautiful, and great within themselves. When we are in that depth of happiness, we can really see the value of others. We can see it and more than that we can express it in appreciation of their qualities. This is like watering their own special flower in their own garden. They may not feel pleasure, but they will remember, and the next time they are called upon to use that virtue or quality, they will use it with greater power and purpose.Sometimes we think that there is so much unhappiness around that it may feel selfish to nurture it in the self, or we may let the sorrow of the world impinge upon our own inner contentment. It is not selfish to make the inner self strong, nor is it selfish to stand a little detached from the suffering of the world. It is the only way to lessen the heaviness, because the vibration of love and happiness, unseen though it is, is like a salve on the wounds of the world. It is worth going deeply into what causes our own unhappiness, even if it is a little painful. Whatever it is, lack of self-esteem or a lack of love, that is what we need to pay attention to.There is only one true source of nurture for happiness, and that is God. The Divine is the ocean of goodness, greatness, and beauty. Connecting with this Supreme Soul will nurture my own happiness. I have seen souls with this real inner happiness and with a real, deep love for humanity. I know it is possible, and it starts with my own inner world.<img class="image_resized" style="width:13.33%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/2024_11_09_Eric_Le_Reste_609d706f98.png" alt="2024-11-09-Eric Le Reste.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_2024_11_09_Eric_Le_Reste_609d706f98.png 123w," sizes="100vw" width="123px">Eric Le Reste was a producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for more than 35 years. He coordinates the Brahma Kumaris centres in Canada and is based in Montreal.

My inner happy world

Knowledge shows the path, and meditation gives power to walk on it.&nbsp;By:&nbsp;Dr. Sachin Parab&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 27th, 2026There is an important distinction between knowledge and meditation. Knowledge is valuable, but knowledge alone does not transform our ‘sanskars’ — the deep-rooted traits that govern our behaviour.Take the example of anger. Everyone knows that anger damages relationships and causes suffering. If we ask people whether anger is good or bad, everyone would immediately say that it is bad. Yet, despite knowing this, most people still become angry. Anger is not just shouting. It has many forms: harsh looks, silent resentment, withdrawal, and subtle hostility. Merely knowing that anger is harmful does not free us from it.Knowledge without the practice of meditation cannot change our ‘sanskars’. In fact, knowledge can become a source of ego. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us: "The soul, deluded by ego, thinks, 'I am the doer.'" Even spiritual knowledge can create subtle pride if it is not accompanied by humility and spiritual experience.Acquiring knowledge is just the beginning, the first stage. The second is to understand what has been studied. The third, and most important, is to imbibe the teachings until they become our natural way of being. Only then do we become the embodiment of knowledge.Many people repeat throughout the day, "I am a peaceful soul." But the real test comes when life presents a challenge. One mother spent an entire day in meditation, enjoying a peaceful state of mind. But when she returned home and found the house in disorder, her anger immediately resurfaced.Anyone can remain peaceful when all is going well. The real measure of meditation is whether we remain peaceful when people do not behave as we expect. At that moment, knowledge alone is insufficient; spiritual power is required.True spirituality is demonstrated when others naturally experience peace in our presence. Our vibrations should speak louder than our words. People should feel happiness, purity, and stability simply by being with us. That is the certificate of spiritual progress, because people observe our lives before they listen to what we say.The greatest obstacle on the spiritual path is delusion. It rarely appears as an obvious enemy. It comes disguised as a friend, making us believe that our reactions are justified. The clearest sign of delusion is the loss of inner peace. Whenever our happiness, detachment, or stability is disturbed, it means we have been deluded.Difficult situations inevitably arise: illness, financial loss, insults, family problems, or unexpected tragedy. At such moments, many people forget the teachings they have studied for years. Thoughts continue endlessly, draining their inner energy. We need to practice applying the full stop. When a thought has served its purpose, it should stop completely, just as a car stops when the brakes are applied. Knowledge tells us what is right, but meditation provides the power to apply the brakes.Like doctors who prepare in advance for every possible illness, we must prepare ourselves before life's challenges arrive. Through regular meditation, we can develop the strength to remain stable under every circumstance.Ultimately, spiritual success is measured not by how much knowledge we possess, but by how naturally that knowledge is expressed in our thoughts, words, vibrations, and actions. Knowledge shows the path, and meditation gives us the power to walk it.<img class="image_resized" style="width:10.99%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/dr_sachin_parab_3c11b53901.jpg" alt="dr sachin parab.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_dr_sachin_parab_3c11b53901.jpg 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px">Dr. Sachin Parab is a counsellor, hypnotherapist, and corporate trainer who has been practising and teaching Rajyoga meditation for the last 30 years.

Transformation requires the power of meditation

A humble leader leads through inner strength, respectful relationships, and positive influence.By:&nbsp;Manda Patel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 20th, 2026In today’s world, leadership is often associated with authority, position, and influence, but true leadership begins with inner character rather than outer status. Every individual is a leader in some way. A person may guide a family, support colleagues at work, inspire children, or influence others simply through their behaviour and presence. Leadership does not require a title, a stage, or formal responsibility. The moment we become an instrument of guidance, encouragement, or support for another person, leadership begins.At the centre of true leadership lies the quality of humility. Yet humility is often misunderstood. Many people fear that if they become too humble, others will take advantage of them, disrespect them, or suppress them. To protect themselves, they begin to project strength through forceful behaviour, strong opinions, or a display of superiority. Gradually, this attempt to defend the self turns into ego. Modern society also reinforces this pattern. People constantly feel the need to prove themselves, establish their importance, and demonstrate their capabilities. There is a hidden belief that if one does not appear strong and assertive, one will be ignored or dominated.Spiritual wisdom teaches something very different. Humility is not weakness; it is strength born from self-respect. A person who truly knows their worth does not need to constantly prove themselves to others. Humility naturally emerges from spiritual self-respect. When a person understands their true identity, values, and principles, they become internally secure. They no longer remain occupied with what others think or say about them. Much of our anxiety comes from worrying about our image and recognition, and even this concern is a subtle form of ego. True humility means recognising our inner dignity, living according to our values, and remaining stable regardless of praise or criticism.Humility is also subtle because the line between humility and ego is extremely fine. One moment a person may appear humble, and the next moment ego quietly enters through attachment to ideas, opinions, or achievements. Often people become emotionally attached to their own thinking and feel that their ideas are the best, most practical, or most intelligent. Even when an idea is genuinely good, if it is expressed with force or arrogance, its beauty is overshadowed by ego. Others stop listening not because the idea lacks value, but because the energy behind it creates resistance. Spiritual leadership therefore requires not only wisdom, but also purity of intention and gentleness in expression.A humble leader does not judge people only by appearances or visible behaviour. Instead, they try to understand the deeper reality behind a person’s actions, emotions, and intentions. This creates compassionate leadership. In contrast, leadership driven by ego often operates through pressure, impatience, anger, or force. Many people identify too strongly with position, authority, or status, and as a result they unconsciously try to control others. People may obey such leadership outwardly, but inwardly they feel suppressed. They cooperate because they have no choice, not because they feel inspired. True leadership awakens cooperation through respect, understanding, and love rather than domination.This understanding is closely connected with the modern idea of servant leadership, which reflects deep spiritual values. A true leader sees themselves not as someone above others, but as someone who serves the collective good. Such leaders do not create favourites or divide people emotionally. Partiality destroys trust because people begin to feel excluded or less valued. A humble leader maintains equality in relationships, listens to everyone, and creates an atmosphere where each person feels respected and important. Trust is one of the most essential qualities of leadership. Usually people trust only those who have already proven themselves, but spiritual leadership goes one step further. It trusts in a way that inspires goodness to emerge in others. When people feel genuinely trusted and respected, they often become more responsible and sincere.A humble leader also focuses on service rather than recognition. Their attention does not remain occupied with how much respect they received, who appreciated them, or whether someone else was given more importance. Their focus remains on contribution.Many people wonder whether excessive humility allows others to take advantage of them. If humility is genuine, no one can truly exploit such a person because humility is connected with spiritual strength, patience, and pure intention. Others may temporarily misunderstand humble people, but eventually sincerity reveals itself. Humility therefore requires patience — the ability to wait without losing positivity or purity of intention.When a person becomes patient, they slow down internally, turn inward, and become calm and silent. From this inner silence, tolerance naturally emerges. Tolerance is the wisdom to understand situations without becoming disturbed by them. This enables the person to respond correctly.Leadership with humility is therefore not passive leadership. It is leadership rooted in self-respect, spiritual awareness, patience, equality, and service. A humble leader does not seek superiority or control through fear, nor do they depend on recognition for their sense of worth. They lead through inner strength, respectful relationships, trust, cooperation, and positive influence. Such leadership does not merely manage people or situations; it touches hearts and transforms relationships.<img class="image_resized" style="width:10.56%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Manda_patel_82b4163e4e.png" alt="BK Manda patel.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Manda_patel_82b4163e4e.png 120w," sizes="100vw" width="120px">Manda Patel is a Rajyoga teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.&nbsp;

Leadership with humility

A joyful soul naturally spreads positive vibrations.By:&nbsp;B.K. Usha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 20th, 2026Just as a bird brings life, beauty, and melody to every branch it visits, a joyful soul uplifts every place and every person it touches. Its presence creates an atmosphere of lightness and comfort, bringing hope and positivity wherever it goes. Joy is not merely an emotion that comes and goes with circumstances; it is a subtle spiritual energy that radiates from within and influences the environment around us.Every thought we create generates vibrations. These vibrations are like invisible waves that spread beyond us and touch others. We may not always see them, but we certainly feel them. Most of us have experienced how the atmosphere in a room can suddenly become tense when a short-tempered, critical, or dominating person enters. Even before they speak, their inner state is communicated through the vibrations of their thoughts, attitudes, and feelings. The negative energy they carry affects those around them.In the same way, a joyful soul naturally spreads positive vibrations. Such a person does not need to make any special effort to inspire others. Their peaceful presence, warm smile, and positive outlook silently influence the people around them. They bring comfort to troubled minds, and harmony to difficult situations. Their very presence is a blessing.Joy is not something that exists outside us. It is an innate quality of the soul. This is why genuine joy makes us feel light, free, and at ease. When we connect with our true spiritual identity and live according to our original qualities of purity, peace, love, and truth, joy emerges naturally. It is not something we have to create. It is something we find within.Today, many people search for happiness in achievements, possessions, relationships, or experiences. Temporary pleasure can be gained from listening to beautiful music, enjoying delicious food, spending time with loved ones, or visiting a scenic place. These experiences can uplift our mood for a while. However, the joy they provide is often dependent on circumstances and therefore short-lived. Once the experience ends, the feeling gradually fades.True joy is different. It is stable and lasting because it is rooted in the soul's original nature. When we think pure thoughts, speak with kindness, act with integrity, and maintain self-respect, we remain connected to our inner reservoir of happiness. Such joy does not fluctuate according to external situations. It remains available even amidst challenges because its source lies within.Meditation helps us experience this inner joy more deeply. As we withdraw our attention from the distractions of the outer world and focus on the self as a peaceful, loving soul, we begin to reconnect with our original qualities. When we also connect with the Supreme Being, the ocean of peace, love, and bliss, the soul becomes recharged with spiritual power. This inner empowerment enables us to remain joyful and stable regardless of circumstances.A joyful person does not keep joy for themselves. Just as a lamp naturally spreads light, a joyful soul naturally shares happiness with others. Their thoughts, words, and actions become instruments of encouragement and healing.In a world where stress, anxiety, and negativity are common, becoming a source of joy is one of the greatest services we can offer. Every positive thought we create contributes to a more harmonious atmosphere. Every act performed with love and peace strengthens the collective vibrations of the world.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.07%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/bk_usha_38b97eeed4.jpg" alt="bk usha.jpg">B.K. Usha is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

Joy is a gift we carry and share

Acceptance makes the mind calm and clear, enabling us to make the right decisions.By:&nbsp;B.K. Deepa&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/19/e-paper-today-delhi-20-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 20th, 2026When situations in life do not unfold according to our expectations, it is easy to question why certain things happen and wonder whether there is any meaning behind them. But every scene in life has a purpose, even though that purpose may not be immediately visible.Life is not a series of random events. Each experience has something to teach us and contributes to the soul's journey of self-improvement. What appears today as an obstacle may, in time, reveal itself as an opportunity in disguise. A setback may direct us to a better path. A difficult relationship may help us develop patience, compassion, and understanding. Often, the value of an experience becomes clear only when we look back upon it with greater understanding.One of the reasons we suffer is that we resist what is happening in the present moment. We think, "Why is this happening to me?" or "This should not be happening." Such thoughts create inner conflict and drain emotional energy. When we become trapped in resistance, we are unable to see the deeper learning hidden within the situation. The challenge itself may not be the greatest source of pain. Instead, it is our refusal to accept it that creates suffering.&nbsp;Trusting the process of life changes our experience. Trust does not mean becoming passive or avoiding responsibility. It means maintaining the understanding that every experience, however difficult, contains an opportunity for growth. When we trust that there is a purpose behind each scene, we remain more peaceful and stable. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by temporary circumstances, we develop the ability to face them with courage and clarity.&nbsp;Understanding the law of karma also helps. When we recognise the spiritual truth that our experiences are the fruit of seeds sown by us in the past, we are able to accept them more easily. We also become more responsible in our actions, as we know they will shape our future.&nbsp;Challenges also bring forth qualities that may otherwise lie dormant within us. Just as pressure transforms coal into a diamond, life's tests often reveal strengths that we did not know we possessed. Patience, tolerance, determination, faith, and inner power are developed not during easy times, but through experiences that challenge us.&nbsp;Spirituality teaches us to look beyond the surface appearance of events. What we see is often only a small part of a much larger picture. Just as a single scene in a play does not reveal the entire story, one moment in life cannot determine its ultimate meaning. There may be factors and benefits that are not immediately visible. By maintaining a broader perspective, we avoid becoming discouraged by temporary difficulties and are able to retain hope and optimism.&nbsp;Trusting the purpose of each scene also helps us acknowledge reality as it is, rather than wasting time and energy wishing it were different. Acceptance makes the mind calm and clear, and we are then better able to make wise decisions and respond effectively to situations.&nbsp;If we pause and reflect on our past experiences, many of us will identify situations that initially appeared negative but later proved beneficial. Such experiences remind us that learning, wisdom, and life's gifts are often revealed gradually. We develop a peaceful and positive outlook by trusting that each scene of life has some significance. Then, fear of challenges diminishes and we become more open to growth, realising that our experiences have contributed to making us stronger, wiser, and more spiritually aware.<img class="image_resized" style="width:8.43%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Deepa_cd4f6d066c.png" alt="BK Deepa.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Deepa_cd4f6d066c.png 168w," sizes="100vw" width="168px">B.K. Deepa is a Rajyoga teacher based in Mumbai.

Learn to trust life

Just as the lotus naturally seeks light, the soul naturally seeks the truth, peace and happiness.By:&nbsp;B.K. Dr. Savita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dated: June 13th, 2026The lotus flower grows in muddy water, but it remains untouched by the dirt around it. It does not complain about the mud, resist the water, or compare itself with the flowers beside it. Quietly and steadily, it turns toward the sunlight and continues to bloom. This beautiful image carries a spiritual lesson for our life.Every soul is originally pure, peaceful, and full of positivity. Just as the lotus naturally seeks light, the soul naturally seeks truth, peace, and happiness. However, when we become too focused on negativity, criticism, jealousy, fear, or past mistakes, we lose awareness of our original qualities and become trapped in emotional suffering.Many people spend years replaying painful memories, regretting old decisions, or blaming others for their unhappiness. Some constantly compare themselves with others and feel jealous when someone else succeeds. Others become stuck in complaints about circumstances, relationships, or the behaviour of people around them. While these reactions may seem natural, they slowly drain our inner power. They pull our attention away from growth and keep us emotionally tied to the “mud” of life. After all, it is our thoughts that create our experience of life. When we repeatedly think about weaknesses, failures, or injustice, we strengthen those very feelings within ourselves. The mind becomes heavy, restless, and negative. But when we focus on solutions instead of problems, virtues instead of weaknesses, and learning instead of blaming, we begin to experience inner freedom.Positivity does not mean ignoring difficulties or pretending that pain does not exist. The lotus grows in mud; it does not escape from it. In the same way, spiritual strength does not come from avoiding challenges, but from remaining stable and elevated while facing them. A positive person acknowledges difficult situations but refuses to become bitter or defeated by them. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” they ask, “What can I learn from this experience?”One of the greatest obstacles to progress is living in the past. The past cannot be changed, no matter how much we replay it in our minds. Brooding over mistakes only weakens self-respect and confidence. The soul begins to believe that it is flawed or incapable. The remedy is to practise self-forgiveness and self-transformation. Every day is a new opportunity to create elevated thoughts, pure actions, and a better future.Similarly, blaming others for our emotional state keeps us dependent and powerless. True spiritual maturity comes when we take responsibility for our thoughts and responses. People may behave negatively, situations may become difficult, and life may not always go according to our expectations. But our inner peace should not be controlled by external circumstances. Like the lotus, we can remain detached from the negativity around us while continuing to blossom.Jealousy and comparison are also major barriers to happiness. Every soul has a unique journey. When we compare ourselves with others, we forget our own value. Instead of appreciating our strengths, we focus on what we lack. This creates insecurity and dissatisfaction. Spiritual wisdom lies in appreciating others while continuing our own journey with dignity and self-respect.Life becomes lighter and more fulfilling when we stop fighting every situation and start focusing on inner growth. When we accept what cannot be changed and direct our energy towards what can be improved within ourselves, we begin to experience peace. And when we nourish the mind with pure thoughts, meaningful actions, and spiritual understanding, there is happiness.Meditation, positive thinking, and regular self-reflection help us remain connected to our inner light. Rajyoga meditation is a highly effective way to reconnect with the soul’s original qualities of peace, love, purity, wisdom, and joy. When the mind is connected to this inner light, negativity gradually loses its hold.The lotus teaches us that circumstances do not define us; our response to them does. Mud may surround the flower, but it cannot stop it from blooming. In the same way, challenges, criticism, or past experiences cannot prevent us from growing unless we allow them to control our minds.A truly positive person is not one who has a perfect life, but one who continues to rise above negativity with faith, courage, and inner stability. When we stop looking backward in regret, or looking outward in blame, we begin to look upward towards the light of higher consciousness. And just like the lotus, we bloom naturally, beautifully, and peacefully.<img class="image_resized" style="width:10.37%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Dr_Savita_Didi_d2177ac711.png" alt="Dr.Savita Didi.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Dr_Savita_Didi_d2177ac711.png 127w," sizes="100vw" width="127px">B.K. Dr. Savita is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.

The lotus and the light

Anger is the departure from the natural state of the soul. which is peace.By:&nbsp;Peter Clark&nbsp; Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/</a>&nbsp; Dated: June 13th, 2026Anger can really damage our lives. While some think it is a tool to get what they want, they little realise that in fact the anger is ruling them. Anger does not make anyone feel great, but it can become addictive. Mike George, in his book “Don’t get mad, get wise” says that “anger is a self-created disturbance of your inner peace.”&nbsp; Most people think that it is the things that are happening and the people who are interacting with me that are causing my anger. If I do this, then I am giving the control of myself to those outside situations and people. Then I am powerless and just end up waiting for it all to disappear, change, or finish.However, if I accept that it is self-created, then I am in the driving seat, I can change it. I have the right to change it. I am not changing the situation or person, I am changing my attitude, feelings, and emotions. I am changing my thoughts. If I understand and accept that my original pure state of being is complete peace, then agitation, irritation, frustration (all aspects of anger) are all disturbing that inner peace. Every time I feel a little disturbed about anything, it is in fact a seed of anger. That awareness is a small step towards returning to real peace.It is very good for spiritual progress to be able to recognise anger in any of its forms, because then we can make some effort to change it. We can look for the triggers and analyse our reactions. The anger cycle begins with thoughts that create actions or words that are angry. This feeds into the memory bank, and then when the same triggers arise we will easily slip into the angry reaction every time it is triggered. We remember how we dealt with the situation previously and feel we have the right to speak to people in that way because they were wrong. It may be true that what they did was wrong, but by creating these patterns of behaviour, I will become addicted to such behaviour and will continue to react in this way unless I address them. If my anger causes people to cower, I can come under the illusion that I have certain power. If I develop the habit of getting enraged and remain oblivious to the hurt I am distributing, I, and they, begin to believe that I have power. They may simply become afraid, or they may become addicted to anger themselves and rebel against me – and then that is war. This is a huge illusion.Don’t suppress, repress, or express, but learn to transform. The key to this is self-awareness. The original state of the soul is peace — it is the natural state of the self. Anger is a departure from that. Suppressing, by force, for example counting to ten, does hold it back, but not for long. Anger damages the body and the mind and leads to depression. Repressing is like hiding it away and not acknowledging the fact that it is there.To transform, we need to acknowledge it.&nbsp; We learn to observe our thoughts and feelings and take absolute responsibility, because I do have control over how I think and feel. When we believe that we have lost something, which was never ours in the first place of course, when any desire is unfulfilled, when we believe we have been hurt by someone, we must remember again that eternal peace within. We have always had that but have put it out of touch by believing we are physical beings. Every time we become enraged and influence people and feel the power – we become lost in it – the eternal, internal peace, is harder to reach.It is through meditation that I connect with the peace within. I am the soul, not this body or the roles that I play. My natural quality is peace; stillness, inner silence. I take control of my feelings and bring out the truth of peace within and dissolve the feelings that are disturbing that peace. I become a detached observer as the soul. I am at peace. I am calm. I am peace. We can practise this and train ourselves to hold the peace within.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.13%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/peter_clark_7587e3a6f0.jpg" alt="peter clark.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_peter_clark_7587e3a6f0.jpg 140w," sizes="100vw" width="140px">Peter Clark is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is the coordinator for Brahma Kumaris activities in Queensland, Australia.&nbsp;

Getting wise to anger

Situations and people come in front of us for a specific purpose. Nothing random.&nbsp;By:&nbsp;Jim Ryan Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/12/e-paper-today-delhi-13-june-2026/</a> Dated: June 13th, 2026Life is constantly in motion. People and situations keep arriving in front of us and sometimes we need to make a snap decision as to how to respond. The tools we have at our disposal are our powers of reasoning, but these powers rely heavily on our past experiences, our attitude, our intentions, and even our cultural heritage – national or familial.Perhaps it is not surprising, therefore, that we sometimes fail to make the right call. We look back and think we could have managed things better, we could have used different words, our intentions were not quite aligned. We sometimes wish we had had just a moment or two to think a little more carefully as to how to respond.This is where spirituality can help us get things right. Quiet moments of personal meditation time teach us how to go into silence – momentarily or for an extended period. It is this practice that enables us to step back, think, and wait when faced with tricky people or situations. This initial pause moves us away from any immediate reactive decisions and behaviour.Moving into silence, the mind is separated from its old positions and trigger mechanisms; in this clarity, it can see which events led to this moment, what is happening, and where things are likely to go, depending on my response. We can see the past, present, and future jigsaw pieces of any situation.This positioning as a detached observer, held within the energy field of the awareness of being a soul, develops discernment and a broader understanding of behaviours and situations, and naturally increases our tolerance and patience. There is expansion of the understanding of how things are triggered, what motivates certain individuals and, most importantly, how I, the soul, am likely to respond. I learn how I can align my responses with my spiritual beliefs faster and more effectively.With experience we see that situations and individuals come in front of us for a specific purpose – nothing, despite appearances, is random. We develop the understanding and gain insights into the fact that although circumstances may create difficulties, the difficulties teach us something and we become more and more adept at dealing with them. Once we master the responses to one type of situation or person, we feel more confident and comfortable. Then there will be other situations and people for us to meet and learn from — a dance in time with myriad opportunities for our growth and development. The world is not haphazard – there is a design, and the more time we spend in spells of silence, the more we see the beautiful patterns of the hidden perfection.<img class="image_resized" style="width:10.14%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/jim_ryan_4f0790b249.jpg" alt="jim ryan.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_jim_ryan_4f0790b249.jpg 122w," sizes="100vw" width="122px">Jim Ryan has a background in education. He is an author and a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher, based in Plymouth, Devon, UK.

The gifts contained in situations

By:&nbsp;B.K. Shivani Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/22/e-paper-today-delhi-23-may-2026/</a> Dated: May 23th, 2026In today’s world, staying informed often feels like a responsibility, and news updates, social media feeds, and other notifications constantly seek our attention. It is well worth asking ourselves if all this information is nourishing our inner world or quietly disturbing it?Many people take pride in being aware of everything happening around the globe. However, does knowing every detail about the outside world truly serve our life’s purpose? Is our role simply to accumulate information, or is it to take responsibility for what is happening within us? The outer world is vast and largely beyond our control. We can observe it, discuss it, and even criticise it, but we cannot directly change it. What we can influence, however, is our inner world — our thoughts, emotions, and responses. This is important because the quality of our inner state determines the impact we have on the world outside.The idea that “you are what you feed your mind” is especially relevant here. Just as the body reflects the food we eat, the mind reflects the information we consume. When we repeatedly expose ourselves to negativity — violence, fear, anger, and criticism — these impressions begin to shape our inner reality. Over time, they influence our thinking patterns, form our habits, and eventually define our personality. If the outside world is filled with unrest and we continuously absorb it, the same unrest begins to take root within us. Without realising it, we start mirroring the very negativity we complain about.Every thought we create carries energy, and this energy forms our aura, or the invisible energy field that surrounds us and affects others. Our interactions, conversations, and even silent presence radiate this energy into the environment. When our minds are filled with the negativity we have consumed, that is exactly what we project outward. In this way, we unknowingly become contributors to the collective emotional climate of the world. This realisation raises an important question: if we are participating in creating the negativity around us, do we have the right to complain about it?The solution does not lie in withdrawing completely from the world, but in becoming more conscious and sensible about how we engage with it. Just as we choose what food to eat based on our physical health, we must choose what information to consume, for our mental and emotional well-being. Not everything that is available needs to be internalised. Even if people around us indulge in negativity, we are not compelled to do the same. A person who values health makes careful dietary choices regardless of what others are eating. In the same way, a person committed to inner peace can develop the discipline to choose what enters their mind.When we spend time in a spiritually elevated environment or in the presence of someone we respect for their wisdom, we naturally align our thoughts and words with higher values. We avoid unnecessary or negative conversations and engage in more meaningful dialogue. This shows that we already have the ability to regulate our mental intake; it simply needs to be practised consistently in daily life.If we wish to become emotionally strong and mentally healthy, we need to correct our mental diet. By consciously choosing uplifting content, engaging in constructive conversations, and limiting exposure to negativity, we begin to rebuild inner stability. Protecting our inner world is not an act of isolation; it is an act of responsibility. When our thoughts become pure and stable, the energy we radiate into the world changes as well. This positive energy influences others in subtle but powerful ways, contributing to a more harmonious environment.The world outside is ultimately a reflection of the collective inner states of individuals. Every mind contributes to the larger picture. When we take responsibility for our own thoughts instead of merely reacting to external events, we begin to shift from being passive consumers of information to conscious creators of reality. Instead of constantly asking what is happening in the world, we can begin to ask what is happening within us and what we are contributing through our thoughts and feelings.This shift in awareness transforms our role. By taking care of our inner world, we not only protect ourselves from unnecessary disturbance but also become a source of stability and positivity for others. In doing so, we participate in shaping a better world — not by controlling external circumstances, but by transforming the only space we have authority over: our own mind.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.8%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Shivani_d413054e7a.png" alt="BK Shivani.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Shivani_d413054e7a.png 139w," sizes="100vw" width="139px">B.K. Shivani is a well-known motivational speaker and Rajyoga teacher.

treasures

The Daily Guardian