Positive Thinking Quotes

If at any time we begin to lose hope in ourselves, let us simply look inside out hearts and see all the good actions we have performed, from the smallest to the grandest. When we see how much happiness we have given, we easily remember the purpose of our life.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

You swing in God's lap; lost in love and remembrance , it is as if you merge into his lap, merge into God's remembrance and become lost in His love. This spiritual love enables you, in a second, to forget the pain and sorrow of many births.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

It is misunderstood that a soul who is humble, or who is practicing the lesson of 'hanji' (saying yes to others), they think it is defeat. For them it appears to be defeat but infact it is victory.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be a master means firstly to be a master with the right of self-sovereignty. All the sense organs of the self should be the workers of you children who have claimed the right of self-sovereignty.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

First be the ruler of the mind and check whether the minister (mind) is establishing its own incognito kingdom inside. It even makes the intellect belong to itself. It makes the lips and the ears belong to it. So check everyday. Ask for news:"hey, minister mind, what did you do, did you create any deception?" Internally, it may create an incognito group and make you become the slave instead of the ruler. Don't allow that to happen.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

One is to have positive thoughts - to change the negative into positive, which is known as having positive thoughts. Negative can become positive and you can change it. But simply check whether you had positive thoughts even whilst performing actions. And the second is to constantly have good wishes for others. Positive thoughts and good wishes for others have a connection with each another. If you don't have positive thoughts, you can't have good wishes for others. Therefore, pay attention to these two aspects.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

At times, you think that you have to maintain your honor. It is good to maintain your honor, but check whether it is your honor or your arrogance. Sometimes, you consider your arrogance to be your honor/pride and then you are not able to be humble. The sign of arrogance is that you may consider your pride to be real, and others consider it to be arrogance.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Whenever someone says something, one may feel insulted. Those who have arrogance will very quickly feel any insult. Even when someone says something jokingly, they will feel insulted. This is the sign of arrogance.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be an angel means to be light. To be light means to experience lightness through the entire day, you have to remain light in your nature, sanskar, relationships and connections.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Many people will want to quarrel and fight with you; realize that the only weapons you need are a smile and a lovable attitude.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The vibrations of the good wishes of you special souls, can very easily transform the atmosphere and the attitude of the worry.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Human souls today experience of elevated attainment but for a short time only. The happiness may be through people or through possessions. The temporary happiness changes into worry which means that possessions and people do not remove worry, but become the instruments to create worry. Contact even for a short time with souls who have good wishes for others becomes a support and a means to remove innumerable worries.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Greater the amount of time one is fixed in the stage of concentration, that much time he can easily forget the body, physical world and all the problems related to it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Give regard to everyone from your heart and you will get it from the heart. If you give regard superficially or with selfish motive, then you will also get it superficially. This will always help you to be free from obstacles, waste thoughts and worries. There will not be the thought "what will happen to me? " You will be carefree and say that "My victory is certain"," My work is done".

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

One who does not inculcate the impure thoughts of anyone's weakness or defects are Vaishnav (vegetarian) as the thought is the food of the intellect. That means that through your intellect or mind, you have not absorbed any impure, waste thoughts. Being a true Vaishnav means purity in all three aspects mind, speech and actions.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

It is love for God that makes every task easy and liberates the soul from labour. No matter how much knowledge and understanding there may be in the intellect, accurate knowledge means knowledge which is completely filled with love. If there isn't love, then knowledge is dry.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

By experiencing the virtue and power of tolerance, can we remain constantly cheerful. It is not called tolerance if you smile when someone praises you. But if you constantly smile at the time when an angry enemy showers you with bad language and there is no sign of wilting on your face or in your thoughts, that is called tolerance.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

If there isn't Love in the heart, if there is only intellectual knowledge, the intellect will continue to battle with questions of Where, What, How & Why. When the soul is lost and merged in Love of God, there is total contentment and a full stop to all questions.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When you refuse to set boundaries to what is achievable, you can inspire others to believe that they can make the impossible happen.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Humility as a power is based on a very elevated awareness of who you are. Such a high state of consciousness makes you very cool, very peaceful and very loving. One who has humility constantly remains happy and makes others happy too. They say (and feel) that whatever I am, whatever I've got, its fine, I'm happy, I'm content.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

If you value your thoughts and use them carefully as you use money, you will never find yourself spiritually bankrupt.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Self-respect is often mistaken for arrogance when in reality it is the opposite. When we can recognize all our good qualities as well as our faults with neutrality, we can start to appreciate ourselves as we would a dear friend and experience the comfortable inner glow of self-respect. To embrace the journey towards our full potential we need to become our own loving teacher and coach.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

In spiritual terms, royalty refers to an inner state of dignity and an attitude of service to humanity. Before taking charge of others, let us learn to rule our own heart and mind with love and compassion. Let us focus not on other people's weakness, not demand anything of anyone, and always be available to support and encourage. A leader of this kind does not chase after power and position, or expect anyone to obey; yet others naturally want to follow.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Everyone wants to be loved for who they are. When we appreciate others it boosts their self-esteem and helps them pass on a loving attitude to others. Even though we may not see the result immediately, love always works.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Accepting responsibility without feeling burdened by it may seem unrealistic. Yet it is possible so long as we stay close to our inner self and strength. If we are willing to trust them, spiritual principles and values work like unseen hand guiding everything in a beneficial direction. When we remain aware of this force at work, we can accept responsibility and strive to fulfill it without worrying about results.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Life means change, movement and growth. When the storms of change and inconstancy are swirling around us, we need the inner eye of stillness and stability to give us the inner strength to cope. It provides us with the platform for clear decision making and powerful thoughts. Anchored in the eternal unchanging truths of spirituality, we need not resist change but can embrace it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be a rock for others, we need to remain on solid ground ourselves. We need to know who we are and what we can count on to give others. This kind of constancy only develops when we follow the discipline of recharging our spiritual batteries every day. The early morning hours are the most powerful time to draw peace and love from God. We can then walk through our day with the wisdom and love and assurance that we can always be there for others in their moment of need.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Without enthusiasm life becomes a dry and tasteless experience. Anyone can become enthusiastic for a little while but to keep enthusiasm steadily flowing through our life is a great art. The secret is remarkably simple; live in a state of appreciation; appreciate the special qualities within everyone; appreciate the wonder of nature and give thanks to the cycle of life and everyone's contribution to it. Enthusiasm is infectious, especially when it is based on an appreciation of, and love for life itself.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When we have learned to love and accept ourselves, we no longer compete with others but enjoy encouraging them to reach for their dreams, we can genuinely celebrate their success and enjoy seeing them go ahead.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

It is common for great people to have faced ostracism and rejection, through which their greatness has emerged. Great talent needs to have the ego knocked out of it to be of real use to humanity. A wilderness experience can be humbling, immensely strengthening and making of us. When we have no other support to turn to we are more easily able to recognize the source of true greatness and the need to reconnect with the Divine.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

One of the best ways to remain light, even in the middle of chaos and heaviness, is to keep a conversation with God. Chatting to God, whose responsibilities are unlimited, about trivial matters that are wearing us down gives us a more entertaining view of life. It requires a certain stillness of mind to hear His advice, but with practice we learn to sense His perspective on our minor irritations. Since His mind radiates lightness and love, the very act of opening ourselves up to Him enables us to lighten our burdens.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When there is power within, we are able to do what is required at the right time. We are able to find the resources and use them appropriately. All we have to do is to be a master and order and the right resource will be obediently accessible for use. To say "I will try to do it" is to experience failure even before beginning something. We need to have the thought that I will do it come what may. Then the seed of our thought will be of faith and not of doubt. So we will be successful in doing what we have to.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

In Child Psychology, there is a concept called 'identity crisis' often associated with teenagers; as they move into adulthood they sometimes become perplexed with life: what are they to do in the future, are they are mere images or extensions of their parents and family, what is their identity as a human being etc. If they do 'find themselves' they carve their own niche, and are able to achieve their goals. If not, they go on with life nonetheless but with a constant inner search. The biggest gift God gives us is to know and love ourselves honestly. That knowledge that we are spirits, souls, and practice of soul-consciousness outweighs any other spiritual teaching in the world.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When there is simplicity within, the mind is calm and quiet. Simplicity enables us to see the sequence of events around us. Each scene has a meaning connected to the previous and the next one. Simplicity and acceptance help us to play our part to the best of our ability. Whenever we find ourselves questioning anyone's part or any situation, let us just remember that everyone is right according to his part and every scene according to the play of events. This thought enables me to keep my mind free from complications. So we are able to be our best in whatever we do.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

An inner power needed to make accurate decisions is the power to tolerate. Tolerance is not about having to put up with or endure. It's about respect for difference. It is about being able to appreciate diversity, the beauty in that diversity and difference. We need confidence to allow others to do what they are doing. Rigidity is a sign of lack of self confidence and self respect. It is better to have peace with someone than to have 100 percent perfection and tension. The quality of interaction comes from our ability to stop (that is not to be affected or influenced by what the other is doing). When I learn to stop, then I become more perceptive of the situation and am able to do make the right decision.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

In order to make accurate decisions, we need the power to discern. This comes from clarity of mind and neutral observing. Let me watch without getting my feelings in the way to get a clear picture and to come to a conclusion/decision. To make right decisions, we must also know when to step in and when to step out. This is maturity – knowing appropriateness.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Free yourself from forcing, expecting or wanting someone to receive what you think they should take - it could be your idea, opinion, or an opportunity you think they should accept - you can't make anyone take anything. Offer humbly. Offer gently. Offer as if you are a master, and then let go, and retire like a shy child. When you can dance the dance between being master and child, you'll be surprised how much more others will accept what you have to say, and how much more they appreciate your offerings.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We are what we think, all that we are arises with our thoughts," said the Buddha, "with our thoughts, we make the world." In other words, you are constantly creating your circumstances by the way you think. It's as if you had a guided missile in your unconscious that relentlessly directs you towards its target, and the target is whatever your thoughts dwell on. Think doom and gloom, and that's what you'll get. Focus on happiness and optimism, and they're already yours. Negative thought frustrate the universal forces that can create a happy, healthy and successful life. They keep our true potential trapped in a mental prison of our own making.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The presence of prosperity or lack of it in health, finances and relationships can offer signs of internal wellness, and clues about what kind of inner development needs more critical care. Understand the symbiosis between inner wellness and the different levels of prosperity in your life. Try some spiritual approaches to expanding your capacity and your awareness of abundance. Best of all, enjoy taking the reigns and steering towards total prosperity - in all dimensions.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Values are related to each other as if they were members of a great family. From peace and happiness emerges inner joy. From this state of wholeness love awakens and with it the desire to share and give. Two of its relatives are tolerance and respect. All values have a shared origin which unites them - the peace of spirituality. When you lose peace you begin to lose everything.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Your thoughts guide you to your destiny. If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got. If you always think the same you will always get to the same place. Think in a new way and you will be a new person. Give happiness to all and you will live in peace. Create peace in your mind and you will create a world of peace around you.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When we are working together, we need to trust those working with us by seeing their capabilities and using them too. This will naturally create a healthy environment here everyone is working together as a team. One thought that would help us in practical situations to work as a team is to have trust in the ones we are working with. When we are able to trust, we are able to create a positive environment where everyone is able to express his or her best potential. The task would be successful and there would be benefit and personal growth for everyone working in the team.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who has a clean heart is the one who always tries to do the best for those with whom he comes in contact. Thus, the person develops the ability to accept others as they are and ignore anything wrong done by them. Instead, he is able to do the right action without losing the balance. So such a person brings happiness for himself and for others through every action he performs.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who does not expect from others, but is able to give others from whatever resources he has, is the one who is flexible. Being flexible means to be able to recognize the other person's value system and molding one self according to it without losing touch with one's own value system. When I am a giver, I do not expect others to change according to my value system, but am very easily able to find a way to adapt to the other person's value system. I never expect from others to understand me, but am able to understand others. So there is never any feeling of negativity for anyone.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The world is trapped in the mire of barriers (politics, language, caste, gender) and this has distanced us from each other, and from what we require for wholesome existence: love, respect, understanding, and freedom. We are scared to love for fear of being taken for granted but God's love is very liberating, since God's vision surpasses all physical and imposed barriers: every soul is seen for what it is and what it is capable of; no one is condemned for their past; no expectations are kept nor requests for anything in return but yet God does know the value of His love. God has the faith that love and blessings will transform negativity in His children eventually. True love and good wishes for another soul is the seed that shall bear fruit in time. God says, you cannot love Me completely if you dislike any of My children because God cannot reside in a heart filled with hateful
feelings.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

While moving towards my destination, I tend to get distracted with even the little things that happen. Even a small negative or positive incident is enough to distract my thoughts from my destination. I am sometimes so busy with such things that my vision moves away from my destination and I stop moving forward. I need to first clarify my goal. Once I have done this, I need to take care that my vision is focused on it. Even when situations come by, trying to distract me I need to remind myself that these are only side-scenes, which are not important for me. It is more important to keep my energies focused towards the goal.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Usually in relationships we begin to expect from people whom we get close to. We feel that because we have love for them we have a right over them. Because of our expectations we are not able to give the other person freedom to move forward or progress. When we have true love we are able to provide the right environment for people so that they can bring about progress in their life. We will not hold on to them and expect them to do everything according to our needs, but give them real support.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Normally it is understood that to get the best role is to be a hero actor. So we are more inclined towards a role where we can get people's praise. If people praise us we feel good about it and if they don't we are disappointed. We are usually dependent on people's appreciation. Yet it doesn't come by so consistently. We can be a hero actor at all times when we have attention on every act of ours. We make sure that none of our words or actions are ordinary or waste. Since we pay constant attention to everything we do, we find that we are able to give our best. We are then satisfied with whatever is happening since we know what we do is not as important as how well we do it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Just as the bird has to find the courage to let go of the branch in order to fly, so we also must let go of our branches if we are to know the exhilaration of soaring to the highest potential of our life. The branches we hold to are our inner attachments - our beliefs, ideas and memories. And then there are the outer attachments - people, possessions, positions and privileges are a few. But as long as we hold on to them we will live in fear (of letting go and loss) and we will never be free. And just watch those birds, by letting go of one branch they are able to spend the rest of their life alighting on a million other branches, and they enjoy the view from each. Are you flying and soaring in your life, or are you stuck on one branch, cursing others as they fly past. Go on, try it ...let go!

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Each day we all need to recharge our spiritual battery, otherwise the light of our consciousness becomes dim, thoughts become fuzzy, and decisions are impregnated with doubt. Power is available inside and outside. Inside us we have a spiritual centre, at the core of our consciousness, pure radiant spiritual light. This is what we are. However it is now blocked by our attachments, the record of all our life experiences and many learned beliefs and perceptions. Outside us we have the sun of spirit, the source, invisible to our physical eyes but only one second away when we are able to quieten and focus our mind. Meditation connects us to both sources of power - that's why meditation is the way to access the real vitamins and the minerals that spirit craves. The vitamin of pure love and the minerals of truth and wisdom. Take time to empower yourself today. Sit quietly and connect your mind to each source and allow yourself to recharge and renew.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Happiness is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humor and magic in each moment.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

If we allow bitterness and resentment to fester inside, it will make my relationships guarded and unsatisfying. The more we close down to others, the more we become a stranger to ourselves. By letting go of sorrow and negativity, we can keep our nature open and loving. Remaining open to life, with its constant adventures and opportunities to grow, is the only way to reach our full potential.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The ability to enjoy one's own company is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. `Learning to turn our thoughts away from all our responsibilities at the day's end and take our mind into a state of peace and benevolence enables us to carry greater and greater loads without feeling burdened. When our inner landscape is full of beautiful thoughts, everything we do is a pleasure. Gently, we calm down chaotic situations and offer solace to troubled minds.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Life means change, movement and growth. When the storms of change and inconstancy are swirling around us, we need the inner eye of stillness and stability to give us the inner strength to cope. It provides us with the platform for clear decision-making and powerful thoughts. Anchored in the eternal unchanging truths of spirituality, we need not resist change but can embrace it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

One of the best ways to remain light, even in the middle of chaos and heaviness, is to keep a conversation with God. Chatting to God, whose responsibilities are unlimited, about trivial matters that are wearing us down gives us a more entertaining view of life. It requires a certain stillness of mind to hear His advice, but with practice we learn to sense His perspective on our minor irritations. Since His mind radiates lightness and love, the very act of opening ourselves up to him enables us to lighten our burdens.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Meditation simply means the management of your thoughts. It is to have the ability to think of what you want and when you want, without interference from other thoughts. Meditation is to develop the ability to concentrate on a particular subject without being attracted and influenced by the five senses, the five vices and the five elements.

Yoga, which is associated with meditation, simply means to have union or make connection with some object, subject, person or God. However, yoga is usually associated with spirituality. Yoga is to have connection and to have dialogue or sweet conversation with the divine source of inspiration, whom many call God. Meditation, therefore is a prerequisite or condition that assists spiritual seekers to have unbroken, undisturbed and continuous access with divinity and this experience is called yoga, another form of prayer.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Normally we tend to associate success with what we get, rather than how much effort we put in. So sometimes when things don't turn out the way we expect them to, we tend to have negative feelings because of the thought of being unsuccessful. So we tend to stop putting in further efforts for success. When we put in accurate efforts for the success of every task, we naturally try to do the best. Because of our own contribution, others too help us and contribute whatever they can to achieve what we set out to do. So there is success in everything. When we do the right thing, we will be able to experience constant self-progress, even if the result is not what we have expected.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When there is the connection outside without looking within, there is inability to be the best and do the best in situations. Instead if there is a constant connection within, before the connection is made outside, then it becomes easy to express the inner qualities necessary to deal with the problems outside. When we allow our mind to get disturbed over small things, it will cost us our peace of mind. We are not able to retain our inner power, which is needed to experience freedom. On the other hand, if we are able to retain our inner peace, We can be connected with our innate divine nature. We are able to experience true mastery.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The deepest wounds we all carry are locked in our subconscious (out of our awareness). Deep memories and subtle impressions, from unfinished experience, rooted in the past. The pain from those wounds comes to revisit, to block and paralyse us in the moment called now. We all know it comes without warning - "Why am I feeling this way, I didn't mean to do that, I don't know what made me say that." Healing does not mean finding and treating every single inner scar which send it message to haunt us. It means going even deeper, past those wounds, beyond those distant memories and recording of unfinished business, to the core of our self, to the heart of our spirit, where we find the light and warmth of our own core qualities of love and peace. They are eternally present within us they are what we need to heal all our inner wounds. That's why this kind of deep healing is called spirituality and not therapy.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Whenever we are faced with a problem, we naturally begin to worry. This worry makes us have a lot of waste thoughts. We don't find the solution, yet we can't stop worrying. A worried mind filled with waste thoughts cannot find the right solution. The only way to find the right solution is to keep the mind free from worry. For this we need to first have the faith that there is a solution and we will find it. When we thus keep our mind free, our intuition works well and we are automatically able to take the right decision.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Purity of spirit is a beautiful state of being. It comes when we are willing to open our soul completely to the pure energy of God and let all the vestiges of negativity with us be gradually washed away. As purity increases, thoughts become simpler, fewer and infused with love and compassion for everyone we meet. Pure thoughts have remarkable power. Plans made in such a state of benevolence are blessed with success.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Criticisms are good things. They help us look at ourselves, to check and improve. There are situations where you feel that nothing you say or do seems right, where there is constant criticism. How do we satisfy people at that time? We must first be satisfied with ourselves before we can satisfy others. If we do not have the power to quickly change the negative attitude of others, we must atleast start with ourselves. Change our attitude towards the one who is constantly criticizing. Adopt more positive approach. Positive thoughts, words and actions will eventually bring positive results. Continue acting in this Godly manner. Atleast God will be pleased with you.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Sometimes we are caught up with negative feelings like jealousy or hatred towards another person. These feelings naturally create misunderstanding and conflict. Even if the other person has a good feeling while doing something, a negative intention is attributed and this naturally changes one’s own behaviour or response making it negative too. Instead of being caught up with negative feelings, we need to wear the glasses of seeing specialities. Like the one who wears coloured glasses sees everything to be of that particular colour, we too will then see only the specialties in others. This will help us to free our mind of negativity and we will start behaving positively with others too.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We do pay special attention to keep our actions good and worthy. We also have a good amount of attention on our words. But we hardly ever think of our thoughts. When certain thoughts become repetitive they tend to have a hold over us. It is important for me to keep a practice of having positive thoughts. When we have this practice of positivity, there is power in our thoughts. Each and every thought becomes a treasure from which we can draw a lot. Our words and actions, then automatically become powerful too.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When there is some problem experienced physically, it is but natural for the mind to go towards it. The mind is totally focused on the ill health, as we tend to pay more attention to the sickness. Thus we are not able to experience relief from the pain. The dis-ease of the mind further increases disease in the body. The one way that helps us get over the physical ailment of the body is to start feeling healthy. We need to divert our mind to more constructive things. This will help the mind to keep busy so that no thought of sickness comes. We also need to give ourselves thoughts of our good health. Then we would surely find ourselves coming back to health.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

There is usually attention on the self not to perform any negative acts. There is also considerable attention not to speak any words that are harmful or negative. But very rarely is there that attention on the thoughts. Because of this a lot of negative thoughts tend to remain in the intellect causing trouble for me. I need to understand the fact that my thoughts form the basis for my words and actions. The more I pay attention to make my thoughts positive, the more it will have a positive impact on my words and actions too. Constant awareness of a positive thought enables me to maintain my own inner positivity.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Ganeshji, the deity acclaimed for being Destroyer of Obstacles became so after God severed the false head of ego. What a powerful reminder of how detrimental ego can be! Ego pushes me towards all that is temporary and mirage-like i.e. connected with the body (high or low education, good or ordinary physical appearance, status at home and work, professional experiences). It traps the mind in limited, petty thinking and prevents me from recognizing the value of virtues because they seem worthless in today's materialistic, competitive world. A humble person may have to swallow bitter words and actions from time to time, however he or she is guaranteed to receive God's unlimited blessings and love - what more could we ask for.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When we are faced with difficult situations, we usually tend to have a feeling that we have no resources or are not able to make the best use of the resources within for best results. Thus we are not able to experience real progress. On the other hand we only tend to experience a lot of negative feelings. When we learn the art of being stable in the most negative situations, we know how to use the treasures that are hidden within ourselves. Our mind is no longer disturbed with waste or negative thoughts and we find it easy to face and learn from each and every situation.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We normally understand honesty to be free from lying or free from falsehood. So although we try to be honest at that level we are not able to sustain that, as we face challenges from the environment. True honesty is more connected with our innate nature, than just being free from lies. When we are honest we are able to see what we need to do according to the situation. We are able to bring about a change in such a way that we never repeat the mistake that we have committed.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We do maintain positivity to the one who is positive to us, but it tends to get difficult to be positive to someone who is negative towards us. It normally seems so easy to react negatively. But this only further worsens the situation as neither is willing to bring about a change. The only way we can still be positive when someone is behaving negatively towards us is by reminding ourselves of our own inner power. When we are connected to what we have, we are able to be a giver without expecting anything. The cool water of our positivity is the only way we can put out the fire of anger.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The meaning of Freedom in having no burden - no burden of body or mind. Freedom is having such a clear vision of reality and such a powerful image of the self that the superficial bondages cannot contain you. Freedom is the knowledge that comes from knowing what your role is and playing it accurately. Freedom is freedom from fear and anxiety. Living from a position of freedom gives us the opportunity to make choices beyond the ordinary because then we are living beyond all bondages - even the bondage of actions.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Many times I find that my words, actions or behavior tend to upset others inspite of my not wanting to hurt them. I seem to be very happy with the situation, but others don't seem to be. At that time I am not really able to understand the reason for this and I consider the others to be unreasonable. I need to check myself when others are getting upset with me. I need to make effort to check and change myself constantly so that I am able to move along with the demands of time. This is what will bring about true contentment - such contentment that neither will I be upset nor will I upset others.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Live in such a way that love informs every action! When we have learned to live like this, nothing will disturb us. Our contentment and good feelings towards others remain constant. We become free. The power to live like this comes from inside, not from outside. That is why we stay free, with no expectations from others, no frustrations. To live like this requires us the let go off certain beliefs and habits that drain us from this strength and interfere with our ability to love. Some times they become so deep-seated in us, that we are not aware of its presence.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

A disappointment is never easy to surpass. I work hard towards a goal giving it all I have and still end up empty-handed. 'Where did I go wrong, what's the use of being diligent and conscientious? May be everything depends on luck, God didn't help me...' A vision that was initially strong and focused takes a sharp detour into the by-lanes of disheartened thinking. On the other hand, by looking at the situation with a calm, detached attitude, I can locate the faults or leakages. Even if my attempts were faultless, to refuse to learn from a set-back is a sign of ego. God helps me back on my feet when He sees that I haven't closed the doors of my mind to new experiences.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

While moving towards my destination, I tend to get distracted with even the little things that happen. Even a small negative or positive incident is enough to distract my thoughts from my destination. I am sometimes so busy with such things that my vision moves away from my destination and I stop moving forward. I need to first clarify my goal. Once I have done this, I need to take care that my vision is focused on it. Even when situations come by, trying to distract me I need to remind myself that these are only side-scenes which are not important for me. It is more important to keep my energies focused towards the goal.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Can I detach from the various personalities I play during the day (daughter, parent, boss, employee, student) and talk to myself one-on-one? Is it good enough to fulfill my daily responsibilities or do I value my spiritual self too? Sometimes I may avoid thinking about the inner self because it's a little scary to face my weaknesses and come to terms with not-so-good past actions. However, it's a fact that whatever is real and true lives on despite the amount of alloy mixed in or accumulated layers of dust. Would the world be just as beautiful if we had left all the impure gold or raw diamonds buried away? I must learn to value myself, an eternal spirit of divinity, and do all I can to make it glow...

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one whose vision is clear on the destination is the one who is successful. While moving towards my destination, I tend to get distracted with even the little things that happen. Even a small negative or positive incident is enough to distract my thoughts from my destination. I am sometimes so busy with such things that my vision moves away from my destination and I stop moving forward. I need to first clarify my goal. Once I have done this, I need to take care that
my vision is focused on it. Even when situations come by, trying to distract me I need to remind myself that these are only side-scenes which are not important for me. It is more important to keep my energies focused towards the goal.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

A single speciality can add beauty to every word and every act. Each and everyone have a unique speciality that is reflected in the actions from time to time. But the one who is aware of these specialities in a conscious way, is able to add quality and beauty to everything that is spoken or done. Nothing is waste or even ordinary but everything becomes special. As we have the constant aim of using our speciality in everything that we do, we are able to experience success both in what we do and also in all our relationships. We are able to make everything more meaningful and powerful. We are not caught up with the ordinariness or the negativity of the situation, but are able to enjoy the moment by colouring it with our own special quality.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Simplicity sharpens the power of perception. When there is simplicity within me, the clouds or layers that prevent my perception begin to fade away and I can see the situation clearly. With simplicity I find that there is nothing to colour or change my perception and naturally the decisions that follow become accurate too. Before I take any important decision I need to stop for a while, detach myself from the situation and see it with a cool mind. With this my thoughts will become free from all kind of associated memories and unnecessary attitudes and I will be able to make the right decision.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

There is a voice within which occasionally gets our attention and tries to remind us of how good and beautiful we are! It calls us from a time long... ago when we first arrived for our journey in and through time and space. Those first moments were filled with pure joy, pure play, pure adventure. Whenever you meet someone today with a pure, innocent and trusting heart let them remind you of yourself during those first early years. They invoke the purity of your own heart, and invite you to be innocent again. It also shows you one of the greatest keys to real relaxation. It is the truth that we are all pure in heart...forever. It is only what we accumulate and learn from the world around us that blocks and clogs our heart. All evil is learned and fortunately can be unlearned. All depression is the result of the illusion that we have lost something, when in truth, we cannot lose what is of true value to us, the eternal qualities of our own spirit, our own self. In a quiet moment today, listen for your hearts call. It will tell you everything is really fine, there is no need to struggle, and that you are beautiful just as you are...and you will be again!

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

There is happiness in distributing the fruit of your fortune with generosity. The more you remember your fortune of what you have attained, the more you will enjoy sharing it with others. And the more you give your own treasure it increases too. Each one has his own share of fortune. Think of all those things that you have for which you would consider yourself fortunate. When you begin to look at these things you will stop expecting but make the best use of what you have.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Enthusiasm makes even difficult things easy. Enthusiasm makes the biggest obstacle look like a very tiny one. It makes even a storm(toofan) to be like a gift(tohfa) and makes us enjoy each situation like a game. And when we have the awareness that there's nothing that is difficult, we can surely achieve what we want to. We should be able to change our consciousness in such a way that when obstacles come our way, we should automatically be filled with more enthusiasm to work at and overcome these obstacles. With our enthusiasm we will surely find a way to make things happen.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Humility enables people to realize their mistakes and correct themselves. Real humility results in so much power of truth that we don't need to say anything at all in words. The very power of our inner state of being will make the other person realize the error of their ways. While giving directions or corrections to someone, we need to check our own attitude, reminding ourselves of the humility within and only then say what we have to say. With humility our words will be for their benefit and this will enable them to learn.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Stability comes where there is truth. If we are arguing to prove ourselves right, we are not actually in our stable stage. It is of course necessary to clarify for accuracy, but it is not necessary to argue with stubbornness. If we are arguing, it means we are not convinced about the truth. When involved in an argument with someone, we need to check if we are convinced of the truth of what we are arguing about. If we are sure, then we need to remind ourselves that we needn't argue because truth will be revealed on its own. This will ensure our stability in that particular situation. Then we can clear things out with a cool mind.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The nourishment of happiness keeps one healthy. To be happy means not to be influenced with the external stimulus for the internal state of happiness, but to discover the joy within. So the one who is constantly in touch with the internal state of happiness is able to express this happiness. The one who is free from internal dis-ease is the one who is free from disease. We are able to enjoy the beauty of everything when we are able to maintain our own inner state of happiness. Our body, mind, relationships, everything is healthy because of this internal state of mind. We are able to enjoy everything we do too and experience constant progress and success.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Learning and teaching are players in the same game. If either one stops, everything becomes heavy and ceases to be fun. Learning is the reward for respecting life and teaching is the fruit of experiencing life.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The ones with real sweetness are always optimistic. Having understood the secret behind each and everything that is happening, sweetness comes in our lives. Then we automatically find ourselves becoming optimistic. Even under the most difficult situation, we would never let go off our optimism. If we ever find ourselves disheartened or discouraged, we should remind ourselves of our own inner sweetness. We know and understand that things will ultimately happen in the right way, we only have to wait and watch. We have the faith that things will surely change.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who serves others is the richest. To be in a position to serve others means to be aware of the resources and treasures within. When all the powers that are within are used for the benefit of the self and others they tend to multiply and increase. So the one who continues to serve others continues to become richer. When we serve, not only do we become richer with what we use, but for having served unselfishly we also become richer with the blessings and good wishes that emerge from the hearts of others. We are able to experience the real richness and beauty of life as there is a lot of love, happiness and joy in our lives.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Simplicity is the promise of happiness. The one who is simple is able to see through the complications of situations and people. He has the ability to only pick out what is useful and worthy from the expanse of all that is available. a simple person's words and actions are the ones that give happiness to those around. When we are simple in our vision and attitude, we are able to remain happy as we are free from the complications of all that is happening. It also helps to creating an environment of happiness where others to experience this happiness.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To check regularly means to bring about a change. When there is any negative action performed, there is an immediate feeling of guilt and a desire not to perform it again. But the checking also needs to be at a level where it never repeats again. Maintaining a chart of one's own weakness means checking regularly. Such checking brings about a permanent change. When we are able to maintain a chart where we could monitor our own progress, we are able to remain committed to our transformation. Adverse situations or people will never deter us, but we are able to bring about the desired change. We are able to continue the process of transformation even when what we seek to change is not harmful in the present phase of our lives. Thus regular checking will prevent carelessness from creeping in.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To have power means to enjoy the variety of life. When there is the inner strength there is enthusiasm to give the best and also to learn and improve with every obstacle. To work with inner power is to be like a skilled player whose focus is on enjoying the match too rather than just on winning. When we have learned the art of focusing on our strengths, we are able to enjoy the variety scenes that life brings for me. We would enjoy dealing with all these different scenes in a natural and easy way, and also be naturally victorious. And so we have the benefit of double enjoyment.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Perhaps the most common habit we all learn to develop is to compare our self with others. Every time you compare yourself with another watch for thoughts like, "They seem to be doing better than me.... I wonder what it's like to be them... how come they get all the luck ... they are much better than me at that." Behind these thoughts you are really saying you would like to be them, live like them and be in the position they are in. In that moment you forget you are absolutely unique. You can only be your self. There is no one the same as you, and you can never be the same as someone else. If you keep thinking in this way you only sustain an underlying sense of failure which eats away at your self-respect and self-esteem. Never compare your self with anyone else, realise and remember you are a one-off!

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To have a desire for the good act done is to eat unripe fruit. To have a desire to get the result of what one does is like eating unripe fruit. It is like following a shadow that will never be got. On the other hand, to do things because there is joy in doing it is to enjoy putting in effort. This also ensures that there is fruit attained at the right time. When we are able to do things because we enjoy them, we are able to be free from expectations. And because we are free from expectations and desires, yet working towards our aim, we find ourselves attaining everything without any difficulty. We are patient and wait with joy for the fruit of our effort to ripen.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Where there is true respect there is humility. The more respect is measured on the basis of something external, the greater the desire for recognition from others. The greater the desire, the more one falls victim to ego and there cannot be humility. We need to start the day with a thought that brings self-respect. We need to tell ourselves that we are special and also use this speciality throughout the day. We will then not dominate or limit the freedom of anyone but will naturally work with humility.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We should have courage to work on the self is to find the beauty within. Situations come that challenge one's own strength. At such times the mind tends to become weak displaying weaknesses. Then there is no courage to look within. The one who is able to be introspective
at that time is able to find a new learning. He is thus able to express the beauty that is lying within. When we understand that at each step of our life, situations come to bring out some quality from within, we'll never be afraid of situations. we'll have the courage to challenge our own assumptions and move forward based on the learning that we get and the beauty that we have been able to discover.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Greatness is visible in simplicity. The simplicity within me brings benefit to many. Simplicity doesn't mean I have to give up all I have, but it only means that I give up the attraction and attachment to whatever I am using. With simplicity my lifestyle takes on an easiness that in itself can be a healing source to those around. I need to make the practice of being detached even while using everything. I need not give up anything, but while using everything, I need to remember that what I have is for the use of everyone and not to get dependent on it.
When I am detached in this way I will be able to bring benefit to all around me.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who is joyful is the one who is free from tiredness. When we are able to enjoy the colour and beauty of life, we are able to be free from tiredness. We are able to appreciate the variety that life brings. No difficult circumstance or situation takes away the inner spirit and so we are able to be fresh and joyful. Even in a difficult situation we need to remind ourselves that we can only enjoy the beauty of life if we are able to appreciate equally all that life brings. As much as we enjoy success, we also need to enjoy learning from our failures.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

We all have a relationship with everything. Obviously the relationship we have with the people and objects in our immediate vicinity is more intimate than the rest of the world. For most of us the most common relationship is possession. In our minds we think we own and possess things like cars and houses and carpets and golf clubs etc. This thinking easily spreads into jobs and tasks and positions and perhaps even other people. "I want you", and "You are mine alone", is the essence of many romantic film scripts and song lyrics. What we forget is that this relationship is wrong. It is not possible to possess anything. Care for..yes. Use...yes. But possess...no. You can't take it with you when you go, so we say! And yet it's the idea of possession which lies at the heart of all fear, war and conflict. Can you see it? Fear of loss, fear of not acquiring what we have already decided is ours in our minds. So what is a better relationship we can choose which takes all the fear away. Be a trustee. Everything comes to us in trust, for us to use and then to set it free. The consciousness of trustee sets us free of the tension of grasping and guarding. To see ourselves as trustees of everything that we receive, including our bodies, encourages our innate capacity to 'care for with dignity'. It is a much more relaxing way of relating to the things which we are privileged to receive in life.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who works with self-respect is the one who wins the cooperation of others. When we
do things in our natural state of self- respect, it creates cooperation. On the other hand if we have ego because of which we expect others to recognize our work and appreciate it, it creates competition and jealousy. If someone is not cooperating with us, we need to check within ourselves why we are performing that task. If there is the slightest feeling of trying to prove ourselves, we need to remove it. In its place, there needs to be the thought in the mind that we want only success in the task and nothing else.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Everything that comes to us, comes to pass or, more accurately, for us to pass on. Not just the money in our pocket, but wisdom, objects, ideas, even opportunities, all come to us, so that, at the right moment, we can pass them on. This is called flow. Being in the flow means being aware that the river of life is flowing to us at every moment. Being in the flow means accepting whatever comes and putting it to good use, before passing it on. Going with the flow means allowing whatever comes to move on freely, without holding on in any way. If we do not pass on, we are trying to block the flow, and that's when we feel pressure in our life. Pressure is always self-inflicted. Every time you feel 'under pressure' look at what you need to release and to pass on to someone else. Once you do you can ...relax...again.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who is able to pass things is the one who is able to pass in all situations. When there is the ability to understand the significance of everything that happens and pass by things with lightness, there is also the ability to move forward in spite of difficult situations. So whatever happens, there is the awareness of the resources that are available and use them for further progress. So the one who is able to do this is able to be free from failing in situations. Since we are able to pass all the situations with a smile, we pass in the exam of life and get the result of satisfaction. We are not caught up with temporary challenges and situations, but are able to move forward in a powerful way. We use situations for taking us a step ahead.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Generosity wins love and respect. To be generous means to be able to recognise the specialities within and use them for everyone's benefit. The one who is generous never expects others to understand or give but is able to give constantly from whatever he has. He is able to spread the fragrance of his specialities to those around. When we are generous, everyone around us is benefited and we find that we are able to win the love and respect for all. Our continuous contribution inspires others to make effort to change and we become an example and inspiration for them. We are able to move forward with ease.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Patience and accuracy bring achievement of goals. As much as it is important to set up goals for ourselves it is also equally important to put in effort for the achievement of these goals. The one who works with the two qualities of patience and accuracy, are able to put in effort work with commitment, under all circumstances. They are able to recognize the success that they get in little things and work further till they reach the goal. When we are accurate in our efforts, we experience satisfaction and contentment. We also have the patience to understand the significance of our own effort and the result that we attain. So we are able to experience the sweetness of the result that we get in little ways. We also have the firm faith that we will attain whatever goal we set for ourselves.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To have humility is to be available for others. To focus not only on the self but on others too brings humility. Such humility allows others to come close. The one who is humble is able to give others what is required. Yet he balances with a certain quietness, so that others don't become too casual and familiar. When we are humble, we are easy and light giving the love that we have within. We are free from the sorrow of expectations. Instead we actually become a reservoir of treasures from where others can take benefit. We are constantly a giver, being available for others.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Real honesty is to be free from excuses. The one who is truly honest never gives excuses - to himself or to others. He is free from words that blame others or give excuses. Honesty also enables one to bring into action only such things that will bring about progress for the
self and will influence others positively. When we are free from giving excuses, we are able to learn from situations and experience constant progress. This is real honesty, which brings us deep inner contentment and joy. It also brings us blessings and good wishes from others on the basis of their trust.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

I cannot afford to overlook the influence that other people have on me. There are cases where people quarrel, fight and even commit murder because they are influenced by gossip, influenced by the words of others. To what extent do I check that I am not being influenced by gossip? Negativity in the mind is like poison. Negative thoughts are the seeds of negative actions. It might seem like a simple everyday occurrence - my friends tell me in the strictest confidence that such and such a person is like this and does so-and-so. I listen and accept without question because of the friendship. My attitude and actions now become influenced by my friends words, and I find myself acting and reacting in accordance with the information fed to me. Gossip and guessing bring sorrow, heaviness and distrust. Poison can come in many disguises, but poison is poison whether from an enemy or a friend.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

There is essentially only one way in which you can bring about self- transformation - that's if you want to - but you will not think you need to if you are still taking your happiness from outside yourself, and still managing to tolerate the periods of unhappiness which result. As soon as your happiness is dependent on anything outside, you make yourself a slave to a condition, substance or perhaps a person. A slave is not free. And happiness is impossible if you are not free. Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why our happiness fluctuates. Real happiness does not go up and down. Real freedom means that your happiness comes from inside out. That will require detachment and renunciation, not least from the illusions and conditioning of society which would have you believe happiness can be acquired from outside in. Can you see it? Inside out, not outside in !

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

You must begin to trust yourself. If you do not then you will forever be looking to others to prove your own merit to you and you will never be satisfied. You will always be asking others what to do, and at the same time resenting those from whom you seek such aid.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Words filled with good wishes bring change in others. When there are good wishes combined with the words that I speak, there is love. Whatever is spoken with love has its effect on others. Such words are free from all kind of negativity, so they naturally have a lot of power. Only such powerful words can bring about a change in others. When I speak with love and good wishes, I find that I am light, knowing that I have no selfishness in whatever I have said. The others too are able to immediately correct themselves. This also enables me to gain good wishes for having taken them a step forward.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Love spreads positivity. The one who is loving is not limited by circumstances and his love is not restricted only to certain people. On the other hand, it is revealed in each and every act thus colouring everything and every relationship with the beauty of that love. To be loving is to be constantly a giver. It also means to forgive others easily and help them to move forward. When we are loving constantly, I are able to experience the joy of life. We are able to exchange the gifts of pure feelings and find our life enriched with them. We are able to enjoy the beauty of relationships without having to feel the bondage due to expectations. Each moment of our life is filled with beauty and joy.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

True change brings benefit to all. When there is someone who is behaving in a way that is not right, the usual reaction is to have negative feelings for that person. All words and actions based on this negative attitude will naturally create negativity. Instead it is good to see what could be done to benefit the other person. Raising complaints only takes away inner peace. When we bring about a change that benefits even the person who is making the mistake, we are able to remain in peace with all types of people. We are not worried about why a person is behaving in a particular way, but we are able to see what is to be done in order to remove that particular negativity. The hatred is not for the person but for the negativity itself.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To have a clear aim of where the action will lead is to be successful in everything. Many a times it so happens that one acts immediately seeing a situation. But the one who is successful analyses the situation and predicts the outcome of the action that he performs and then acts keeping the end result in mind. Because of knowing the consequences of the actions before actually performing that action, he is able to continue putting in effort in spite of the challenges and difficulties. So he continues to give his best to the task. When he is able to give time to himself to think before performing any action, he is able to take the opportunity to be clear in his thinking. The consequences of the action he wishes to take are clear in his mind and so, the action taken to overcome the situation is right. Hence, he recieves easy and sure success.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To forgive is to give correction. When there is forgiveness, the harm of the mistake is forgotten. The mistake itself is remembered only to the extent that the correction is to be given. So there are no negative feelings expressed even while giving correction. And the words that are used are few but prove to be very effective. When we learn the art of forgiving we are able to be free from the burden of negative and waste thinking. So there is never any difficulty in giving correction when necessary. The mind is free from the attitudes of the past and it creates harmony in relationships even if the opinions or personalities don't match.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Courage is to take a step forward into an area of difficulty without a solution in mind, but yet feeling that victory is ahead. It is going empty handed, but knowing that God's hand is stretched out to pull you.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Why have we forgotten how to dream? With our innocence gone, and the entertainment industry doing all the work for us, we quickly lose our capacity to dream possible futures. Stop. Close your eyes. And dream again. Put the stars in your dreams. And then reach for them. No need to struggle. Simply nurture the dream, sustain the vision, and watch it come true. It must, it's the law.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Only a powerful soul can offer love. Only a powerful soul can afford to be humble. If we are weak, then we become selfish. If we are empty, we take, but if we are filled, we automatically give to all. That is our nature.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be free from the influence of the past is to have the ability to fly forward. There are so many things of the past that keep coming up in the mind again and again. Instead of being like birds holding on to the branches of the past; the one who looks at the clear sky gets the inspiration to move forward. To look at the clear sky means to look at the present moment and make the best use of it. The ability to free ourselves from the negative influences of the past, enables us to have a vision of equality. We will then not be judging others on what our past experiences with them are. We also find ourselves experiencing the benefit of each and every moment and experience constant progress.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

If I limit the love I give to just one or two, it will eventually go stale. If I learn to create love inside my heart and silently give it to everyone I meet, love will grace every corner of my life.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self pity, these adverse situations that look like they could bury us have within them the very real potential to make us unshakeable.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

An ant is tiny beside an elephant but as soon as an ant enters the ear of an elephant it goes crazy. The elephant’s ears are so big, the elephant itself is so big and yet a tiny ant makes it go wild. In the same way, if I allow the slightest defamation of anyone go through my ears, I lose all my spirituality. I lose all my value because I start interacting with others on the basis of what I have heard about them. Pay attention to this! We have to be very, very selective in what we allow to enter our ears. Let me learn to see only virtues and specialities. Let me not concentrate on anyone’s weaknesses.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The practice of silently observing life enables me to understand other people's inner concerns. I become slower to judge and better able to respond openly and thoughtfully.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Freedom is a state of mind. Understanding the self is the key to freedom. The more one understands the self, the easier it is to be liberated from the chains of waste and negativity. Freedom is to be uninfluenced and unaffected, to be at peace with the self. Real freedom is to experience the true essence of one’s being.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The language of silence is more powerful than the sound of words. When something is expressed in silence, it is with the power of thoughts. Such thoughts spread positive vibrations and reach out to the others, in such a way that even the words can't. Also when such kind of positive actions are added to the positive thoughts, the desired effect of that is seen. Then the words are not needed to express good intentions and good wishes. When we are able to express ourselves through the language of silence, we are able to be free from expectations for others to listen to what we are saying. We will only be silently communicating whatever we have to through our good wishes and inspiring others through our positive actions. So we are able to remain content and light, even when we have not yet seen the result of our communication.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Greatness is visible in simplicity. The simplicity within us brings benefit to many. Simplicity doesn't mean we have to give up all we have, but it only means that we give up the attraction and attachment to whatever we are using. With simplicity our lifestyle takes on an easiness that in itself can be a healing source to those around. We need to make the practice of being detached even while using everything. We need not give up anything, but while using everything, we need to remember that what we have is for the use of everyone and not to get dependent on it. When we are detached in this way we will be able to bring benefit to all around us.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Faith in one's progress brings contentment. Even when the situation is not according to what is expected, there is contentment for the one who has faith in his own progress. Such a person will not just sit back waiting for things to change nor will he just curse his fate. Instead he'll do his best and use all his resources in bettering the situation. The understanding that all life's situations are a training for him, automatically keeping him content in all situations. There is naturally an experience of constant progress and a feeling of having gained something from all situations.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

True knowledge brings humility. True knowledge inspires and encourages one to bring about a practical change in one's life. The one with knowledge naturally imbibes it, which is also revealed in his practical life. This is because he is humbly willing to learn from all situations. As much as there is knowledge, so much there is divinity and elevatedness revealed in all words and actions. Also such a person keeps learning from all life's situations. To have the ability to learn from all that life brings is to have love for knowledge. Since I have love for knowledge, I am able to experience self-respect. This self-respect gives me the humility to accept situations and people as they are and keep learning. So whatever the situation or whoever the person I come across, I only find myself enriching myself and moving forward.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Forgiveness means to forget the mistakes of others. The one who is able to forgive is able to forget the mistakes in his future interactions even after noticing the mistakes of others. He is able to be loving and so he is able to give corrections with love. Only when there is love in one's interactions, will the corrections given will be effective. Also such a person will not be caught up with anyone's mistakes and will be free from attitudes. Even if there is a temporary feeling of negativity, if we are able to forget the mistakes of others and forgive them, we are set free from negative feelings. We are able to be light and free from the burdens of the past interactions with them. So we find ourselves successfully able to deal with others, whoever they may be.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Cleanliness of the intellect brings accurate decision making. When the intellect is not clear, it is constantly wandering and it becomes tired. A tired intellect is not able to concentrate properly and so whatever decisions are made at that time are not so accurate. When there is cleanliness within there are no waste or negative thoughts and the entire thought power is used in the right way and so the right decisions are made. When I am clean within, I am able to experience lightness. Because I am clean and clear within, I find that I do not have any conflict or difficulty in making decisions. Instead I will be able to find the flow of thoughts moving in the right direction very naturally. So I find things also moving in the right direction.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Faith transforms negativity into positivity. Sometimes we find ourselves having negative thoughts inspite of not wanting to have them. Trying to stop them without understanding the root cause does not really bring success and we simply get tired. And we find ourselves giving up or losing hope. The solution for this is to keep filling ourselves with such positivity that all confusion in the mind finishes. For this it is necessary to develop faith in the self and in fate. This brings positivity and we find there is no more place for negativity.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

God's love brings out the perfection from within. The power of God's love brings about change internally. Through His love everything old and unwanted finishes. There is the natural tendency to bring about such perfection that the one who loves Him and gets His love becomes like a mirror - a mirror in which perfection of others too is visible. There is such inner strength that I get because of God's love that even if somebody does something to hurt me, I don't allow myself to get hurt. Even if people are saying negative things, they don't influence or touch me in a negative way. I am so full with God's love that it naturally flows out to those around me.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The virtues of honesty and courage bring success. The one who is courageous is never deterred by challenges, but moves on towards success. Combined with courage, is the virtue of honesty which allows one to be consistent, sincere and true in the efforts put in. So success comes with proper effort and there is also humility visible in such a person. When we are courageous, but at the same time honest in our efforts that we put in for achieving success, we will never have ego. We will be able to get the cooperation and good will of all, and especially the protection and the help of God. We will find ourselves moving slowly towards success with everything we do.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be free from influence means to make full use of one's potential. When we see others' specialties we think we are getting inspired by them but sometimes we also get influenced by them. To get influenced means to be dependent or to be in their control. When we do this we are not able to recognise and experience our own true self. Instead of only looking at others' specialties we also need to practice seeing our own specialties too. The more we recognise our own specialties we will not only be able to work with them but we will also be able to take the right inspiration from others' specialties too.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

True effort brings real success. Usually we seem to put in good effort to achieve our goal. But sometimes we also get caught in blaming others and considering them the cause of our distress and lack of success. This is carelessness which only makes us feel disheartened. Even during the midst of total chaos or difficult situations, we need to remain responsible for every thought, word and action of ours. To act from such an awareness is proof that we are making right efforts and this ensures our success.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Accuracy brings perfection and speciality in all that is done. To be accurate means to take up full responsibility for every task and do it to the best of one's ability. That means all resources that one has are used in the best possible way for the best result of the task. This naturally brings perfection in everything that is done. When we are accurate in everything we do, we are able to be free from carelessness and negligence. We find ourselves bringing speciality and uniqueness in what we do. For having done things with accuracy, we also find ourselves becoming trust-worthy and we are also able to be satisfied with ourselves.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Mercy means to give support to the ones who are helpless. A negative situation or a person who is in need and is helpless usually stimulates feelings of unhappiness or sorrow. At such a time it becomes very difficult to maintain a positive state of mind. But real mercy is that which gives support through the positive state of one's mind. The more there is the feeling of happiness; others too can be brought to that state of happiness and joy. When we are able to remain happy even in negative situations, we are able to maintain our internal state of calm. And this is the best frame of mind where we are able to see things objectively and in a detached way and we are able to make the right decisions. So we find ourselves becoming a source of support.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The one who has self-respect is the one who is free from aggression. When the situation seems out of control, there is naturally a feeling of helplessness. This helplessness further creates tension, which gets expressed in the form of aggression. Such a kind of aggression cannot be suppressed or controlled. To be in the state of one's own self- respect is to be confident and the one who is confident will be assertive but can never be aggressive. We are able to keep our mind cool, when we are in our state of self-respect. So we never react to situations negatively but we are able to understand the situation and respond in the right way. We take decisions in a calm and composed state of mind, and are relaxed and easy even in the most difficult situations.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When I finish this project, then I will be happy! When this situation is resolved, I will be fine. When I reach my goal, I will finally relax, be peaceful! To surf in the Ocean is to understand where the waves are coming from and which ones to take. Maybe what life is asking of you is different from the responses you were trained to give to it. To be successful in the Ocean needs effort and positioning. Catch the right wave. The objective of the surfer is to enjoy the ride, to have fun. In the same way, do not postpone your happiness; enjoy whatever comes your way.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

When there is real transformation we never repeat our mistakes. When any mistake of ours keeps repeating again and again, it becomes part of our nature, a habit and then we make it an excuse and defend ourselves saying, 'this is just the way I am, this is my nature, etc.' When we justify our mistake we will not be able to work on it to remove it and we find that it is only further strengthened. Once we have recognised the fact that our nature has become such that the mistake keeps repeating again and again, we need to make an attempt to change it without giving any excuse to ourselves or to others. Unless our attitude towards the mistake changes, i.e. we stop justifying it, we will not be able to do away with it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

A wise sea captain caught in a tropical storm knows that if he holds his vessel on the periphery it will get hurled from one side to the other. If he can reach the eye of the storm, he will enter a place of stillness. The storm will then subside and the ship can continue its journey. Similarly, when everything around me is changing in a very intense way, the best place for me to seek shelter and refuge is not on the outside, but deep within the self, where I can get in touch with my own inner being, find strength and stability, then come out and do whatever it is I need to.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The habit of thinking positive finishes negative. Just as it has become a habit of thinking negative, a positive habit when created will naturally bring about a change. A little practice and attention to form a habit of thinking positive will reveal its result of creating an influence of positivity. The situations will not change on their own, but the habit that has been formed will bring about a change in the response and will change the situation too. Usually it becomes very difficult or sometimes impossible for us to think positive in difficult situations. At that time, although we want to, the response that emerges from within is based on the habit that is formed previously. So when we make the habit of constantly and consciously thinking positive, we then become free from the struggle of having to change our mind to positive in difficult situations.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

To be free from guilt means to ensure quick and easy progress. Blaming oneself for all that happens and taking the mind to extreme levels of guilt takes one to a sense of unworthiness. Such a person loses the strength and is unable to look for solutions in difficult situations. Hence there is nothing new that can be thought of, and the situation doesn't get any better. When we continue to blame ourselves, we believe that we deserve neither happiness nor love and that the sorrow that we are experiencing is a deserved punishment. So we lose all enthusiasm to improve the situation and have no awareness of the treasures that we have. So we experience no progress in our life.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Faith enables one to bring solutions to problems. When problems come, we tend to overreact to it or exaggerate it to such an extent that it becomes a trap for us. Instead of working on the problem we fall a prey to it making all our thoughts negative. Once we are caught up in negativity we will neither look for, nor find solutions. Each thought of ours is important when working on a problem. Instead of making our thoughts negative, we need to remind ourselves that what we are going through is a test which we must pass with honor. When we have this thought, all our energy will be focused on working to bring a solution.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Determination enables elevated thoughts to become practical. When we have an aim in our life and are working for it, we sometimes are not able to bring into practice all that we plan to do. We then tend to become disheartened and give up after trying for some time. Thus we lose out on the benefit that our thoughts can bring in our life. In order to put into practice the good thoughts that we get i.e., in order to make our thoughts practical we need to stamp it with determination. Our words should never be 'I'll try', but must always be 'I will do it'. Where there is determination there is victory.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Where there is honesty there is flexibility. When someone challenges the truth of what we are saying we generally tend to argue and prove our point in order to prove ourselves right. When we argue in this way, it only shows our own stubbornness and doesn't help in anyway to reveal the truth. Where silence doesn't help in revealing the truth, argument never will because the other person is not in a position to listen to us at that moment. We need to realise the fact that when the other person is not able to recognise the truth, our arguing will not help in any way. When the truth is with us we need not argue but we only need to wait for the right opportunity to talk what we have to say. When we try to talk when the other person is not in a position to listen to us, it only reveals our lack of flexibility.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

To spread the rays of happiness is to be optimistic. The one who is optimistic is able to spread the rays of happiness all around. Never does he stop or move back with life's challenges. On the other hand, he has the courage and determination to move on making the best out of the situation. Others too are encouraged seeing his faith. When he is optimistic he understands that there is something good that is hidden in everything that happens. He is able to enjoy seeing only this positive aspect, filling himself with positivity and the happiness spreads around and touches the lives of those around.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Don't be afraid of your sins. Because God will never stop loving you. He knows that love keeps a child growing. So just keep thinking of what He wants you to do, and do it.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

The power of realization brings permanent transformation. To have the power of realization means to have the power to understand what is right and to have the commitment to the right thing. So, if a mistake is committed, when there is the realization, there is easy and permanent transformation. So the same mistake is never committed again. When we have the power of realization, we will never experience difficulty in bringing about a change, because we have actually understood the importance of bringing about change.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Courage brings success. Even after repeated trials and failures, when one does not lose courage, there is the ability to go on trying till success is achieved. Courage comes with the understanding that there is surely a way out. So a lot more effort is put in to find the right way. Success, which had been eluding for a long time will be finally attained. When we have courage, we have hope. We will not give up the task mid way, but will put in continued effort. Because of this there is no difficulty experienced even whilst putting in extra effort but we do everything with enthusiasm and happiness. So nothing seems difficult and we easily move towards success.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Flexibility makes problems into teachers. Flexibility enables us to move with time, slipping through life as gently and strongly as possible. When problems do come, instead of stopping with fear, we will be able to learn from them and move on, experiencing constant progress. In any problem that we are faced with we need to remind ourselves that the situations around us will not remain the same, things might get worse too. If we are able to be flexible now we will be able to adjust ourselves to any kind of situation that we might be faced with in the future too.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

The biggest gift is the gift of virtues. Through out the day, each individual is involved in a series of activities. A simple thought to give the gift of virtues makes even ordinary actions special. Each act becomes special and the fragrance of this speciality spreads around and touches the lives of others too. Such an individual is able to contribute to every task with his own speciality and bring success in the task too. When we are able to express and give the gift of our virtues, we are able to attain satisfaction with whatever we get to do. This satisfaction brings in us the inner urge to contribute some more. We achieve success outwardly too since we have actually been able to experience inner success. Our relations with others are also harmonious and whatever task we do along with the others brings a productive result.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

To have a positive outlook is to remain in peace. The more one hears and talks about positive things, the more one is able to be free from negative influences. The environment today doesn't give much of a chance for hearing to positivity because of the continuous flow of news about conflict and violence. But changing the theme of conversation and talking about what life gives is to change the responses to the world in a more positive way. When we have a positive outlook, it creates in us hope and enthusiasm for the future. We also have a more positive view of the present reality. We remain in peace, whatever the challenges or negative situations we may have to face. We are able to be in touch with the inner peace and maintain this state of mind under all circumstances.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Wisdom is to recognize an obstacle from a distance and be prepared for it. Our wisdom enables us to recognize the obstacles in advance and be prepared for them. In this state there'll be no fear even while seeing these obstacles. Also, wisdom is not just to go on hoping things will be all right but to make preparations knowing well the dangers ahead. We should make our mental state in such a way that we are always alert. Our preparation should be such that whatever the situation we might have to face, we are ready. When we make preparations in this way we will be able to handle every situation that comes up without any fear.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

The one with true mercy fills hope even in the ones who are hopeless. When we see someone who is in need or who is totally negative, a case that is totally hopeless, there are a lot of feelings aroused within us. What we feel is pity or hatred, which are only negative feelings. Such negative thoughts don't help in anyway and the person remains as he is, unable to take any benefit from us. Instead of having pity or hatred we need to develop true mercy for others. To have mercy means to have good wishes with love - combined with hope for them. It is our hope that enables them to develop faith in themselves too.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

Learning to turn my thoughts away from all my responsibilities at the day's end and take my mind into a state of peace and benevolence enables me to carry greater and greater loads without feeling the burden. When my inner landscape is full of beautiful thoughts, everything I do is a pleasure. Gently, I calm down chaotic situations and offer solace to troubled minds.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

To be seated on the seat of self-respect is to use virtues in life. It usually seems very difficult to use the virtues within us when the people around are not doing so. At such times using negativity seems much easier. In spite of not having that particular weakness predominantly, say of anger, when there is provocation from the outside we tend to react with that weakness. In order to free ourselves from weaknesses and work with the virtues within us we need to make sure we are seated on the seat of self-respect. For this we need to recognize and appreciate some speciality within us. When we are in the awareness of this speciality of ours, we will be able to stabilize ourselves in the state of our self-respect.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

To keep the aim in front of us is to move forward with contentment. Several times there are situations that are negative where we have to face things that are not really what we are expecting or wanting. At such times we tend to get disheartened and experience discontentment. Our state of mind becomes such that we can no longer experience peace. The solution at such times is to keep our vision clear on our aim. When all our thoughts and energy are concentrated on our aim, we will be able to consider any negative scene that comes our way as only a side-scene. We can easily ignore all such situations and so our mind is at rest or peace.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

The one who is joyful is the one who is free from tiredness. When we are able to enjoy the colour and beauty of life, we are able to be free from tiredness. We are able to appreciate the variety that life brings. No difficult circumstance or situation takes away the inner spirit and so we are able to be fresh and joyful. Even in a difficult situation we need to remind ourselves that we can only enjoy the beauty of life if we are able to appreciate equally all that life brings. As much as we enjoy success, we also need to enjoy learning from our failures.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

The more honest we are in our dealings with others, the more we are trusted. Honesty is very deep. It is common for people to say one thing and feel another, which, of course in not honesty. Honesty is only possible when we check our conscience and remain true to our highest values. Making our heart honest in this way brings the blessing of being deeply trusted by others.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.

Words are effective when truth is combined with sweetness. It is usually believed that when we speak the truth, we need to be frank and outspoken. And with this attitude we sometimes tend to become harsh in our words too. We believe that only when we are assertive in this way, will our words be effective. But practically it is found that when our words are without sweetness we will only find temporary results. In order to have lasting effect when we have to give correction to someone we need to take care that there is sweetness in our attitude and voice too. Only then will there be the desired effect in the words that we speak and we will find people bringing about change in themselves.

~ Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu