Boredom & Love

Recently, someone sent me an image from the internet, and though I’m not sure who created it, I am grateful to its maker. The image made me reflect deeply on what it represents.

Boredom, to me, indicates a disconnection of the mind from the SELF.

We all experience boredom from time to time, largely because we tend to connect our minds to external things for happiness. For example, we watch our favorite movie or eat ice cream to feel happy.

A person who relies entirely on external sources for happiness is easily bored. When they don’t get what they want, boredom sets in, leading to a downward spiral of emotions and attitudes.

On the other hand, the upward spiral occurs when the mind is connected to the SELF and actively engaged in positive worldly work.

As the mind becomes more and more connected to the SELF, it starts to realize an innate joy, allowing one to be happy in all circumstances.

As this connection deepens and the mind works toward the welfare of others, love grows. This growth of love springs forth unexpected courage—the courage to do the right thing—as the mind begins to identify less with itself and the body. This, I believe, is true courage.

It stems from the growing realization that *I am that SELF*, and thus, I am not disturbed by emotional distractions or the pursuit of bodily pleasures and avoidance of pain.

I believe it is essential to teach our children about the “physics” of emotions—understanding what causes emotions—and to cultivate in them the character to say “No” to things that create the illusion that happiness comes from outside.

When should we start teaching our kids? Ideally, right from the moment we decide we want children, even before conception. But it’s better late than never. How we are as individuals shapes and transforms our kids. That’s the foundation.

It’s no easy task, but it is essential.

#CitizenKK

#Kamaraj

#Love

#Boredom

#Depression

What does it mean to be a renunciate?

துறந்தார் பெருமை துணைக்கூறின் வையத்து

இறந்தாரை எண்ணிக்கொண் டற்று.

If we are to describe the greatness of a person who is a renunciate, it is equivalent to counting the number of people who have died in this world.

#Thirukkural

I have been pondering over this profound verse from the Thirukkural for a while now.

A renunciate is often misunderstood as someone who gives up worldly things. However, true renunciation goes beyond merely abandoning material possessions. In fact, someone who leads an ethical family life often contributes more to society than those who claim to have renounced everything worldly but live as half-saints.

A renunciate is one who understands the true nature of relationships and, therefore, is mentally and emotionally free from the notion that external things, actions, results, or people can provide a sense of completion/emotion. Such a person can enjoy riches, fame, and all that life offers without being bound by them.

When we attempt to do something to quell a restless feeling within us, we often end up aggravating that restlessness. Ambiguous priorities can cause us to lose sight of the purpose of life and the essence of our character. It is my ardent wish that we all succeed in this journey of life, moving towards our next destination, whatever it may be.

When we act from a place of clear values, understanding that nothing outside can complete us because we are already complete, our work shines. More importantly, it does not bind or enslave us.

Sincerely wishing all of us such a condition! 🙏🏾👍

Create a beautiful day!

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj #Renunciate

Desire and Self - Pondering!

Acting on the urge to feel pleasure and the ensuing drive to extract that pleasure, anchoring it within the confines of this body, often fixes the body as the boundary of one’s existence. This fixation is one of the causes of division and conflict.

But there’s a reality to keeping the body alive. So, how do I distinguish between seeking pleasure and simply sustaining life? Or is there no natural division between them, and pleasure, like pain, is just part of the experience of being alive?

I think the division arises from desire. Desire differentiates between the experience of pleasure and pleasure itself, solidifying an identity that mistakenly believes, "I am this body."

But who creates this desire? Who am I? And how are desire and the urge to feel pleasure connected?

These questions point to the core of human experience. The urge for pleasure seems to arise naturally, a part of the body’s innate drive for survival and well-being. Yet, when desire takes hold, it transforms this natural urge into something more complex—an identity-based pursuit that can lead to conflict, both within ourselves and with others.

Desire, in this sense, is not just about the physical sensation of pleasure; it is about the attachment to that sensation, the belief that fulfilling this desire will bring lasting satisfaction. This attachment strengthens the illusion that we are defined by our bodies and the pleasures they seek.

But if we can observe this process, if we can question who it is that desires, perhaps we can start to see beyond the illusion. Perhaps we can find a way to experience pleasure and pain as they are—parts of life—without letting them define who we are.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj

#Desire

#Buddha