How empty is your mind’s cup? If it has been full or worries, anxieties, concepts, theories, frustrations, unproductive thoughts so far, would this not be a right time to empty it? So how can you empty it? In this week’s knowledge post, we share priceless pearls of wisdom from the global spiritual Master and humanitarian leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the International Association For Human Values.
“When the mind is restless, no matter what the answer is, it does not get in. When your mind is quiet, just a sign is good enough and you will pick up the answer, for you are the source of all answers. When you are quiet, then, the answers come up from within you. That is why, a few moments of relaxation are essential. Whatever answer you give a restless person, they will say, ‘Okay! But…’, and then they go on changing topics. This is the sign of a mind which is so filled with ideas and concepts, that there is no place for new wisdom or knowledge to enter in. The same thing happened with a Master and a disciple. A disciple came to a Master, and he was asking question after question, but was not satisfied with any answer that the master gave. Finally, the master said, ‘Come! Let us have tea.’ So the master started pouring tea in the cup of the disciple. The cup got full but he kept pouring. The tea overflowed from the cup and spilled on the table, and the floor. The student asked, ‘Master, why are you doing this? The cup is full. You can see the tea spilling all over the carpet!’ The Master smiled and said, ‘That is what the situation is. Your cup is so full that it has no more space to take anymore, but you want more. First, empty your cup, drink what you have.’
The ancient seers or Rishis in the ancient philosophical texts (Vedas) have said, ‘Shravana’, first listen, and then ‘Manana’, i.e., contemplate about it. Then make it your own. Don’t believe anything because someone says it. Simultaneously, don’t discard what anyone says. After speaking all the 700 verses included in Bhagvad Geeta, (The most important and source doctrine out there on the philosophy of Karma), Krishna says, ‘Look Arjuna(Krishna’s disciple, family and friend whom he is known to have revealed the wisdom of Geeta to),I have said it all. You think about it. If you find it suitable, take it.’
That is what needs to be given, freedom of thought, freedom of opinion, freedom of belief and faith. So, first listen, and then contemplate on it. Then, make it your own experience. Then, that becomes wisdom.”
About The Author
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader and a spiritual master who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.
Named one of the “Seven Most Powerful People in India,” by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60-year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited with bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.
“Sudarshan Kriya,” the meditation technique introduced by Sri Sri is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.
(Here’s what you can do to start being peaceful)
