Heaven and Hell
There is a concept of a heaven and a hell that is separate and in a distant place which is reachable only after death. In some religions, there are not one but 7 heavens and 7 hells. These heavens and hells are misunderstood by many to be actual physical locations. Perhaps they are planes of awareness.
On a more mundane level, we are aware of our body and a limited portion of the mind with which we consciously interact. When the body is healthy we don’t feel its presence. Similarly when the mind is in equilibrium, we don’t feel the weight of our thoughts. This is a state of being in heaven. We should always be thankful not just by saying or thinking about it, but we can really thank existence by working even harder and contributing to the growth of the world. Heaven equals growth, not just the personal kind but also the universal one.
When we fall sick, we are near the gates of hell. The body becomes a burden, thoughts become heavy and unbearable and we may start to burden others as well. We feel unhappy and dejected with life. This is a state of being in hell. Heaven and hell are like mirrors. Just as we cannot enter a mirror physically but we can see a reflection, we cannot physically enter separate heaven or hell. How our life is today determines whether we are in heaven or hell.
These are some simple steps we can take to remain in the heaven of the present.
Say thanks at the minimum every day and as often as you like during the day.
Do every activity with great happiness. Walk in happiness, eat in happiness, go to bed in happiness. This is in your hands, all it takes is an effort to make a shift in mindset.
Don’t entertain any negative thoughts, and avoid negative actions.
Don’t disturb others. Everyone has their own journey and each one’s journey is customized to an individual plan. We may not understand the big picture, but everyone is equally important in that picture.
Don’t entertain jealousy or comparison with others.
When the body has health and energy, don’t avoid work or procrastinate. Every moment is precious and time is not our property. We are the property of time.
When we lose something, we consider it a personal loss. Similarly, when we create a loss for others, it is a loss for the entire world. We must not forget that we are a product of Nature and we are being supported by Nature. If we cannot create something good, at least do no harm. Staying neutral is by itself a great service. It will help us understand ourselves.
God helps in ways we may consider as small and insignificant. Hence, we miss that helping hand in our lives. It takes great awareness to recognize, appreciate and offer gratitude for the tiniest assistance someone may render. Think that such assistance is coming directly from God.
Whatever you do, ensure it has some use for others, big or small it does not matter. The effort to help is more important than the result.
Nature is so helpful in warning us about upcoming dangers. For example, a whirlpool warns boaters about the dangers of coming close to it. It can be seen easily, and if ignored it may turn and capsize a big boat. But humans don’t take the time or effort to help others by advising and warning them of upcoming dangers and difficulties. Traditionally, elders played this role in our lives. Nowadays, their advice is being shunned. There are many hidden dangers in life that elders with experience may be able to help the younger generation.
When we have been given a sound mind and a healthy body, do not complain that you are poor.
Have satisfaction, practice kindness and contentment. That is a shortcut to heaven.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
April 28, 2019
On a more mundane level, we are aware of our body and a limited portion of the mind with which we consciously interact. When the body is healthy we don’t feel its presence. Similarly when the mind is in equilibrium, we don’t feel the weight of our thoughts. This is a state of being in heaven. We should always be thankful not just by saying or thinking about it, but we can really thank existence by working even harder and contributing to the growth of the world. Heaven equals growth, not just the personal kind but also the universal one.
When we fall sick, we are near the gates of hell. The body becomes a burden, thoughts become heavy and unbearable and we may start to burden others as well. We feel unhappy and dejected with life. This is a state of being in hell. Heaven and hell are like mirrors. Just as we cannot enter a mirror physically but we can see a reflection, we cannot physically enter separate heaven or hell. How our life is today determines whether we are in heaven or hell.
These are some simple steps we can take to remain in the heaven of the present.
Say thanks at the minimum every day and as often as you like during the day.
Do every activity with great happiness. Walk in happiness, eat in happiness, go to bed in happiness. This is in your hands, all it takes is an effort to make a shift in mindset.
Don’t entertain any negative thoughts, and avoid negative actions.
Don’t disturb others. Everyone has their own journey and each one’s journey is customized to an individual plan. We may not understand the big picture, but everyone is equally important in that picture.
Don’t entertain jealousy or comparison with others.
When the body has health and energy, don’t avoid work or procrastinate. Every moment is precious and time is not our property. We are the property of time.
When we lose something, we consider it a personal loss. Similarly, when we create a loss for others, it is a loss for the entire world. We must not forget that we are a product of Nature and we are being supported by Nature. If we cannot create something good, at least do no harm. Staying neutral is by itself a great service. It will help us understand ourselves.
God helps in ways we may consider as small and insignificant. Hence, we miss that helping hand in our lives. It takes great awareness to recognize, appreciate and offer gratitude for the tiniest assistance someone may render. Think that such assistance is coming directly from God.
Whatever you do, ensure it has some use for others, big or small it does not matter. The effort to help is more important than the result.
Nature is so helpful in warning us about upcoming dangers. For example, a whirlpool warns boaters about the dangers of coming close to it. It can be seen easily, and if ignored it may turn and capsize a big boat. But humans don’t take the time or effort to help others by advising and warning them of upcoming dangers and difficulties. Traditionally, elders played this role in our lives. Nowadays, their advice is being shunned. There are many hidden dangers in life that elders with experience may be able to help the younger generation.
When we have been given a sound mind and a healthy body, do not complain that you are poor.
Have satisfaction, practice kindness and contentment. That is a shortcut to heaven.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
April 28, 2019
