Human evolution and upliftment of consciousness do not come about through cultural or technological advance, but more by the blessing of spiritual unfoldment. In this sacred process, the Master-disciple relationship is paramount, so much so that it is known as the highest of all relationships on earth. It is the Guru who helps awaken the sleeping consciousness within each soul to the eternal Truth, the Oneness of the Divine and all creation. The Guru brings each soul a vision for an awakened life, based upon spiritual principles, through Satsang, Spiritual Retreats and personal guidance.

– Swami Amar Jyoti

The Buddhist scriptures say that if you hate others, nothing happens to the hated person, something happens to you, to your mind, to your heart. You can learn to love somebody, even one whom you hate, by understanding that he is a human being like you. Who am I to hate that person? Stop hurting and hating others, for it injures you. If you constantly injure yourself, it can lead you to an action that can never be forgiven by your own mind, by your own conscience. You are constantly killing your conscience. Stop doing that.

– Swami Rama

 Pic: ARCFLY

 by

Melanie Lenart

Urban forests can help keep cities within a healthy temperature range, although the exact temperature reduction from urban forests is difficult to measure. The extent of the effect varies in space and in time, which complicates the issue, but large parks or tracts of urban trees can cool daytime summer air temperatures by about 10°F (McPherson and Simpson 1995).

Increasing the green cover of cities by 10% or more could help temper the local temperature rise projected for coming decades as climate change manifests (Gill et al. 2007).

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After every happiness comes misery; they may be far apart or near. The more advanced the soul, the more quickly does one follow the other. What we want is neither happiness nor misery. Both make us forget our true nature; both are chains–one iron, one gold; behind both is the Atman, who knows neither happiness nor misery. These are states, and states must ever change; but the nature of the Atman is bliss, peace, unchanging. We have not to get it, we have it; only wash away the dross and see it.

-Swami Vivekananda

It is so wonderful to be in tune with God and to
trust in Him implicitly, being content wherever He
places you and whatever He makes of you, accepting
all with humility and devotion.

–Paramahansa Yogananda, “Self-Realization Magazine”

Children tell stories, but in their tales are enfolded many a mystery and moral lesson. Though they may relate many ridiculous things, keep looking in those ruined places for a treasure.

– Rumi
(researched by Sukhwani)

Simplicity

We make too much of feeling, even admitting that
the right kind of feeling is very enjoyable. What does it
matter how you feel? Bear your lot as long as it is the
will of God that you should do so. Act rightly, and in
due time the right feeling of peace and joy will come.

–Sri Gyanamata, “God Alone: The Life and Letters
of a Saint”