Notion Press Old No. 38, New No. 6 McNichols Road, Chetpet Chennai - 600 031 First Published by Notion Press 2018 Copyright © Dr. K.V. Indulekha 2018 All Rights Reserved. ISBN 978-1-64249-003-9 This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. No part of this book shall be used, reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The Author of this book is solely responsible and liable for its content including but not limited to the views, representations, descriptions, statements, information, opinions and references [“Content”]. The Content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the Publisher or Editor. Neither the Publisher nor Editor endorse or approve the Content of this book or guarantee the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the Content published herein and do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose. The Publisher and Editor shall not be liable whatsoever for any errors, omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause or claims for loss or damages of any kind, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of use, inability to use, or about the reliability, accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in this book. Contents Acknowledgement vii Ashtavakra Gita ix His Holiness xi Dr. K.V. Indulekha xiii Preface xv 1. Introduction 1 2. The Five Principles 5 3. The Secrets of Elements 9 4. You Are Not the Doer 12 5. You Are Free Right Now 15 6. Fountain of Joy 19 7. Everything is God 22 8. Without Conflict Rejoice in the Self 26 9. Ego Dissolves in Love 29 10. Storms of Emotion 32 11. Give Everything and Take Nothing 35 12. The Nature of the Mind 38 13. Fear is Like Salt 42 Contents 14. Drop All Conflict 45 15. Dissolving the Doer 48 16. Three Types of Purity 51 17. Honouring the Secret 55 18. Be Happy and Dispassionate 59 19. Without You Where Will I Be? 63 20. Repose in Being 66 21. Letting Go off Worries 73 22. Live In Amazement 79 23. Stepping into the Big Mind 83 24. The Secret of Mistakes 85 25. Acting Spontaneously 89 26. Prana, Faith and Doubt 93 27. I Am In All These Forms 97 28. Seva and the Art of Enthusiasm 102 29. You Have What You Seek 105 30. Your Nature Is Gratefulness 108 31. Free Of Wanting 112 32. Uncovering Bliss 117 33. Living in the Centre 122 vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Be a light house of knowledge” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ranaams to my Gurudev H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The whole book is an inspirational gift from my PGurudev. All the parts of the book relating to Ashtavakra Gita are taken from the commentary given by Gurudev on the book. Gurudev’s mere presence motivates us to do different things at different times. The motivation gently touches us and directs us to the goal. How Gurudev does this is a mystery. I deeply express my gratitude to Gurudev for his inexpressed motivation and guidance in the preparation of this book. Words are insufficient for its expression. The word ‘Gurudev’ is mentioned in a number of places in this book and those denote H.H. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Kindly take note of it. ‘Jai Gurudev’ DR. K.V. INDULEKHA ASHTAVAKRA GITA he Ashtavakra Gita or the song of Ashtavakra is a classical Advaida Vedanta scripture. It is written as Ta dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and Janaka, King of Mithila. The dialogue encompasses the nature of soul, reality, bondage and related topics. Ashtavakra is probably identical to the holy sage with the same name who appears in Mahabharata though the connection is not clearly stated in any of the texts. Janaka is identified as the father of Sita (of Ramayana) and disciple of sage, Yajnavalkya of Brihadranyaka Upanishad. Janaka is also depicted as a king who had attained perfection, in the Bhagwad Gita (III,20,25). Translations’ and commentaries were done by few authors. Gurudev H.H. Sri Sri. Ravi Shankar has given commentaries on Ashtavakra Gita in English and Hindi Languages. Ashtavakra Gita Ashtavakra Gita commentaries given by Gurudev H.H. Sri Sri. Ravi Shankar is very enlightening and extraordinary. Gurudev has dealt it elaborately and descriptively. Commentaries on the said topics are dealt in 33 chapters by Gurudev. Here Ashtavakra Gita examines the mind, ego, conflict and self with unparalleled insight and depth that only a Master can offer. His Holiness skillfully weaves together ancient knowledge, classic stories and practical wisdom into captivating talks, making the Ashtavakra Gita an invaluable tool and companion for the earnest seeker of truth. Answers to the following questions namely 1. How can I gain knowledge? 2. How can I attain freedom? 3. How can I cultivate dispassion? are dealt in a direct way throughout the book. It is needless to say that knowledge, freedom and dispassion are the gateways for bliss. x His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Gurudev) is Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a Universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His Hvision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world. Born in 1956 in Southern India, Sri Sri was often found deep in meditation as a child. At the age of four, he astonished his teachers by reciting the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit Scripture. His Holiness He has always had the unique gift of presenting the deepest truths in the simplest of words. Sri Sri established the Art of Living, an educational and humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation that works in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 1981. Present in over 155 countries, it formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations. In 1997, he founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) to foster human values and lead sustainable development projects. Sri Sri has reached out to more than 300 million people worldwide through personal interactions, public events, teachings, Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives. He has brought to the masses ancient practices which were traditionally kept exclusive, and has designed many self development techniques which can easily be integrated into daily life to calm the mind and instill confidence and enthusiasm. One of Sri Sri’s most unique offerings to the world is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that facilitates physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. Numerous honours have been bestowed upon Sri Sri, including National and International. xii Dr. K.V. Indulekha Dr. K.V. Indulekha with Gurudev Sri. Sri. Ravi Shankar. r. K.V. Indulekha took her Degree and Post Graduation in Child Development from DAvinashilingham University, Coimbatore. She did her Doctoral Degree at Department of Psychology, University of Madras and obtained her Ph.D in Developmental Psychology in 1978. She has served for 22 years as faculty St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Teaching PG Students of Child Development and Research Guide (Masters & Doctoral) from 1978 on wards. She has successfully guided 10 Doctoral and 65 Masters dissertations. She was the Principal of Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science, Chennai for 6 years from 2001. She was the Chairperson and member of various University commissions and committees. Major ones are Dr. K.V. Indulekha 1. Member co-ordinator NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), under UGC. 2. Member, Research Board of Advisors American Biographical Institute. The same Institute has given her ‘Woman of the Year Award’ for her socially committed services. Dr. Indulekha was serving as Academic Dean in Nehru Arts & Science College, Coimbatore for 4 years from 2008 onwards. She was given Appreciation Award & Best Mentor Award by the college. She acts as subject expert and resource person in Child and Adolescent Development & Psychology, Education and Parent Child Relations. Being part of Art of Living Foundation she serves the people for the upliftment of the society. As part of her committement to the society she had written and got published two books 1) Easy Children for Peaceful society 2) Teaching Manual for All Teachers – Poorna Publication, Calicut – 2016. Two more books are ready for publication with the topics related to Social and Self upliftment, based on the knowledge imparted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. xiv PREFACE ‘A person who is content from within never thinks of creating trouble for somebody else.’ – Gurudev Sri. Sri. Ravi Shankar ostly people are ‘I’ or Self centered in the present scenario-cordiality is limited, caring and sharing Mboth limited, compassion is limited and sympathy and empathy are limited. These limited and scarcity for all the positive qualities lead each person to a state of discomfort and unhappiness. It is time for us to analyse and touch upon the impediments of positivity in thought and behavior. The solutions are there as flickering lights for sure. The present mind set of the people are very discouraging. No doubt one to one concern, care and sincerity are qualities being in extinction. Though these are not the commodities readily available in the market, inducing these in human mind may seem to be a little difficult.