Self Development In the context of spirituality and a practical approach TCS Learning Centre, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 18/July/2013 – 2/August/2013

2 सम्बोधयति Cause to wake up Awake (verb) to come or bring to an awareness; become cognizant

3 Evolution Life on Earth - millions of years Human species on Earth - 200,000 years Natural process Participate

4 Change What is Nature trying to achieve with Evolution - Change Next stage of Evolution for me? - To Become Can I intervene? Natural

5 What is Best for me? Recognize Highest GOAL Find the best way to reach it Achieve it ASAP.

6 Inner Universe Become one with that which we are beyond physical existence Consciously continue our Inner journey Through the heart, we explore an inner universe Spiritual Journey is infinite and full of wonder The kingdom of God is within you. - Luke 17:22

7 Work to Achieve There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way and not starting - Buddha No one can save us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path - Buddha

8 Worldly Accomplishments Beliefs Values Inner Self Character Attitude Personality Education Talents Hobbies Career Experience Skills Importance Attention Difficulty Realize Full Potential

9 Divine in us

10 How do you best describe yourself to the question "Who am I?“ I am potentially Divine or I am Soul7.18% I help others and am a good Human Being35.91% I am student of life- learner, listener, admirer29.28% I am ambitious, want to succeed and have power someday25.41% I am not confident, lazy, confused, not serious2.21% Do you believe in a Higher power or God or Nature? Yes96.69% No3.31% Your answers

11 Are you Religious or Spiritual? Religious17.68% Spiritual62.43% Not Sure16.02% None 3.87% Do you believe there is a simple relationship between creator and creation? Yes77.35% No 8.84% Maybe13.81% Your answers

12 How can you experience or nurture a relationship with the Higher power or God? Prayer/Worship 7.18% Be a good Human Being43.09% Meditation 5.52% All the above44.20% Your answers

13 Life is short, let’s work smart 1.Yama – abstention from harming others, from falsehood, from theft, from incontinence, and from greed; 2.Niyama- observance of purity contentment, mortification, self study, devotion to God; 3.Asanas- postures; 4.Pranayama- control of the breath; 5.Pratyahara- withdrawal of the mind from the senses and external objects; 6.Dharana- concentration, or fixing the mind; 7.Dyana – meditation on the goal 8.Samadhi – perfect balance as in the spiritual condition of absolute or bliss

14 Spirituality and Meditation Science that deals with “Spirit” within Preparing for change – Changing from what we are, to what we have to become To think continuously about one thing Object of Meditation that which we wish to achieve Meditate to become something Meditation is waiting

15 Methods Systematic, methodical approach to Inner Development Brahma Kumaris The Art of Living Vipassana Transcendental Meditation Meditation by Vivekanand Meditation by Osho Natural Path Meditation by Krishnamurthy Methods evolve over time

16 Inner Quest Brahma Kumaris Means “daughters of brahma” Based on Raja Yoga different from classical Raja Yoga of Patanjali Meditate with the help of an image on a screen in a semi-dark room with open eyes min session sometimes aided by music Practice Self development and inner transformation

17 Hidden Mystery - By Fred Burks In the deepest depths of you and me In the deepest depths of we Lies the most beautiful jewel Shining forth eternally Within that precious jewel Within that priceless piece of we Lies a time beyond all time Lies a place beyond all space

18 Inner Quest The Art of Living Present moment is inevitable Expectations reduce the joy What you resist persists Based on mantra Mantra is chosen based on age, occupation and inclination 20 min in the morning and 20 min in the evening Emphasis lies on relaxation and silence Practice

19 Inner Quest Natural Path Realization of our True nature Role of Guide Transmission Morning Meditation Evening Cleaning Bedtime Prayer Balanced Existence Idea of Samskara Practice

20 Commonality of different techniques Quiet Mind Being in the present Consciousness Global Caste, Creed, Religion no bar Guided by Guru or Teacher

21 So, How to choose a system of Meditation? “When a student is ready, a teacher appears?” You are ready if: A life of wonder and inquiry An introspective nature Some understanding of spirituality The willingness to practice How to recognize the Teacher & recognize a suitable system for me? Feeling created due to Self Transformation Practical, does not require drastic change in lifestyle Can the Teacher be my role model Try sincerely for 3-6 months

22 Our Deepest Fear.. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness That most frightens us. …… …. - By Marianne Williamson

23 In closing Arise, Awake and Stop Not till the Goal is reached