Dr. UPDHYA has a PhD and previously worked in a professional engineering college at Bangalore University, enjoying her time of mutual learning with her students and colleagues. She is a Heartfulness trainer, and feels that much joy and wisdom in life can be found by connecting with others through everyday moments and being open to learning from them.

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Sarala Upadhya

<h4>SARALA UPADHYA reflects on the profound experience of confinement—from astronauts stranded on the International Space Station to our own yearning for freedom—and explores how ancient wisdom and modern spirituality guide us toward creating a new world rooted in interconnectedness, compassion, and universal belonging.</h4>When astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the International Space Station for months, they lived in a confined space, coping with limited movements and other activities that we usually take for granted on Earth. How many times must they have longed to return to Mother Earth, a free world filled with love and belonging?Our situation—living on Earth while yearning to return to our true home, our ultimate spiritual source—may be similar to what astronauts have experienced during their space missions. I often contemplate the real meaning of “freedom.” Is it the freedom of physical movement or the ability to travel on a mental plane at speeds exceeding that of light? I start thinking whether “freedom” means simply being free from emotional baggage. Is freedom merely the removal of impressions through the Heartfulness practice of Cleaning—those accumulated emotional residues, both remembered and forgotten? Does freedom mean having no more desires to hinder our progress toward our ultimate spiritual goal? Is there another world we can slide into to enjoy that freedom?Then, there are unimaginable situations of suffering that we face in various parts of our world. Will we ever be able to break off the shackles of grief, anger, hatred, greed, violence, passion, and resentment that surround us? Are peace, love, faith, and other positive feelings now beyond our reach in this world?Just as I was groping around in darkness with all my thoughts and imaginings like a lost child, this message from Babuji’s Commentary on the Ten Maxims (Maxim Six) came to me as a guiding light:“This world is in fact a reflection of the other world. When this one is molded properly, its effect extends on to the other world whose reflection it is, and that too will begin to get purified. This will greatly smoothen our task and help us further in the attainment of the Ideal. Our success here will lead to our success there.” —BabujiThe lesson is simple: we don’t need to escape to another world to find freedom. The “other world” Babuji describes represents the subtle inner realms that exist within us. By purifying ourselves here in this material world, we simultaneously purify and access those higher realms within. The freedom we are craving is not far away—it is right here. The notion of separateness that I once imagined is an illusion. This world and those inner worlds are interconnected from the beginning. Through faith and love, we purify ourselves in this world, and as we do, differences fade away and we find ourselves at home right here. Once we accept that we do not have to go anywhere to find this freedom, we can also see the joy of creating and living in the new world within our reach.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">The Web of Interconnectedness</h4>Interconnectedness is the key principle in creating a new world characterized by compassion, love, and acceptance, among many other human qualities. It is fundamental to all religions and spiritual traditions around the world.The Upanishads, foundational texts of Indian philosophy, describe the interconnectedness between the Creator and all that exists in creation. “sarvam khalvidam brahman,” found in the Chandogya Upanishad (3.14.1), states that everything—living beings, non-living things, and everything that one can imagine to be present in this Universe—is a manifestation of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality.There are many such statements found in other Upanishads that reflect the deep spiritual truth of interconnectedness realized, sustained, and strengthened by meditations on that “Oneness.” The beauty of this idea extends beyond the relationship between the Universal and the individual; it spreads, expands, and influences all those around us as well. The Maha Upanishad expresses this as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (6.71-73), introducing the principle of universal family.The Bhagavad Gita offers this wondrous description of interconnectedness:sarva-bhūta-stham ātmānaṁ sarva-bhūtāni ca ātmani īkṣate yoga-yuktātmā sarvatra sama-darśanaḥ (6.25)“The yogi who has a balanced view perceives the Universal Presence in all individual beings. He is also able to perceive all individual beings in that Universal Presence.”Therefore, a “balanced view” is essential for a correct understanding and appreciation of the intricate web of connections that binds us all. Our thoughts, actions, and feelings all have a profound influence on others as well, and this is the foundational stone needed to create a new world based on love, compassion, and acceptance among all beings.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Wisdom from Ancient China</h4>No geographical or cultural boundaries can contain the thoughts shared by Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, a legendary figure in Chinese philosophy. He has recorded his profound insights in his text, Tao Te Ching, which translates to “The Book of the Way and Its Virtue.” His philosophy, known as Taoism, is celebrated globally for its wisdom, emphasizing simplicity and humility. Laozi teaches that human actions should align with nature, following the natural order of the universe. Actions should be taken effortlessly, maintaining balance with everything around us, including all forms of animate and inanimate creations.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/creating_newworld2_9a24e2aab4.webp" alt="creating-newworld2.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Western Voices on Unity</h4>In his book Walden, Henry David Thoreau shares a profound statement based on his own experiences: “I am a part of all that I have met.” This statement highlights Thoreau’s conviction in the profound connection between humans and their environment. He advocated for a simple life and encouraged observing the natural rhythms around us. A better understanding of our place within the larger web of existence helps us honor and respect it. If we direct our actions toward nurturing the entire ecosystem, we will take a significant step toward creating a more sustainable and better world.Arne Næss, a Norwegian philosopher, explored the connection between the self and the environment. He discusses the “ecological self,” which emerges after setting aside egotistical thinking. The ecological self operates in harmony with the natural world, always considering itself an integral part of it. Næss’s ideas align well with the concept of Atman, the universal Self. This alignment naturally fosters a sense of belonging—we are part of a universal family that includes everything around us.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Building the New World Within</h4>Having read all the above narrations and findings of many seekers and thinkers, have you recognized the powerful progression involved in shaping a new world for ourselves? It’s a journey worth embracing. First, we acknowledge the need for change and the stagnation that comes from being trapped in our current state of existence. This inner calling for freedom pushes us to break free from the bonds of repetitive actions. Next, we begin to explore, drawing on both ancient and contemporary wisdom, to discover where this new world may lie—one that offers the freedom we seek.Returning to Pujya Babuji’s teachings, we come to understand that we have the capacity to bring forth the beautiful world to which we aspire. The “Ideal” in this new world is not an abstract concept but an attainable state, reached by following natural principles of living. Maintaining a steadfast focus on understanding and implementing Babuji’s “Ideal” state is not only necessary but essential. This commitment requires meditation, self-reflection, and making course corrections whenever needed.The Heartfulness approach, emphasized by Daaji, offers practical methods to foster interconnectedness in daily life by integrating spirituality. This framework encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with themselves, others, and the world around them. Inner purification involves shaping one’s attitudes, thoughts, and actions to align with Universal principles of compassion, love, and harmonious living. The reflection of our actions and attitudes in the material world influences the spiritual dimensions, guiding us closer to this “Ideal” state. Breaking down the barriers of individualism and the feelings of separateness is essential for fostering universal brotherhood. By incorporating these methods into everyday activities, we can enhance our spiritual practice and ultimately create a more cohesive and harmonious existence. &nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Inner purification involves shaping one’s attitudes,&nbsp; thoughts, and actions to align&nbsp; with Universal principles of compassion, love, and harmonious living.</h4><hr>&nbsp;The practice of Heartfulness Meditation has guided me through this journey. What I once claimed as mine alone, I now understand belongs to all. Through this recognition, lived day by day, a new world unfolds.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/creating_newworld3_dacea6c68f.webp" alt="creating-newworld3.webp"></figure> &nbsp;

Creating a New World

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">SARALA UPADHYA shares her experience as a college professor to come up with a working model for how to manage annoyance both usefully and kindly. She has now reduced her “annoyance factor” making life more serene for herself and those around her.</h4>&nbsp;Imagine you are happily walking on a road enjoying the morning warmth of the sun, soon after a light rain. But then you step in a puddle on the sidewalk and are annoyed at everything for the rest of the day! Or you become aware of the puddle just in time to side-step and walk on as before.It is said that to be annoyed or to stay calm is an act of volition.“Let’s start at the very beginning” is a cliché, and can be annoying. So can “Last but not the least…” followed by a long speech. We may get annoyed at things that sound trivial or even ridiculous, like the noise of nails scratching a wall, scraping a plate with a metal spoon. We may get annoyed if the internet is slow or the traffic holds us up during rush hour; loud conversations on mobile phones in public places, a messy home or workplace—the list is long.A friend of mine does not like to see the corners of book pages folded to mark the place of a reader. Leaving used spoons and cups left on the kitchen counter and not in the kitchen sink annoys my sister. My brother looks the other way, heroically hiding his annoyance, if guests come walking into his living room with their outdoor footwear. It is interesting to note that these pet hates may be tolerated, but they pile up and form a “load” that often interferes with <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/finding-peace-of-mind" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">peace of mind</a>.Sometimes, situations touch a sensitive chord inside to bring forth annoyance to a greater degree; like blaring party music in the house next door or someone continuously honking on the road. The situation may become more serious when annoyance builds up as irritation or anger. It disrupts the harmony between family members at home or between colleagues at work.Many years ago, while working as a teacher, I discovered my own “annoyance factor” was quite high. An untidy classroom—blackboards not wiped clean, dust on the furniture—were enough to trigger a chain of annoyances. I also observed that it had a cascading effect on my students. All this apparent chaos took a good 10 to 15 minutes to settle down, taking away precious energy and efficiency all around. Most importantly, it took away a certain connection, calmness, and focus before work began.What do you do when you are on the brink of annoyance that is likely to upset your peace? One easy way out is to succumb to the situation and react impulsively. Or you may try to ignore it and step aside. You may also evaluate the situation, with a little <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/why-kindness-matters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kindness</a> and consideration, by taking a moment to understand the reason for getting annoyed.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">You may also evaluate the situation,&nbsp; with a little kindness and consideration,&nbsp; by taking a moment to understand&nbsp; the reason for getting annoyed.</h4><hr>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/annoyance_serenity2_7d5b7cab9c.webp" alt="annoyance-serenity2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_annoyance_serenity2_7d5b7cab9c.webp 108w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_annoyance_serenity2_7d5b7cab9c.webp 346w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/medium_annoyance_serenity2_7d5b7cab9c.webp 518w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;This reminds me of a story of the Buddha and Angulimala, a notorious robber. Angulimala was one of the fiercest robbers of those times. He would rob travelers then take pleasure in cutting off their thumbs so he could wear them on his necklace as a prize. He had heard of the Buddha, and was waiting to meet the kind-hearted one to challenge him into submission.When the Buddha was passing through a forest, Angulimala gleefully pounced on him with his unkind words, mocking him and threatening him at every step. The Buddha ignored him and took no offence. He gently brushed the insults away. Eventually his stoic and compassionate nature had the effect of melting the hard heart of the thief. To be treated with love by the humane Buddha was a turning point in the life of Angulimala, who was accepted as the Buddha’s disciple and renamed Ananda, which symbolizes a blissful state.The story of the Buddha and Ananda gives us a positive direction on how we can work best in annoying situations:First, figure out the reason for the annoyance. In our mundane lives, it may be an experience or its impression that is already working on the mind. Step back or take a pause before reacting to become fully aware of the cause of annoyance.Focusing on the reason and acknowledging its origin is the second step. Annoyance may originate from within, or it may be due to an external cause.The third step is to accept the cause. With acceptance comes a kind of “ownership” of the situation and an eagerness to resolve the situation, because staying annoyed for a long time is not pleasant.Then it becomes easier to follow with the final step of suitable action to mitigate the annoyance.Going back to my own classroom story, I went through many iterations of these steps—finding out the reasons for my annoyance, acknowledging and accepting the consequences of being annoyed. At first, there was a kind of self-defense mechanism that opposed owning up to the position and accepting changes. I had just begun the Heartfulness practices at that time. I took a pause, and took a deep breath as often as possible to understand myself. The complete practice of Heartfulness helped me to sort out what was useful for me and what were the common annoyances that could be discarded, albeit with effort. I learned to surrender those aspects that were overwhelming to the Higher One.So, my annoyance factor has come down to a workable level. I also understand now that some degree of annoyance is required for making progress in this world. But it works better if we work with kindness and compassion so that everyone is taken together in this endeavor.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">The complete practice of Heartfulness helped me to sort out what was useful for me and&nbsp; what were the common annoyances&nbsp; that could be discarded, albeit with effort.</h4><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL</h4><hr>