Introduction 

The nature of dvaita is loss or samsara (to slip away from you). When helping others with loss:

1. Pray: we become quieter to be there for others
2. Empathize: with those experiencing loss 
3. Listen: form of offering affection 
4. Share: offer insights about loss (at an absolute level)
5. Check in: keep checking in because time does heal 

Offer this to others and yourselves. 

In our life yatra, the directions of qualities are as follows: 

1. Vairagya (independence) and Viveka (prioritization)  
2. Dama (calmness of body) and Shama (quietness of mind)
3. Uparama – withdraw from / say no to what is not your responsibility and does not help your evolution. Still the intellect. Hard no when it is not helping your evolution.
4. Samadana – focus and be absorbed in what is helpful for evolution. Concentration is with a lot of effort, absorption is more natural. Hard yes to what is helpfu.

Question 1:

How do we care for someone?

Response:

To care for someone in a deeper way, we have to be deeper (be a seeker). So go deeper into who you are (vasanas) and what you are (existence, awareness, joy). Engage in self-development and what will come naturally is the ability to serve in a meaningful way.

Know your limits so that you can replenish yourself and give more. 

Complement mental and emotional health with physical health, yours and others. 

Question 2:

How do we maintain reverence for a teacher while also accepting their human limitations? How do we balance grace for an individual’s journey with discernment for their qualities as a teacher?

Response:

The more mature a disciple is, the more they can comprehend the magnitude of a teacher. Once you comprehend the magnitude, you do not question the teacher anymore. The more mature you are, the less you worry about the face of the teacher and more about their heart.

If you find yourself with an immature teacher, find their positive qualities that you can learn from. When Ravana was dying, Shri Rama sent Shri Lakshmana to learn from him. So who are we to do otherwise?

Question 3:

Where does Bhakti fit? Is it a catalyst for living? 

Response:

Dharma is karma yoga and it is tested with artha and kama. Can I be in a relationship and not be attached? This is karma yoga. When you pass these tests, bhakti for moksha starts to develop. Bhakti is the momentum for moksha, the one purpose in life. 

Reflection Assignment

This week: What are you unclear about in your life? 

If you are clear about what you respect, love, revere, then you will know what you are unclear about.