Why a spiritual teacher must be a pure soul?- Extract from works of Swami Vivekananda

A condition necessary in the spiritual teacher is that he must be sinless-pure. We sometime think that "why should we look to the personality of a teacher? - we have only to judge of what he says, and take that up". Not so. If a man wants to teach maths or science, or any other subject, he may be of any character and he can  teach. For teaching subjects like maths and physical science requires intellectual strength and the development of soul is not a prerequisite.

But in the spiritual science it is impossible from first to last that there can be any spiritual light in that soul which is impure. What can such a soul teach? It knows nothing. Spiritual truth is purity. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". In this one sentence is the gist of all religion and spirituality.

If you have learned that, all that has been said in past, and all that is possible to say in the future, you have known.A vision of God, glimpse of beyond, never comes until the soul is pure. Therefore in the teacher of spirituality, purity is the one thing indispensable. We must see first what he is, and then alone comes the value of  his teachings, the words he says, because he is transmitter. What will he transmit, if he has not that spiritual power in him?

To give a simile - if this heater here is hot, it can convey heat vibrations, but if not, it is impossible to do so. Even so is the case with mental vibrations. It is a question of transference, and not stimulating our intellectual facilities. Some power, real and tangible, goes out from the teacher and begins to grow in the mind of taught. Therefore the necessary condition is that the spiritual teacher must be true.

"Share and Grow mindset" vs "Grow and Share mindset"

All of us want to grow and for growth we need others to contribute, our family members, our employees, our customers, our vendors and the society in which we live and work. We are all interdependent and most of us do believe in sharing the fruits of one's success. No one can grow by one's own effort alone.

Though we believe, but many times we wait for sizable success to come our way before we start sharing. The mindset is once we have made it then we will share. Many times because of this thinking we do not start sharing early and that inhibits growth. This is vicious circle as we do not start sharing the universal forces are also slow to contribute towards our growth. The partners/ employee are not sure if they will get their due share of success  and their energy level does not rise very high.

 On the other hand if we start contributing with small fruits of our success, the universe and the people around us start seeing our intention and a much higher energy level starts propelling us as a united force. This will lead to greater success and much larger sharing with the people who are contributing to our success.

Though intention can be similar in both the mindset but results can be vastly different if we will believe in mindset of " Share and Grow". 

Make the right moves to minimise injuries-Part-2, By Richa Goel - First published in MyPaper

RICHA GOEL

Ready to give your workspace a makeover? Use this guide to help transform your workstation into an ergonomic one.

1. WORKSPACE

a. Height of workspace:

Should be between 65cm and 75cm, depending on your height.

b. Position of monitor:

The best position is directly in front of you, if your job consists mainly of computer work.

c. Desk surface:

Should not be reflective and should be large enough to accommodate all the equipment needed, such as monitor, keyboard and mouse.

d. Your workstation:

Should be organised to minimise being in an awkward posture or overreaching. Frequently used items should be kept within the primary zone and less frequently used items in the secondary zone.

2. CHAIR

While sitting, your feet should comfortably reach the floor and your knees should be in line with your hips.

If your chair doesn't support your lower back, place a cushion between the curve of your back and the back of the chair.

3. MOUSE POSITION

Consider keeping the mouse within close reach, and keep your wrist in a neutral and comfortable position.

4. WRIST POSITION

When you are typing, keep your wrists straight - not bent up, down or to either side.

5. HEADSET

If you talk frequently on the phone and take notes at the same time, consider using a headset rather than cradling the phone between your head and shoulder.

6. FOOTREST

If your feet don't reach the floor comfortably, you can use a footrest/small stool to ensure maximum comfort.

7. POSTURE

Sit directly in front of your monitor and keyboard. Sit up straight, back supported, with your knees bent 90 deg. Keep your forearms level or tilted up slightly.

8. DESK DIMENSIONS

Generally, the desk should be at least 48cm deep, 76cm wide and, depending on your height, up to 86cm high. Ensure there is sufficient space for your legs under the desk - do not use this area for storage.

9. MONITOR HEIGHT

The monitor should be directly in front of you, about an arm's length away. The top of the screen should be slightly below eye level. Where possible, try to minimise glare from sunlight/overhead lighting. The proper viewing distance is approximately an arm's length from the screen. The line of sight should be approximately at a right angle to the screen.

Be aware of these factors and try to apply them as much as possible, even when you are not at your primary workstation.

Remember, the simplest and most well-worn piece of advice is to take a break. Leaving your workstation gives your muscles and your mind the rest they deserve.

Make the right moves to minimise injuries-Part-1- By Richa Goel - First published in MyPaper

RICHA GOEL

IN TODAY'S world, wherever we turn, we see hunched shoulders, poking chins, bent wrists and constantly tapping fingers. Around 20 years ago, computers were used mainly in offices, but now people are constantly using - or perhaps abusing - laptops, smartphones and tablets at work, at home, on the MRT, in coffee shops and restaurants.

People are hunching and slouching to use their gadgets in confined spaces. Too much of this is bound to take a physical toll. As people twist their bodies to use electronic devices in all possible places, they may unknowingly be risking injury.

Through improper positioning, people are at greater risk of eye strain, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, among other ailments. Repeated movements can lead to an overuse of muscles and tendons, making them inflamed and causing pain in the hands, shoulders, neck and back.

By changing our work environment and workstation design, as well as being aware of good work posture and practices, we can prevent such injuries at work.

Ergonomics is regarded as the science of designing a workplace to match our physical and psychological needs, limitations and capabilities.

"Office ergonomics" is using these principles in an office setting. The goal of office ergonomics is to set up your office workspace so that it fits you and the job you are doing.

An ergonomically set-up workstation will:

Reduce headaches and eye strain

Reduce neck and back pain

Prevent bursitis, or tendon problems linked to repetitive tasks

A comfortable workspace can help you feel more comfortable at work. Sitting at a desk for hours at a time does not have to lead to a career of neck and back pain, or sore wrists and fingers.

Proper office ergonomics - including correct chair height, adequate equipment spacing and good desk posture - can help you stay comfortable at work.

The writer is a senior physiotherapist with Clinical Services, Collaborative Care, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics.

Thank you God

God has been so kind to me that he has give us so much that a man can aspire to have. First of all wonderful parents who gave me head start in life by giving me good education and values. Then my parents in law who are so wonderful human beings and who gave me lovely wife Alka, who has been very kind, caring and capable. She is a pillar of strength for our family and an extra ordinary human being. And the came our two angel daughters Ruchika & Neha. Both are very capable, caring and doing so well in their work. God, you have blessed me with good health, money and professional achievements and every thing.

Extracts from work of Swami Vivekanad

 A finite subect cannot love, nor a finite object be loved. When the object of the love of a man is dying every moment, and his mind is constatly changing as he grows, what external love can you find to to expect in the world? There cannot be any real love but in God, why then all thes love? These are mere stages. There is apower behind implelling us forward, we do not know where to seek for the real objects, but this love is sending us forward in search of it. Again and again we find out our mistakes. We grasp something, and find it slips though our fingers and then we grasp something else. Thus on and on we go, till at last comes light: we come to God, the one who loves. His love knows no change, and is ever ready to take us in. How long would any one of you bear with me if I injured you? He in whose mind is no anger, hatred or envy, who never loses his balance, dies or is born, who is he but God?