Yoga Wisdom with Acharya das Acharya das

In this world self-worth to the worth of others is most often equated with physical appearance, net worth, who you know, what you do (your career or occupation) and what you achieve.

These ideas run counter to the spiritual perspective and are considered ignorant in spiritual teachings. When you erroneously conclude that you are your physical body and/or mind, you’ll measure your value based on material considerations, but no material condition is relevant to your true value.

Value that is measured against the physical body or mind is limited and temporary like everything else material. The lack of self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness are caused by ignorance of one’s spiritual identity and a sense of separation from the Supreme Soul.

Our intrinsic value is infinite because we are spiritual in essence, part and parcel of and connected to the Supreme Soul by an eternal bond of kinship. Each of us is an eternal spirit soul, a child of the Supreme Spirit Soul, living only temporarily in a material body.

When you realize you are the eternal spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Spirit Soul, you will know real freedom and value.

Some verses I quoted:

For one who has conquered the mind, the Supreme Soul is already reached, for he has attained tranquillity. To such a person happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same. Bhagavad-gītā 6.7

…. One who is equal toward the desirable and the undesirable; who is steady, situated equally well in praise and blame, honor and dishonor; who treats alike both friend and enemy; and who has renounced all material activities -- such a person is said to have transcended the modes of nature. - Bhagavad-gītā 14.24-25

One who always sees all living entities as spiritual sparks, in quality one with the Supreme Soul, becomes a true knower of things. What, then, can be illusion or anxiety for such a person? - Śrī Īśopaniṣad, Mantra 7

We have all experienced being let down, hurt, and wronged by others in our lives. This can leave us confused, sad, angry, and disappointed.

I can then hold resentment and anger because of past transgressions of "others" against "me", but by doing that I then become “enslaved” by that and constantly live in the shadow of my offender.

If you want to heal relationships, release emotional burdens, and achieve inner peace the great spiritual wisdom traditions of the world extol forgiveness as a transcendental light that illuminates our hearts and liberates us from suffering.

The verses I quoted in this talk:

The duty of one seeking enlightenment is to cultivate the quality of forgiveness, which is illuminating like the sun. The Supreme Soul (Hari) is pleased with those who are forgiving. - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.15.40

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44).

A saintly person is merciful and never injures others. Even if others are aggressive he is tolerant and forgiving toward all living entities. His strength and meaning in life come from the truth itself, he is free from all envy and jealousy, and his mind is equal in material happiness and distress. Thus, he dedicates his time to work for the welfare of all others. - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 11.11.29