Gems From Folk

GEMS FROM FOLK

Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

GEMS FROM FOLK 1

PREFACE

Love for Lord Krishna, connected me to International Society for Krishna

Consciousness (ISKCON). Though I have not actively participated in ISKCON

activities, I continuously follow ISKCON website. It allowed me to subscribe to

Friends of Lord Krishna (FOLK) newsletter.

FOLK sends regular mails to the subscribers that are highly motivating and

inspiring that are thought provoking and can change the human thinking.

I have been continuously collecting those mails, and have compiled some of

the best in this book. I strongly recommend everyone to read all the articles, which

are true GEMS of Wisdom.

The entire credit for the contents of the book is of FOLK and Lord Krishna.

This compilation is just a transfer of Wisdom from FOLK to everyone.

Dedicated to

Friends of Lord Krishna & Lord Krishna Himself

BY NAGARAJ KARNAM

GEMS FROM FOLK 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE .............................................................................................................................. 1

1. A LESSON FROM THE GEESE ................................................................................... 7

2. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR BLESSINGS.......................................................................... 8

3. ALL OF LIFE IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE .............................................. 9

4. ANATOMY DECODED ................................................................................................ 10

5. AS WE RUSH THROUGH LIFE! ................................................................................. 11

6. AS YOU TREAT OTHERS, SO SHALL YOU BE TREATED ....................................... 13

7. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT ..................................................................................... 14

8. ASK YOURSELF - WHAT HAVE I CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM? ................ 15

9. ATTITUDE! .................................................................................................................. 16

10. AVOID THE PHRASE: I HAVE TO GO TO WORK ..................................................... 17

11. AVOID THE TRAP OF REACTION SPIRALS ............................................................. 19

12. BANISH YOUR DOUBTS! ........................................................................................... 20

13. BE A GOOD LISTENER .............................................................................................. 21

14. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR ......................................................................... 22

15. BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU ................................................. 23

16. BE GRATEFUL WHEN YOUR MOOD IS HIGH AND GRACEFUL WHEN IT IS LOW 25

17. BE THANKFUL ............................................................................................................ 26

18. BE WILLING TO APOLOGIZE .................................................................................... 27

19. BE WILLING TO SEEK OUT, LISTEN TO, AND TAKE ADVICE ................................ 28

20. BE WILLING TO TAKE ADVICE ................................................................................. 29

21. BE WILLING TO TAKE ADVICE 2 .............................................................................. 31

22. BE WORRY-FREE! ..................................................................................................... 32

23. ............................................................................. 33

24. BECOME LESS REACTIVE AND MORE RESPONSIVE ........................................... 34

25. BECOMING A BETTER LISTENER! ........................................................................... 35

26. BEING IMMORTAL ..................................................................................................... 37

27. BEYOND DARWINISM ............................................................................................... 38

28. BUILD A LARGE TRUST FUND ................................................................................. 39

29. BY FORCE YOU CANNOT ......................................................................................... 40

30. CALM A DISTURBED MIND BY... .............................................................................. 41

31. CENTER OF LOVE ..................................................................................................... 43

GEMS FROM FOLK 3

32. CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN & ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CAN'T ........................... 44

33. CHANGE YOURSELF RATHER THAN TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD ........... 45

34. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INTELLIGENT MAN ...................................................... 46

35. CONSCIOUS UNDERSTANDING .............................................................................. 47

36. CORRECT CALCULATION ......................................................................................... 49

37. CORRECT TIMING TO TAKE WATER ....................................................................... 50

38. CREATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT ............................................................................. 51

39. CURE FOR MODERN JAUNDICE .............................................................................. 52

40. DEALING WITH PROBLEMS ...................................................................................... 53

41. DELIGHT IN THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS ................................................................ 55

42. DETECTING LIFE SOURCE ....................................................................................... 56

43. DO NOT BE AGGRESSIVE DURING CONFRONTATION! ........................................ 57

44. DO NOT PANIC UNNECESSARILY ........................................................................... 58

45. ..................... 59

46. ............................................................................... 61

47. ............................................................. 62

48. ........................................ 63

49. DONATE - WHILE YOU ARE STILL LIVING! .............................................................. 64

50. DRIVING AHEAD ........................................................................................................ 65

51. EACH PERSON VIEWS THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY .............................................. 67

52. EASE OFF YOUR EXPECTATIONS A LITTLE! .......................................................... 68

53. ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY IN OTHERS & HAVE FAITH IN THEM .......................... 69

54. EVER STRUGGLED TO FIND AN ANSWER? ........................................................... 70

55. EXCELLENCE... .......................................................................................................... 71

56. EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE TOWARD OTHERS .................................................. 73

57. FACING PROBLEMS IN LIFE ..................................................................................... 74

58. FATHER SENSE ......................................................................................................... 75

59. GIVE YOURSELF SOME APPRECIATION! ............................................................... 76

60. GOD IS ALWAYS AROUND US ................................................................................. 77

61. GOD PERSONALLY SAVES! ..................................................................................... 79

62. GRUMBLE, GRUMBLE, GRUMBLES ......................................................................... 80

63. HANDLING CRITICISM ............................................................................................... 81

64. HANDLING SETBACKS & FAILURES ........................................................................ 82

65. HARD WORK .............................................................................................................. 83

GEMS FROM FOLK 4

66. HONESTY ................................................................................................................... 85

67. HOW TO REACT TO CRITICISM? ............................................................................. 86

68. ............................................................. 87

69. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A HOLE, STOP DIGGING ............................................ 88

70. IF YOU WANT TO STOP CRIME... ............................................................................. 89

71. IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE .................................................................................... 91

72. ILLUSIONED COURAGE ............................................................................................ 92

73. IMPLICATIONS OF THINKING BIG! ........................................................................... 93

74. INFALLIBLE PROTECTOR ......................................................................................... 94

75. IT'S CALLED MINDSET .............................................................................................. 95

76. KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY - PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY ......................... 97

77. LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK .............................................................................. 98

78. LEARN THE MAGIC OF NONATTACHMENT ............................................................ 99

79. LEARNING FROM OUR GLORIOUS PAST ............................................................. 100

80. LESS YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS, THE EASIER THEY WILL BE TO SOLVE ...................................................................................................................... 101

81. LET GO OF BATTLES THAT CANNOT BE WON .................................................... 103

82. LET GO OF FEARFUL THOUGHTS ......................................................................... 104

83. LET GO OF THE FEAR THAT IF YOU'RE RELAXED OR HAPPY, YOU'RE GOING TO FALL .......................................................................................................................... 105

84. LIFE IS ACTUALLY A REFLECTION OF OUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS... ........ 106

85. LIFE ISN'T YOUR ENEMY, BUT YOUR THINKING CAN BE ................................... 107

86. LIFE PRODUCES CHEMICALS ................................................................................ 109

87. LIGHT A CANDLE INSTEAD OF CURSING THE DARKNESS ................................ 110

88. LOOK FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY IN THE ORDINARY ....................................... 111

89. TAKE SERVICE AN INTEGRAL PART OR YOUR LIFE ........................................... 112

90. MANY TIMES WE FEEL AS THOUGH WE ARE WORTHLESS .............................. 113

91. MIND A THOUGHT FACTORY .............................................................................. 115

92. MISTAKE IS NOT A MISTAKE IF WE LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE .............. 116

93. NEVER ENDING CRITICISM .................................................................................... 117

94. NEVER EVER BACKSTAB ....................................................................................... 118

95. NEVER EVER LET SUCCESS GO TO YOUR HEAD! .............................................. 119

96. NEVER GIVE UP! ..................................................................................................... 121

97. ................................. 122

98. OUSTING DIFFERENCES ........................................................................................ 123

GEMS FROM FOLK 5

99. PATH OF PERFECTION ........................................................................................... 124

100. PEACE FORMULA .................................................................................................... 125

101. PEOPLE YOU ASSOCIATE WITH WILL INFECT YOUR THINKING ....................... 127

102. PERFECT UNDERSTANDING ................................................................................. 128

103. PERFECTION OF LIFE ............................................................................................. 129

104. POWER OF ASSOCIATION ..................................................................................... 130

105. PRACTICE THOSE QUALITIES WHICH YOU BELIEVE IN ..................................... 131

106. PRAY REGULARLY .................................................................................................. 133

107. ............................................................... 134

108. PUT THE GLASS DOWN! ......................................................................................... 135

109. QUEST FOR HAPPINESS ........................................................................................ 136

110. REACTIVE V/S PROACTIVE PERSON .................................................................... 137

111. REAL AWAKENING .................................................................................................. 139

112. REAL PROBLEM IS DEATH ..................................................................................... 140

113. RECOGNIZING AN OPPORTUNITY ........................................................................ 141

114. RECOGNIZING PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR! ........................................................... 142

115. RECOVER QUICKLY FROM YOUR MISTAKES! ..................................................... 143

116. RELEVANT ENQUIRY .............................................................................................. 145

117. REMEMBER TO ACKNOWLEDGE .......................................................................... 146

118. RESPONDING TO CRITICISM WITHOUT BEING DEFENSIVE .............................. 147

119. RUSHING TO GET THINGS DONE? ........................................................................ 148

120. ............................................................................... 149

121. SELF-CONFIDENCE ................................................................................................ 153

122. SMILE MORE ............................................................................................................ 154

123. SOMETHING OF THE PAST .................................................................................... 155

124. SPILLING OIL SPILLING LIFE .................................................................................. 156

125. STAY AWAY FROM THE BLAME GAME ................................................................. 158

126. STAY FOCUSED IN THE PRESENT! ....................................................................... 160

127. STAY OUT OF REVERSE ........................................................................................ 161

128. STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO EASE THE STING OF CRITICISM ............................. 162

129. STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES ...................................... 163

130. STOP WORRYING TOO MUCH ............................................................................... 164

131. ......................................... 166

132. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH EXPERTS .............................................................. 167

GEMS FROM FOLK 6

133. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BY CREATING AN IDEAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT .. 168

134. TAKE THAT FIRST STEP ......................................................................................... 169

135. TAKE YOUR BREAKS REGULARLY ....................................................................... 170

136. THE ANT PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................... 172

137. THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE CONFRONTATION! ....................................................... 173

138. THE LAW OF THE SEED .......................................................................................... 174

139. THE MANUAL OF LIFE ............................................................................................. 175

140. THE PAINTING ON THE WALL ................................................................................ 176

141. THE STORY OF THE EAGLE ................................................................................... 178

142. THINKING "OUT OF THE BOX" ............................................................................... 179

143. THIS TOO SHALL PASS ........................................................................................... 180

144. THREE LAST WISHES! ............................................................................................ 182

145. TRUE RELIGION ...................................................................................................... 183

146. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT ............................................................................... 185

147. UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD REDEFINED ........................................................... 186

148. USE THE POWER OF REFLECTION ....................................................................... 187

149. VALUE OF FINGER .................................................................................................. 188

150. ..................................................................... 189

151. WARMTH IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS .................................................................. 191

152. WATERING THE ROOT ............................................................................................ 192

153. WE MUST BE THANKFUL FOR... ............................................................................ 193

154. WHAT IS MATURITY? .............................................................................................. 194

155. ................. 195

156. WHEN SOMEONE GIVES YOU AN ANSWER THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT ........................................................................................................ 197

157. WITH COMPLAINING OUT OF THE WAY ............................................................... 198

158. YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH HONEY ............................................................... 199

159. YOUR BELIEF WINDOW .......................................................................................... 200

160. YOUR SELF-DEFEATING BELIEFS ......................................................................... 201

GEMS FROM FOLK 7

1. A LESSON FROM THE GEESE

Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in a 'V' formation? As with most animal

behavior, God had a good reason for including that in their instincts. As each bird flaps its

wings, it creates uplift for the bird following. In a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71%

more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of

common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier

than those who try to go alone.

When a goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the

point position. If people had as much sense as geese, they would realize that ultimately their

success depends on working as a team, taking turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing

leadership.

Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it

down to help and provide protection. They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it is

either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out again with another passing flock or try to

catch up on their own.

YOU DO NOT

you only need to stop long enough to observe and let God reveal His wonders to you.

beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or

speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among

GEMS FROM FOLK 8

2. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR BLESSINGS

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-

by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving

Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.' I looked around in this area, and

it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets

and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel

then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings

the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.' I

noticed again, how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station,

since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery.

Finally, at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the Door of a very small

station to my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the

Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed

'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked. gel sighed. 'After people

receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'

'How does one acknowledge the blessings?' I asked. 'Simple,' the angel answered. Just

say, 'O Lord! Let me be grateful to You for all Your blessings

Stop complaining about your circumstances

circumstances. This is despite the fact that he may have overcome great obstacles to achieve

his level of success

continually blame their circumstances for their lack of joy and happiness. The real question is,

what came first the attitude or the success? The answer, in virtually all cases, is that the

winning, positive attitude came first, followed by a lifetime of success.

All it takes is a simple decision; the decision to stop yourself from falling into the habit of

complaining about your circumstances. At first it may be difficult even funny to observe how

quickly get used to the nicer feelings that come from a life without complaints.

GEMS FROM FOLK 9

3. ALL OF LIFE IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE

Everything has beginning and everything has an end. Every tree begins with a seed and

will eventually transform back into earth. In our modern world, this means that every car, every

of time. Our bodies are born and they will die. A glass is created and will eventually break. All of

life is in a constant state of change.

W

Instead of becoming immobilized when something is destroyed, you feel grateful for the time

you have had.

The easier place to start is with the simple things, a glass of water, for example. Pull out

your favorite drinking glass. Take a moment to look at and appreciate its beauty and all it does

for you. Now, imagine that same glass as already broken, shattered all over the floor.

Obviously, no one wants their favorite drinking glass, or anything else, to be broken. This

philosophy is not a prescription for becoming passive or apathetic, but for making peace with

the way things are. When your drinking glass does break, this understanding allows you to

maintain your perspecti

Lord Krishna tells in Bhagavad Gita the embodied soul continuously passes, in this

body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A

sober person is not bewildered by such a change.

GEMS FROM FOLK 10

4. ANATOMY DECODED

Formerly leaves and twigs were growing from this dead tree. Why are they not growing

now? Can the scientists answer this question? Scientists say that the chemicals are the cause

of life. But all the chemicals that were there when the tree was living are still present. And life

energy is also there. There are thousands of microbes in the tree, and they are all living entities.

No one can claim that life energy is lacking in the body of this tree.

The living force is individual, and the particular individual living entity which was the tree

has left. This must be the case, since all the chemicals that are necessary to support life are still

there yet the tree is dead.

Here is another example: suppose I am living in an apartment, and then I leave it. I am

gone, but many other living entities remain there ants, spiders, and so forth. It is not true that

simply because I have left the apartment, it can no longer accommodate life. Other living entities

are still living there. It is simply that I, an individual living being have left. The chemicals in the

tree are like the apartment; they are simply the environment for the individual living force the

soul to act through.

GEMS FROM FOLK 11

5. AS WE RUSH THROUGH LIFE!

In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. About 3 minutes:

The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There

was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest

musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin

worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the

seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was

organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and

people's priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

1. In a common-place environment, at an inconvenient or inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

2. If so, do we stop to appreciate it? 3. Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? Learning: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in

the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful

instruments ever made... how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

GEMS FROM FOLK 12



GEMS FROM FOLK 13

6. AS YOU TREAT OTHERS, SO SHALL YOU BE TREATED

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What are some other ways of

comes around. As you treat others,

are many variations of this.

All you have to do to ensure that you will be treated fairly, respectfully, and with kindness

and to ensure that others will reach out to help you and praise you is to do these things

yourself.

Become a thoughtful person. Offer assistance. Be nice. Reach out to others. Become

milar little gestures, are

the ways you can reach out and tell the world you care.

Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Ultimately, what you offer to the

world is exactly what you get back. So, if your goal is to be Krishna Conscious, the most

important thing you can do is help others be Krishna Conscious.

come back immediately. The universe has its own set of rules and its own sense of timing. Be

patient and loving.

GEMS FROM FOLK 14

7. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT

It is astonishing what you can accomplish by simply asking for what you want help,

forgiveness, an idea, another chance, a break, or whatever. And not only can you get what you

want by asking for it, but often the person you are asking will thank you for taking the initiative.

negative response. We might be worried about offending someone or being perceived of as

For a multitude of reasons, we allow past negative experiences and/or our own made-up

fears to taint our present opportunities.

arrogant and self-

sincere in your beliefs that, deep down, others want to help you. You must approach your

request by assuming that the person you are asking is just like you he or she has an inner

longing to be of help to someone.

Once you remove the fear of asking for help, your wisdom and common sense will

instruct you when and how to ask.

GEMS FROM FOLK 15

8. ASK YOURSELF - WHAT HAVE I CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM?

Many people rarely, if ever, ask this critical question. Instead, they automatically assume

It simply never occurs to many people that something is their fault. Or, at the very least,

re

rarely be able to pinpoint the one aspect of problem solving that is truly solvable: your own

contribution. Once you eliminate the fear associated with admitting that you are, at times,

minor annoyances and larger problems

you open a whole new door of possibilities.

obvious solutions that take very minor adjustments to change.

exorbitant amount of time and energy thinking about your faults and drawbacks. To do so would

be a diffe

life, you must be willing to look in the mirror and, with humility and honesty, reflect on your

GEMS FROM FOLK 16

9. ATTITUDE!

How we react, what we do or say, all depends on our attitude. It determines whether

we'll be happy or sad. Attitude can help, or hinder us in all areas of our lives.

If your thoughts are constantly of doom and gloom, you will receive the same in return.

Your thoughts and your perception of the world influences all that you do, and all that you

are, and all that you can be.

Changing your attitude is really changing the way you see things. To begin the change,

you must start looking for the good in every situation, rather than the negative.

So, you see the choice is yours. If we compare attitude to swimming, which are you

doing?

Are you swimming - even against the currents and the waves, you keep going, you see

your destination and you are taking action to reach it.

Are you floating - just allowing the waves to carry you, you end up where ever the water

takes you.

Are you drowning - you see the waves and the currents as difficulties you cannot

overcome.

GEMS FROM FOLK 17

10. AVOID THE PHRASE: I HAVE TO GO TO WORK

This article

particular words carry with them some really negative baggage that, I believe, is self-destructive.

Other than your thoughts, your words are your primary entry point into your experience.

that you would rather be

somewhere else, doing something differen

what you are doing, which makes living up to your potential extremely difficult and enjoying your

experience near impossible.

ing yourself up for a

but it certainly increases the

likelihood.

Beyond that, however, there is a more subtle negative message you send to yourself and

someone else) about something you spend most of your time doing! Think about it. If you really

loved your work, why

GEMS FROM FOLK 18



GEMS FROM FOLK 19

11. AVOID THE TRAP OF REACTION SPIRALS

person who can avoid the trap of reaction spirals. This is the dangerous

tendency to overreact to something and then compound the problem by over analyzing it.

Here is a typical example: someone criticizes some aspect of your work. You overreact to the

criticism and become defensive. Then you spend the next half hour analyzing the critical

comments, convincing yourself they are incorrect. A whirlwind of thoughts passes through your

mind. You focus on the criticism. The more you do, the worse you feel, and the more tired you

become.

The truth is, in a negative state of mind, we expend unnecessary energy, make very poor

these reaction spirals in the bud?

You can! T

them. With every negative reaction comes a negative feeling a feeling of irritation, annoyance,

or impatience. We often use these feelings to justify further negativity. For example, we say to

think about other instances that make us angry, and so on. This fuels our negative feelings and

creates a negative spiral.

If, instead of compounding our negative feelings, we used them as a signal to alert us to

potential trouble, we would be in a much better position to stop the cycle before it got out of

hand.

GEMS FROM FOLK 20

12. BANISH YOUR DOUBTS!

Most of us spend a great deal of energy every day of our lives doubting our abilities to

our great detriment. We doubt ourselves at practically every turn; we doubt our abilities to write

well, speak to a group, come up with a new idea or solution, overcome an obstacle, market a

product or service, or negotiate with a difficult person.

Many times, we question our self-worth, how much we deserve to be paid, or how

valuable or talented we are to an organization. We doubt our ability to overcome rejection, start

over, or confront a challenge.

Banish doubt from your life

things or making childish decisions. It means you should start trusting in yourself. True obstacle

lies within the doubt itself and all doubt lies within your own thoughts.

y to hold on to any doubt in your life. It does no good. All doubt is a waste of

energy and interferes with your natural ability to do things. Whatever doubts are lingering in your

mind, let them go.

GEMS FROM FOLK 21

13. BE A GOOD LISTENER

A slight improvement in our listening skills can pay enormous dividends in the way of

better relationships, enhanced performance, and yes, even stress reduction!

Take a moment to reflect on your own listening skills. Do you truly listen to your

colleagues? Do you let them finish their thoughts before you take your turn? Do you sometimes

finish sentences for other people? In meetings, are you patient and responsive or are you

impatient and reactive? Do you allow words from others to sink in, or do you assume you know

what the person is trying to say, so you jump in?

There are a variety of reasons why effective listening is very important. First of all, people

who listen well are highly respected and sought after. Truly great listeners are so rare that when

you are around one, it feels good, it makes you feel special.

Good listeners are easy to be around, so, quite naturally, you want to reach out and help

them. Therefore, when you become a better listener, there will probably be plenty of people in

your corner to offer assistance. People tend to be loyal to good listeners because they feel

acknowledged and respected.

Effective listening helps you to understand what people are saying the first time they say

it, thus allowing you to avoid a great number of mistake and misinterpretations which, as you

know, can be very stressful. If you ask people what frustrates them and makes them

angry,

more attentive to what others are saying also helps you avoid many, if not most, interpersonal

conflicts.

GEMS FROM FOLK 22

14. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

Many of us spend a great deal of time wishing things were different. We dream of a

ing

for actually do (or would) improve the quality our life. Other times, however, the very things we

wish for are hardly worth the trade-offs, or the effort. For this reason, I suggest you be really

careful what you ask for.

Carefully think through what it is that you want, because you just might end up getting it,

which is often more frustration, more grief, more travel, more conflict, more demands on your

time, and so forth. When you think in these terms, it often helps you reconnect with your

gratitud

going to be when certain things occurred i.e. when they were finally promoted to various

positions so much so that they took for granted the good parts of the position they already

had. In other words, they were so focused on what was wrong with their careers that they failed

to enjoy and appreciate the gifts they were enjoying all along.

Keep in mind that a better paying position might make you feel more financially secure

and it might be worth it

that you simply take for granted. Remember; be careful what you ask for, because you might

just get it and more.

GEMS FROM FOLK 23

15. BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

How grateful would you say you are? Did you know that your gratitude level can directly

affect your happiness? Now that may sound little strange.

Even financial experts agree that gratitude is a vital component for increasing wealth and

success. This basic premise of gratitude is to acquire a more positive and receptive state of

being. Here is how it actually works. You begin by being grateful for the smaller and more

immediate things like having a place to live, food to eat, etc. By placing yourself in a positive

frame of mind through gratitude, you open yourself to all the good things the universe has to

offer.

That is when you can actually begin to attract good things to you. And as you become

more comfortable with the positive things that basic gratitude brings, you will likely find yourself

feeling grateful for even bigger things like being alive, learning hard lessons, your past mistakes,

the freedom to make choices in life, and more. This type of gratitude catapults you even further

along the path to a successful and happy life.

Once you reach the point where you remain in a constant state of gratitude, you will

become a magnet that attracts the good things to you.

Take some time every day this week to note those things that you are grateful for, from

the smallest to the biggest.

GEMS FROM FOLK 24



GEMS FROM FOLK 25

16. BE GRATEFUL WHEN YOUR MOOD IS HIGH AND GRACEFUL WHEN IT IS LOW

Moods are one of those unavoidable, mysterious parts of life that must be dealt with by

everyone. Our understanding of moods greatly affects not only our wisdom and perspective but

our overall level of satisfaction as well. Generally speaking, when our mood is high, our spirits

are up. When our mood is low, our spirits are down. Moods are like the weather, constantly

changing.

When we are in low mood, we think of our dissatisfactions more than when we feel good.

We worry!

The fascinating thing about moods is that, to a large degree, we only believe these

negative, fearful, and self-defeating thoughts when our mood is low. When our mood is high, we

The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low. Try to keep

in mind the effect your mood is having on the way you are thinking and feeling. Your

understanding of moods allows you to keep your perspective and not take so seriously the

thoughts you are having when you are low. Rather than believing in your negative and fearful

perceptions, you can dismiss them as being mood related.

wisdom are not as sound as they will be in a higher state of mind.

GEMS FROM FOLK 26

17. BE THANKFUL

Be thankful when you don't know something ... for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times ... during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations ... they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge... which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes ... they will teach you valuable lessons.

It's easy to be thankful for the 'good' things ... yet, a life of rich fulfilment comes to those

who are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive ... find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings!

GEMS FROM FOLK 27

18. BE WILLING TO APOLOGIZE

Whenever you are in some service or when you are taking risks, making things

happen, interacting with others, or in the public eye you are bound to make mistakes. At times

you are going to use bad judgment, say something wrong, offend someone, criticize

unnecessarily,

these mistakes we all do. The question is, can you admit to them? If so, the question

becomes, can you apologize?

Many people never apologize. They are either too self-conscious, self-righteous,

stubborn, or arrogant to do so. The unwillingness to apologize is not just sad; it is a serious

mistake as well. Almost everyone expects others to make mistakes and with a humble and

sincere apology, almost everyone is willing to forgive. However, if you are a person who is either

unable or unwilling to apologize, you will be branded a difficult person to work with. And over

time, people will avoid you, speak behind your back, and do nothing to help you.

The ability to apologize, to admit mistakes, is a beautiful human quality that brings people

must never apologize as a tool of manipulation, to try to get a response like this or to get

something out of it.

When you apologize from your heart, you keep most of your existing doors open.

Occasionally, you may even open doors that had previously been closed.

GEMS FROM FOLK 28

19. BE WILLING TO SEEK OUT, LISTEN TO, AND TAKE ADVICE

I believe that if someone has worked hard, achieved some measure of success, and is

loves to give advice.

Unfortunately, many people miss out on one of the surest shortcuts to success: to seek

out, listen to, and take advice. So often, when a person struggles, he or she is very close to a

ir goals and dreams. If

they would just open their eyes to a blind spot, see something they are doing in a slightly

different or new way, their success would be phenomenal and certain.

I believe there are many incredibly talented people who are on the verge of possible

greatness, or on the verge of improving their life in a meaningful way. Yet this one tiny flaw the

unwillingness to listen to anyone else and the absolute unwillingness to take advice

bstacle get in your way.

The advice is out there. People want to help you. Allow yourself to receive help and the

quality of your life will soar.

GEMS FROM FOLK 29

20. BE WILLING TO TAKE ADVICE

Once upon a time, there were three people who went to watch drama together. One of

them was far-sighted, another one had a hearing problem, and the other had a twisted head.

After the show, they were judging the drama.

had farsightedness.

problem.

From the story above, m

person, who had farsightedness, cannot see things in clarity, but complains about the costume;

the one, who had hearing problem, cannot hear things clearly, but complains about the music;

the one

According to statistics, the vocabulary most often used in our daily communication is

of

over-emphasizing one's opinion?

Accept sincere advice and the reality of truth given by others. One who is willing to take

GEMS FROM FOLK 30



GEMS FROM FOLK 31

21. BE WILLING TO TAKE ADVICE 2

e things

improved ways of doing things. But how can we see things differently if we refuse to take to

heart the suggestions from others?

take advice is pure stubbornness. We want to do things

our own way

incompeten

received bad advice or too much advice, and we vow to not repeat that same mistake.

Life is so much simpler when you involve the strengths and expertise of others. After all,

take the advice.

GEMS FROM FOLK 32

22. BE WORRY-FREE!

When we are happy and worry-free, we not only enjoy our lives more, but we are also

more competent, creative, wise, and productive. We bring out the best in others and in

ourselves. Without the internal distractions of stress, anger, frustration, and worry, our

relationships flourish, stress is diminished, new doors are opened, and our lives run smoothly.

We worry about all sorts of things; some obvious, others more subtle. We worry, for

example, about making or repeating mistakes or looking foolish. We worry about what others

will think if we ask for help or ask for a raise. We worry about speaking to groups, about our

future, and about the past.

e problems. Yet while being able to anticipate

problems is certainly useful, I disagree that doing so requires worry.

Worry is actually a dream-snatcher. It takes an enormous toll on your spirits and on your

emotions. Worry adversely affects your decisions and your judgment, keeping you on-edge,

uptight, and heavyhearted.

through virtually everyone

worry preceded their success and was not a by-product of it. Successful people share an inner

unshakable confidence that is free from excessive worry.

Part of overcoming worry is to see it as a distraction rather than as a necessity. As

worries enter your mind, try to give them less significance and less of your attention.

GEMS FROM FOLK 33

23.

need to control your environment, and becoming defensive or

behave to your specifications the way you think they should be.

To be controlling means you are preoccupied with the actions of others and how those

actions affect you.

both to the controller and to those who are being

controlled. A person who is controlling carries with him a great deal of stress because;

someone who is controlling, this is highly frustrating.

What hurts the controlling person is what goes on inside ---- his feelings and emotions.

The key element seems to be a lack of willingness to allow other people to fully be themselves,

to give them space to be who they are, and to respect really respect the fact that people

them to be they are who they are.

The only way to become less controlling is to see the advantages of doing so. When you

can make allowances in your mind for the fact that other people see life differently than you do,

In addition, as yo

and adversarial relationships. As you let go of your need to be so controlling, people will be

more inclined to help you; they will want to see you succeed. When people feel accepted for

who they are rather than judged for who you think they should be, they will admire and respect

you like never before.

GEMS FROM FOLK 34

24. BECOME LESS REACTIVE AND MORE RESPONSIVE

In life, we have essentially two psychological modes that we are in most of the time:

reactive and responsive. The reactive mode is the one that feels stressful. In it, we feel

pressured and are quick to judge. We lose perspective and take things

annoyed, bothered, and frustrated.

Needless to say, our judgment and decision making capacity is severely impaired when

we are in a reactive state of mind. We make quick decisions that we often regret. We annoy

other people and tend to bring out the worst in them. When an opportunity knocks, we are

negative.

The responsive mode, on the other hand, is our most relaxed state of mind. Being

responsive suggests that we have our bearings. We see the bigger picture and take things less

personally. Rather than being rigid and stubborn, we are flexible and calm. In the responsive

mode, we are at our best. We bring out the best in others and solve problems gracefully. When

an opportunity comes our way, our mind is open. We are receptive to new ideas.

Once you are aware of these two drastically different modes of being. You will begin to

of your behavior and feelings

reactive mode and calm and wise in your responsive state of mind.

GEMS FROM FOLK 35

25. BECOMING A BETTER LISTENER!

People love to be listened to. So much so, that they will pay therapists enormous fees to

listen to their stories and complaints. Consumers love to be listened to as well. They will happily

pay good amount for those people who are smart enough to understand that this is what they

want and what they demand.

Unfortunately, only a tiny percentage of persons do understand, or are willing to

implement, this important understanding.

When you listen in this manner, you may be shocked at the positive response. When

people feel that they are listened to, they also feel appreciated and valued. Feeling listened to is

such a rare experience that when someone does feel listened to, they tend to tell others about

it.

Listening is like a magic formula that turns ordinary people into loyal, happy customers.

One final tip: If you want a closer relationship with your friends or colleagues, the best place to

start is by becoming a better listener!

GEMS FROM FOLK 36



GEMS FROM FOLK 37

26. BEING IMMORTAL

Matter changes in six phases: birth, growth, maintenance, production of by-products,

dwindling, and death. But the life within matter, the spirit soul, is eternal; it goes through no such

changes. Life appears to be developing and decaying, but actually it is simply passing through

each of these six phases until the material body can no longer be maintained. Then the old

body dies, and the soul enters a new body. When our clothing is old and worn, we change it.

Similarly, one day our bodies become old and useless, and we pass on to a new body.

As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age,

the soul similarly passes into another body at death. This means that only the material body of

the indestructible and eternal entity is subject to destruction. This material body is perishable,

but the life within the body is nitya, eternal.

GEMS FROM FOLK 38

27. BEYOND DARWINISM

We living entities are innumerable; there is no limit to our number. God, however, is one.

He is also living, as we are but we are minute particles of that living force. For example, a

particle of gold is the same in quality as a gold mine. If we chemically analyze the ingredients in

a small drop of water, we will find all of the ingredients that are to be found in the vast ocean. In

a similar way, we are one with God, being His part and parcel. This godly particle, the soul, or

the living force, is transmigrating from aquatics to trees and plants and then from trees and

plants to insect life, then to reptile life, then to the bodies of birds and beasts. Darwin's theory of

evolution is but a partial explanation of the transmigration of the soul. The difference is that the

soul is transmigrating from aquatic life to plants and trees, then to insect life, then to bird life,

then animal life, then human life, and within human life he moves from uncivilized life to civilized

life, etc. The civilized life of a human being represents the culmination of evolution. Here is a

junction: from this point we can again slide down into the cyclic process of evolution, or we can

elevate ourselves to a godly life. The choice is up to us.

This human form of life actually means developed consciousness; therefore we should

not waste our lives like cats, dogs, and hogs. That is the injunction. Although this body is

perishable like a dog's or cat's body, it is different in that one can attain the highest perfection in

this life. We are part and parcel of God, but somehow or other we have fallen into this material

existence; now we have to evolve in such a way that we can go back home, back to Godhead.

That is the highest perfection.

GEMS FROM FOLK 39

28. BUILD A LARGE TRUST FUND

Every one of us has a trust fund that really matters: the trust of other people. The only

question is, how large is it? Many people, not knowing how important a trust fund is to their own

success, are practically bankrupt in this critical account.

The way to build a large trust fund is simple and straightforward. It involves being

accountable for your actions, however large or small, doing what you say you are going to do,

delivering on your promises, being on time, and so forth. Anything and everything you do that

reinforces your own trustworthiness is like money in the bank. Accountability is derived in both

small and large doses. For example, if you tell someone you are going to call them at three

and you do so on time, as you say you are going

to do, you earn small credits toward your trust fund.

discussing, and you actually do it, you earn credibility with that perso

big deal, it decreases your credibility and reduces the size of your trust fund.

Obviously, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, show up late, and occasionally

than it is to make promises, however small, that may eventually reduce the size of our trust

fund.

Starting today, speak and behave with your trust fund in mind. Before you say you are

going to do something that someone else is going to depend on, check in with yourself. Ask

yourself, will I be able to keep this commitment? Remember, the size of your trust fund depends

on it.

GEMS FROM FOLK 40

29. BY FORCE YOU CANNOT

Just like a person is diseased. He is advised by the doctor that "You shall not take such

and such things." So he is starving or he is fasting. Suppose in the typhoid fever the doctor has

advised him not to take any solid food. So under the instruction of the doctor, he is not taking

any solid food. But suppose his brother is eating some bread. Oh, he likes that "If I could eat."

That means within himself he has got the tendency for eating. But out of fear that "If I eat, there

will be very bad reaction of taking solid food," therefore, by force, he is not eating. Similarly,

there are so many things which you are refrained from doing by force. That sort of abstinence

will not make you progressive in spiritual life, because you have got little independence. So

anything cannot be done by forcing you. You cannot force even a child. He'll revolt. By force,

you cannot train a person that "You must be refraining from all these things. One may be

refraining from enjoying materially by somehow or other, by force but one who is spiritually

advanced, he is not forced. He is voluntarily giving up. That is the difference. How voluntarily

giving up? That is by vishayavinivartante, the higher taste. He has found something sublime, so

sublime that he doesn't care for material enjoyment. If you simply try to make it zero, that is not

possible. If you get better engagement, to try to engage yourself always in the better

engagement, then these material activities will be zero. That is the criterion of spiritual life.

When we get a taste of spiritual pleasure pleasure in Krishna consciousness we can give up

all material pleasure.

GEMS FROM FOLK 41

30. CALM A DISTURBED MIND BY...

Once a sage was walking from one town to another town with a few of his followers.

While they were traveling, they happened to pass a lake. They stopped there and sage told one

of his disciples, "I am thirsty. Do get me some water from that lake there."

The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that right at that

moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water became very

muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, "How can I give this muddy water to my master to

drink!"

So he came back and told his master, "The water in there is very muddy. I don't think it is

fit to drink." After about half an hour, again master asked the same disciple to go back to the

lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake.

This time too he found that the lake was muddy. He returned and informed the master

about the same. After sometime, again master asked the same disciple to go back. The disciple

reached the lake to find the lake absolutely clean and clear with pure water in it. The mud had

settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot

and brought it to his master.

Master looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said," See what

you did to make the water clean. You let it be.... and the mud settled down on its own - and you

got clear water. Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time.

Chant Hare Krishna! Do not worry too much. It will settle down on its own.

GEMS FROM FOLK 42



GEMS FROM FOLK 43

31. CENTER OF LOVE

If you throw a stone into the middle of a pool of water, a circle will expand to the limit of

the bank. Similarly, radio waves expand in a circle, and when you capture the waves with your

radio you can hear the message. In the same way, our loving feeling can also expand.

At the beginning of our life, we simply want to eat. Whatever a small child grabs, he

wants to eat. He has only personal interest. Then, when the child grows a little, he tries to

participate with his brothers and sisters: "All right. You also take a little." This is an increase in

the feeling of fellowship. Then, as he grows up, he begins to feel some love for his parents, then

for his community, then for his country, and at last for all nations. But unless the center is right,

that expansion of feeling even if it is national or international is not perfect.

So the center of our national feeling or our international feeling is not fixed on the proper

object. If the center is right, then you can draw any number of circles around that center and

they'll never overlap. They'll simply keep growing, growing, growing. They'll not intersect with

one another if the center is all right. Unfortunately, although everyone is feeling nationally or

internationally, the center is missing. Therefore your international feeling and my international

feeling, your national feeling and my national feeling, are overlapping and conflicting. So we

have to find the proper center for our loving feelings. Then you can expand your circle of

feelings and it will not overlap or conflict with others'. That center is Krishna.

GEMS FROM FOLK 44

32. CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN & ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CAN'T

ser

In life there are things we must deal with. There are things we can change, that we have some

power to control. There are other things that are absolutely beyond our control. Yet how often

do we spend our time and energy doing absolutely nothing about the things we do have some

Often, because we have our priorities twisted in the wrong direction, we end up chasing our tails

and wasting time. Once we change gears, and focus only on those things that we have some

n do you

hear people complaining about taxes? While no one likes to pay taxes, and certainly no one

should pay any more than he or she is legally required to pay, there is a great deal of wisdom in

spending your time creating more wealth rather than complaining about taxes.

Go ahead and lobby for lower taxes if you must. Voice your opinion if you choose to do

so. But once you have done what you can do, let go of it. Know when to quit. Expend your

energy doing what you can do focus on creation, creativity, positive ideas, and solutions. Stop

complaining about taxes; focus, instead, on making so much money that taxes will seem

irrelevant!

GEMS FROM FOLK 45

33. CHANGE YOURSELF RATHER THAN TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled a prosperous country. One day, he went

for a trip to some distant areas of his country. When he came back to his palace, he complained

that his feet were very painful, because it was the first time that he went for such a long trip, and

the road that he went through was very rough and stony. He then ordered his people to cover

every road of the entire country with leather carpet.

money. Then one of his wise servants dared himself to tel

himself.

There is actually a valuable lesson of life in this story: to make this world a happy place to

live, you better change yourself - your heart; and not the world.

GEMS FROM FOLK 46

34. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INTELLIGENT MAN

A small child walking with his father goes on inquiring constantly. He asks his father so

many odd things, and the father has to satisfy him with proper answers. When I was a young

father in my householder life, I was over flooded with hundreds of questions from my second

son, who was my constant companion. One day it so happened that a bridegroom's party was

passing our tramcar, and the four-year-old boy, as usual, inquired what the big procession was.

He was given all possible answers to his thousand and one questions regarding the marriage

party, and finally he asked whether his own father was married! This question gave rise to loud

laughter from all the elderly gentlemen present, although the boy was perplexed as to why we

were laughing. Anyway, the boy was somehow satisfied by his married father.

The lesson from this incident is that since a human being is a rational animal, he is born

to make inquiries. The greater the number of questions, the greater the advancement of

knowledge and science. The whole of material civilization is based on this originally large

volume of questions put by young men to their elders. When elderly persons give the proper

answers to the questions of the youngsters, civilization makes progress, one step after another.

The less intelligent make lesser inquiries, but the questions of those who are more intelligent go

higher and still higher. The most intelligent man, however, inquires about what happens after

death.

Be enthusiastic, when we are enthusiastic about what we do, success will follow!

Enthusiasm is a critical element of success. Enthusiasm is a virtually unstoppable, attitudinal

not to succeed. Your enthusiasm is obvious to everyone around you and contagious.

ow safe is it really, spending your time doing something

thinking?

The answers to each of these questions are clear: Without enthusiasm, your odds of

success are minimal. You will either struggle or burn out completely. But the opposite is just as

true when enthusiasm for your work fills your heart.

GEMS FROM FOLK 47

35. CONSCIOUS UNDERSTANDING

Undoubtedly the soul is present in the heart of the living entity, and it is the source of all

the energies for maintaining the body. The energy of the soul is spread all over the body, and

this is known as consciousness. Since this consciousness spreads the energy of the soul all

over the body, one can feel pains and pleasures in any part of the body. The soul is individual,

and he is transmigrating from one body to another, just as a person transmigrates from

babyhood to childhood, from childhood to boyhood, from boyhood to youth, and then to

advanced old age. Then the change called death takes place when we change to a new body,

just as we change our old dress to a new dress. This is called transmigration of the soul.

When a soul wants to enjoy this material world, forgetting his real home in the spiritual

world, he takes this life of hard struggle for existence. This unnatural life of repeated birth,

death, disease, and old age can be stopped when his consciousness is dovetailed with the

supreme consciousness of God.

GEMS FROM FOLK 48



GEMS FROM FOLK 49

36. CORRECT CALCULATION

We cannot simply accept that part of the scripture we like, and reject what we don't like,

and still expect to get the result. If you miss one point, there is a mistake in your calculation.

Regardless of what you add or subtract after that, the mistake is already in the calculation, and

everything that follows will also be faulty.

For example, a hen lays eggs with its back part and eats with its beak. A farmer may

consider, "The front part of the hen is very expensive because I have to feed it. Better to cut it

off." But if the head is missing there will be no eggs anymore, because the body is dead.

Similarly, if we reject the difficult part of the scriptures and obey the part we like, such an

interpretation will not help us. We have to accept all the injunctions of the scripture as they are

given, not only those that suit us.

GEMS FROM FOLK 50

37. CORRECT TIMING TO TAKE WATER

Two (02) glasses of water - After waking up

Helps activate internal organs

One (01) glasses of water - 30 minutes before meal

Helps digestion

One (01) glasses of water 60 minutes after meal

Helps digestion

One (01) glass of water - Before taking a bath

Helps lower blood pressure

One (01) glass of water - Before sleep

To avoid stroke or heart attack

Overall we should drink minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water daily

Brush your teeth before you sleep & drink 2 glasses of water without washing your mouth in the

morning.

GEMS FROM FOLK 51

38. CREATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

You can work long and hard, be creative, clever, talented, and insightful but if you fail to

understand the importance of your own thoughts in the process of creation, it will all be for

naught.

One very important factor of success, abundance, and the creation of prosperity comes

from within yourself your thoughts. A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad,

cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly

choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape

his circumstances.

If you could look into the minds of successful men and women you would discover a

wealth of positive energy thoughts of success and abundance, and a complete lack of doubt.

cally alter his thoughts, and he will be astonished at the

different talents, temperaments, skills, work ethics, and backgrounds, they all have one thing in

work the other way around, as so many seem to believe. Successful people know that the one

aspect of life that they do have control over is their own thinking. All of us have this same

GEMS FROM FOLK 52

39. CURE FOR MODERN JAUNDICE

If a man is suffering from jaundice and you give him a piece of sugar candy, he will say

that it is very bitter. But is sugar candy bitter? No, it is very sweet. And the medicine for jaundice

is that sugar. Modern science prescribes this, and it is prescribed in the Vedic literature also. So

if we take a great quantity of this sugar candy, then we will be relieved from jaundice. And when

there is relief, then one says, "Oh, this is very sweet." So the modern jaundice of a godless

civilization can be cured by this chanting of Hare Krishna. In the beginning it may appear bitter,

but when one advances, then he will see how pleasing it is.

We are so full of miseries because we have identified ourselves with the material world.

Therefore we are unhappy. Anxieties and fearfulness are due to our misidentifying with the

material world. As soon as one understands his identity, his relationship with God, then

immediately he becomes happy.

GEMS FROM FOLK 53

40. DEALING WITH PROBLEMS

Most people assume that the only way to solve problems is to work on, or struggle, with

them. I have found, however, that focusing on problems is one of the key ways of keeping them

alive as well as preventing you from moving past them. Focusing on problem is also a key

ingredient keeping people stuck in worry.

I can assure you that there is a way to get from where you are to where you want to be

without f

Recently I knelt down to clean up some glass and a piece got stuck in my knee. I ended

up at the urgent care center getting ten stitches. We all know that the worst thing I could

possibly do to the healing process would be to poke or pick at my scab. A wiser method is to

treat the wound gently, creating the best possible healing environment. Miraculously, the wound

will heal all by itself.

Most problems can and should be dealt with in a similar manner. The thoughts we have

around our various issues create and trigger emotional reactions. What usually happens is that

we spend our time and energy dealing with these reactions instead of the actual issue. Simply

put, when we are frightened, angry, or impatient, we lose our bearings and get in our own way.

Instead of bringing out the best in ourselves and others, we bring out negativity and squeeze

out creativity.

GEMS FROM FOLK 54



GEMS FROM FOLK 55

41. DELIGHT IN THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS

else would

see a colleague get the promotion

While it can be seductive, or at least habitual, to secretly desire to keep others at your

to hope with all your heart that everyone can expand to their greatest potential, to wish that the

people you know, and those whom you d

greatness.

When you wish someone well, it creates a momentum within you, an inner environment

of success. It reminds your spirit of your loving and deserving nature. It creates the atmosphere

within you to help you succeed and create abundance. When you delight in the success of

As you wish others well, notice how good it feels. When your wishes are sincere, they will

serve as a reminder that giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Truly, it feels as

good to see someone else succeed as it does to succeed yourself. Start delighting in the

success of others and watch your own level of greatness soar!

GEMS FROM FOLK 56

42. DETECTING LIFE SOURCE

If you inject just one grain of deadly poison into someone, he immediately dies. No one

can see the poison or how it acts. But the poison is acting nevertheless. In the same way, the

Vedas say that because the minute particle called the soul is within the body, the whole body is

working nicely. According to the Vedas, the measurement of the soul within the body is one ten-

thousandth part of the tip of a hair. It is too small to see. Where is such seeing power?

If I pinch myself, I immediately feel it, because I am conscious all over my skin. But as

soon as the soul is absent, which is the case when my body dies, you can take this same skin

and cut it and chop it, and no one will protest. This is the way for detecting soul.

GEMS FROM FOLK 57

43. DO NOT BE AGGRESSIVE DURING CONFRONTATION!

confrontation. After all, we live in a world of conflicting interests, desires, and preferences. We

have different standards and expectations. There are so many issues and people to deal with,

that an occasional confrontation seems inevitable. At times, you may have to confront someone

in order to achieve a desired result, shake someone up or make things happen.

cessarily have to seem like a war or

someone (or be confronted) in a gentle, effective way that leads not only to your desired result,

but also in a way that brings the two of you closer together personally or professionally.

It seems to me that most people are too aggressive and defensive during confrontations.

They lose their humanity and their humility. They approach the issue in hostile way, as if they

are righ

assumption seems to be that confrontations are by definition confrontational, and that being

aggressive is the best approach.

e going to seem adversarial to others, thus

encouraging them to become defensive. The people you confront will see you as difficult, as if

you are the enemy. When people are defensive, they become poor listeners, incredibly

stubborn, and seldom change their point of view or see their contribution to a problem. They

GEMS FROM FOLK 58

44. DO NOT PANIC UNNECESSARILY

People panic about practically everything missed deadlines, orders not received,

comments by others, fear of mistakes, negative trends. You name it and someone has panicked

ped to solve the

problem. Instead, panic is neutral at best and greatly interferes at worst. Panic tends to bring out

the worst in everyone. It makes others (and you) feel tense and fearful. It increases the

likelihood of mistakes, missed opportunities and miscommunications.

Nothing interferes with the creation of success and abundance like panic. When you

ried about will never happen, or it

happened in my lifetime

y trying to solve what

come forth. In the absence of worry, answers will emerge. Instead of a head full of concerns,

ly, when you stay calm, you really do bring out the

best in others. Many people react to the feelings of others. If you can maintain your bearings,

chances are the people you work with will, too.

To bring forth your greatest potential, eliminate panic altogether from your thinking..

GEMS FROM FOLK 59

45.

One old man was sitting with his 25 year old son in the train. Train is about to leave the

station. All passengers are settling down their seat. As train started, young man was filled with

lot of joy and curiosity.

He was sitting on the window side. He put out one hand and feeling the passing air, he

shouted, "Papa see all trees are going behind".

s

sitting and listening to all the conversation between father and son.

They were little awkward with the attitude of 25 years old man behaving like a small child.

Suddenly the young man again shouted, "Papa see the pond and animals. Clouds are moving

with train". Couple was watching the young man in embarrassment. Now it starts raining and

some of water drops touch the young man's hand.

He is filled with joy and he closed the eyes. He shouted again, "Papa it's raining, water is

touching me, see papa".

Couple couldn't help themselves and ask the old man.

"Why don't you visit the Doctor and get treatment for your son."

for first time in his life".

ns until you know all the facts!

GEMS FROM FOLK 60



GEMS FROM FOLK 61

46.

everyone feels that one of their most valued commodities is their time. This being the case, one

of the ultimate slaps and most sure way to annoy someone is to keep them waiting. While most

people are somewhat forgiving, keeping them waiting is a sign of disrespect. The subtle

stressful to keep other people waiting because you know you are disappointing someone. In the

back of your mind, you know well the person is looking at his watch, wondering why you are

late. You may be keeping him from personal or professional commitments and that could make

him angry.

There are obviously exceptions to the rule times when factors beyond your control

prevent you from being on time. Things happen to all of us, and no one has a perfect record.

Truthfully, however, a vast majority of the time, being late is preventable by planning ahead,

allowing a little extra time, or making allowances for unexpected problems.

but the fact that we

interested or impressed.

. It drives some

other ways not taking you seriously, avoiding you when possible, being disrespectful,

choosing to spend their time with others instead of you, showing up late to your future

appointments, etc.

GEMS FROM FOLK 62

47.

success tend to lose their humility and become at least slightly arrogant. This is very unfortunate

for many reasons. First, and most obviously, no one really wants to be around someone who is

arrogant or self-

disregarded.

In addition, when you allow success to go to your head, your stress levels skyrocket and

liking yourself.

Friendships slip away; obsessive busyness and a lack of time take over. Someone who

was happy and relatively easy to please is now impossible to satisfy.

There are many celebrities, athletes, and business people who have done really well

their talent, timing, hard work, luck, and all the rest of it kicked in at just the right time. Yet,

rather than being grateful and keeping a sense of perspective, they act as if they are somehow

enjoyed some success.

Do

GEMS FROM FOLK 63

48.

A jobless man applied for the position of 'office boy' at Microsoft. The HR manager

interviewed him then watched him cleaning the floor as a test. 'You are employed' he said. Give

me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application to fill in, as well as date when you may

start.

The man replied 'But I don't have a computer, neither an email'. 'I'm sorry', said the HR

manager. If you don't have an email that means you don

have the job.'

The man left with no hope at all. He didn't know what to do, with only $10 in his pocket.

He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy a 10Kg tomato crate.

He then sold the tomatoes in a door to door round. In less than two hours, he succeeded

to double his capital. He repeated the operation three times, and returned home with $60.

The man realized that he can survive by this way, and started to go every day earlier,

and return late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled every day. Shortly, he bought a cart, then a

truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

5 years later, the man is one of the biggest food retailers in the US. He started to plan his

family's future, and decided to have a life insurance.

He called an insurance broker, and chose a protection plan.

When the conversation was concluded the broker asked him his email. The man replied,

The broker answered curiously, 'You don't have an email, and yet have succeeded to

build an empire. Can you imagine what you could have been If you had an e mail?!!' The man

thought for a while and replied, 'Yes, I'd be an office boy at Microsoft!'

GEMS FROM FOLK 64

49. DONATE - WHILE YOU ARE STILL LIVING!

A rich man who once asked his priest, "Why does everybody call me stingy when

everyone knows that when I die I will leave everything I have to this temple?"

The priest said: There once was a pig and a cow. The pig was unpopular and the cow

was loved by all in the village. This puzzled the pig.

The pig said to the cow, "People speak warmly of your good nature and your helpful

The priest continued:" Do you know what the cow answered?

The Cow said, "Perhaps it's because I give while I am still living."

GEMS FROM FOLK 65

50. DRIVING AHEAD

Suppose I am driving a very nice car, but I am simply absorbed in the machine only. I

have forgotten my destination, where I have to go, and I am busy studying the car. What is the

use? You may be driving a good car, but you must know how to reach your destination. That is

your main business. Knowing how the car works is secondary. Your main business is knowing

how to utilize the car so you can reach your destination. That is intelligence.

So, we have fallen into this material condition, and we are occupying various forms. As

long as we are in the bodily concept thinking "I am this 'car'" that is ignorance. What is

wanted is to think, "I am not this body. I am spirit soul, and I have to utilize this body to go to my

destination the spiritual world where I can meet the supreme spirit, God, and live in His

association." Human life is meant for understanding what the Supreme Lord is, where He lives,

what He does, and what our relationship with Him is. To seek to understand these things is

called inquiry into the Absolute Truth. That is actual education.

GEMS FROM FOLK 66



GEMS FROM FOLK 67

51. EACH PERSON VIEWS THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

When someone acts in a way that seems strange to you, rather than reacting in your

see, that must be the way she sees things in her world. Very interesting

When you are genuinely curious about the way someone reacts or the way they feel

advocating it. It just means that there are many perspectives of looking at the same thing.

Each person views the world differently. Each person reacts and feels differently based

on their beliefs, paradigms, upbringing, experiences, values etc.

GEMS FROM FOLK 68

52. EASE OFF YOUR EXPECTATIONS A LITTLE!

-free. We all have bad days. Sometimes people are rude or

insensitive. Phone lines and computers occasionally break down.

When I met Ravi, he worked for a software development company. He described it as his

first

under-appreciated

and taken for granted. He was frustrated and burned-out.

I suggested he lower his expectations and consider thinking of his job in a new way. I

asked him to see his job as a stepping stone to bigger and better things later on. He took the

suggestion to heart, and his world began to change for the better.

Make room in your heart for bad moods, mistakes, errors, and glitches. Instead of

spending so much time being annoyed about the way things unfold, take most of them in stride.

This will conserve your energy and, ultimately, make you more productive.

ways to deal with this inevitability is to stop expecting it to be otherwise. So ease off your

expecta

GEMS FROM FOLK 69

53. ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY IN OTHERS & HAVE FAITH IN THEM

Most people, given the right environment, are hard-working, talented, creative, and

productive. They want to please others just as you and I want to. Unfortunately, however, most

people are hardly ever exposed to an ideal working environment.

conditions for a garden.

ironment where success is most likely to occur.

When you plant a garden, you want to have the right type of soil, moisture, and sunshine. When

you build people up instead of pushing them down you create the psychological equivalent.

The same principle applies whether you are hiring a housekeeper, an accountant, or

anyone else. It also applies to your children, your spouse, your friends, and your neighbors. It

always works.

When you believe in someone and when that person knows that you believe in him / her,

magical things can happen. Do your part by creating the ideal working conditions. Be kind,

patient, and supportive. Then, sit back and watch what happens.

GEMS FROM FOLK 70

54. EVER STRUGGLED TO FIND AN ANSWER?

Have you ever struggled to find an answer? You think and think, rack your brain, and

analyze the data. You go over and over the same sets of facts, yet nothing seems to happen.

When you think in this manner, you often feel insecure, frightened, and quite stressed.

answer.

Then for whatever reason you stop thinking you quiet your mind you forget about

whatever is occupying your mind and, like magic, an answer appears. And not just any answer,

a perfect answer!

The next time you find yourself mentally struggling, try quiet

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Gems From Folk