BAD LUCK IS IMAGINATION

"I used to feel till today that I am miserable and have all the bad luck. Now with introspection, I understand the importance and mystery of the valuable life given to me by God. I also feel that there is no end to these thoughts and introspections and years will pass by without any results. Now time has come to give shape to these thoughts and introspections and put it in action".

The above writing by you is absolutely correct. It is possible to give shape to one's life only with firm and determined decision. It is helpful if it is done with the true spirit of the heart. Know for sure that essence of life is experienced when giving shape to one's life in this way.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; page 47.

My two cents -- Pujya Shree Mota's reply to a devotee's introspection.

DIFFERENCE IN INTROSPECTION OF SADHAK AND WORLDLY PERSON (સંસારી)

Lots of introspection without the end is also not right. When there is true introspection in the mind there has to be a solution regarding whatever problem is worked on. This is the true measure of true introspection. Otherwise know and believe that it is just the whirlwind of thoughts in the mind. The soul that introspects for the advancement of his progress in life does not get embroiled in the series of thoughts. He gets the key to the solution of his problem from the ongoing introspection. This may take time on occasion. There is lots of difference between the introspection of sadhak and ordinary soul. There is definite clarity in contemplation by the sadhak when he does introspection. He has definite aim with propensity towards only one direction. There is no confusion and at the same time there is awareness and ever present equanimity. He does not get confused or get embroiled in the whirls of introspection. His sequence of logic is pure and continues unabated. This gives rise to subsequent thoughts just like stepping up on the ladder. Sometimes he may accept the step that was the result of his introspection and it may turn out to be a wrong step. And yet he becomes aware of his fault right away. This kind of experiences will happen also. Introspection is very necessary for progressing in life. Sometimes it produces great pains and we may not be prepared for that situation. One who does not have the definite support of mental and inner bhavna (strength) may not be able to withstand this kind of intense and harsh introspection. One may get dissatisfied, disappointed and breakdown. We must be aware and see that introspection is done in a right way. I described this in detail so that you can understand the importance and inner working of introspection.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; pages 43 - 44.

SELF-CONFIDENCE DEVELOPS AS THE CONTROL OVER THE MIND IS ESTABLISHED

Have awareness (of thoughts) or keep trying to be aware. Mind may touch the subject that it is interested in but you do not get perplexed or entangled with it. Sadhak needs to keep that kind of alertness and vigilance. Mind is always going to act according to its own nature and characteristics. It is our duty to save ourselves from that. If we are not aware mind will start the chain of thoughts immediately. It is the experience of many sadhaks that it is possible to prevent this chain of thoughts by being aware of the thoughts. With practice this is feasible and when this happens we develop definite self-confidence of having control over the mind. We also develop courage and spirit of adventure from this self-confidence. Think about this and put it in action. Then only life has any meaning.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; page 202.

CURE FOR OUR FAULTS -- SELF NARRATION

When we know and acknowledge our faults it looses its strength. Just as we feel small when we are caught stealing personally or lying, accepting our faults with knowledge, love, devotion and with the purpose of reducing it, tends to decrease the strength and tendency of our faults. Experienced holy and knowledgable men in the past found that it is very helpful to use self narration at the feet of God regarding whatever bothers us. When we self narrate at His feet the things that bother us, with deep pain and love in our hearts and ask for His help and grace, our hearts get filled up with bhavna. When this bhavna expresses itself in our hearts, our hearts get filled up with easiness, openness and softness automatically. For these reasons we should never give in to our faults and hypocrisy.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; page 204 - 205.