AMBUJ KHANNA

Author: Ambuj Khanna

  • Spirituality vs Materialism: The Balance Between the Two

    Spirituality vs Materialism: The Balance Between the Two

    In this post, I will discuss the two opposing tendencies that exist in the world. We will explore their differences and how we live a life in balance between the two.

    Spirituality

    Spirituality is the belief that high moral virtues, such as a pure heart, selflessness, humility, and tolerance, are far superior to material success, wealth, material possessions, and socio-economic status.

    It is a belief that the goal of a person’s life is enlightenment, spiritual awakening and a divine connection with the higher power of the universe (The Source or God).

    Spiritual people are free from greed and don’t prioritise money or material possessions. They are very humble and do not seek to satisfy their ego to achieve a high socio-economic status.

    These people don’t discriminate based on caste, religion or status. They always give equal respect to all, including the poor.

    Materialism

    Materialism is the belief that material success, wealth, material possessions, and high socio-economic status are far superior to spiritual values such as a pure heart, selflessness, humility, and tolerance.

    Materialistic people are very greedy and prioritise money and material possessions. They can be religious, but they often discriminate based on caste, religion and socio-economic status.

    Materialism has a perfect degree. Some people are materialistic, some more so, and some even more so. The stronger the materialism, the less sensitive a person is!

    The Balance Between the Two

    Being spiritual doesn’t mean to live an ascetic life and deny a comfortable living. It only means that you live a life of contentment.

    In fact, some people are partially spiritual and partially materialistic. They have a balance between spirituality and materialism. What needs to be understood is that an excess of materialism will never make a person truly happy and satisfied.

    If you have a feeling that you no longer need more while still living a comfortable life, you are spiritual. This is because it will bring you happiness and satisfaction. And the essence of spirituality is being happy and satisfied.

    Be thankful for what you have; you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough

    -Oprah Winfrey

  • What Is a Kundalini Awakening? My First-Hand Experience

    What Is a Kundalini Awakening? My First-Hand Experience

    In this post, I will share my personal experience with you, but first, let’s explore what “Kundalini” is.

    What Is a Kundalini Awakening?

    There are seven subtle energy centres across our spine called ‘Chakras’. Kundalini is a form of energy (or Shakti), which is located at the base of our spine in the lowermost chakra called Mooladhara chakra (or base chakra).

    However, when this energy, known as Kundalini, is awakened, it moves upwards and crosses six chakras. The names of the six chakras are in ascending order. The Mooladhara, Swadishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, and Ajna.

    After Kundalini crosses these six chakras, it reaches even higher to the uppermost chakra at the top of our head, called the Sahasrara chakra (or Crown chakra).

    Once Kundalini reaches the Sahasrara chakra, the process is considered a ‘full Kundalini awakening’. And this full Kundalini awakening is extremely rare! Most people experience only partial awakenings, but not a full Kundalini awakening.

    My Experience

    I experienced a full Kundalini awakening in August 2014 at the age of 31. The awakening was the turning point of my life. It transformed me completely.

    I had never heard about the word ‘Kundalini’ before my awakening. However, it was after my awakening that I researched the internet for information about my signs and symptoms. I discovered that what I experienced was a phenomenon known as ‘Kundalini Awakening’.

    I used to practice Pranayama (which I still do), a part of Yoga. Pranayama is a group of ancient Indian breathing exercises. It is considered to be one of the sources of awakening the Kundalini.

    But it is not certain that a person who practices Pranayama or other techniques can awaken their Kundalini.

    So many people practice Pranayama, meditation, and other techniques for years, yet still do not experience a Kundalini awakening.

    On the other hand, some people don’t do anything but still experience a full Kundalini awakening accidentally!

    My awakening was a roller-coaster ride, and its negative signs and symptoms were extremely uncomfortable.

    My Signs And Symptoms

    Negative

    1. Involuntary jerks, especially in the arms and legs, were like someone was giving me electric shocks
    2. Pressure inside the skull as if my skull were about to explode
    3. Mood Swings
    4. Insomnia
    5. Increased sensitivity to light and sound
    6. Psychosis (I lost touch with reality)
    7. Decreased sexual desire
    8. Loss of appetite
    9. Pain in back and neck

    Positive

    1. Heightened Intuition
    2. Due to increased intuition, I was getting spiritual wisdom, and I had a shift in consciousness
    3. Increased IQ
    4. Dissolution of Ego
    5. Reduced interest in materialism
    6. Falling in love with the higher power of the universe (The Source or God)
    7. Finally, understanding my purpose for being here in this world

    One thing which I would like to mention is that my negative signs and symptoms disappeared slowly after a few months.

    My Purpose

    After experiencing a Kundalini awakening, I came to understand my purpose for being in this world. And that is to increase the consciousness of the world with all the true knowledge which I gained after my awakening.

    I have already started my mission. I have already written a spiritual book and now have started this blog.

    Being a writer, I never feel that it is I who is writing. In fact, I often feel that it is a higher power guiding me to write. And, as a medium, I am only used for writing, and words flow on their own.

    I always feel that I am a non-doer. I have completely surrendered myself to the higher power of the universe. I am just flowing downstream with its flow.

    I have experienced extreme pain and suffering in my past since my childhood. But I never ever feel that I deserve a Kundalini awakening.

    I believe I have been sent here to make this world a better place. And if I can do so, I will feel that my birth has been meaningful.

    When you succeed in awakening the Kundalini, so that it starts to move out of its mere potentiality, you necessarily start a world which is totally different from our world. It is the world of eternity.

    -Carl Jung

  • Are You a Highly Sensitive Person? 8 Signs to Recognise It

    Are You a Highly Sensitive Person? 8 Signs to Recognise It

    High sensitivity is said to be both a curse and a blessing. Highly sensitive people feel everything deeply. According to research psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, who discovered the concept of high sensitivity, highly sensitive people comprise approximately 15-20 per cent of the global population.

    High Sensitivity… A Blessing

    Highly sensitive people are among the most honest, truthful, trustworthy, and selfless individuals you will ever encounter. They are simply pure-hearted souls. They are guileless, selfless, and tolerant.

    Highly sensitive people can empathise with others more deeply than those who are not highly sensitive. And hence it is a blessing.

    8 Signs of Being a Highly Sensitive Person

    1. You are deeply affected by the moods of others, whether they are happy or sad.
    2. You are particularly affected by caffeine and medications.
    3. You are deeply moved by the nature and works of art, such as painting, music, and literature.
    4. You have a powerful intuition.
    5. You are deeply spiritual and less materialistic.
    6. You are a kind-hearted and compassionate soul who can empathise deeply with others.
    7. You always think of others first before yourself.
    8. Whenever someone watches you from behind (in fact, at a 360-degree angle), you get to know that you are being watched, and your head subconsciously moves backwards to the observer who watches you.

    The Message

    It is true that highly sensitive people suffer a lot in this world. They often feel like aliens on Earth. But still, they are not alone. They are being protected and taken care of by the higher power of the universe (The Source or God).

  • What Are the Spiritual Benefits and Importance of Solitude?

    What Are the Spiritual Benefits and Importance of Solitude?

    What Is Solitude?

    Solitude is a state in which you find pleasure by being alone. It is a voluntary state that gives you solace from the overwhelm of the material world.

    It is a spiritual state in which you get deeply connected to the higher power of the universe (The Source or God).

    Here Are 5 Spiritual Benefits and the Importance of Solitude

    1. Solitude Is the Source of Creativity

    Solitude plays a vital role in creativity. Many great scientists, artists, mystics and philosophers used to work in solitude, and creativity often emerged on its own.

    It is in solitude that great scientists like Newton discovered the law of gravitation, Emily Dickinson wrote poems, Leonardo da Vinci made paintings, and Buddha attained enlightenment.

    2. Solitude Makes a Person in Touch With the Higher Power (Or God)

    It is solitude that allows you to be constantly connected to the higher power of the universe. Although you remain in contact with the higher power at all times, due to frequent socialising, the connection gets disrupted.

    In solitude, you talk to the higher power through intuition. And you are guided, helped and taught secretly.

    3. Solitude Is a Protection Against Negativity

    Solitude always protects us from negativity. It is a state in which we socialise less with others and are away from negative vibrations.

    When we socialise with others, we get vibrations from them, both positive and negative.

    When someone understands you, encourages you and motivates you, you get positive vibrations.

    But when someone argues with you, unreasonably criticises you, you get negative vibrations.

    In solitude, our mind remains calm and at peace because we are away from negativity.

    4. Solitude Makes You Detached From the Material World

    Solitude brings detachment from the material world in which others are completely absorbed. It is because you are not interested in useless, materialistic talk, gossip, or money alone.

    In solitude, you are least affected by the outside world, and this allows you to detach effortlessly.

    Detachment is to live like a lotus, present in water (the material world) but untouched by it.

    5. Solitude Is a Gift to a Sensitive Person

    Solitude is a very precious gift to a sensitive person. Solitude keeps a sensitive person away from vibrations. His strong aura remains undisturbed, and his mind is peaceful and calm.

    A sensitive person is often very creative, and in solitude, their creativity is further enhanced.

    The Message

    Finally, I would like to emphasise that solitude doesn’t mean completely withdrawing from society. A person in solitude can socialise sometimes, but still, they will need some alone time to recharge.

    Be so fulfilled with yourself that even when you are alone, you feel in good company

    -Irini Zoica

  • How Is Humility a Strength?

    How Is Humility a Strength?

    In this post, I will share my personal experience. However, first, let’s understand what humility is and how it is a strength.

    What Is Humility?

    Humility is one of the highest virtues that exists in this creation. If ego means “I am only”, humility simply means “I am none”. If ego creates repulsion, humility creates attraction.

    Humble Person’s Three Friends

    A humble person has three close friends: ‘Sorry’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’. A humble person finds it very easy to apologise. Sometimes he apologises even when he is not wrong to keep the relationship harmonious.

    On the other hand, apologising is very difficult for an egotist. He doesn’t apologise even when he is wrong, particularly during conflicts.

    While humility is a gift, the ego is a curse. Whereas ego builds a wall, humility brings closeness.

    My Personal Experience

    I was a little egotistical before my Kundalini awakening. But when I experienced my Kundalini awakening in August 2014, my ego dissolved.

    After my awakening, I never think that I am a ‘doer’. I never take credit for my accomplishments. In fact, I give all the credit to the higher power of the universe (the Source or God). I have surrendered to the higher power and flow with its divine ‘flow’.

    The Importance of Humility

    An egotist always praises himself, but people don’t praise him. On the other hand, a humble person never praises himself, but people praise him.

    So many saints, from Jesus to Buddha, who entered this world, taught the power and importance of humility.

    In today’s world, if a person is in a very high position, everyone respects them in their mind. But if the same person is humble, everyone respects them from the heart.

    Self-Respect

    Humility is not the absence of self-respect. Self-respect is crucial; otherwise, the world will crush you.

    Respect yourself, and others will respect you

    -Confucius

    However, difficulties occur when self-respect reaches an extreme level and turns into ego, particularly during conflicts.

    If I share my experience with you, then yes, even though I am humble, I always get angry when someone insults me. Moreover, I am a highly sensitive person (HSP) and get hurt when I am offended by someone.

    So, you see, it’s very natural to get hurt when someone insults you. It is because you should respect yourself, too, while giving respect to others.

    How to Know if One Is an Egotist or a Humble Person?

    To determine if someone is an egotist or a humble person, pay attention to their tone, the slight changes in their voice, and how they talk with people from a low socio-economic status. A humble person always gives respect to the poor.

    As I am a highly sensitive person (HSP), I respect everyone from the heart, including the poor. However, I expect to be treated in the same manner (which sometimes is not!).

    I have noticed through my experience that a sensitive person is always polite and humble. It is because he can empathise with others very easily, unlike a person who is not very sensitive.

    The Message

    In the end, I will say that a humble person is never weak. He is indeed very courageous. It takes a lot of courage to bend before others, and the humble person possesses that courage, unlike an egotist.

  • Why Is Contentment Important and Brings Happiness to You?

    Why Is Contentment Important and Brings Happiness to You?

    I will share my personal experience with you, but first, let’s understand why contentment is important and why it brings you happiness.

    Contentment

    Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction with what you have, without feeling the urge to acquire more.

    It doesn’t mean at all to live an ascetic life. It simply means you are content with what you have and don’t want more to satisfy your desires. In fact, there are no unnecessary wants now.

    Materialism

    Materialism is the belief that material success, money, possessions, and external achievements provide happiness and peace.

    Materialistic people often overlook spiritual virtues such as truth, selflessness, and humility. Their egos compel them to prioritise material success and money over spiritual virtues.

    Material success, money, and external achievements satisfy the ego, which is a significant obstacle to overcoming ignorance and achieving enlightenment.

    When a person experiences a Kundalini awakening, the ego dissolves, and interest in materialism is diminished. Due to the disappearance of the ego, ignorance vanishes, and the state of consciousness increases.

    One of the Reasons for Suffering

    One of the most important causes of our suffering is our unlimited desires. Whenever we satisfy one want, a new want arises, and this cycle continues throughout our lives.

    We strive to fulfil our wants, and we spend our whole lives doing so. We get no time to enjoy life and live with happiness.

    My Experience

    I experienced a Kundalini awakening in August 2014. Kundalini awakening was the turning point of my life. It transformed me completely.

    Before my awakening, when I was small, I wanted to join the Bollywood (Indian Film Industry). Although I was not interested in money, I had a desire to win big awards, including Oscars.

    I wanted to get popular. My deepest aspiration was to leave a lasting impact on the world through my creativity.

    From my childhood, I had never taken an interest in school studies. I was drawn towards music, acting, dance and literature. I was greatly appreciated for my voice, acting, and dance. This motivated me to pursue a career in the film industry.

    In the year 2000, when I was 17, I experienced a spiritual awakening. But it was different from my Kundalini awakening.

    At 17, I became very spiritual. I began to take an interest in spirituality. I found my Guru, who was a spiritual teacher at my school. He made me use logic to understand spirituality.

    I am a highly sensitive person (HSP). Although I became spiritual, my interest in the film industry continued. But I was never attracted to money. But at 31, when I experienced a Kundalini awakening, my interest in materialism reduced considerably.

    After my Kundalini awakening, I realised my life’s purpose. And it was to raise the consciousness of this world and make it a better place.

    I realised that I have been sent here for selfless service and not to get “popular”. Although Kundalini awakening destroyed my dream, it made me realise that this world needs me!

    Today, I am at peace. I am completely satisfied with what I have, a small home and a small car.

    Now I don’t need more. The higher power of the universe has already given me more than enough. I have a loving mom, a close friend (only one) with whom I talk daily on the phone, and my 22 years of solitude (I am still in it).

    Solitude brings me a sense of peace and calm. I love writing, which is why I started this spiritual blog. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, solitude becomes my solace.

    I always feel like a servant of this world who wants to spread the light of true knowledge. And I know that this is not my desire, but this is indeed the desire of the higher power (The Source or God), that’s why this desire exists in me.

    A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest

    -Albert Einstein

  • Why Is Nature So Healing?

    Why Is Nature So Healing?

    Nature is the beautiful creation of the higher power of the universe. It is a gift from a higher power.

    The Aura

    Every object in this universe has an energy field surrounding its body called ‘Aura’. Even plants, water, mountains, and animals, including humans, have this energy field, which affects us. This is why we feel fresh and at ease when we come into contact with nature’s vibrations.

    Energy and Vibrations

    As energy is everywhere, so are the vibrations. Every object can vibrate us. Hence, these plants, birds, animals, water, and mountains also have this energy, and therefore they vibrate us positively, giving us peace and making us calm.

    Whenever we are under stress, nature gives us a beautiful and significant solace. Just walking barefoot on grass makes our minds feel peaceful and calm.

    Creativity

    Nature is an excellent source of creativity. We get creative ideas when we come in contact with nature, and this is scientifically proven. You can read here.

    Destruction of Nature

    Unfortunately, humans are destroying nature, and it is just like we are subconsciously drinking poison, which is killing us slowly and slowly.

    Cutting a tree is like killing a gentle human who only tries to help you in every way they can

    The Message

    I strongly recommend spending some time in nature. Feel the freshness through plants, listen to the music of birds, mountains staring at you, valleys wanting to embrace you, and sea waves approaching you to make you feel their warmth.

    Whenever you feel stressed, mentally disturbed, lonely, or in need of a companion. Just go to nature’s solace. You will feel the magic!