Affirmations in the Vedas

 When we hear the word affirmations today, we often think of modern self-help practices: repeating positive statements to build confidence, clarity, and resilience. But if we see our ancient texts, affirmations are not new at all. Thousands of years ago, the Vedas, the most ancient spiritual texts of India, already carried the seeds of this wisdom. The mantras and verses of the Vedas are, in essence, affirmations that align our thoughts with cosmic truth.

What Are Affirmations?

Affirmations are positive, powerful statements that reprogram the subconscious mind. They redirect energy away from self-doubt, fear, and negativity, and instead nurture clarity, courage, and strength. In Vedic tradition, affirmations take the form of mantras, shlokas, and sankalpas (resolutions), which not only guide the mind but also connect us with universal consciousness.

Affirmations from the Vedas

Here are a few timeless affirmations drawn directly from the Vedic texts:

1. “Aham Brahmāsmi” – I Am Brahman

(Sourced from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)
This affirmation is one of the Mahāvākyas (great sayings) of the Upanishads. It declares the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the Supreme Consciousness (Brahman). Repeating this reminds us that we are not limited beings—we are infinite, divine, and complete.

Modern Affirmation: I am one with the infinite. My essence is divine and limitless.

2. “Asato mā sad gamaya, tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya”

(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28)
Translation: “Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.”
This Vedic prayer is both a request and an affirmation of higher truth. It trains the mind to seek truth, light, and eternal wisdom instead of being bound by illusions and fear.

Modern Affirmation: I choose truth over illusion, light over darkness, and immortality over fear of death.

3. “Satyam eva jayate” – Truth Alone Triumphs

(Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6)
This famous Vedic affirmation reinforces the value of honesty and integrity. It instills courage to stand by truth, even when it is difficult.

Modern Affirmation: Truth is my strength. When I live by truth, I am victorious.

4. “Lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu” – May All Beings Be Happy

(Though widely used in later traditions, its spirit comes from Vedic prayers for universal well-being.)
This affirmation shifts focus from the individual to the collective. It expands the heart and reminds us that our happiness is tied to the happiness of all beings.

Modern Affirmation: I radiate peace and wish well-being for all living beings.

5. “Ayam ātmā brahma” – This Self Is Brahman

(Mandukya Upanishad)
This affirms the sacredness of one’s own being. By identifying the self with the universal, it removes feelings of inadequacy and smallness.

Modern Affirmation: The divine resides within me. I am complete as I am.

Why Vedic Affirmations Work

Modern psychology shows that affirmations influence our subconscious mind and rewire thought patterns. Vedic affirmations go a step further: they are not just positive thoughts, but eternal truths. When chanted with awareness, they resonate deeply with the inner self and bring harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.

Final Thought

The Vedas remind us that affirmations are not about creating something artificial. They are about uncovering what is already true. Every time we affirm “I am divine,” or “Truth alone triumphs,” we are not just motivating ourselves; we are reconnecting with the eternal wisdom of the universe.

Energy leaks

Sometimes we wake up feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep. Despite eating well and resting, we still feel exhausted.  Where is our energy leaking?

Some energy hungry culprits:

• Stress: When we’re constantly tense, the body stays in “fight or flight” mode, burning energy reserves even while sitting still.

• Illness: Healing takes energy. Even minor infections or gut issues can sap vitality quietly in the background.

• Exhaustion & Lack of Sleep: Missing quality sleep creates a compounding debt that no weekend nap can fully repay.

• Chemicals & Stimulants: Too much caffeine, tea, or processed food gives a short-lived kick but drains the nervous system in the long run.

• Arguments & Negativity: Emotional fights are like energy black holes. One heated exchange can leave you feeling wiped out for hours.

• Excessive Blue Light: Scrolling late into the night disrupts natural rhythms, depleting energy and messing with hormones. In traditional wisdom, ignoring maryada (natural boundaries) leads to imbalance.

• Overthinking: The brain burns huge amounts of glucose. Worrying over the same thoughts is like leaving a car engine running with no destination.

• Overburdened Liver: Constant fat-burning (from heavy or erratic eating patterns) tires the liver, a key detox organ, leading to sluggishness.

• Dehydration

• Lack of sunlight

• Being in noisy or toxic environments

• Holding on to resentments

• Hormonal imbalance

How do we plug these leaks?

• Prioritize rest and real sleep (dark, device-free nights).

• Eat and move in balance; don’t overwork your liver or brain.

• Spend time with calm people and in nature.

• Set boundaries with screens and unnecessary drama.

• Practice mindful breaks; just a few minutes of deep breathing can recharge you.

Energy is precious currency; it is limited, it is life. Protect it as carefully as your money. When we stop the leaks, our natural vitality flows back, and so does our joy

How many Gitas?

When we hear the word “Gita,” most of us instantly think of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s timeless dialogue with Arjuna. But the Gita tradition is far richer and broader. The word Gita simply means “song” or “divine song of wisdom.” Across Indian scriptures, many such songs exist—each offering a unique vision of life, duty, and liberation.

Here are some of the most well-known:

• Bhagavad Gita: Part of the Mahabharata, where Krishna explains dharma, yoga, and the path to self-realization.

• Ashtavakra Gita: A deep, non-dualistic dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka; focuses on pure awareness and liberation.

• Uddhava Gita: Krishna’s final teachings to Uddhava in the Bhagavata Purana; more philosophical and devotional in tone.

• Rama Gita: Rama’s instructions to Lakshmana in the Adhyatma Ramayana, centered on bhakti and detachment.

• Devi Gita: Found in the Devi Bhagavatam, where the Divine Mother reveals the path of devotion and self-realization.

• Avadhuta Gita: Attributed to Sage Dattatreya; celebrates the state of absolute freedom beyond all dualities.

• Shiva Gita: Dialogue between Lord Shiva and Rama (in some texts); expounds on Vedanta and devotion.

• Ganesha Gita, Hamsa Gita, Anu Gita, Guru Gita: Lesser-known yet profound texts exploring various aspects of yoga, devotion, and the guru-disciple relationship.

What’s fascinating is that all these Gitas share a core purpose: to awaken us to our true nature and guide us towards inner freedom. While each has a different teacher, student, and context, the essence is the same: wisdom sung straight from the heart.

So next time someone says “the Gita,” remember; there isn’t just one. The tradition has gifted us many songs of wisdom. Maybe start exploring one beyond the familiar Bhagavad Gita. You might discover a melody that speaks directly to your soul.

Musings

Life is small. It just feels big.

It vanishes in no time

It is precious. It is beautiful.

Spread happiness and comforting words wherever you go

Live an ideal life, so that you can lead a satisfied life without regrets

Take good care of yourself

Connect to God

Drop expectations from the world.

Paropakaram Idam Shariram: This Body Is For Service

 Paropakaram idam shariram

This human body is not merely for our own pleasures, but for helping, serving, and uplifting others. 

This statement appears in many Sanskrit texts such as the Hitopadesha and Subhashita collections, which preserve pearls of wisdom for righteous living. The essence is clear: human life finds fulfillment only when it is used for the benefit of others.

History offers us many examples, and one of the brightest among them is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to become the 16th President of the United States. His leadership was marked by one defining act of courage, the abolition of slavery. In a world torn by divisions of race, power, and prejudice, he chose the harder path: to stand for freedom and equality. People of his time said, “God in heaven and Abraham Lincoln on earth – we only have these two to look after us.” Such was the reverence he commanded, not because of wealth or status, but because of his selflessness and unshakable moral compass.

History shows that those who co-operate, who stand together for a cause greater than themselves, are the ones who rise to true heights. 

In leadership, paradoxically, it is by giving that one receives. A selfless leader does not shrink in identity; instead, they expand, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration. 

In our own families, workplaces, and communities, we can choose to live by paropakaram. To smile at someone in distress, to lend a helping hand, to speak truth when it matters – these too are acts of service that elevate the human spirit.

In today’s world of competition and self-interest, the teaching of paropakaram is a gentle reminder that our life gains value only when it touches other lives. A professional who mentors others, a teacher who lights the lamp of knowledge with care, a citizen who contributes to community welfare all live this principle in practice. 

When we act selflessly, we don’t lose anything; instead, our sense of identity expands. Service enhances the self, giving us joy, respect, and immortality in memory.

True greatness is born not in self-centered pursuits but in selfless contributions.

Tear down the walls - Jan Nigro

There are walls of concrete, walls of steel

But the thickest one's you'll find

Are the walls that people put up

In their hearts and in their minds

Walls because of different skin

Or the features on a person's face

Walls because of their religion

Their language or native place

The more walls you put around you

The walls are gonna block your view!

Tear down....tear down the walls!

Love flows freely when they fall

In your heart can't you hear the call

To tear down, tear down the walls.

When we win the battle in our hearts

The walls come tumbling down

The battle over ignorance and fear

Love can make them both disappear

Calling A Spade A Spade

Speaking the truth as it is, without hiding behind polite half-truths, takes courage. That’s what “calling a spade a spade” really means. In a world where people often soften or avoid reality to keep the peace, honest words can feel rare, but they’re deeply valuable.

Why is it Important?

Truth builds trust. When we name things as they are, people know where we stand. It saves time, reduces confusion, and helps us address real issues instead of avoiding them. Honest conversations make relationships and decisions healthier.

But Is There An Art of Doing It?

Of Course, Yes! It can damage relations if it is not done with empathy or an understanding of the perspective of the person receiving the feedback. Calling a spade a spade doesn’t mean being harsh. There’s a way to be truthful without hurting someone's self-worth:

• Speak with empathy: Be mindful of the other person’s feelings.

• Choose your words carefully: Firm but respectful language works better than blunt attacks.

• Check your intent: Ask yourself, “Am I saying this to help or just to hurt?”

• Be willing to face your own truths: Honest self-reflection makes your words more authentic.

Calling a spade a spade is not about being blunt for the sake of it; it’s about being honest in a way that leads to trust, understanding, and positive change. Otherwise, the whole point of giving feedback can become futile and can damage situations.