Living with Uncertainty

Inspiration - RKT Newsletter

July 2025

Quote

सुखदु:खे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ | ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि || 38||

sukha-duhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau tato yuddhaya yujyasva naivam papam avapsyasi

Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin ( Bhagavad Gita 2.38 )

From the Editor’s Desk

In every generation, humanity has been tested by uncertainty. What makes our time unique is the immediacy with which we are exposed to global suffering and the confusion it brings into our inner world. However, we are not powerless. We have the wisdom of our Vedic tradition and the loving guidance of divine saints. We have the community of satsang, the strength of devotion, and the grace of God.

This month, as you read this issue of Inspiration, remember: You are not alone. Your spiritual practices, your compassionate actions, and your unwavering faith contribute to a more conscious, kinder, and resilient world.

Let us continue walking together, anchored in God, yet with open hearts for the world.

Bhakti Ras

Living with Uncertainty Through Faith and Detachment

In today’s world, uncertainty is no longer a distant possibility—it has become a shared global experience. Whether through wars, natural calamities, societal upheaval, or personal tragedy, we are constantly reminded of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. In the face of such instability, how do we maintain inner peace? How can we be spiritually detached while expressing heartfelt compassion for the suffering of others?

Drawing from timeless Vedic wisdom, we explore how to confront uncertainty with courage, compassion, and unwavering spiritual grounding. Through the lens of detachment (i.e., vairagya), dependence on divine support, and practical spirituality, we uncover a framework to live meaningfully in a world of unpredictability, with hearts open yet minds anchored in the Eternal. Lord Shree Krishna beautifully explains to Arjun:

वीतरागभयक्रोधा मन्मया मामुपाश्रिता: | बहवो ज्ञानतपसा पूता मद्भावमागता: || 10||

vita-raga-bhaya-krodha man-maya mam upashritah bahavo jnana-tapasa puta mad-bhavam agatah

Being free from attachment, fear, and anger, becoming fully absorbed in Me, and taking refuge in Me, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me, and thus attained My divine love.
( Bhagavad Gita 4.10 )

The World Is Unstable—But the Soul Is Eternal

We live in unprecedented times. Across the globe, wars are going on, innocent lives are lost in mass tragedies, and unexpected natural disasters leave behind trails of grief and destruction. While technology and information empower us, they also bring constant reminders of suffering into our lives.

In such an environment, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and helpless. Yet, Vedic philosophy guides us to recognize that the material world is by nature, uncertain, while the soul is eternal and unchanging. We cannot change the uncertainties of the world, but we can transform how we respond to uncertainties in life.

Sant Tukaram faced repeated losses – his family, his livelihood, even public humiliation. Yet he chanted the name of Lord Vitthala with unwavering love, saying, “If I sink, I sink in Your name, O Lord!” His detachment was not dry renunciation but passionate surrender. So, as materially conditioned souls, how can we deal with the uncertainties of life?

1.     Vairagya: The Art of Detachment in a Changing World

Vairagya, or spiritual detachment, is not apathy. It is the ability to remain unaffected by the dualities of life – joy and sorrow, gain and loss, birth and death – while staying engaged in righteous action. In Prem Ras Siddhant, Shree Maharajji explained vairagya as arising from attachment to God, not mere external renunciation. He said that a person with vairagya does not develop attachment to worldly objects, not because of hatred, but because they have tasted a higher bliss – the bliss of divine love. The very well-known shloka from the Bhagavad Gita explains this point.

श्रीभगवानुवाच | असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् | अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते || 35||

shri bhagavan uvacha asanshayam maha-baho mano durnigraham chalam abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena cha grihyate

Lord Krishna said: O mighty-armed son of Kunti, what you say is correct; the mind is indeed very difficult to restrain. But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled.
( Bhagavad Gita 6.35 )

In uncertain times, vairagya is essential. It allows us to act with clarity and purpose without being consumed by grief, fear, or anxiety. 

Spiritual detachment teaches us to be like a lotus that grows in muddy water but remains untouched by it. Similarly, we must learn to live in the external world without letting the world live inside of us. Even though this is tough, especially when we witness the suffering of seemingly innocent people, we must perceive a divine plan in such situations.

Vedic philosophy explains the concept of karma – that every soul experiences the consequences of its past actions across lifetimes. However, this is not a call to judgment, but to humility. We do not know the karmic journey of others. Instead of blaming or questioning, we must respond with compassion and surrender to God’s will.

2.     Dependence on Divine Support

When calamities strike, people often ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The Vedic perspective explains this through the Law of Karma – actions from past lifetimes will bear fruit in this one. However, this insight is not meant to foster blame or judgment but evoke humility and compassion. As Swamiji explains, we do not know the karmic journey of others.

Instead of blaming or questioning, we must respond with compassion and surrender to God’s will. For example, Mother Teresa walked into war zones and slums, caring for dying souls with deep compassion, yet remained calm and joyful through prayer and divine dependence.

Everything unfolds under the vision of the Divine Intelligence, even though the reasons may not be immediately evident to us. That is where the power of sharanagati or surrender plays a crucial role.

When faced with suffering, surrendering to God brings immense peace. This does not mean giving up; it means letting go of the illusion of control and trusting a higher wisdom.  As Lord Shree Krishna assured Arjun:

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज | अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: || 66||

sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shuchah

Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.
( Bhagavad Gita 18.66 )

Surrender transforms our perception. Instead of resisting uncertainty, we begin to see it as a tool for spiritual purification and dependence on the Divine. When the world outside is in turmoil, go within. That is where your true shelter lies. Additionally, our scriptures do not ask us to suppress our empathy. Instead, we are called to serve with compassion, not material attachment. This approach allows us to: (1) Love and serve while maintaining spiritual balance; (2) Let go when necessary, without inner collapse, and (3) Elevate our actions with devotion, not ego.

3.     Practical Spirituality: Inner Anchoring for Outer Uncertainty

In uncertain times, the most reliable security comes not from external arrangements but from a disciplined internal state rooted in a God-centered lifestyle. This is because we cannot change the uncertainties or circumstances around us, but we can transform how we respond to them by surrendering to God and focusing on our inner growth.

During the global pandemic, Swamiji guided thousands through online discourses and Life Transformation Programs. His message was that when the world outside is in turmoil, we must go within – where our true shelter lies. He strongly encourages the practice of:

• Daily Sadhana or devotional practice as per one’s schedule.
• Satsang or a spiritual association with fellow devotees and like-minded people to reinforce divine values that enable us to purify the heart.
• Roop Dhyan Meditation to anchor the mind in God.
• Contemplation on the impermanence of the world, as described in Vedic scriptures.
• Engaging in Seva or selfless service without expecting positive outcomes.

Above all, we must remember that hope is rooted in the soul, not the senses. True hope is not wishful thinking but is rooted in the eternal nature of the soul. The soul never dies, never suffers. It simply undergoes experiences for spiritual evolution. Knowing this allows us to grieve without despair, act without fear, and live with love in the face of uncertainty.

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

Unshaken in Uncertainty

Mr. Soichiro Honda, the founder of the Honda Automobile empire, was born into a lower-middle-class family in Japan. From a young age, he carried a deep desire to do something that would make a difference. After enrolling in engineering school, he created a piston ring prototype and presented it to Toyota, but they rejected it, and his peers mocked him. Undeterred, he redesigned the prototype, and this time, Toyota accepted it, placed an order, and allowed him to build a factory. Just when the factory construction was complete, an earthquake destroyed everything.

Undeterred, he decided to rebuild the factory. Just then, Japan entered World War II and cement became scarce. He developed a creative way to produce cement, which he used to build his factory. His rebuilt factory was bombed again during an air raid, but he stayed inspired and rebuilt it a third time using discarded American fuel tanks. After the war ended, fuel was scarce and cars were unused, leaving no demand for his piston rings.

One day, while riding his bicycle, he had an idea and turned it into a motorcycle by attaching a small motor. His neighbours were impressed and requested one for themselves. He built twenty and realized that the idea had market potential. He faced a lack of funds, but his inspiration reminded him that no obstacle was too great.

To fund mass production, he wrote letters to bicycle owners and eighteen hundred provided him with the capital to make his first motorcycle factory. His first motorcycle was a failure, but he refined the design and created the Super Cub. It became a massive success and from that point onward, he never looked back. During his lifetime, Honda Corporation grew to employ 100,000 people worldwide, and its impact has only continued to expand since then.

Practical wisdom:

• Mr. Soichiro Honda’s journey through failure, disaster, war, and economic collapse shows that uncertainty is a constant in life. Uncertain times often trigger fear of the unknown, which the imagination tends to exaggerate. Since the root of fear is attachment, overcoming it requires practicing detachment and surrendering to God.
• Mr. Soichiro Honda refused to give up despite facing great challenges and uncertainties because inspiration kept him going. That same inspiration is vital on the spiritual path. When one is inspired, s/he will continue to rise above the challenges. Without inspiration, the smallest obstacles feel overwhelming. Hence one must learn to cultivate and sustain inspiration.

Youth Insights

Anchored Amid Uncertainty

The world can sometimes feel like it's spinning off its axis. We scroll through headlines of war, loss, and disasters that leave entire communities shaken. We hear about violence in places that were once peaceful. But uncertainty is not new. Every generation faces its version of instability. What matters is how we choose to respond, not with despair, but with spiritual detachment, compassion, and trust.

Spiritual detachment doesn’t mean we stop caring. It means we learn not to let fear or sadness take over our thoughts. It’s about anchoring ourselves in something deeper: our values, our faith, our commitment to serve others. While we may not control the storm, we can control how we sail through it.

How We Can Stay Grounded During Uncertain Times

When things around us feel unpredictable, here are a few ways we, as youth, can stay grounded:

●      Start with stillness: Even five minutes of silence or prayer can bring clarity and calm. In a noisy world, stillness is power.

●      Take small actions:  Whether it's helping someone in need, standing up for justice, or spreading hope, little acts of service push back against despair.

●      Stay connected: Talk with your friends, mentors, and family. Share your worries and lift each other up.

Trust the process: The sun always shines after the storm. Facing uncertain times helps us become stronger, more compassionate, and capable human beings.

Responding with Inner Strength

The world may feel unstable, but our response doesn't have to be. By choosing calm over panic, faith over fear, and service over self-doubt, we can navigate through these difficult times with strength.

Holistic Health Tidbits

Living with Uncertainty: Cultivating Spiritual Detachment for Mental Well-being

The material world constantly presents rapid change and unpredictability. Living with uncertainty has become a daily reality for all of us. From global crises, such as war and natural disasters, to personal challenges like financial instability or health scares, the human mind naturally seeks control and clarity. When certainty becomes instability, anxiety can take root and become a lingering issue. How can we maintain our mental health and spiritual balance in this environment?

One approach is cultivating spiritual detachment by letting go of excessive emotional or mental attachment to worldly things, desires, or outcomes. Detachment does not mean indifference, apathy, or avoidance. We can engage with life and pursue goals by making the conscious decision to remain inwardly anchored and viewing life’s trials from a higher perspective. Through spiritual knowledge, we can recognize that while we may not control external events, we can shape our responses to them.

Spiritual detachment begins with awareness. When we find ourselves spiraling in fear or grief, we can pause and reconnect with the present moment. Breathwork, meditation, and prayer help calm the nervous system and reframe our inner dialogue. Remember that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of clarity within. Connecting with nature through mindful walking is also another way to reset our psyches.

Another key practice is discernment. We do not need to read or listen to all the news, and not every conversation needs our emotional investment. In the digital age, “doom-scrolling” has become a habit with serious consequences. We can find more productive ways to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Limiting exposure to distressing media and choosing uplifting or constructive outlets, such as serving others, can help preserve mental health.

Swami Mukundananda offers numerous lectures, books, and online meditations to help us practice and improve our spiritual detachment and discernment. If we can train our minds to live in the world without letting it consume us, we will find that inner peace prevails.

Reflection Questions

Bhakti Ras / Inspiration

1. How do I derive strength from my spiritual practices or sadhana?
2. How can I serve others while protecting my inner peace?

Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom

• What was the main reason behind Mr. Soichiro Honda’s success?

Youth Insights

• When you’re faced with uncertainty or difficult news, what helps you stay grounded, and how can you use that to support others around you?

Holistic Health Tidbits

• How can we remember to separate ourselves from worldly challenges and stay grounded in our responses to adversity?

Upcoming Events

JKYog and the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas invite you to participate in three amazing upcoming events in the month of August.

Life Transformation Program with Swami Mukundananda

What if just a few days could change the course of your life?

Each year, seekers across the United States gather for an experience that goes far beyond a typical spiritual program. The Life Transformation Program (LTP) –  a signature series by Shree Swami Mukundananda – offers a rare and precious opportunity to ignite inner growth, awaken divine consciousness, and embrace holistic well-being.

This unique event blends timeless Vedic wisdom with the power of direct personal interactions with Swamiji himself. The LTP delivers profound insights that touch our body, mind, and soul, helping us to lead a more purposeful, peaceful, and elevated life.

📅 Dates: August 2 to 8, 2025

📍 Venue: Radha Krishna Temple, 1450 N. Watters Road, Allen, TX 75013

® Register for the Free Program: Click here

What Makes the Dallas LTP So Special?

🌸 Meet and Greet with Swamiji (August 2–6 from 6:45 to 7:15 PM): Experience the joy of connecting with a divine personality whose words and presence uplift countless lives. Swamiji also very kindly autographs His books that you purchase.

📖 Enlightening Discourses (August 2–8 from 7:15 to 9:00 PM): Swamiji will present profound truths from the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita in His discourses on the 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self, in a way that is relevant to modern life.

🌿 Yoga & Meditation (August 7–8 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM): Relish the opportunity to uplift the body, mind, and soul on the last two days of the program.

🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♂️Morning Walk, Satsang, and Breakfast (August 3–8 from 6:30 to 8:00 AM) This is one of the most cherished experiences. Participants utilize this opportunity to ask questions to clarify their doubts from the previous evening’s discourse, or any other spiritual topic of interest to them. The opportunity to receive personal guidance from Swamiji in a warm and welcoming atmosphere continues through breakfast. Additionally, the morning Satsangs set the stage for a positive mindset that lasts through the day.

🍛 Free Dinner Prasad (August 2–8 from 9:00 PM onward): Nourish your body with delicious sanctified food served daily with love.

Participants often describe the LTP as one of the most inspiring experiences of their lives — a place where knowledge meets grace, and transformation begins.

Shree Krishna Janmashtami with Swami Mukundananda

Hathi Ghoda Palaki, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!

The Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav with Swami Mukundananda ji is coming soon! It always is the most miraculous and blissful festival! It reminds us of the most beautiful and heart-warming Leelas or pastimes of Shree Krishna in Vrindavan! 

📅 Dates: August 14 to 18, 2025

📍 Venue: Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas, 1450 N Watters Rd, Allen, TX 75013

 Join us for the most devotional and fun activities for people of all ages and interests!

• Special Sunday Satsang with Swamiji
• Beautiful Jhankis of Krishna Leelas
• Baby Krishna Jhoolan
• Dahi Handi! 
• Cultural Program
• Variety of Activities for Children and Youth
• Awesome Food Festival
• Vendor Booths 
• A magical Midnight Celebration of Krishna Janma – Cake Cutting and Midnight Aarti! Sing and dance to your heart’s content!

There is no other place to be for the magnificent Krishna Janmashtami celebrations than the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (Allen)!

Registration will open soon! Stay tuned!

Prem Yoga Teacher Training Academy (300 Hours)

We are very excited to inform you about a dynamite upcoming program to enhance the body, mind, and soul. It is Prem Yoga’s 300-Hour Teacher Training Certification Program for advanced yoga teachers!

Offered for the first time, this 8-week intensive training program is targeted to accomplish an incredible amount of knowledge and skills (check the website). It is an excellent opportunity to master yoga in its true form, to be able to teach beginners and master teachers looking to update their certificates. The program integrates the essence of Bhakti, Gyan, and Karm Yog to keep oneself healthy in all aspects of life.

This 300-hour training program is designed to cover all aspects of Prem Yoga to help you find a balanced way of living and the expression of divine love. Students need to meet the prerequisite requirements.

Dates:	August 1 to September 26, 2025
Details:	https://www.jkyog.org/yoga-teacher-training