Sunday, September 7, 2014

Arise, Awake.....



Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached"
is a sloka of the Katha Upanishad which was popularized in the late 19th century by Indian Hindu Monk Swami Vivekananda.



Here is my interpretation of this sloka:
                                          want strong, toned arms like me,  it is possible

Arise and awake, for the time is passing and all our energies will be: frittered away in just sleeping.
Arise and awake, let minor things, like pain, aches and laziness be thrown aside, for they were never meant to be a permanent part of your life.
Arise! Awake! Stand up and fight!
Fight the fat, the illness of your body, Exercise now!
It is totally in your hands alone, for it is your body, your health and your life, that is screaming for change.

Listen to what Yama says in the Katha Upanisad:
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत ।
Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached!



In the 1.3.14 chapter of Katha Upnishad, this sloka can be found, where Yama (pictured) teaching Nachiketha the methods of Yoga.


Interpret it, in any way you want, use it to be inspired in any aspect of your life.

Sharp as the blade of a razor, long and difficult and hard to cross, is the way to freedom (freedom from ill health) but not impossible.
The health enthusiasts, have declared this again and again.
Do not let these weaknesses and failures stop you. 

Say a big 'NO' to 'Temptations', for they only lead you to illness.

The Upanishads have declared,
Arise ! Awake ! and stop not until the goal is reached."
We will then certainly cross the path, sharp as it is like the razor, and long and distant and difficult though it may seem in the beginning, it is achievable, if we are committed.

The goal is definitely within  everyone's reach!
Understand that sitting idly, in front of the computer/ TV or being engrossed in your Smart phone will not give you the health that you are aspiring for.

So Arise! Awake!, from your deep slumber, and do the activity that pleases you: you could walk, jog, dance to your favorite music, practice some simple yoga asanas, anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Are you ready to take charge of your life: remember you have only one 'life'?

Have you started exercising?