Day: December 25, 2023

Swami ji said…

In all of mankind’s time on Earth, the times we live in today, the world as it is around us – would seem the most paradoxical to the spiritual seeker. For at one end, he has at his disposal all the knowledge of the ages – from the innumerable, wise spiritual teachers of the past and present ; religious texts and holy scrolls ; old scriptures and modern thought papers – all telling him to eagerly pursue God. To realize the Self. To give up his wants and focus on the spirit, the Soul. To chase only that which is Godly and holy, and nothing else.

And yet, at the same time, he sees that – what the world whole heartedly celebrates, ardently admires – is quite opposite to what he is told to seek. Wealth is admired and adored ; greed is seen not as a vice but as a source of strength and a guide to fortune. The senses are king and satisfying them at all times , at any cost – is made to look like the end purpose of life.

Such circumstances can cause one disappointment and disillusionment. A person can end up being bitter towards the world – on seeing the gulf , the divide between what is preached and practiced. We are taught about morality – are told that we are duty bound ; are expected to behave morally and act in an impeccable , righteous way, but , on the other hand , see the world rewarding handsomely – all those who act immorally. Life can feel unjust and God comes across as uncaring in such conditions.

More often than not, we find many a people of this temperament around us. They are good at heart but bear resentment for the doings of the world. Some of us could find ourselves in the same boat many a times. We put in everything to keep ourselves morally and spiritually sound ; while there are those who seem to be living life to the fullest – doing as they please – uncaring and unfearful of any repercussions.

What then is the solution to this ? How does one change the tide ? The answer to this, as in almost every endeavour to make change, lies in us. We must first bring about change in ourselves. It is important for us to understand that self-realization, spiritual enlightenment ; these are not personal endeavours that one opts for just like that – as one opts to exercise or learn an art. These are simply God’s divine plans for us. Tasks set by Him for us to achieve. And , any spiritual seeker who sets out on the spiritual path must understand , that he is finally doing what he was sent to do on Earth. He is now simply doing what he must do ; is supposed to do – as he is doing the best that he can do for himself. To rein in the mind, cleanse the soul and realize who he is and to achieve all this – is the true purpose of his being here.

Everything else that is enjoyed by us – family, society, job, money – is a result of our past ‘karma’. We wrongly feel that we are defined by these. It is only when we stop identifying ourselves with these things ; it is only when we see ourselves as distinct from these – can we stop caring about them. For the spiritual seeker to be successful, detachment is not an option, but, a necessity – as one who is still seeing through the lens of ‘माया’ will never see the fruits of his spiritual labour.

Without detachment, the spiritual seeker’s motivation and aspirations will remain at the materialistic plane, although his actions could be on a spiritual plane. As seen today, many a times people take up meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices seeking to ‘better’ their lives. Unfortunately, what they think as ‘better’ for them – is materialistic in nature. They are unaware that ‘peace of mind’ is possibly the greatest gift of all in today’s day and age; but , instead they hope silently , that their spiritual practices will bring them a ‘better career’ or ‘make them wealthier’.

Is this not akin to the farmer who lays mango seeds, hoping to grow an apple orchard ? Will such a situation not lead to depression and resentment ?

To avoid this, the spiritual seeker must instead take pride in doing God’s work. He must sacrifice fulfilling his senses, and instead love God and live for others. Yes, this is indeed easier said than done. But , little by little, one can begin to look at life through such a lens.

Once we do this, we will also begin to appreciate those who live like this. Our goalposts in life will shift. We will look up to the self-realised. We will celebrate ‘sacrifice’ and ‘control’. We will be inspired by these and implement them in our lives. Gradually, we will not be concerned with what people think of us, or , what they can do for us. We will only look to assist those who God wishes us to assist. The future will not be in our thoughts and the past will have no use for us. Such is the freedom and strength that we will be rewarded with on our journey.

It is only then that the light within us, God’s light, will shine through. It is only then that others will begin to see why they must seek God. It is only then that they too will follow the steps of the spiritual path. And , perhaps , then we too can feel rewarded for right actions in this life.