Swami ji’s Sandesh… ” ऐसी ‘दृष्टि’ रखो जो ‘सत्य’ तक ले जाए…”

Swami ji said…

All of us are familiar with the oft-repeated phrase : Is the glass half full or half empty? The answer to this question is often used to determine how one sees life — to gain a glimpse into one’s perspective. Whether a person views life through a ‘positive’ lens or a ‘negative’ one. Ultimately, man tends to break everything down into black and white — what is right and what is wrong. Over time, we all develop our own principles and systems to decide what to do and what not to do.

But merely knowing whether one has an optimistic outlook or one is filled with gloom is not enough. What truly matters is how one arrives at that view. What does one observe in a situation? How deeply does one observe day to day developments in his life ? And how does one finally interpret what is seen? It is this process that shapes perspective. And it is on the basis of this perspective that one performs ‘karma’ in life.

We often hear people advising others to “have a better attitude” or “be more positive.” More often than not, however, what they are suggesting is superficial changes in behaviour. It is folly to appear cheerful in the face of real danger, and even more so to convince oneself positively that there is no danger at all. That is not how life is meant to be lived. Such denial eventually leads to ruin.

What one truly needs is the ability to see beyond the superficial antics of ‘maya’ in life — the ability not merely to react emotionally, but to discern what is actually unfolding. This is where spiritual practice becomes essential.

What do meditation, ‘japa’, self-reflection, and the study of scriptures truly achieve for us? They condition the mind. They train it to perceive what cannot be seen by the two eyes or heard by the two ears.

With God’s Grace – the practising spiritual seeker begins to perceive what is said between words — whether spoken by others or arising within oneself. He learns to sense the truth hidden behind harsh speech, and the deceit concealed in honeyed words. Those on the spiritual path, though not yet enlightened, are granted sufficient light by God to recognise His hand behind the events of this world.
Where others see injustice, the seeker sees a lesson. Where others see loss, he sees release. Where others perceive delay, he recognises divine timing. As a result, his actions become more measured, deliberate, and righteous.

Even one’s own actions are constantly observed. A vigil is maintained over the motivations and emotions that give birth to them. This awareness itself refines conduct. This is the perspective we all need.

Why did Lord Rama agree to strike Bali without confronting him face to face? Though His action appeared to violate the rules of combat of the time, it upheld the higher ‘dharma’ of protecting the oppressed — Sugriva — from the oppressor — Bali. Through this, God demonstrated that moral justice must prevail over rigid formality. While the world may dictate what is right or wrong, one must cultivate one’s own vision — a principled way of seeing — before passing judgment. This alone is true perspective.

It is said that Lord Indra has a hundred eyes and Lord Varuna a thousand. Yet even beyond these – there is One who sees all and knows all. To be truly successful in life, we must strive to move closer to Him with every step. Only then do we begin to see life as it truly is — and develop a divine perspective.