Hari
Om
Each 'Choose-day' we will investigate the process by
which we can reassess our activity and interaction with the world of plurality
and become more congruent within our personality.
KINDLE LIFE. In the next few weeks we will
explore some of the points raised by HH Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda-ji in
the publication of this name. Remember, you can purchase, (very economically!),
the book from Chinmaya Mission Publications
or if you prefer, the Amazon
Link.
As
we move into the second chapter of the book, we are reminded of the previous
discussion; that licentiousness is not
true freedom. Freedom is the ability to make choice and licentiousness is one
of the choices. Its opposite is to
follow some code of civility. When we make the free choice to adhere to laws and
acknowledge the rights of others to make their own choices, we grow as human
beings. In terms of countries, there are constitutions and laws which maximise
the potential for a peaceful and integrated society; when these are not adhered
to, problems arise.
Similarly,
for the individual, there are 'constitutions and laws' by which we can live, known as scriptures. These, as do the dictates of all healthy societies, lay
out the art of right contact. Here,
Gurudev uses electricity for his example. If we do not know the correct manner
in which we should interact with electricity, our 'contact' with it could be
very damaging indeed!
Something
that is heard frequently in discussions of this nature, is the complaint of how
evil the world is, how there are so many things which are wrong and how is one
ever to find peace in such a mire? Certainly this life can be a very bumpy
ride. As Gurudev points out though, rough surfaces are required for sharpening
dull instruments. With the skills provided for us in the ancient wisdoms, we
can apply ourselves to these problems with a degree of courage, knowing that,
as troublesome as they are, we can use them as an opportunity to learn and
grow. Or we can choose to drown in
sorrow.
Here
Gurudev demonstrates with the 'glass half full' analogy. It is the turn of mind
in each individual which sees it thus - or takes it to be half empty.
Some
minds which tend to the negative view, only need to come into contact with the
positive at the right place and right time to find their view is changing and
that life turns for the better. They just need the incentive, the example set.
Part
of right conduct is to be content with what has been given or achieved thus
far. Gratitude. If we are all the time thinking that "I have not enough,
oh that person has more or better or bigger…" we are all the time in the
flux of discontentment. Even if we obtain the 'more/better/bigger' for
ourselves, we are not likely to have refrained from looking always at what the
other has.
Cease
the craving; be grateful for what there is; accept what still comes; share what
you have. All of these fall into the art
of right contact and, what is more, bring a sense of peace.
This we
have now
is not
imagination.
This is not
grief or
joy.
Not a
judging state,
or an
elation,
or
sadness.
Those come and go.
This is
the presence that doesn't.
(M J Rumi)