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.
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Chapter
three of Kindle Life discusses Man's Heritage.
Here Gurudev opens with the word 'independence' It is this which is the essence
of freedom which Man seeks, but in fighting for it mistakes libertinism as
independence . True independence is liberation from the ravages and terrors
which arise from the trap of licentious and addictive behaviour. The truly
independent personality is not hampered by attachment to the worldly items
which seem so twinkly and fun. Independence takes courage. It can mean rowing
against the tide - and what a tide is the lure of the glittery, glamoury,
material world!
In
choosing to perfect the art of independence, which is our true heritage, the
deep and abiding call in every heart, we can find ourselves able to navigate
samsaara, but be not of it.
The
ancient wisdoms, the scriptures, become like a compass, the map of our
direction. Steering by the guidance therein, we navigate samsara with much less
pain and angst. It will not stop the storms and squalls which arise, but we
will be so much better equipped to navigate through them and minimise any
damage. By making the choice to live by the tenets of our elders, then, we are
setting ourselves apart. This is
particularly true in vedanta, when undertaking the sadhana chatushtaya. Viveka
and vairagya can, from outside, appear to be cold and stone-like; uncaring and
disinterested, aloof or even air-headed. How wrong are these perceptions! The
other sailors being tossed about on samsaara would do well to emulate such an
example. It is not that this person is at all devoid of feeling, it is simply
that they are not ruled, but are the ruler of, emotion. At other times they
will be seen to be enjoying the fruits of such discipline, laughing with their
company, enraptured in the joy of nature of children at play. But neither will
this be excessive. Balanced temperament
is what is manifest. Gurudev says it well;
"...sentiments adorn a person, but
sentimentalism is as a scar upon his
personality... The
secret of success in life thus lies in keeping the head above the storms of the
heart."
The
Rsis were the pioneers of one of the most enduring paths to achieving this
balance; we would be wise to take up their wisdom! The heritage we have is
choice and we can choose to live life rightly, to aim for the ultimate goal of
escaping the endless cycle called samsaara. For some the move is not so far.
For others it can seem like moving from one planet to another. Fund the desire
to stand back from poor choices. Make the decision to redirect you vision. Life
will happen. Will you let it run you, or will you take charge?
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