Gathering Thoughts

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.

Having settled into a flow, here, with meditation, Workings and Texts, as well has having now completed the sections of Kindle Life which most directly relate to the "why would you bother?" aspects of undertaking spiritual researches, it might be wondered as to why we would continue with a day dedicated to making that choice.

In actuality, however, for the majority of aspirants, the question never really goes away! It may take on a fresh texture, a new colour, a different depth of questioning…"Why is this or that necessary?"… that it becomes imperative that we always assess how dedicated we are to the processes asked of us, how deep is our intent and, to be fair, "what are we doing this for again?" is a question that will always arise when we meet each of our inner challenges or blockages. If study is seriously undertaken, it will make the adjustments within us which are necessary to progress. It is unavoidable. 

That is not to say that it comes without its pains and angst. In fact, if anyone claims to be sailing through the learning with little or no trouble, it is to be considered that perhaps no serious application has taken place at all. A favourite response of Gurudev's, in answer to any who said they had gone through the Bhagavad Gita or any other major text a number of times, would be a roaring "...but have you let the Gita go through you at least once?!!"

Even those who have lived blessed and protected lives will, in correct and appropriate application of the saadhana exercises, be faced with challenges to their assumptions, views and habits. Nobody is immune from the process of purification and clarification which is required in the pursuit of Vedanta.

Within Chinmaya mission - and indeed almost every other establishment, be it church, synagogue or temple - there will be the handing out of pamphlets or small booklets which address exactly this sort of thing. Offering little pearls of insight, prods to think more deeply, to assess more appropriately. Some will make reference to specific texts and quotes, but do not of themselves constitute any form of scripture or teaching. They are merely reminders to keep aware of the purpose of making spiritual research.

Given that, in the context of the ethernet, 'handing' of prasaadam grantha is next to impossible, from next week, some of these small writings will be taken up as posts here.

Perhaps even questions asked. The current lack of interaction (with one or two exceptions) suggests that most readers are on the thresh-hold, at the curiosity stage. Testing the waters as it were. It is time to remind again that this blog is offered so that you can ask questions and voice your doubts. Be not shy. It is always during interaction that we learn most. That can be at home on your own with japa mala; once lifted you are interacting with that tool and the Higher self - even if you feel it not at this point.

For the more intellectual stuff, though, you are definitely encouraged to make your presence visible here. Not for the benefit of the teacher. For yourself only! Even leaving an observational comment is useful, insofar, if there is any clear disparity in understanding, a response can be made to help correct and guide.