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.
The next text which will guide the
Choose-day posts is "Tips for Happy Living - jIvnsUÇai[
/jiivanasuutraani", by Swami Tejomayananda (Guru-ji). Choose-days writings
are here to prompt deeper thinking on the choices made on a daily basis and
seek to provide prompts for raising the standard of one's thinking and living.
This text composed in format of Sanskrit traditional teachings, speaks directly
to this purpose. As ever, the full text may be obtained from CM Publications - or your local centre
(see sidebar).
Given
that the human efforts, and the external sources available to support those
efforts, are limited, let us now ask, 'is there not a source of unlmited
empowerment that we can plug in to?'
svRzi´mdIñrSyanu¢hep
tu s l]gupae _avit.2.
Sarva-shaktimad-iishvarasyanu-grahena
tu sa laksha-guno bhavati ||2||
With the grace of the Omnipotent Lord, however, that
becomes a million times more effective.
One
who is himself dependent cannot be totally depended upon. Help from one who in
turn seeks another's help may sometimes leave us helpless. However, if we
depend upon and seek help of one who is independent, supporter of all,
inifinite in strength, knowledge, welath and virtues, we will be
ever-supported.
If
we plug in to the very source of all inspiration, light and nourishment, we
will gain infinite strength and vitality. Instead of focusing on our limited
efforts and possessions, we ought to focus on our infinite potential and the
eternal grace and strength of the Higher.
Of
course, now we ask, 'how to plug to this infinite source of empowerment?'
tSmaÅamevaiïTy
pué;awR> ktRVy>.3.
Tasmaat-tam-evaashritya
purushaarthaH katavyaH ||3||
Therefore, depending on Him alone, efforts should be
put forth.
When
one is added to one, it becomes two. Basic. However, when one is put next to one, it becomes eleven! Our efforts
get multiplied a million-fold when they are supported by 'the One', that Higher
Essence of Being. You may call It 'God', or you may say there is no God and
that it is but the Highest of Human Potential… but even the latter requires of
us the faith that this is a possible condition and we must ask that inner WE to
assist the little 'me'!
What
we are talking about here is surrendering of the ego to the possibilities as
yet untapped within us. Understanding fully the nature of this grace is the
purpose of the spiritual seeker. Even the atheist will seek to become a better
and more balanced human being, understanding that there are needs for
improvement - if they are any kind of human being at all. What must be guarded
against in the event of one believing in 'God', is that, whilst we can
surrender to that presence, is that we do not then seek to absolve ourselves of
all responsibility in action and progress. The adage 'Lord helps those who help
themselves' is pertinent here!
