Arun Jandial
We have the good fortune of taking birth in human form. Man is said to be the most developed of all the species and has the potential of attaining the highest provided he looks on the treasure lying within. We all have divine powers in us which are lying dormant because of the veil created on account of our thoughts and actions. All that we think and do has the tendency of creating impressions on our mind-good or bad, as the case maybe. These tendencies create habits and our actions are governed by them. We may think ourselves to be independent, free to perform our actions the way we like, but that is not the case. In fact it is habit pattern of our mind which guides our actions.
We are never free of thoughts-always thinking of one or the other thing. What do we think? Either it is about our past life-pleasant or unpleasant experiences\memories or planning for the future for fulfilment of our wishes with all the accompanying apprehensions, worries and fears etc. In fact, we never live in the present. We all know that past is gone and nothing can be done about it. We also Know that future is yet to come and our present actions performed under the influence of our habits, tendencies, likes- dislikes, prejudices, priorities, judgements, interests, inclinations, thinking, information, experiences, guidance, education, background etc. will determine our future. We are to work in the present to make our future on the basis of lessons learnt from our past actions.
Man has been rightly called the master of his own destiny because he can make or mar his future by his right or wrong actions. The seeds of our actions lie in our thoughts in the form of impressions or Samskaras. As you sow, so shall you reap is an old saying. Before performing any action, the idea first comes to our mind and then the particular action is performed. All of us may not be so much alert and attentive to clearly observe the origin f the idea and the action being performed as all this happens so fast as in a split second. It is at the stage of origin of the idea that it can be checked to be translated into action provided one is watchful to exercise the necessary restrain and through practice has learnt the art of being a neutral observer and a non-reacting witness. Addictions like smoking and drinking or other negativities like jealousy; short-temperedness etc. can be overcome through the practice of mindfulness which has been stressed by BhagwanBuddha and other spiritual Masters.
When we learn to live in the present and focus on the work in our hands, then only we can put our cent percent in performing our duties. Mostly we keep thinking about the results whether we shall be able to do it rightly or not. We waste so much of our time and energy in thinking about the results-the same energy and time which could be utilised in the successful completion of the task undertaken. This diversification of attention and channelization of the energy in thinking about the result of our actions affect the outcome. Mostly students because of the undue tension and anxiety created by thinking about the result of the examination fail to perform to their full capacity because of negative thinking, undue stress and lack of confidence.
That is why it has been said-one should keep performing one’s duties without thinking about the results and stop worrying and learn to remain relaxed. This is the practical application of Lord Krishna’s message of detached action. To be efficient in the performance of one’s duties in a detached manner- without thinking of the results is Yoga according to Gita.
How one can remain relaxed and free from stress in the present age of competitions? This is an art and science which has to be learnt from those who have regulated their mind by remaining continuously aware and living in present through neutral observation of the thoughts arising in the mind and resulting sensations produced in the body due to biochemical and electromagnetic reactions and being a non-reacting witness (neither suppressing nor expressing but remaining just a neutral observer) to this phenomenon of mind and matter.
Observation of natural incoming and outgoing breath can help in stabilising and purification of the mind. An impure mind is one which is full of wishes, anger, greed, ignorance, pride etc. This habit pattern of cravings and aversions does not let mind remain stable. A wavering mind is not a pure mind because it runs after its wishes and sensual pleasures and spends his entire life in their perusal. Wishes are never fulfilled because the moment one is fulfilled, the other raises its head and this vicious cycle goes on from birth to birth. By conquering one’s mind one conquers the world, so says Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is easy to become President or Prime Minister of a country but very difficult to regulate one’s mind. It is only through right practice and detachment that mind can be regulated is the message of Gita.
Life is in fact time we have been given to understand its purpose and work for the real goal of human life. Self knowledge is the highest achievement. No doubt, we have to perform our worldly duties but we should learn to strike a balance between our worldly and spiritual life as ‘No bird can fly with a single wing’. We must ‘learn to meditate ‘and never put off till tomorrow what must be done today and meditation is one such thing for which we should not wait for old age to dawn when we may not be able to sit in a comfortable posture. Who knows when the final call will come and we shall be deprived of this frame?
Those who sincerely aspire to directly experience the Ultimate Truth will have to put into practice in letter and spirit the principles given by realised Masters through their lives and works and remove all the obstacles in the form of various wishes, impurities and impressions. It is only through complete obedience and constant remembrance that selfless love for God and his creation is experienced. The aspirant feels his presence in the heart always attuned to the only Power and remaining every moment with the Truth. He is one with God’s wish and in a state of complete surrender carrying out his responsibilities, remaining equanimous under all circumstances. Following Masters’ path the seeker becomes Master-like.
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