Happiness in life does not depend only on the body, external comfort or external objects. True happiness depends on the mind. If we gain total control over the mind, we will gain control over everything else. The science that teaches us how to control the mind is true science, and that is spiritual knowledge. Only if we first gain this knowledge can we properly use all other knowledge.
In the past, there used to be families with 30, 40, or even 50 members. They lived together with unity, mutual affection and deference. The atmosphere in such families was one of love and peace because they understood spirituality. They know what life was for. Their lives were founded on spiritual principles. Sadly, these principles are now considered mere grandmother’s tales. Today, if there are three members in a family, they are like three islands in an ocean. Each one has his or her own ways and they do not get along with each other.
If people are well-versed in spiritual principles, we can avoid such situations, at least within families. Spirituality is what brings hearts closer together. One who has learnt how to swim in the ocean revels in the waves. Every wave will be a joyful experience for him. However, one who does not know how to swim will be at the mercy of the waves. Likewise, one who understands the principles of spirituality will be able to face every obstacle in life with a smile. Those who do not understand spirituality will be derailed by the smallest issue. Suppose a firecracker explodes. If we did not know that it was going to explode, we would not be shocked. We will not falter under any circumstance.
Some mistakenly consider spirituality to mean blind faith. The truth is, spirituality dispels the darkness of ignorance. Many people mislead youth, and do not impart right understanding to them. Some ask: Religion isn’t food for the starving, is it? What they say is true.
But why do people who eat sumptuous food, sleep in air-conditioned rooms, and who own planes and yachts, commit suicide by injecting themselves with poison, shooting themselves, throwing themselves before a hurtling train or hanging themselves from the ceiling? Isn’t it because there is something beyond the happiness that good food and luxuries offer? Therefore, what must we accept or practice in life? Whatever bestows peace of mind. This is nothing but the path of spirituality. Acquiring property and wealth or earning name and fame is akin to a bald man collecting combs. One must act, knowing the correct way of doing so, ie, without attachment.
We are all different forms of the one Self, like the same toffee covered in different wrappers. The toffee covered in green looks at the toffee covered in red and says, “We’re different!” Similarly, the red toffee tells the blue toffee, “We’re different!” But if we remove the wrappers, we will see that they are all the same. Similar is the nature of differences pertaining to us.
However, we do not understand this and create so many problems in the world. Because we have lost our child-like heart, we are unable to experience the Supreme. What a spiritual aspirant needs is a heart filled with innocence and an intellect rich with discernment. Only then can we experience the Divine. The life of a person endowed with both will never be tainted by sorrow. You cannot enjoy peace without an innocent heart. God abides only in an innocent heart.The writer is a world-renowned spiritual leader