We go about searching for that elusive truth, without knowing that true potential lies within us. Understanding this and achieving that inner transformation is key to implementing the external change.
There is this interesting story about the musk deer that Kabir Das often used to recount to his followers.
The musk deer, a deer species from the lower Himalayas, searches for the aroma of the musk which emanates from its own body in a certain season. It buries its snout in thorny bushes hurting itself, not realising that the aroma comes from within its body.
This is the case with us human beings too. We go about, searching for that elusive Truth, without knowing that true potential lies within us, hidden and confined.
Understanding this potential and achieving that inner transformation is key to implementing the external change we hope to see in the world. Manav Ekta, the oneness of humanity, can be achieved solely through such sublime inner change.
There are two ways of living life: one, the normal life where we follow our senses and, two, the exceptional life, where we turn inwards to find solutions to our problems. Once we understand that a sliver of the ever-present Parabrahma is within all of us, we start experiencing Sat-Chit-Ananda. In our schools, we must make an effort to educate both teachers and children to keep their body fit as only a fit body can have a fit mind. At the age of 66, I have set out on this padayatra called Walk of Hope, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
Meeting this physical challenge with a limited body is possible if we practise right living and do the sadhana required which helps you achieve the seemingly impossible. There is nothing more transformative than the beauty of giving — the heart of compassion. Sri Guru Nanak Dev knew a rich miser named Dhuni Chand, who only lived to hoard. Guru Nanak once gave the latter a needle.
Puzzled, the rich miser asked, “A needle, my Lord?! What do I do with this?” Guru Nanak said casually, “Oh, keep it safely and return it to me when you meet me in heaven.” Dhuni asked haplessly, “How, my Lord, how? Surely I am not going to carry this needle there.” Guru replied, “That is it, my son, that is it. Then, why accumulate wealth, instead of using it for the good of others?” I recommend Yoga, Dhyana and Pranayama along with systematic food habits for this inner makeover. In addition to this, practice meditation regularly — both in the morning and evening so that your mind is calm and you are able to maintain equanimity.
In this modern age, the greatest antidote for stress, domestic or corporate, is meditation. With constant practice, changes happen in the heart. During this padayatra, I keep reminding my sahayatris, my fellow travelers, that they must also undertake this inner yatra of transformation.
They need to constantly observe and listen to themselves to realise what needs to change, what has to be acquired and what needs to be thrown out in order to purify the mind.
There is great wisdom in turning our mind inward. Focus on our heart peacefully. If this is not practised, the walk to Kashmir is just a physical adventure.
A Guide and social reformer, he is leading the Walk of Hope, a padayatra for peace, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The padayatra will be in Bengaluru from April 1 to 5. Details: www.walkofhope.in