The Right Way of Life
In this world, all of us have our own way of life. We are exposed to each other’s way of life on various occasions. Many times we implement our own ideas, thoughts, plans and actions on each other and at times we impose. This may bring a good result or an adverse one. Depending on this, we either cement our relationship or break away.
This has been our experience in all our relationships—whether personal, official, transactional or casual. We form our own opinions. We assume and we presume. Sometimes we are right and sometimes we are wrong. At times we are open to learning and at other times, we ignore these opportunities. Most of the time, our life is based on expectations.
Since our way of life is based on expectations, we are constantly swayed by likes and dislikes. Likes lead to cravings, dissatisfaction and ego, and dislikes to hate, anger and frustration. When we live in this manner, every situation, happening and occurrence will be filled with stress, strain, mental disturbance, hate, anger, frustration and disbelief. This drains away our physical, mental and moral strength, and our life becomes wretched. People start avoiding us. We lose their acceptance and success slips away from us.
Enlightened Beings have suggested guidelines for a very happy and healthy way of life. They have said that man should live by his spirit or atman (soul) and not merely through his body and mind. The mind and the intellect (manas and buddhi) are the vital tools to filter our wants, desires, feelings and emotions so that we cease to identify ourselves with our body and centre ourselves in the soul within. They have emphasised that this is the right way of life. We will always enjoy perpetual happiness and contentment when our soul is in tune with the Cosmic Energy.
When we tune ourselves in this way, not only do we lead a blissful, peaceful, and contented life, but we are also in harmony with the Cosmic Energy, say the Rig and Yajur Vedas.As the Yajur Vedic Hymn 5.43 states, “Let not the wings of your soul take you so high that you lose sight of earthly duties.” In this world, our lives are bound by our dharmic duties towards each other.
Therefore, it is likely that our lives intersect with the lives of other people. It is impossible to avoid rubbing shoulders with one another. Thus, when we happen to cross each other’s path, our positivity and divine vibrations should overpower their negative vibrations if any, and a healthy and positive relationship should be nurtured and established for a harmony in society. This means we are high in our social consciousness. Then the whole of humankind will remain in peace, contentment and bliss without war, anger and expectations. So let us all lead the true way of life that is bliss, bliss and bliss all the way.
ashram-india@shrinimishamba.org