Sadhana In Our Daily Life - An Approach For Beginners-II

Swami Chinmayananda

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, February 27, 2009, 14:55

If you have the habit to go for a walk or do some exercises. you have got a wonderful chance to ponder about the creation, the law which governs it and the principles behind all this which makes it function in such a perfect way. We normally conceive only the distortion which is mainly caused by our own species, the human race, but not the beauty of the eternal harmony behind all activities in this universe. Nothing is unnecessary there, everything has its own place and its role to play - and we are a part of it. We cannot live without a certain society and surrounding to provide the necessities for our life. Since we are existing in this-set-up we too have to contribute to it How and what we contribute that is our choice once we have understood the capacity with which we are gifted as a human being. To act intelligently and in a correct manner we need guidance - and that is what the scriptures and spiritual masters do.

But we are busy people and don't find time at present to read scriptures or be in search of a spiritual master. Yet. we want to change our life and get away from our self-centred thought and actions. We took a long time to get into the present situation and a change may not be possible all of a sudden. Therefore we slowly feed our mind with thoughts directed to the Lord and His glory, whenever there is a chance. By preparing the breakfast we can do it in a prayerful mood and be thankful that we are able to prepare a meal for our family. We normally take it as granted, we are working hard for it,

But from where did we get the strength and capacity to earn our living? Before we start eating. we offer the food mentally to the Lord and take it as a prasada, a gift, and eat moderate but consciously. Enjoy what we are getting but don't indulge into it. This too is a practice of Self-discipline.

During the day. wherever we have to wait for something, we utilize this time to think of our real divine nature which is in essence the same in every being. If we kindle this thought in us, our outlook and attitude will slowly change, our vision will broaden. We become more tolerant and our mind is less agitated. We are less upset about every small thing which comes in our way. A warm feeling of love and compassion towards the world around us will replace our previous feelings of repulsion, jealousy and hatred. It comes effortless and makes our life so much happier, rich and meaningful.

There are numerous incidents in our daily life when we can pause for a while and think of the lord. You may have to attend an important meeting. You have yourself well prepared for it. Before you are getting engrossed in it, pray to the Lord to guide you in your dealings and give you the strength not to betray your principles. If you have done a work to the best of ability, don't be anxious about the result. Accept it as it comes and leave it to the Lord. This attitude gives you a lot of peace and freedom. Expectations spoil our relationship and attachment is a bondage. We have to act. We have to work but how we act and work is in our hands. The more we are able to apprehend that we are but an instrument to give the divinity in us a visible expression. we come away from the 'I-do-attitude' which makes us slaves to our work and degrades us to labourers who cannot but work under command.

About the author

Ammini Padiyath

Ammini Padiyath is a follower of Swami Chinmayananda.