| Desireless Motivation |
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By Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
[Poojya
Swamiji speaks a few words of guidance at the conclusion of
the daily morning Pushpasamarpana (flower offering) at the
Narayanashrama Tapovanam. These profound words on saadhana,
like the effulgent morning rays, would illuminate many a
dark corner in the listeners' minds. This series is titled
“Prabhaata-rasmih” (Morning rays). The following is the
text of one such talk by Poojya Swamiji.]
Yesterday I was speaking about
interactional saadhana describing it as an additional enriching factor while you pursue your activities. It does not interfere with whatever you otherwise do. On the other hand, it acts as a beautiful embellishment offering a lot of inspiration, joy and expansion. Sri Krishna says in Bhagavadgeeta (9.2):
rajavidyaa
rajaguhyam pavitramidamuttamam |
pratyakshaavagamam
dharmyam susukham kartumavyayam ||
Arjuna, what I explained to you is Raaja-vidyaa – a knowledge that is generally found with the kings, which the kings pursue. It is very harmonious with the throne, beneficial for the task of administration. It is also a great secret, a kingly secret, because people always understand the spiritual science to be something very difficult to practise and to be pursued only by the ascetics. But it is not at all so if we understand it properly.
Sri Krishna says that it is the most purifying
(pavitram) and the highest of all pursuits (uttamam). The benefits of this saadhana will be directly perceivable
(pratyaksha-avagamam) and you don't require anything other than this to become righteous or dhaarmic
(dharmyam). This itself is the highest 'dharma'. Not only that, it is
susukham kartum – very pleasant and inspiring to practise – and
avyayam – undecaying. In fact, what I want to project now, is that it is very pleasant to pursue or practice.
Now, this is the nature of interactional saadhana when you understand it properly. It is never burdening, never a dry pursuit. It is neither vague nor confusing. On the other hand, it is consoling, relieving, strengthening, enriching, and generating joy, inspiration and love in whatever you do.
Let us think of 'desire'. As long as desire inspires your activity and you are happy with it, have it – there is no problem. But what we generally find is desire makes the mind tense, brings tension.
It also acts as a constant load, distorting the mind. Whenever there is a desire, there is also hatred. So, if you have desire for anything, it generates hatred and resentment towards the opposite. Then, is it better to have desires or not to have any?
People generally ask: What will be the motivation for work without desire? Well, when you understand the need for certain activity and also are conscious of your merits and potential for that activity, then the need for the activity and the fact of your having the potential will together empower the activity;
no desire is called for.
Desire functions at a lower level. It is the right knowledge that tells us that something has to be done, the world or the society needs it and I have got the potential to do it.
It is the combination of your ability and the world's need that results in the activity, and not desire. So, your understanding has to be updated and the desire has to be replaced by a higher comprehensive outlook.
See, I have been involved in this dissemination of knowledge for the past so many years, 48 years. Can you think of me – with what frame of mind did I start the mission and I continue it even today? If you say I had a desire, that desire is never fulfilled, even now.
There are people who come to me seeking Brahmavidyaa initiation. You know, to go to a Guru and to get initiated by him for Self-realization is the greatest fortune in human life. I explain to them, “It is a second birth for you. The first birth took place without your knowledge. Somebody told you “I am your father”, another told you “I am your mother”, and you accepted it. That was a physical birth for which you had neither an option nor any responsibility. On the other hand, when you go to a Sadguru, you are seeking a rebirth optionally. It is actually bestowing on you an identity that you are not the mortal body, you are the immortal Soul. Be conscious of it, understand what does this 'I' really mean.”
So, it is verily a level of relationship that far exceeds those of blood and matrimony. After giving initiation I tell them, “Keep in touch. Let me know how you are progressing in saadhana, what are the troubles or hindrances, etc.” They would never keep contact with me. Sometimes, when I go once in a year to the place, if I happen to see them, I know that they are alive; otherwise not.
This is not the way a spiritual relationship should be. It is a relationship where you start exchanging your heart and mind with the Teacher, get directions, tell him what you are and what you want to be. The inner troubles and constrictions are to be brought to light and removed.
And so far as my talks are concerned, I try to explain the Truth and make the listeners understand that the mind has to be cleared of all kinds of cobwebs, the intelligence has to become illumined. You have to understand the existence of the Soul, which has only one similarity, that is, with the
Aakaasha (space). There is no personality there; it is one whole stretch of Consciousness. It is from Consciousness that the universe has come. The universe itself is unbounded; then what to speak of the nature of the Consciousness? Try to understand it. Drop the ideas of individual re-birth, soul, karmas,
karmaphalas, etc. All these are in the form of ideas, notions, doubts, confusions and distortions. Drop them and try to be active, attentive and straightforward. Leave selfishness, desires and hatred. Be always bold, confident, open and impersonal.
I have been explaining all this. Even then, after decades they will ask, “Swamiji, what happens to the soul after death?”
So, don't you see that I have been a thorough failure! If I had a desire in this dissemination that people should hear me or hear the Truth, they should understand and realize it, then I can say that I would have had only lack of fulfillment. I have been pursuing an unsuccessful act, but I have no desire, certainly not. I shall continue to do what I do.
Then, what is the motivation behind what we do? We are like the spring season breeze that blows naturally for the benefit of the people and the world. Like the wind we have no specific purpose and therefore no cause for disappointment either. The mission continues. My mind is not bogged down by either desire or disappointment.
Harih
Om Tat Sat.
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