What to Leave and What to Cultivate

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

[This is an extract from a correspondence that appeared in the 
November 1985 issue of the monthly journal ‘Vicharasetu – The Path of Introspection’]

Question:  

I have meditated on the instructions given by you to give up or cultivate qualities within the foreground and background of a religious inspiration and develop a yearning for liberation.  The first seems within the parameters of implementation, even if what one renounces or seeks to cultivate is initially ‘grounded in’ as a habit.  But the latter seems a bit difficult. In that, how can one deepen one’s yearning?

Also knowing me as you do, please suggest what I should give up and what I should cultivate.  It would be a guru-aajnaa (Guru’s order), and the motivation for trying to stick to it greater.  Of course, ideally speaking, one must discriminate oneself and then decide.

Answer:

1.      Any process of quality-building consists of (a) a proper moderation of whatever one has in excess measure and (b) increasing of whatever is in insufficient measure.  This is applicable to all areas of qualities.  So find out whether there are any traits, tendencies, or ideals in excessive measure, which disturb your mind and working in one way or another.  If there is, apply the principle of ‘moderation’ to them.

Equally look for whatever is there in insufficient or weak degree.  And then want to strengthen its measure, depth and influence.

2.      This refining process first takes place in the choice or will level.  An examination or introspection transpires, which may take any length of time.  It lands on specific findings.  Once the findings are clear, you get convinced over a period of time, about their truth, relevance and presence.  Naturally follows a definite feeling of compulsion that the findings should be pursued in action and culture.  This is the beginning of tangible improvement.  How well your personality can take up the inner task of culture-building, determines how soon it will yield result.  As this factor applies to any area of life, it will to this spirituo-religious aspect also.  Neither more nor less.

If moderation is the achievement desired, every time any trait expresses in excess measure, the ideal and its impact will act on it, subtly, and the moderation, to whichever minute degree it may be, will have been achieved.  And may be, after 3, 6 or 12 years, the new culture will become part of you, to become stable.  In fact, is it not in this way, that any trait was acquired first, to be present now?

Apply the same process also to strengthen or improve any trait.  To examine yourself and arrive at conclusions is your task.  If you need any participation or help, then of course, I can be effective.  But this will have to be over a time of closeness and intimacy.  Otherwise, your Swamiji will be a ‘professional doctor’.  We always work ‘with our people’, and through ‘satsang’, prolonged noble association.  A professional is unlike this.

3.      What to renounce or what to seek?  I am happy you have raised this question.  My answer will be very personal and exclusive.  ‘You’ are asking ‘me’, and in ‘this exchange’ must be found the answer.  Find out whether there are any worthy qualities or virtues in the one whom you ask.  And then, naturally, seek them; and you will and must, because you have found them ‘worthy’.  ‘Worthy’ being your verdict, you cannot allow any stealth in the process.  It is mere sincerity that compels you to cultivate the worthy.  If your have to get to know the other’s mental and inner composition and expressions more, gain that, and then make your selection.

4.      The study can be extended to another direction also.  Whatever features you find in me, and which you do not feel desirable, then try to eliminate them in you, or disallow them in yourself.  It is a must.

This is the general approach.  If you ask me personally for something more: I would like you to cultivate some admirable qualities and virtues, some of which may be hard to practise and may be even rare to find with the majority.  But qualities perpetuate themselves not necessarily by ‘number’ but by their very worth and esteem.  Think of Sita, Draupadi and Hanuman!

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