Man is basically a two-dimensional creature consisting of spirit and material being. He should develop himself spiritually by inner discipline and become materially efficient by developing his business faculties. Primitive man spent all his time providing for the basic necessities — hunting and eating. Modern man tries scientifically to meet the present material conditions of life. What primitive man did unmethodically, modern man does it methodically.
Possession of material affluence without inner peace is like dying of thirst while bathing in the lake. People create different things in life - money, fame or spirituality - as a result of early habits and specific environmental influences. The human being is influenced by both nature and nurture i.e. genetic hereditary and environment. And that is why some people live one-side lives. This general statement is used only for emphasis. Some are generally more spiritually inclined and others more materially inclined. Again general statements. But we cannot live fulfilled lives by spiritual doctrines only or by riches only. To bring a balance in the lives of both, we need to adopt a method of developing an equilibrated life.
People in general spend six days a week in making money and even the seventh day a week thinking about it. But they spend hardly any time in self-development. One reason the west has so many crimes and robberies in spite of its developed civilization and structure is that people are too busy securing the commodities of material comforts and have no time to reflect on the practical value of following moral and spiritual principles. The teaching of Sanatan Dharrna is essentially four-fold: Dharma (religious principles), Artha (attaining material affluence), Kaama (enjoying the pleasures of the senses) and Moksha (attaining liberation). Yes it is important to have religion with the ultimate goal of liberation. But it is hardly ever suggested or preached about the importance of the other two. And this is why we led us Hindus that we are never satisfied. Always be contented with what we have but ensure that we keep our ambitions very high.
There is no place in scripture that mandates us to renounce lie wife, husband, children, house and general responsibilities to live in the Himalayas in renunciation. For those who sincerely want that, very well. But for living a balanced life today, we must live in the material world but ensure that our destination is always spirituality.
The great discussion in Ramayan between Kaak Bushundi and Garudh identified ‘poverty” as the greatest misery in life. If material poverty was the singular meaning of this, then why are some of (lie richest people in the world today are committing suicide? Why can’t these same people sit at the dinner table and enjoy a meal with their families? Isn’t the answer simple? It is the lack of balance in life!
A practical spiritual man is a happy man. And only a happy man is a successful man. One hundred percent material prosperity among the inhabitants of a city will not prevent murders and crime. Following the universal principles of mutual service, spontaneous cooperation, love for the spiritual life and disciplining the human sense cravings are only necessary for happy, harmonious, healthy and prosperous life of any community.
Today we live in considerable comfort yet we feel ever increasing stress in life and little lasting happiness. When our control on outer nature far exceeds our control on our inner nature an imbalance is created. This imbalance is the crux of our problems today. Philosophy and religion rehabilitate our inner selves and provide us with the equilibrium to make our lives more fulfilling. That is, if we do not have peace within ourselves, the most beautiful of objects would not make a difference to us.
Material growth increases the standard of living, whereas spiritual development improves the standard of life. Both need to he equally developed for us to go through life with ease and cheer - (he quality of life. If the standard of living is improved at the expense of (lie standard of life, the society moves downhill. Whenever the standard of life is well established the society grows peaceful and wholesome.
Scientific achievements and religion both have a worthy place in society. A fanatically religious approach without material development can lead us into an abyss. The obvious solution is the harmonious blending of the sacred and the secular. Material prosperity by itself cannot give us inner happiness.
The typical individual today considers discipline as a shackle on his freedom so he avoids virtual practices. Then there are others who unintelligibly follow the letters of the scriptures and forcibly deny themselves all material enjoyments. When a person practices such denials, he creates for himself mental suppressions. If with the help of the scriptures we gain an understanding of the laws governing out personality we will find our lives inspired with a nobler vision in life.
In concluding, I would like to share this beautiful expression that brings nicely the practical view of balance:
I asked for Strength…..
And God gave me Difficulties to me strong.
I asked for Wisdom…..
And God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity….
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage…..
And God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love…..
And God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favours…..
And God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted
I received everything I needed.
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for the limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
And they can become your blessings.
Complied by Pt Krishen Ramdeen
Source: Swami Chinmayananda & Friends on the Internet
Om is the most sacred word of the Hindu. It is synonymous with the Supreme Godhead or Brahman, the Impersonal as well as the Personal God. It is the all-comprehensive symbol and name of God. Om is the life principle of creation. This is why it is used during Pranava, the breath of life.
A mantra is a combination of sacred syllables which produce radiant energy. From it roots, the word “mantra” means, “the thought that liberates and protects’. The chanting or recitation of mantras activates and accelerates the creative spiritual force, promoting harmony in all parts of our being. The devotee is gradually converted into a living centre of spiritual vibration. The chanting of a mantra is called Mantra Yoga.
The Gayatri Mantra, also referred to as the Maha Mantra, is the greatest prayer-Mantra which incorporates all the ideas of the OM-symbolism (\). The maximum benefits could be derived from its rhythmic recitation and japa meditation. It is a prayer to the supreme infinite Divine Reality for the enlightenment of the intelligence of all human beings to enable us to realize the Supreme Truth.
Gayatri is the mother of the four Vedas. She is the mother of all the great Mantras. She is the wisdom of God and brings illumination to Her devotees. She is the abode of supreme bliss. All yogic powers reside at Her feet. Holding the whole Universe, She is the Ilk of all the Gods and angels. She is the origin of all the Shaktis or powers. Sri Swami Ganapati Sachchidananda says you should chant Gayatri Mantra to improve the power of retention. The mind is like a computer, what stimulates it to function is the Gayatri Mantra.
A true devotee dedicates himself to God in thought, word and deed. He himself gets deeply annoyed if he happens to forget the Lord even for a small fraction of a moment.
Only Dharma can restore the peace and happiness which are man’s true nature and for which he is seeking. We all strive for harmony and balance in life.
The Gayatri Mantra does not belong to any particular sect of worship or to any particular community. It is universal. The Gayatri Mantra is a treasure and heritage that belongs to the whole of humanity without exclusion.
May Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path.
Jai Guru Datta.
Antony Rajendra Ramnarine
Professional Forester &
Environmentalist