The journey of life can be a little bit like a rollercoaster ride, sometimes elating and sometimes we are on the downward pull. We can feel a little overwhelmed at times, at thoughts that arise or at the world that surrounds us or situations within the community or family. We might want things to be different than they are now, the mind may be overwhelmingly negative or busy.
Looking into these values is going to help you make a roller coaster ride into a peaceful boat ride on a gentle river.
Remember life is beautiful - a gift and a great opportunity to self explore and become joyful and aware of the beauties that are inside and all around us. There is no moment that should be lost.
In the last two posts we have looked into some of the values and here are the last ones given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna as he stands on the battlefield, that battlefield symbolic of our daily struggles and what we go through.
Understanding the nature of the human existence - This is having a realistic view of our life span - death is certain for one who is born, but there can be no knowing of when this will come, and if we reach old age probably disease will also visit. Acknowledging the realities but still marveling at life takes a certain attitude.
We should endeavor to be alive to the fullest each moment, and make it work towards the greatest discovery of the true self; which lies beyond these limitations.
Freedom from ownership - We do not own anything because we are not the author of anything - we are not the creator alone, we are here but what did we bring with us? We achieve nothing by ourselves. We may have a few things but we do not own them. We may make a pot of clay, but where did the clay come from? Everything is given.
Developing an attitude of caring but without attachment - we have people in our lives, they may be a partner, friend, child or other family member, we should remember that we do not own them - they are free in their own entities. Try to let go of any ideas of control, take good care of them but let them be free.
Equanimity of mind - keeping our poise when we are in a situation that we can consider good or bad or good or bad company. Being contented in success or in failure or in essence the attitude of a karma yogi; that the result of our actions is not in our hands so we are happy with what is given even though this may be different than our intention.
Devotion - Keeping our hearts and minds set on a higher awareness, or a greater force, will prevent the ego from growing. We need to find what works for us, to what should we be devotional.
That only you can find by practice and enquiry and from not following blindly.
Absence of craving for company - know that you can be happy by yourself.
Craving to be with others can also be an escape from taking the time to look at yourself.
Study and seeing the self - by looking into the teachings and by constant self observation, see the truth about yourself or at least start to delve into it on a journey of discovery. Find that you are profoundly beautiful and limitless, keep these in mind and enjoy them in contemplation.
I have these values pinned on the door to my meditation space; reading through them is a great way to let them settle with you. Consider them and settle with them, allow them to take some space within you and become comfortable with them. Notice how you feel and to how you are reacting to situations that arise around or within you with these values in mind.
Take care of yourselves because you are a very precious part of life
Wishing you beautiful days
OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
Mangala / Nicky
Recommended reading - The Teaching of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Dayananda.
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