We have always been so used to paying so much attention to the packaging that the real us was being tossed away. Can the beautiful container ever give the satisfaction that the contained can give? Some spend a lifetime concentrating only on the packaging but it surely and certainly begets a hollow and a spiritually undernourished existence. We need to clear negativity and judgment from our thoughts on a daily basis, yes, every single day clear out the garbage of negative thoughts from your mind. Once you realise the powerlessness of the objective world to grant you the permanent satisfaction that you seek, then nothing really matters, look at it as you look at a movie screen, entertaining at best. The need is not the study and exposition of scriptures alone, but a firm conviction that the real you is divine, and the application of that knowledge. Once a boatman was taking a great scholar across a river. The scholar tested the simple boatman’s scholarship. When he found that the boatman knew nothing he said, “If there is no scholarship, then life is wasted.” Soon a whirlpool ensued and the boatman asked “Do you know swimming? If you don’t, then your life is wasted.” So saying he jumped into the water and swam across safely leaving the scholar to drown. Scholarship alone can never help. You have to learn the skill to practice intelligent living. We are not talking of intellection, we are talking of that pure intelligence that enlivens it. You are that. Afraid of spirits? Your mind is the worst spirit ever, beware of your mind. Take charge.
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission, Delhi.
