Practice Is The Key To Accomplishment!
By H H Maa Purnananda
“Asanshayam Mahaabaaho Mano Durnigraham Chalam; Abhyaasena Tu Kaunteya Vairaagyena Cha Grihyatey.” - (Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta – 6/35)
Food and shelter are basic necessities of man’s existence. Education is vital to human life. Taming the mind is even more essential for a man. And, grooming the intellect is paramount for human evolution. On the ladder of evolution, there would not be many found on the summit. Higher the step on the ladder, lesser would be the number of people because climbing up and scaling heights is always challenging.
The widespread base level comprises of those who strive for basic existence, for survival, for food and shelter. Even after putting effort as per one’s ability, some people struggle throughout life to make the two ends meet. Success is rare and failure is common to most of the people, due to multiple reasons. To drop the lower instincts surely takes several lifetimes. To evolve from being a stone-man, to plant-man, to animal-man and then to come to life of a man-man, a human being, itself would have taken innumerable lifetimes! Shedding the stone-like and plant-like inertia and to get sufficiently activated would itself take a very long time.
Thereafter, begins the tiring journey of growing out of the animalistic nature. Aggressive, untamed and violent animals need not be condemned for what they are, as that is their instinctive nature, suited best for their natural habitat. But, when a man lives on his animalistic instincts, he surely is doing injustice to his self-esteem as a human being. The human being is the crowning glory of the great kingdom of beings. Hence, it is essential for each one of humans to live up to his stature.
The religion introduces certain ways of life that would nurture the man to think beyond food and shelter for the sake of existence. One of the profound religions that ours is, further comprises of specific practices that are best suited for taming the mind and trimming the intellect of those who faithfully and sincerely practice the scriptural teachings throughout their life.
One often worries that even after years of studying the scriptures it seems there is not much of improvement! “I still keep committing mistakes. There is yet not clarity of thoughts. Yet I do not understand most of what I try to read. I keep forgetting the Shloka-s and hardly can I memorise any Stotra-s! So then, what is the benefit of religious practices?” Our Guru Parampara reminds us of the great benefits of practising our religion. Such doubts need to be completely removed from the mind and the precious advice of the Guru need to be doubtlessly accepted and worked out by us. This will enable us to create a firm and deep foundation for leading a life worthy of being a human.
As told by Lord Himself in the given Shlok, though it is difficult to tame the animalistic, untamed, disturbed and uncertain mind; but again, all these shortcomings of mind could surely be overcome by regular and sincere Abhyaas (practice) and Vairaagya (Dispassion). These two terms seem to be frightening indeed to the uninitiated individuals who have no idea or least idea of the profound wisdom of Sree Guru Parampara. Therefore it is important to introduce the mankind to such religious practices that help to grow out of animalistic instincts by cultivating a cultured mind and a sharp intellect befitting a human birth. The profound wisdom of the Guru, coated with immense love, compassion and kindness, impacts deeply the Antahkaran (mind-intellect equipment) of one who seeks refuge at His Holy-feet, completely removing his fear and all the doubts; and blesses him with the ability to practice His instructions diligently and to perform the ordained duties dispassionately.
Thereafter, such individuals are able to slowly start climbing up the ladder of evolution. Higher on the ladder, lesser would be the number of those who continue to strive hard on the path in spite of obstacles and failures. So the wisdom says never to give up! Never to worry about the seemingly slow progress! Never to doubt one’s own ability on this path where the Lord and Sree Guru Parampara enlighten us and bless us with fearlessness and inner strength to face the challenges without losing humanity and gracefully accomplishing the true purpose of human life.