Resolve To Hold On To The Divine!
By H H Maa Purnananda
“Matchittah Sarvdurgaani Mat Prasaadaat Tarishyasi; Atha Chettvam Ahankaaraat Na Shroshyasi Vinankshyasi.” – Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta (18/58)
Extremely preoccupied with worldly chores, people are often heard saying - “Running short of time even to satisfy basic needs of myself and my family! Where is the time to perform any religious activity? Rather work hard to fulfil desires and be happy!” Sometimes even saying – “We don’t believe in religion etc. We believe in being a good human being and doing good work for the welfare of the society. For us, poor people are God, so we serve them.”
Nowhere have our Guru-s discouraged worldly activities. Rather Sree Krishna advises Arjun in Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, that if one has not yet mastered the mind, then it is beneficial for such a person to work hard, but wisely and of worth. The religious activities are initially for the purpose of quietening the mind, wisely and worthily. But people usually tend to take religious path as parallel to the worldly activities. As though, religion is a tradition, a compulsion or escapism!
When the society does not acknowledge the worth of Sacred Scriptures, when people disregard the value of Saints, Sages and Sadguru-s, and when the upcoming generations think of themselves to be all-knowledgeable; then the downfall of the civilization is but natural! On one hand, the human society seems to be progressing and advancing fast in its worldly achievements; but on the other, it is regressing and digressing faster in its religious and Spiritual attainment.
Each individual has to make one’s own choice as to what one wants from this precious human birth! The faith and belief in the matchless and invaluable Wisdom of Saints, Sages and Sadguru-s would never ever lead one to despair and dejection in life. Rather They assure us of all the happiness, progress and even liberation; even while pursuing worldly duties! And yet, people have inhibitions and are afraid to diligently practice religion and sincerely pursue Spirituality.
Think! Do not reject religious activities and Spiritual pursuit. Decide wisely on the basis of the Sacred Wisdom of our Guru Parampara and weave together all the religious disciplines and Spiritual learning, within the fabric of worldly activities. It would definitely raise your standard of living, would intensify your inner peace and happiness, and, would enhance your Spiritual growth.
In the given Shlok, Bhagwaan has advised the technique of achieving the above. The Lord says – “Fixing your mind on Me, by My grace you shall overcome all obstacles; but if from egoism you shall not hear Me, you shall perish.” Strong words indeed! But when we study the Scriptures, we understand its import.
Of course egotism is the biggest impediment on the path, even while looking for worldly pleasures and happiness. If one is not ready to sublimate ego, then one is bound to get trapped in the worldly hurdles, lose every challenge of life and meet odd failures. Instead, accept the Sacred Advice of the Saints, Sages and Sadguru-s, and resolve to hold on to the Divine, hold on firmly! Every religious and Spiritual thought or activity is for strengthening this ‘hold’ and for ‘loosening’ the worldly attachment; even while carrying out worldly activities and accomplishing worldly duties. No extra time is required, no special separate arrangements need to be made and no lots of money to be spent! But yes, the Divine has to be in focus all the time, every act has to be an offering to the Divine and what would be earned is lots and lots of inexhaustible Spiritual Wealth!
Would not this “resolve” be the best “deal” of the year 2025? “Deal” wisely with yourself, after all it is your life!
At the onset of the New Year on 1st January 2025, join us at SISS, to invoke the grace of the Supreme by offering oblations in the Holy Fire (Sree Vishnu Sahastranaam Homam), 11.00 am onwards.