The world is a neutral place
In the world, there is neither good nor bad. Good and bad are mental concepts. Everything, in reality, is in neutral alignment. Depending on how our mind functions, we experience happiness through the world or we carry the experience of misery. If this one fact is understood and accepted, that is, we determine how our mind operates and behaves, life will dramatically change. We will then work, not for the sake of getting happiness, but for the joy of the work itself. Work, whatever type it may be, will no longer be a struggle. Misery will not be able to touch us or follow us when joy is experienced as a natural byproduct of working. Only when we think that happiness cannot come now at this moment does misery have a chance to affect our peace of mind in the present.
The mind is a powerful engine. It is always running and never runs out of fuel. All true spiritual practices help in harnessing this inner power. In this respect, no one is more or less deserving. All are equal and everyone has equal access to utilizing the mind’s power. Just as all humans look similar when they are newborn, the mind is also very similar before we start to impose our likes and dislikes. Some people demonstrate more mental strength than others. This is a reflection of how the mind’s energy is used and not a result of a special gift. Existence has no predetermined preferences. Through hard work and determination, whoever uses the mind’s potential to the fullest will seem to be ahead.
The mind is like a car. A car moves in a manner that is dependent on the driver. Similar, the mind moves based on our input through awareness and attention. Cars, in general, are very similar. All have four wheels, doors, a steering wheel etc. Some choose to use cars to drive short distances, others use them to drive long distances. Some don’t know how to drive and others, even if they know how to drive have other people drive them around. But the car is indifferent to the driver or passenger.
When the mind is “parked” at night during sleep, we cannot perceive any movement. Once we wake up, the mind is ready to go. Some use it for trivial pursuits, others use it for deep thinking, discoveries or inventions. There are others who blindly follow and let others do the thinking for them. No matter how a car is used, all cars have to share the same road. If basic rules are not followed, it may lead to accidents. Similarly, irrespective of how we use the mind’s power, everyone shares the present moment. If we follow certain rules such as accepting failure, acknowledging our mistakes, respect for others and the will to make a positive impact in the world we become responsible “drivers” of the mind. Only then can we reach the destination of life, a witness of all happenings without identification with certain things as good and others as bad. That is transcendence.
With Blessings to All
Swami Ponnurangam
January 24, 2019
The mind is a powerful engine. It is always running and never runs out of fuel. All true spiritual practices help in harnessing this inner power. In this respect, no one is more or less deserving. All are equal and everyone has equal access to utilizing the mind’s power. Just as all humans look similar when they are newborn, the mind is also very similar before we start to impose our likes and dislikes. Some people demonstrate more mental strength than others. This is a reflection of how the mind’s energy is used and not a result of a special gift. Existence has no predetermined preferences. Through hard work and determination, whoever uses the mind’s potential to the fullest will seem to be ahead.
The mind is like a car. A car moves in a manner that is dependent on the driver. Similar, the mind moves based on our input through awareness and attention. Cars, in general, are very similar. All have four wheels, doors, a steering wheel etc. Some choose to use cars to drive short distances, others use them to drive long distances. Some don’t know how to drive and others, even if they know how to drive have other people drive them around. But the car is indifferent to the driver or passenger.
When the mind is “parked” at night during sleep, we cannot perceive any movement. Once we wake up, the mind is ready to go. Some use it for trivial pursuits, others use it for deep thinking, discoveries or inventions. There are others who blindly follow and let others do the thinking for them. No matter how a car is used, all cars have to share the same road. If basic rules are not followed, it may lead to accidents. Similarly, irrespective of how we use the mind’s power, everyone shares the present moment. If we follow certain rules such as accepting failure, acknowledging our mistakes, respect for others and the will to make a positive impact in the world we become responsible “drivers” of the mind. Only then can we reach the destination of life, a witness of all happenings without identification with certain things as good and others as bad. That is transcendence.
With Blessings to All
Swami Ponnurangam
January 24, 2019
