A level playing field
Of all sentient creatures, mankind is unique in having the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong. This aspect of the mind can be the source of great happiness or it can lead us down the dark path of misery and sorrow. Animals and birds also have a mind, but it is chiefly an instrument that regulates their instinctual behavior. A lot can be understood about one’s state of mind by observing simple acts of daily living such as sitting, walking, talking and eating. A saint’s manner of eating is very different from that of a thief. Despite all the differences we see amongst ourselves, we all share a common origin and destination, which is birth and death.
If a little bit of our awareness is constantly on the inevitability of death, then life like death can become a level playing field. Imagine a world where everyone is happy. That is not as far fetched as it seems. Happiness naturally follows when we realize that heaven is within our own being and we can create a heavenly atmosphere by the right use of the mind. Those who care about the welfare of others and work to build and protect health, wealth and happiness of others are entitled to a natural state of happiness. Once the division of mine and yours comes into play, we start to protect what we consider as mine, even it comes at the cost of destruction of life and property of other human beings. Such people are destined for a hellish state of mind, which unfortunately propagates that same behavior.
A small mosquito bite can lead to a deadly disease with immense suffering. It is easier to prevent a mosquito bite than to cure the illness it may result in. Similarly, a negative thought is like a mosquito bite. A bad thought can infect all our actions and the actions of others if we become persuasive enough. This leads to large scale suffering. To prevent such unwanted suffering, the cure lies in using the power of to discriminate between right and wrong. Everyone has this power, but it is seldom used to correct ourselves. It is mostly directed at others, such as when we point out their mistakes. Unlike a disease carrying mosquito which we try to eradicate, people revere birds such as eagles and falcons. These birds are given the pride of place on national emblems of some countries, and are offered a protected status. Similarly, if we constantly work towards the welfare of others, one day or another we will similarly be recognized by the world. Again, the source of this recognition is our thoughts. Good and noble thoughts fly high like eagles and falcons and are admired by everyone.
Majority of the people of the world today live on expectation of one kind or another. Only a very few have a giving nature. If the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong is applied to every thought, we will then see for ourselves the degree of our selfishness or selflessness. There is no happiness in expectation and there is heaven to be found when our nature becomes that of a giver. Before death levels the mind and turns the body to dust, those who realize this can soar high in their own heaven which will serve as an example for generations to come.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
If a little bit of our awareness is constantly on the inevitability of death, then life like death can become a level playing field. Imagine a world where everyone is happy. That is not as far fetched as it seems. Happiness naturally follows when we realize that heaven is within our own being and we can create a heavenly atmosphere by the right use of the mind. Those who care about the welfare of others and work to build and protect health, wealth and happiness of others are entitled to a natural state of happiness. Once the division of mine and yours comes into play, we start to protect what we consider as mine, even it comes at the cost of destruction of life and property of other human beings. Such people are destined for a hellish state of mind, which unfortunately propagates that same behavior.
A small mosquito bite can lead to a deadly disease with immense suffering. It is easier to prevent a mosquito bite than to cure the illness it may result in. Similarly, a negative thought is like a mosquito bite. A bad thought can infect all our actions and the actions of others if we become persuasive enough. This leads to large scale suffering. To prevent such unwanted suffering, the cure lies in using the power of to discriminate between right and wrong. Everyone has this power, but it is seldom used to correct ourselves. It is mostly directed at others, such as when we point out their mistakes. Unlike a disease carrying mosquito which we try to eradicate, people revere birds such as eagles and falcons. These birds are given the pride of place on national emblems of some countries, and are offered a protected status. Similarly, if we constantly work towards the welfare of others, one day or another we will similarly be recognized by the world. Again, the source of this recognition is our thoughts. Good and noble thoughts fly high like eagles and falcons and are admired by everyone.
Majority of the people of the world today live on expectation of one kind or another. Only a very few have a giving nature. If the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong is applied to every thought, we will then see for ourselves the degree of our selfishness or selflessness. There is no happiness in expectation and there is heaven to be found when our nature becomes that of a giver. Before death levels the mind and turns the body to dust, those who realize this can soar high in their own heaven which will serve as an example for generations to come.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
