Luminet

As long as one is imprisoned within strong identification with the body and the physical world within which it resides, there can be no true freedom.  As humans, we are ever susceptible to the many forces that play upon our lives on a daily basis, some of which bring pleasure and others suffering.  We would be wise to acknowledge this pattern and accept it, realizing that the only true freedom is that which comes from realization of our essential spiritual nature.  Amidst the whirlwind of activity in the material world, the spiritual center of our being sits calmly and quietly, offering unconditional serenity and joy.  By learning to identify with our own spiritual nature and thereby developing a deep connection with God, we can win true freedom - a freedom that is greater than any other and can never be taken away.

The word “discipline” often carries a negative connotation, as in the need to discipline someone for bad behavior.  Many people associate discipline with the feeling of being controlled and being denied pleasure, stemming from experiences in childhood involving the curtailment of freedom by an external authority.  However, it is important to understand the true benefits of discipline as it relates to mastery of oneself.  The greatest discipline is not imposed by others, but self-discipline that comes from carefully gaining control of one’s own erratic tendencies.  Through firm commitment and the persistent application of the will, it is possible for an individual to gain tremendous abilities through discipline, such as in the case of an accomplished athlete.  By embracing discpline in our lives, we may actually discover more freedom, not less, in that we can free ourselves of the tendencies and impulses that consume our energy and prevent us from achieving our greatest purpose.  Through a careful application of self-discipline, we can rise to new heights as we discard the ways of restless indulgence and embrace spiritual mastery.

One challenge that many people face is to discover their true calling in life.  The world is full of many choices with regard to the role one plays and the contributions one makes.  The complexity of these choices can often make this a difficult decision, although there are some fundamental principles that should be applied.

First, one should seek always to offer genuine service to others, because it is only when something of value is provided that another will willingly offer compensation.  Therefore, we should always remain mindful of the benefit that we can offer to others through our efforts, and the financial rewards will take care of themselves.  Given this concept, there are still many paths one may choose.

The next consideration should be an honest evaluation of personal aptitude.  God has bestowed each of us with a unique set of talents and we would be very wise to leverage what we have been given rather than wishing for something else.  By cultivating our natural talents and aptitudes, we can greatly increase our likelihood of success.

Finally, we should try to discover what motivates us at a deep level, providing enjoyment and fulfillment.  However, this assessment must be made within the context of the first two principles - offering value and leveraging aptitude.  If we merely do something we enjoy, but it serves no one any useful purpose and if we don’t have the aptitude to do it well, then it is unlikely to lead to success.  However, if one is able to follow a calling that provides useful service to others, applies natural aptitude and talent, and is personally satisfying, then that is a true formula for success.   Of course, even under these optimal conditions, it will still require lots of hard work.

As we seek our calling in life, it is best to still the restless thoughts and emotions in the mind, focusing in on our spiritual center deep within.  In the calmness and quiet of the soul, we can discover God’s special plan for our lives and and bring our path into alignment with a higher purpose.  Ultimately, whatever our calling in life, our highest priority should be to continually grow within the spiritual realm.  While a successful career can provide a certain satisfaction, true happiness can only come from a deep personal connection with God, and that is one calling that every human being shares.

How does one find security in a world that often feels so unstable?  The nature of the world has always been that of a roller coaster ride, with a continuous pattern of ups and downs.  Therefore, it is a mistake to try to build a foundation of security on the shifting sands of worldly pursuits.  Rather, we should build our foundations on the rock that is the unchanging spiritual truth that lies at the center of our very being.  When we turn outwardly for our happiness, we are destined to disappointment, but when we turn within, we will find unrivaled riches that lie secretly and silently awaiting their discovery.  Once these spiritual riches are uncovered and secured, the ever-changing world will be powerless to take them away from us.  This is the key to true security.

Death is not destruction, but rather a passing of the soul from one realm to another.  The physical body is only meant to serve the soul for a finite period of time, although the spiritual inhabitant is timeless and eternal.  Even though we may realize this truth intellectually, the passing of a loved one is nevertheless difficult emotionally, as it does represent a separation.  However, we should remain mindful of the fact that this separation is but temporary, as we are all destined to return to our spiritual homes where death is powerless.  Meanwhile, whether dwelling in this world or the next, we are all capable of experiencing a deep connection with one another through our essential spiritual unity in God.  As one becomes attuned to the ultimate reality of God consciousness, death fades into the illusion that it truly is.

As we realize that every person in the world is, at the core, a spiritual child of God, then we come to view each other as brothers and sisters.  Though family members may err, as we are all human, we still afford them an extra measure of compassion and understanding because we feel that they are part of us.  It is from this perspective that we should approach our relationships with everyone else in the world.  Beneath the illusion of separation lies the reality of a spiritual unity that binds us all together.  Therefore, we may not act upon another without having that action come back to effect us - thus, the law of karma - cause and effect.  Ever aware of this reality, we should always seek to make love and understanding the foundation of our interactions with one another.

The enlightened one does not experience elation from good fortune or sorrow from misfortune, but rather remains ever balanced amidst the constant ups and downs experienced in human life.  As you become centered in the unchanging truth at the core of your being, you will find yourself less affected by the mundane activities and events around you, while enjoying a calm peace and serenity that can only come from the soul.  Seek then to always take the time to still your restless thoughts and quiet the waves of emotion within you so that you might find the deep and lasting peace that is your true nature.

If you want to change the world, seek first to change yourself.  True change cannot be simply imposed by external force, but rather starts in the heart of the individual.  By living true to your ideals, you shine a light upon others around you that lifts them up and compels them to follow.  Strive with persistence to express truth in your daily life and you will be a true agent for change in this world.

We come into this world with no material possessions and leave in the same way.  Realize that we are far more than the physical body and all the comforts with which we may surround it.  As death reminds us so bluntly, a body is useless without a soul.  So it is the soul that really matters, not the body, which is merely a vehicle for the soul to operate within the physical realm.  Do not become preoccupied with only things that feed the needs of the body, but rather seek those things that truly nourish the soul.

The world is full of attractions and distractions, but be careful to avoid promises of happiness from that which is powerless to deliver it, for the true source of happiness lives at the center of our being.  The calm mind cuts through the clutter of the external illusion to discover the truth within.