Stepping Forward

Recently I witnessed a gruesome car crash right in front of my eyes. Two drivers collided at full-speed, while another car careered off the motorway flipping over three times in the process. Within minutes there were dozens of police, ambulances and fire-engines. It reminded me how life sometimes changes its course in such sudden ways. We’ve all experienced those surreal and dreamlike moments – a car accident, the death of a loved one, a misfortune or some unexpected news. In a few short moments, everything seems to have changed. Our plans fly out the window, and we’re left completely disorientated. What next? As the reality of the situation dawns, the natural reaction is one of anger and frustration.

Once, Mahatma Gandhi and a friend jostled their way into to a crowded Indian carriage. As the train departed, Gandhi suddenly looked down and realised he only had one slipper on. He and his friend peered out the doorway and saw the other slipper lying on the platform and disappearing out of sight. Gandhi simply smiled. He then took off his slipper and hurled it down the platform, where it perfectly met its pair. He offered an explanation to his bemused friend – “keeping the slipper would have frustrated me, and whoever had found that other slipper would have been similarly annoyed. Now I can forget the incident and move on, and someone else can benefit from some free footwear!” There are two very important lessons to learn. Whenever we face some reversal in life, we have to come to a level of acceptance as soon as possible. Secondly, we have to move forward with positivity, optimism and progressiveness, making the best of the situation.

Easy on paper, hard in practice. I know. But what other choice do we have? Accepting the plans of providence liberates us. You don’t have to fight an inner battle any more. It’s futile to invest excessive emotional resource in that which is never going to change. Furthermore, the acceptance should give birth to an attitude of embracing challenges. As they say, you can’t direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails of your life. We must learn the art of finding opportunities in every situation. Beyond physical and emotional pain, the Bhagavad-gita explains that we are indestructible spiritual beings, empowered and equipped to face anything. As we become rooted in the eternal wisdom of the ‘greater purpose’, we become more and more aware that this life is just one chapter in a much longer story. It’s a chapter which inevitably has numerous twists and turns, and doesn’t always turn out the way we expect. 

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Heat of the moment

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is by far the biggest of its kind in the world. The average daily trading reaches $170 billion, while the total capitalisation of listed companies on the NYSE is well over $14 trillion. As you can imagine, daily events there can often reach fever-pitch. In the late 60’s, a few artful “yippies” conspired to create a publicity stunt at the Wall Street establishment. While swarms of brokers were cutting deals worth millions of dollars, these individuals quietly climbed to a vantage point overlooking the manic trading floor. They attracted everyone’s attention with a loud call, and proceeded to shower down fistfuls of fake dollar bills! As the individuals on the trading floor saw this astonishing sight, a frantic scramble ensued, as they shrugged each other off to grab the cash, while leaving all their lucrative deals hanging! It was incredulous – there was practically no financial benefit in their petty scramble, yet the mere sight of physical cash completely captivated them. For those few moments, their better intelligence lost them. As they realized the trick they quickly retreated back to their business in a desperate attempt to recoup their losses!

The world is full of temptations, allurements and a variety of attractive enticements. A cool-headed analysis of them confirms their ultimate uselessness and striking inability to bring us what we really desire. Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, such temptations are practically irresistable. The opportunity for instant gratification captures our mind. The urge within seems too intense to tolerate. We know it would be a mistake, but we dont have the inner strength to say 'no'. Nevertheless, the comical Wall Street episode teaches us an age-old lesson. The net result of giving-in to empty, insubstantial temptations is that we feel frustrated, angry, cheated, and disappointed with ourselves. Furthermore, we simultaneously neglect and damage our progressive path in life which is more valuable, fulfilling and long-lasting. The necessity of forgoing immediate pleasure to attain something far greater holds true in every sphere of life – material or spiritual. The Bhagavad-gita offers a variety of solutions for those looking to embrace long-term wellbeing. Learning that art will COST you:

Conviction – be convinced of the great thing you are trying to achieve, and why it requires a certain discipline and self-restraint.

Openness – regardless of success or failure, be open with a friend and seek their advice, support, guidance and feedback.

Safety – be conscious to avoid provoking situations, people and mindsets which may compromise your principles.

Taste – work hard to experience the ‘better life’, and solidify your resolve by feeling the benefits of your restraint.

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Countdown

Recently I was in Trafalgar Square. There were crowds of tourists taking holiday snaps by the Olympic Countdown Clock. As I saw the digits slowly decreasing, it made me think that maybe up there in the heavens is a similar clock which is counting down my life span. At the age of thirty, I’m already beginning to feel the pains of old age! How long do I have left in this world? The Royal Advisor Canakya once said – “if you want material success, continue on thinking you’ll live forever, but if you want to succeed spiritually, then seriously consider that death may come tomorrow.” Throughout history we've seen numerous examples of individuals who had their spiritual journey spurred on by news of their imminent departure from this world. Thoughts of the end definitely shuffle up our life priorities.

At the same time, it’s clear that we can’t be gung-ho and over-zealous in our spiritual journey. We have to lead sustainable lives and make practical plans to survive in this world. We have to factor balance and maturity into the spiritual commitments we make. What if I don’t die tomorrow, but end up living another forty years? Could I still maintain the spiritual programme I have chalked out for myself? It seems contradictory. On one hand we have to feel incredible urgency and seek immediate transformation. On the other hand we have to plan our spiritual journey for a lifetime and be patient and measured in our approach. How do we reconcile these seemingly incompatible perspectives?

Think of the athletes training for the Olympics. If they over-do it, they may end up injured, debilitated and permanently restricted from the sport. Conversely, if they take the laid-back approach and fail to push themselves, they may not achieve the physical edge needed for victory and success. Thus, every good athlete engages a personal trainer. Spirituality is no different. We need the advice and guidance of gurus who are outside the box of our life. They can offer a mature perspective that bends you without breaking you. They remind you of the urgent need for complete spiritual dedication, yet simultaneously present practical solutions that progress you to that point.

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Joyful insignificance

Recently, thoughts of humility have been playing on my mind more than usual. Great prayers stress that one should be more humble than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, and ready to offer all respects to others while desiring none for oneself. In fact, the injunction is so crucial that one saint has advised the spiritualist to string it around his neck and wear it constantly. It seems that a humble disposition is the key to opening up the treasure house of spiritual experience. It brings freedom and joy, and helps us to live life the way it should be lived. Being humble is actually incredibly liberating.

Freedom from Expectation – a humble person is not disturbed by letdowns and misfortunes. Seeing themselves as an instrument in the divine plan, they work conscientiously and determinedly, but remain internally dependent on the divine will, careful to avoid placing personal expectations and demands on how life’s events and interactions should transpire.

Freedom from Pretentiousness - a humble person is happy to be himself. There is no false pretense, no image they want to project, nor any pressure to be a certain type of person. They recognize that whatever they have been given in terms of character and ability is endowed by the divine, and they happily utilize that for the divine. They have no desire to be the best, but are more concerned with trying their best.

Freedom from Blame – a humble person takes responsibility for whatever happens in their life. In all situations, the humble person is ready to learn, change and grow, carefully avoiding the temptation to play the blame game. They are fully aware that if they point one finger at someone else, there are another two fingers pointing back at them.

Freedom from Isolation – a humble person can see divine involvement in every situation, and thus feel supported and protected. In times of success and prosperity they develop feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the divine kindness. In times of struggle and upheaval, one is grateful for the lessons, and recognizes the value of ‘tough love’.

Trying to become a beggar, praying for some humility, we hope to one day experience the freedom that comes from joyful insignificance.

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Problem of Rocks

Over the years, a multitude of creative arguments have been formed to undermine the existence of God. By focusing on the fundamental qualities of the divine, namely omniscience, omnipotence and benevolence, philosophers have attempted demonstrate that such qualities are actually logically impossible. For example, many argue that “problem of rocks” reveals the paradoxicality of omnipotence, or the idea that there is an all-powerful entity. The theist is presented with a dilemma: “Can God create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it?” If God can create a rock that is so heavy that he cannot lift it, then there is something that he cannot do, namely lift the rock in question. If God cannot create a rock that is so heavy that he cannot lift it, then there is something that he cannot do, namely create such a rock. Either way, then, there is something that God cannot do, and if there is something that he cannot do then he cannot be omnipotent.

While many philosophers attempt to deconstruct the riddle by referring to linguistics, the saint Prabhupada had his own original response. In the 1970’s, he was posed with the same question by representatives from MENSA - “Can God create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it?” Prabhupada’s answer was simple, yet sublime and profound – “yes, he can indeed create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it... but then he can lift it!” That was the end of that conversation.

The world we live is characterized by boundaries, quantities and restrictions. We tend to approach the divine with these conceptions, and thus fail to recognize that the spiritual reality is beyond the dimensional limits that regulate our daily functioning. In the spiritual strata power is not static – it is ever increasing. Personality is ever expanding. The relationships between those personalities are ever fresh, and ever-deepening. And the happiness derived from such interactions is like an expanding ocean. Thus, since there is nothing static about the spiritual paradigm, it will always prove problematic to try and box it within a material construct.

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Reality Check

Someone recently pointed out two different statements in the Bhagavad-gita, arguing what they felt to be a contradiction and inconsistency within the presentation. We discussed, debated and churned the topic, exploring the issue from numerous angles of vision. We considered the context and background to each statement, and carefully analysed each word. After a lengthy discussion, not only did we resolve many of the doubts, but we actually felt a heightened understanding and comprehension of the subject matter. It was actually an incredibly refreshing conversation.

It reminded of speed bumps (yes we all hate them!). As we cruise along in our car, we can easily slip into autopilot, and lose consciousness of our speed and surroundings. The speed bumps force us to slow down and become more aware of our mode of driving. Similarly, seeming contradictions and confusions in scriptural writings could be seen as literary speed-bumps. Often, we superficially wiz through ancient texts and give minimal thought and consideration to the words we’re reading. Encountering apparent contradictions can force us to slow down and consider the concepts with greater attention and depth. Through intensified contemplation and deepened deliberation, we realize that the ‘inconsistencies’ are actually paradoxes – concepts which on a superficial level seem to clash, but on a higher level can be reconciled. Thus, we mature and advance our spiritual understanding.

In another sense, however, we may not always be able to logically reconcile truths which exist on a higher platform. One must accept that aspects of the spiritual reality will remain inconceivable to the human mind and intelligence. Those from ‘scientific’ backgrounds may point this out as the downfall of the spiritual approach – to sheepishly concede that we cannot know something, and instead conveniently attribute it to some metaphysical reality beyond our grasp. A cop-out they may say. However, to recognise the limits of our intelligence and perception may also be considered an exhibition of humility and honesty. After all, in this universe there are many planets. On the planet earth there are many countries. In one country, there are thousands of cities, and in one city there are hundreds of streets. On one particular street there may be a dwelling, inside which there are many rooms. In one room, someone may be proudly sitting, thinking they have understood (or will understand) the essential truths behind the entirety of the cosmos. A little ambitious, bordering on childish, wouldn’t you say?

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Instant Karma

The concepts of Karma and Reincarnation are intimately connected. However, when we discuss the law of karma being dispensed over the context of multiple lifetimes, then invariable doubts arises. If I can’t link my present reaction to a previous action, then how does Karma actually teach me anything? What’s the point of suffering if I don’t know what I did to deserve it? How can such a system actually educate and evolve me? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to receive all reactions in the same lifetime?

Some points to consider:

1) Cases of remembrance - In special cases one may well be able to access past-life memories. Individuals can be regressed into previous lives, but even more striking are occurrences of spontaneous and vivid memories of the distant past. Researchers like Ian Stevenson have conducted numerous case studies on this phenomenon, finding clear connection between previous incidents and present situations.

2) Sub-conscious Imprints - although we may not remember specific details and experiences, the law of karma nevertheless creates sub-conscious impressions within us. For example, people often undergo experiences in their childhood which lead to a specific phobia later in their life - although they may never recall the actual incident which caused it. Thus, we are constantly learning from past lives on a sub-conscious level, because every experience evolves our deep psychology and mental state, which ultimately evolves our actions and approach to life.

3) General lessons - although we may not remember specific incidents, we can draw general lessons from our karmic reactions. For example, one experiencing suffering is often impelled to question their journey in this world. In hard times people become introspective and inquisitive. The karmic reactions in and of themselves are often an alarm bell. Through karmic reactions we experience the frustration of a material approach to life. Karma teaches us about the general nature of this world.

4) Educational Sensitivity – Karma is not administered in a mechanical, instantaneous and automatic way. For example, if we see someone acting inappropriately, we may not immediately correct them, especially if the time and place is inappropriate. We wait for an opportune moment to offer relevant feedback in a constructive way, giving the person the best chance of accepting and benefitting from it. Similarly, to offer all ones karmic reaction in an instantaneous way would not aid the educational purpose of karma. Thus, for the purpose of educational sensitivity, there is often a gap between the action and reaction.

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Get rich quick

On recent travels, I've had quite a few interesting conversations with the old and wise. Just last week I met an 82 year-old retired banker. We conversed about his life journey, the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the pearls of wisdom that he had acquired in the process. The conversation came to the topic of money. He looked at me and exclaimed “After all these years I have found the sure way to become rich!” Intrigued, I gave him my full attention. “Most people think that you have to earn a lot of money to become rich” he said, “but actually they’ve got it all wrong!” “So what’s the secret?” I eagerly inquired. “The secret is that you don’t have to earn lots of money to become rich, just be damn sure you don’t spend any of it!” Interesting perspective indeed! While financial pundits may dispute his miserly mentality, I instead reflected on the spiritual significance of his words.

From one perspective his statement made sense. On our life journey we gather so much spiritual wealth and credit through our meditation, study of wisdom, service to others and ritual observances. When we live around spiritual people and associate within a devotional community it’s inevitable that we are regularly drawn into spiritually significant acts. We can earn considerable spiritual credit without even being aware of it. Unfortunately, we may be unknowingly squandering that wealth through our negligence and insensitivity in other areas. If we are critical and judgmental, speak harshly and fail in our consideration of others, or fall prey to carnal desires and material temptations, we end up 'spending' our wealth and stunting our spiritual growth. Thus, by following the basic spiritual practices and remaining conscious and alert to avoid impulsive and imprudent acts, we can become spiritually rich very quickly.

From another perspective, his statement reminded me that spiritual and material successes depend on completely different parameters. In the material field one has to be calculative, cunning, crafty and crude. One has to be on guard and defend his position. The ancient wisdom traditions, however, were based on completely different paradigms. A spiritual life is a life of giving, a life of magnanimity, generosity, kindness and goodwill. As we aim to help others solve their problems, our problems become solved automatically. If we share knowledge and help to educate others, we become genuinely wise and realized ourselves. If we endeavor to bring out the best in others, then God surely brings out the best in us. And ultimately, if we distribute spiritual wellbeing in the world, our own internal stock exponentially grows. There is no harm at all in spending. In fact, spending and investing in others is the sure way to become rich!

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