Day 4. Abhayam (3.1)

 Happiness is a state of mind, eloquently stated by one and all. Then, why many are not able to say that they are happy beings with  things at their command.

Hence, we find that all categories of people hanker after more and more happiness- rich, poor, educated, illiterate, king or peasant. Try to locate one truly happy being. Even if you think so, ask him or her. Hence the feeling that all are chasing for the elusive happiness.

Today spiritualism, which promises Sat Chit Ananda- endless joy and happiness,- has also become a big money-spinning business. Such establishments have huge funds at their disposal and they are growing nationally and internationally. There are graded meditation programmes, retreats, repeat programme etc. and the list is endless. All such followers are hooked to a system for life. Whether any one became happy is a question neither asked nor answered.

Hence the need to reflect. Can one meet the rigours of the spiritual course? In simple words, it demands abandoning all desires from the mind- all means, all 100 percent. No ifs and buts there.

An example heard for long is- leaving the Pole of desires. It is compared to the pole vault game. Can you clear the bar without leaving the pole? Obviously not. Similarly, one cannot reach the spiritual summit without leaving all desires- lock, stock and barrel. Is one ready, willing or capable?

If not, please don’t set the goal so high. If one cannot climb Everest that is not the end of the road for climbing. There are many other small mountains.

Similarly, if one cannot fully measure up to Vedantic ideals, don’t be disheartened, take up what one can withstand…. Little prayers, some meditations, some Satsang… all will fetch their own dividends.

Hence learn to be happy with small, small mercies.

Be happy, be safe.

8PM