Living Wisely Living Well | With Asha Nayaswami

Never seek self-justification. If people are interested in hearing your explanation, state the facts simply and impersonally, but never descend (unworthily) to self-defense.

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How can one love everyone on earth? Here is one way: Reflect that God’s nature is, as the Indian scriptures declare, Satchidananda—ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss. He, the Creator, gives to each of us the motivation to seek bliss as our true nature, also. The hidden intention behind every act is the soul’s need to discover the secret of existence as perfect bliss. The worst criminal seeks to solve that mystery. He seeks it mistakenly, of course; yet he does so unmistakably. Everyone on earth hungers for that fulfillment, though people usually seek it indirectly. Isn’t this reason enough to love, and to be compassionate toward, every being on earth?

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Self-knowledge gives a deep understanding of others. Though some people believe what they want is money, fame, power, pleasure, or material success, their motivation, essentially, is always the same: the longing for bliss. This subtle truth links all beings together in one cosmic family. The deeper you go in this understanding, the more completely you will develop insight into others. You can then even, if you so desire, develop their skills by attuning yourself to their special approach to bliss.

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Be expansive in your sympathies. Don’t limit them to thoughts of “I” and “mine.” All men are God’s children; so too are you. Be a stranger to no one. The joys and sorrows of all men are your own.

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When traveling anywhere as a tourist, don’t be satisfied with merely “seeing the sights.” Try to feel the vibrations of the places you visit. You will find, in time, that you can actually sense some of their history, and the consciousness of those who lived there long ago. A Mexican friend of mine from the state of Yucatán once related to me a very clear vision he’d had of an ancient temple complex, where Mayans of long ago passed in and out as though they still lived there. Everything you see around you is composed of consciousness. And consciousness emits vibrations, which in turn endure for centuries—perhaps even forever.

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The first and last words of a sentence are especially important. See that your sentences begin and end well. The rest, then, will to a great extent take care of itself.

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When an elder or a superior takes you to task, listen impersonally, but never tell yourself, “Considering the position this person holds, he must be right!” People are simply human beings; each has his own faults and weaknesses, which stick to him like burrs until he achieves enlightenment. Indeed, spiritual development, like the sunlight shining through a stained-glass window, may actually highlight a person’s flaws—until further progress eliminates his ego altogether.

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Is there any subject on which you feel sensitive? If so, determine to change yourself. A sore spot on the body tells you there is something wrong there. When people “rub you the wrong way,” see what there is in yourself that made you flinch.

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Isn’t it interesting, how people tend to shout on meeting after a long separation! Why all that noise? We might compare those meetings to driving a motorcycle. First there is a high sound, as the motorcycle “revs up.” Next comes the low, steady hum, as the desired speed is reached. And notice, finally, the low growl the motor makes as it is turned off. The process might be compared to the three phases of AUM, the Cosmic Vibration: Brahma, the Creator (a relatively high sound); Vishnu, the Preserver (a medium sound); and Shiva, the Destroyer (a low, all-dissolving rumble). Contrasted to people’s first meetings, their partings often end on a low note—sometimes of regret; sometimes, if the meeting lacked energy, of dismissiveness. To keep a reunion with friends fresh and interesting, focus especially on the medium—the Vishnu—aspect: Give even more to your reunion than you receive from it. “Fuel” your conversation with inner happiness.

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To overcome a judgmental attitude in yourself, observe others whose natures are similarly critical. Are they not merely projecting an inner insecurity? In judging others you only judge yourself. Offer kind acceptance to everyone. In doing so, you will not only deepen your faith in God, but will acquire faith in your own highest potentials.

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