Laws of Nature and Laws of Men

It is sad that there is a tendency to forget the wonderful bounties Mother Nature has given to us. The elements of nature contain powerful and life-giving energy which is within us and around us.  The majority of man-made laws are contrary to the laws of nature throughout the world and most individual practices therefore are equally contrary to the laws of nature. When the individual practices of the laws of men are not aligned with the laws of nature then anything designed by men will fail.  Man has to align his practices according to the forces of Nature.

Ultimately natural forces will always prevail. We had mentioned that some people in the US, concerned where the trend of politics was going, tried to establish a “Natural Law Party”.  It may not be easy to overcome stereotypical thinking, but when all man-made laws are aligned according to the laws of nature, then things will work very much better on Planet Earth. When you develop a childlike attitude to the natural forces, Mother Nature will take good care of you.

There is a story of Kali, the personification of the most destructive energy of Mother Nature. Kali also represents the highest form of transformation, the Absolute itself. She received her name because she devours Kala (Time).

The tale goes that at a time when the world was threatened by overwhelming negativities and the abuse of Mother Nature – in the analogy of demons - Siva had had enough and he asked his wife Parvati to destroy the demons to save the world. Thus Parvati transformed herself into Kali, ferocious in appearance and unleashed her terrible anger on the demons until there were none left.  Kali’s anger was so intense; she became so intoxicated by her aroused fury that the entire humanity was in danger of being destroyed. Something had to be done. Several High Beings decided to approach Lord Siva to deal with Kali’s anger, pleading:  “We cannot manage the anger of Kali, we request you to contain Kali’s forces.”  Lord Siva was also concerned, thinking her anger being so much more powerful that she may not even recognize me in her state as Kali. He decided to lie himself down in the path of Kali -  and as she was passing, she stepped on her Lord Siva.  Startled and looking down, she recognized Siva, her anger evaporated and she became Parvati again.

It would be prudent to heed the analogy: When you become infused with a childlike attitude of complete innocence and trust you are protected, but when you are ruled by ego, you will be destroyed.  It is ego itself that destroys you.  There is no one who has survived with a prominent ego. Look at history; especially look at the so-called “mighty and powerful”.

A book has been written called “Untergang” (Downfall) that focuses on the last days of Hitler.  He had changed history yet the book illustrates the complete disintegration of Hitler in mind, body and soul.  It shows how helpless he became in the end when he could see no way out but to instruct his companions to take his life. There was no option left for him.  In the end he was totally helpless.  It was the same with Napoleon – left on St. Helena, unable to help himself; the only pleasure he had was to play with the children of his Guard.  There are countless examples, in history as well as in the present, of the destructive force of individual ego gone rampant.  

To rephrase: before the power of natural forces all creatures are nothing, yet especially when the human ego will feed you with thoughts that you are powerful, beautiful, smart, and so on, endowing you with countless wonderful attributes which are nothing but a veil, that veil will keep you locked in illusion.  Ego will tempt you with the appearance of countless characteristics that might appeal to you.

On the spiritual path there is only one thing you can give to your Master and that is your ego – you give your ego by being humble and He/She will free you from your ego, but as long as you are the victim of your own ego, you will get nowhere.  In fact, you are getting progressively weaker as time goes by. Then the thought enters:  I used to be so strong, what ever happened?

At one time you may have been able to “kick” people, to assert yourself, but now one kick can knock you down.  This is the effect of time: once you were powerful and now you are weak.  However if you have prudently gathered the spiritual force, you will always be strong. Spiritual force does not diminish and will maintain your strength.

Those involved in the performance of arts for instance have a tendency to worry about age; they live in constant fear of ageing, particularly in the western society which only admires the slim, the young and the beautiful.

Many governments would prefer you to be “gone” after retirement when you are no longer productive in the job market. Then they could avoid having to pay the pension.  It seems that no one really wants the retirees.  This is cruel, but it is the reality of the world we live in. You need to be aware of that, and this is why you have to develop your own strength.  You need spiritual strength; you need to recognize the true energy within you, the true light and the true life. Your true life, the force within you, is the Ultimate Force.  That force is part of you.  You have both light and dark forces within you; you have both, shadow and light, a light side and a dark side.  That duality is within you and part of you.  But it is up to you to decide which one you choose. Both sides are powerful. The power of light is the real power, whereas the dark side is always the destructive side.  Once you can recognize the natural forces within you, you will also appreciate nature as part of you, integrated within you.

Initiation

Time and again I have been asked about initiation.  There are so many different ideas that there is as much confusion as there are wild concepts about the subject.  What is the actual meaning of initiation?

Like anything else initiation has been commercialized.  It seems that everyone is giving it and bestowing everyone receiving it with instant ‘mastership’ and ‘guruship’.

In the spiritual marketplace a lot of forces are available, especially in North America: you pay the required amount of dollars and maybe in a few weeks you get a certificate and you can start practicing.  That is the tendency in modern times.  Almost everything is used, utilized and/or exploited for commercial use.

There are many stages and aspects of initiation. For instance, conception is a form of initiation; birth is a form of initiation and each stage of life presents another form of initiation.

In addition, however, both spiritually and traditionally, initiation has great meaning.  Although there are many stages and endless aspects, in the spiritual sense initiation takes place when the true Guru imparts the sacred knowledge to the worthy disciple.  He initiates you into the path of spirituality.  For that matter, when any Teacher decides to give secret knowledge to a disciple or student that is initiation.  You could compare spiritual initiation to giving the secret of atomic power to a student.  Thus, any secret knowledge, formula, tools or keys imparted to a student to enhance knowledge and understanding regarding the mysteries of life, joy and bliss, is initiation.

Initiation is a course on various levels.  Sometimes I am asked what I can offer, what I can give.  Well, it is never a question of what I can give, but what and how much you can handle, process and implement. To what extent are you capable of digesting, applying, experiencing, and living the sacred knowledge?  Have you purified yourself in body, mind, ego and emotion to be able to handle that kind of powerful energy?  I have spoken many times of the subtle body being the transformer for the high spiritual energy to be manifested by the individual. Only once you have purified the subtle body with its four entities: intellect, mind, ego and emotion, will the divine light and knowledge be able to shine through into your consciousness.

Some people are satisfied with little and do not want more responsibility.  By way of example, someone may have a salary of five hundred dollars and is satisfied with this. He does not want to handle more, although his possibilities of earning more are endless.  I am using this example because people can relate to money. This is a very real example. The same person, when placed in the position that would bring five thousand dollars, does not want that responsibility.  Money is also power of a different kind and requires responsibility and wisdom and can equally be misused.  The point is: how much knowledge, energy and power can you utilize, handle or integrate for your own balanced growth?  I always allow people limitless opportunity to grow and learn mentally and spiritually.  The question is: Can you handle it? The sky is the limit.  Space is infinite, so is power, so is energy and so is life.

There have been countless examples of humans who were given sudden power.  The problem is that when you are given that kind of power and if you are unprepared or your motivation is selfish, there can be misuse, even corruption.  History is full of people who were given power and have misused that power: Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon – to name but a few. 

The question is always: how do you use such tremendous force or energy? It is for that reason that the true Master will not initiate unless the disciple is prepared and fit for handling this kind of power.

In the area of initiation there is something called shakti path.  It is the act of bestowing spiritual power upon the disciple when the time is right and when the disciple can be considered fit and worthy to receive. When the disciple can hold the powerful energy and not misuse it, it can happen that he wakes up and suddenly is filled with power.  The disciple may have the power to convince people, to persuade, to heal, to give and to make people strong and to get what he wants. That is shakti path; you may say something, make some kind of a statement or request and everyone will comply without question.  Shakti path is like power falling upon you – like apples from a tree.  Mystical power is amazing.

A spiritual initiation is a mystical experience.  It is private and individual, rather than collective. You should keep that energy confidential as it is sacred and secret.  You should preserve and utilize this power to further your own spiritual advancement.  The same applies when you are being given a mantra.  When a sacred mantra has been given to you personally; it should not be disclosed to anyone.  It is for the individual and it is confidential.  Therefore, spiritual initiation may be regarded as a rite of passage that takes the aspirant from one level of functioning and from one level of consciousness to the next.

The Purpose of Life

Another question I am asked frequently is whether humans are here on this earth for a special purpose. The answer is: yes, you are each here for a definite and special purpose, and it is for you to discover what your particular purpose is.  Each person, of course, is unique and each person manifests individually and independently. The point is, do not go looking for a purpose. Some people travel around the world, just looking for their own special purpose. In that search, they will go to scholars, healers, psychics, yogis- in short,  to anyone they feel can give them direction

Of course, all these healers and teachers can help and explain to a certain extent, but they will not be able to tell the true purpose of your individual life. That purpose of your own developmental role will one day become known to you. But for that role, that purpose, you have to prepare. It will come to you. When you have prepared yourself by following a conscientious and positive lifestyle and when you are ready for that great purpose, it will come to you.  When that happens, try to accept it and fit into the plan of your purpose. Try not to muddle it up with your personal wants, desires and needs. At that very important time, your mind has to be perfectly clear, because understanding that special purpose and goal is very important. No one does know when that time comes. Until then, all you can do is to prepare.

Look at it this way: many times all kind of things, all kind of events and opportunities are presented to you; nice things may happen to you, but you are not prepared to take advantage of these opportunities which life offers to you. Your eyes are not open, you do not quite understand - and you miss the chance.  When your mind is not focused you can miss out on the most favorable circumstances because you cannot see the potential of any given new opportunity.  You are focused on and desire something else. The human tendency is to want according to one’s own immediate need, desire and wishes. Immediate needs and desires have their place, but they are not necessarily the long-term plan. You have to be alert and aware that when the time comes, when the purpose is revealed that you can recognize it, accept it and take up the challenge.

In the meantime, until you become aware of your special purpose, you should learn and follow the law of life - which is to enjoy life every minute, every day, every week, and every month. It does not mean that you wait for a great purpose and do nothing in the meantime.  As I said, you need to prepare.  Live life, understand life and enjoy every minute of the precious life that has been given to you.

Life is a path in itself.  For a person to really live a life of fullness and passion you have to choose and savor every day, doing what brings real, true happiness.  Every moment you have a choice.  It is everyday living. You are not living in the past or in the future; you are living right here, right now, in the present, every day and every minute. In Sanskrit this is called “sadhana”, spiritual practice. Whatever you do with mindfulness, it automatically becomes part of your exercise to grow, to develop and to attune yourself to the higher purpose, which is emerging every day. Live with that.

Coping with Chronic Pain and Illness

Many times I am asked about how one can cope with chronic pain. Of course this is not easy for the person with a chronic illness. However, if you have accepted the chronic illness as part of your life, the important thing is not to dwell on it. Unfortunately people often have the habit to keep talking about their illnesses and diseases, thereby making it much worse. This kind of focus only promotes the pain and suffering.  You are giving the illness energy by repeatedly thinking and talking about it. 

Your first attitude should be one of acceptance.  Once you accept the problem, you don’t dwell on it. On the contrary, avoid reminding yourself that you have a chronic disease; that is part of your life - for now.  To make life more balanced, try to live responsibly, physically as well as mentally and spiritually.  Tools like yoga, pranyama and the use of a mantra can help tremedously.  By such tools you are focusing on wellness and not on your illness.  It is important to make an effort to balance your emotions. By having a balanced life, the effect of any chronic illness can be drastically reduced in many cases. 

Suppose you have back pain, a very common ailment; its discomfort can be reduced significantly, as can any other problem. I can assure you that it can be lessened.  Pain and suffering can be diminished, even eliminated by the right attitude, the right thought, the right emotion and the right practice. Of course, you have to learn and train your mind and emotions to be positive; then you can lessen the pain and discomfort to a level where it can be far more manageable, if not eliminated altogether.



Recycling your Life

Sometime people express confusion about the methods of chanting a mantra, devotional song or a prayer. Actually there are three stages of chanting; all are correct:

 1. Chanting out loud

2. Just moving lips and tongue

3. Only with your breath. 

Although all methods are effective, focusing on your breath while repeating a mantra is especially helpful when the mind is disturbed. Loud chanting can actually help calm a disturbed mind. The repetitive sound will create vibrations within the mind and activate the energy in Sahasrara Chakra on the top of the head thereby triggering different energies in the body.

In India there is endless freedom to practice religious and spiritual rituals according to your understanding and choice – some may worship Siva, Krishna, Brahma, Durga, Hanuman - it is a very wide selection of choices.

There are also people who do not worship in form but choose the formless God – no one is bound to follow a particular discipline. Worship is conducted according to your own temperament and your own ability to relate to the subject of your devotion.  There is great freedom as well as great responsibility.  You try to use those energies to enhance your own growth and level of understanding.

Example: You are someone who is a devotee of Krishna and you want to attain Krishna Consciousness.  How do you achieve this?  How do you elevate yourself to that level?  Do you want to bring Krishna down to your level or do you want to uplift yourself?  Various methods and approaches are available - one of the effective ways is to have a Mansic Puja, a mental worship where your entire consciousness is focused on the mental image of the deity or the Master, thereby creating a connection to that Being. That is the process of creating a connection.

To clarify this principle on the very mundane level: if someone likes tea for instance, you may invite that person for tea. Again you have created a connection.  If you want to invite someone, you focus on that person’s interests.

Krishna devotees may sit in meditation, drawing an image in their minds whereby they visualize Krishna sitting in front of them.  A further step in the mansic puja is visualizing washing the feet of Krishna with water, taking flowers and fruit as offering, applying chandan to the feet and completing the puja with Arati. Thereafter people may ask for blessings, surrendering body and mind to Krishna.

Asking for His presence in your life through the practice of Mansic Puja – Inner meditation - is relatively easy because you are doing something; you are engaging in a particular act.  If you are not doing anything, that makes it much more difficult; you need to engage your mind in some form of interaction.  Having established that, meditation becomes easy.

If you are fortunate enough to come into contact with a living Master, this is the easiest and most effective meditation.  You do not have to create the scene; He/She is already there.  All you have to do is to replay in your mind that which has already been experienced.  It is the easiest form of meditative practice – it is very effective and it can be done at any time.

When you replay all that, what happens then?  Is it just a fantasy of mind?  Let me explain this principle once again:  let us say that you recall some incident in your life and some unpleasant thought is recalled. Instantly you become very angry.

Then you recall and replay the situation in your mind. Maybe you think that you should have acted or replied differently, or you may feel that you had been mistreated, unjustly criticized or insulted by somebody.  Which ever way, instantly there is a very strong emotional and even physical reaction: your blood pressure shoots up, you become tense, your heart is racing - your entire body is affected.

By the same principle, when you replay the nice and beautiful aspects of your life’s experiences, this is bound to create a positive outcome of thoughts, feelings and vibrations, making you feel wonderful.

Many people ask how they can be happy.  Actually, it is very easy to be happy; everybody has had happy events and moments in life. It is up to you to create and replay those instances.  You can re-visit those occasions and when you do, you will see the results. Yet as long as you focus on the happy, nice and positive aspects, the negative moments may also be lurking nearby. They are part of your life too.  In that case you need to learn to avoid those pitfalls and remain on your narrow, happy path.

The point is that your life has a lot of answers.  It can serve as your teacher, but you have to find the teachings.  It is a bit like going into the forest and learning to pick the right mushrooms, avoiding the inedible and poisonous ones.  Not everything that is ‘green’ is safe.  This is something you have to learn.

There is also a way of looking back to moments in your life and try to understand how you can recycle your unhappy experiences.    What was bad and what was good?  Something appearing as negative can actually be quite helpful.  How can you ‘recycle’ your mind so that you can benefit from all experiences?  Each incident you are presented with is an opportunity to examine yourself, the situation in question and the other person involved. Why did this happen to you, how can this benefit you or enrich your life?  Getting stuck in one particular incident can prevent you from being able to move further. 

All the rich experiences of your past should make you wiser; learn to let go of dislikes and emotions and of negative thought patterns. Instead, learn to look at the benefits of your experiences.  Learn to be your life’s accountant.  Set up a balance sheet for your life; analyze the costs and benefits of all experiences.

Take the example of a businessman in charge of a factory.  He would make a list of all the costs involved in running his company as well as a list of benefits he might reap.  If the costs should outweigh the benefits, it is reasonable to assume that he would think carefully, considering whether or not to close the business.

However, an exception to justify running at a loss could be if your efforts were to serve a higher purpose. Nowadays it is quite difficult to maintain traditions based on humanitarian and spiritual grounds. Yet sometimes you just have to do that for the greater good. In such circumstances cost and benefit factors do not really apply.

Another aspect to consider is the balance sheet of your your spiritual aspirations.  What benefits do you receive through your association with a spiritual Master and what does it cost you – seva, giving up bad habits of body and mind, controlling and balancing emotions and surrendering your ego?  Try to work on that balance sheet.

Essentially it is all a question of using your own resources which you do have within yourself, but you are not aware of your own inner bounty. You need to become aware of this gift.  If you do not make an effort to discover the real prize you actually have right there within you, how can you realize what you have?  You have what you need most readily available but you are denying the very gift you already have.