From a satsang with Pt. Umadutt Maharaj, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Bhakti Jyoti Mandali
There is a beautiful bhajan that reminds us that when we entered this world, we were given a clean sheath—the human form—free from stains and impurities. In our original state, we were pure, unaffected by the blemishes of delusion. Yet, as we navigate this material world, we often become entangled in its illusions, neglecting the divine and accumulating the stains of negativity.
It also serves as a powerful reminder that we should not wait until the body is frail and incapable of sacrifice to turn toward God. Shree Krishna teaches us that the body passes through six stages—from birth to decay—and urges us to turn to God before it is too late.
In the rush of life, we often prioritise everything except the Divine. Various negative emotions and thoughts cloud our minds, leaving little time for prayer, meditation or religious sacrifices. Yet, the doorway to paradise lies in making those very sacrifices and dedicating ourselves to the spiritual path.
While fulfilling our worldly duties and responsibilities, we must seize every opportunity for spiritual advancement. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that we are both our own friend and our own enemy. We elevate or degrade ourselves by our own actions, thoughts and choices.
True reality lies in attachment to divinity. By bowing our heads at sacred murtis, going to holy places and performing acts of worship with an enlightened intellect, we align ourselves with a divine purpose.
The Sheath of Purity and the Illusion of Maayaa
Our inherent nature is one of purity, but maayaa—the illusion of the material world—clouds this essence. As life unfolds, we must take stock of ourselves. Even amidst the turmoil of the world, with its troubling news and uncertainties, we must remain steadfast, stabilise ourselves and prepare for righteous action.
The stains of life cannot be left to accumulate unchecked. Just as a home requires regular cleaning, the internal self needs the consistent broom and mop of God’s grace. Reflecting on the purpose of life and maintaining spiritual discipline ensures that the internal purity remains intact.
Life presents us with choices: the path of virtue or the path of sin. These choices shape our journey and the world we create for ourselves. By planting the seeds of virtue, we cultivate a life of meaning and alignment with the divine.
Regular self-reflection is vital. By looking back at our lives and honestly assessing our progress, we can make meaningful changes. Let us change our attitudes, analyse our actions and reflect on our purpose. In doing so, we prepare ourselves for a journey that elevates the soul and aligns us with divine will.
As we plant the seeds of virtue, let us nurture them with faith, devotion and righteous action. The journey of life is ultimately our own, yet we are guided by divine grace and wisdom. Let us take this opportunity to purify ourselves, stabilise our lives and reflect on the profound meaning of existence.
In the words of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Man elevates himself by himself; man degrades himself by himself.”
Let us rise, with God’s grace, to the highest version of ourselves.
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