We have once again entered a New Year and of course we are greeted with a plethora of old clichés, for example, “New Year, New Hope” or “Dawn of a New Day”. While these do still carry some value in positively influencing our mental state, they tend to ring hollow not only due to their overuse, but also, more significantly, because of the lack of positive change we see emanating from these utterances throughout the years.
Furthermore, Sanatan Dharma, while it promises new hope and multiple chances to get it right, is a way of life that is based on old and long-standing principles. Our scriptures are timeless and they have given to us the keys to unlock the secrets of life. Therefore, too much emphasis on the word “new” is not congruent with the precepts of Sanatan Dharma and instead speaks to the new age religions which are more post-modernistic in their outlook.
What therefore should we be guided by in the New Year? Definitely new hope, but that which arises out of old promises as given by the Lord and Master. The oldest promise of the Lord Shri Ram as expounded in Uttar Kaand of the Shri Ramacharitmanas tells us that His grace is always with us in times of trouble and in times of joy. Shri Ram informed us of the three gifts given to all to move across the ocean of mundane existence, this “loka” riddled with pains and suffering.
Shri Ram explains that in order to cross this ocean of mundane existence the Jeeva Atma is given a body as a raft; it has the grace of God as a favourable wind and the opportunity for a worthy Guru as the helmsman. These three factors converge to take us (the Jeeva Atma) safely across this Mrityu Loka.
What therefore should be the Sanatanist perspective? The New Year is upon us and it should be a reminder to all of the promise which the Lord and Master has given since time immemorial, that we always and constantly possess the tools needed to move beyond the limitations imposed on us by ourselves and others. With a different perspective we can see ourselves, not as the body but as the soul and therefore, the “New Dawn” should really be an awakening of the spiritual kind where man seeks to begin his journey to enlightenment and God Realization. This transformation in thinking and understanding can take us away from all pain and suffering and place us on the path to the highest pursuit in life, that of Moksha, which is the ultimate goal and endeavour of every person.
Let us then enter the New Year with a new perspective based on a new understanding grounded in an old promise given to us by that Lord and Master. Let us seek to awaken our spirituality and aspire to the highest state; that of Satchitanand.
Swaha therefore wishes all a happy and blessed New Year filled with much spiritual bliss and happiness. As we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we say thank you to all for living the spirit of Swaha and we look forward to moving forward in Dharma with each of you.
Jai Swaha Mata
