|
The French writer, Montaigne,
rightly noted, "The most manifest sign of wisdom is continued cheerfulness." Intelligent
analysis would confer true wisdom, enabling the seeker to make the needed
changes within. Nevertheless, unless this evolution enables him to issue
forth all he does in a healthy and cheerful manner, such changes cannot be
considered worthwhile.
It is therefore necessary that the means
adopted to bring about the changes within should also be in consonance with
the desired objective----namely, "continued cheerfulness." Recognising this,
patanjali prescribes, for even deep-rooted mental and psychosomatic
aberrations, those physical exercises (asana), which he asserts (sutra: 2-46
to 48) should also be performed with joyful ease, contemplating on the peace
of the infinite. Such physical activities, healthy lifestyle and inspiring
companionship (satsangati) are within one's control, unlike the
mental aspects which are not. Involving in these in the right manner, as
William James also observes, would confer true joy and peace within too.
This also is that state, which not merely endears but also endures
(samatvam). Learning to smile even "when things go dead wrong," the seeker
radiates the message, " God's in His heaven/ All is right with the world."
This verily also is the rapturous delight experienced by realised souls, in
the ecstatic expression of devotion (Bhakti) and sheer gratitude to those
divine forces, which had made such experience possible.
Fulfillment of enduring cheerfulness and equilibrium is achieved
not merely by being involved with the sublime and the pure, but also by
adopting simultaneously, an approach of enlightened indifference (the
concept of upekshana of Patanjali) to the sinful and those which would not
be in harmony with one's objective and vision. This penetrative insight and
true wisdom confer lasting peace within and without (chittaprasadanam). Even
with regard to food, James Allen observes, "When a man makes his thought
pure, he no longer desires impure food."
Bhagavad Gita, details (2-54 to 59) the manifestations of such an
evolved being (stitaprajna). Contributing to the goodness all over, he
obtains greater purification and empowerment within, which in turn sever to
further add to the peace and felicity all around. This indeed, is thus, a
virtuous cycle, set in motion by the abiding desire (icchashakti) to change
and the fair admission that one also needs to change! |
