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Swami Suddhananda Saraswathi, founder of the Suddhananda Foundation of Self
Knowledge, lectured recently at Chennai on ‘Fragile Face of Strength’. He
explained the apparent contradiction in the title by noting that though real
strength cannot be fragile or vulnerable, there are many situations, where what
appears to be strong, would turn out to be weak and fragile within.
Problems, boredom or even bickering may afflict many a family, which flaunts
possession of finery, houses, fleet of cars, servants and renown in society.
Swami Suddhananda referred to the case of a rich couple, who appeared to be
‘made for each other.’ One day, he husband opened out his heart, wept bitterly
and stated that his wife no more loved him. The wife also aired the same
complaint. In short, both felt let down, unwanted and useless.
Referring to this case, Suddhananda noted how one has to see through the masks
and veils without, to comprehend the core of the being within. Often, this core,
the inner personality, would be shaky and withering every moment. The inner core
is a reflection of what one actually is and when this is strong and desirable,
one who would thus love himself for what he actually is, and not merely for what
he actually has. Otherwise, ephemeral show and glitter, which actually are
mirrors of what one has, would finally become the objects of love, which one
would get from himself or others. It is only when the inner core becomes strong
and beautiful that one actually begins to obtain love from oneself and others.
This love would prove to be enduring, because all that which one has would also
be consistently beautiful, flowing from the strength and stability within.
It is though self-knowledge (atma jnanam) that one discovers, stabilizes and
dwells consistently on this strength within. Then, one is no more moved or
affected by the situations around – be it indifference, warmth, praise or
censure, as noted by Bhgawad Gita (6,7). This also is the practical application
of the concept of Gita (2, 55) of being satisfied within the self by one’s own
self (atmanyeva atmana tustah).
That strength, which at no time becomes fragile, is obtained only by this
self-esteem and self-respect, which are endearing possessions of one, who
measures his fulfillment by the yardstick of what he is and not merely by what
he has. Indeed, as the Bible note (Mathew: 4, 4), “Man Shall not live by bread
alone”!
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