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CHANGE within does bring about changes all over. The
sceptical mind may, however, question how this change, which is limited to
one's personality, could have far reaching impact even upon one's
circumstances.
On this issue, mere observation would convince that
any process leading to obtaining that inner purification and right knowledge
would invariably also confer upon the seeker a state of true peace, joy and
goodness within Comprehending truths to live by, relaxed and thus conserving
energy, he also become focused, effective and efficient--the Bhagawad Gita
concept (2, 50) of " skill in action". Accomplishments, right relationships
and developments would follow naturally. He thus acts as a true ally in his
own progress just as a confused person, through his own improper and ill
directed actions necessarily encounters problems from all over.
This verily also is the concept in the Gita ( 6-5, 6) that one
becomes his own best friend and also his worst enemy, depending upon the
state within. James Allen also outlines how one's circumstances and even
destiny are mirrors of the state of self within.
But then, the vital question now arises on how actually to bring
about the need changes. More easily conceived of than actually accomplished,
the starting point lies in accepting, through an abiding self- honesty, that
changes are indeed called for and also desiring passionately to effect the
needed changes. Thereafter follows the process of changing those aspects
that are under one's direct control. In fact, the eight- fold path (ashtanga
yoga) of Patanjali (Sutra: 2, 29) commences with the issue of yama
(self-restraint) and niyama (rules for observation). Right food habits,
fasting and moderation (as advocated in the Gita: 3-13 and 6-16, 17)-- these
are often the forerunners to other more tangible changes in personality. It
was rightly stated, "you are what you eat."
Other sequential steps, also often under one's direct control,
include right, timely and effective sleep and making the required
modifications in life style, also integrating the different aspects of one's
life such that one activity does not have the effect of undoing the impact
of other healthful activities. Otherwise, such damaging impact would be akin
to a single slip while rolling a ball of string or that of a leaking pot---
the addition of contents offset by the drain within.
A modest beginning could often lead to substantial changes within
and all over. Sky, indeed, is the Limit! |
