Monday, February 21, 2022

One Whose Aim is Inward

Crouching among these fan palm leaves with my camera, I felt like a child discovering a good hiding spot! While I appreciate the tranquility and stillness in this scene, I am painfully aware of how challenging it can be to turn inward in a world that thrives on external validation and busyness. I may even be alone in a room yet keep a safe distance from myself through endless distraction. It can be difficult to sit quietly and discover who I am when no one else is around. It's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of this world and lose sight of the true self along the way. Perhaps you can relate?

I keep this inspiring Bhagavad Gita quote on my desk to remind me that lasting fulfillment comes from within:

“One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose aim is inward is actually the perfect mystic. She is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately she attains the Supreme.” (Bhagavad Gita 5.24)

(Note: I used the "she" pronoun in the above verse to help me resonate more deeply with it, yet it applies to everyone)

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Finding Rays of Hope

A few years ago, on a solitary walk, I came across this striking scene. I vividly recall being bathed by rays of hope and uplifting thoughts as I stood there, spellbound. Sometimes life can feel heavy, dark and stagnant. At such times, receiving a reminder of a spiritual reality beyond the material is a soothing balm to my soul. I’ve experienced how these hope-giving reminders come in a variety of forms: through encouraging words from a friend, an excerpt from a wisdom text, the breathtaking beauty of nature, and so on.

This photo reminds me of a quote that I adore: “The need of the spirit soul is that she wants to get out of the limited sphere of material bondage and fulfill her desire for complete freedom. She wants to get out of the covered walls of the greater universe. She wants to see the free light and the spirit. That complete freedom is achieved when she meets the complete spirit, the Personality of Godhead." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.8 purport)

Aah, to be bathed in that "free light and spirit." How nourishing!