"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3 v1
In the last few days I've taken to quiet reflection, a sort of sweet renunciation. It came about in a funny way. Facing indirect accusations about my character, I grew frustrated in trying to 'prove' myself.
Of course, this was getting me nowhere. One can not prove themselves virtuous. You either live it or you don't. And even if you choose to live it, it doesn't mean you're without blemish - it can only mean that you are dedicated to constant refinement.
It's a funny old world, and there are days when no matter how much you try to do right, someone will still blame. The ego doesn't like this blame. The ego wants to appear blameless. And any suggestion otherwise the ego will fight. So when I find myself wanting to fight, to defend 'my honour' (aka my EGO), I know this is the season for renunciation.
Renunciation is not easy. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. :) But when you realize that 'proving and defending' is pointless, then it's time to turn to the power of silence.
The interesting thing is, when taking the path of silence and allowing others their opinion, when the choice is taken to not fight and defend there is a deep peace and a deep love that follows. Ego wants to deny other's their own opinion, but the benevolent soul wants only peace and is willing to 'pocket the insult', in Gandhi's words.
I want to give power to that benevolent soul. And so, what am I really renouncing? I'm merely renouncing the misguided desires of ego.
Om shanti.
Of course, this was getting me nowhere. One can not prove themselves virtuous. You either live it or you don't. And even if you choose to live it, it doesn't mean you're without blemish - it can only mean that you are dedicated to constant refinement.
It's a funny old world, and there are days when no matter how much you try to do right, someone will still blame. The ego doesn't like this blame. The ego wants to appear blameless. And any suggestion otherwise the ego will fight. So when I find myself wanting to fight, to defend 'my honour' (aka my EGO), I know this is the season for renunciation.
Renunciation is not easy. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. :) But when you realize that 'proving and defending' is pointless, then it's time to turn to the power of silence.
The interesting thing is, when taking the path of silence and allowing others their opinion, when the choice is taken to not fight and defend there is a deep peace and a deep love that follows. Ego wants to deny other's their own opinion, but the benevolent soul wants only peace and is willing to 'pocket the insult', in Gandhi's words.
I want to give power to that benevolent soul. And so, what am I really renouncing? I'm merely renouncing the misguided desires of ego.
Om shanti.
Thank you for reading. For more information on Raja Yoga philosophy see www.brahmakumaris.org.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment