True freedom lies in our self control, alignment to spiritual values such as love, compassion, integrity and meditation. This may seem paradoxical that one achieves freedom through self control and moderation, however this makes sense, self gratification and indulgence only "adds more fuel to the fire", saying this denial does not work either, but pre-occupation with positive ideals works!
Iyengar puts forward a very powerful metaphor in his book Light on Life:
Imagine your mind as a lake of water, any disturbances makes a ripple, which if dwelt on long enough affects the banks of the shore. If the disturbance is strong enough, this goes on further till the banks of the shore underneath are affected, so that they can cause secondary waves, even Tsunamis!
Now most people cannot let go of negative things so that it does not make a deep negative impression on them, and further more, cannot control the secondary wave coming to the surface, the automatic reaction. Add to this dirt, and murky water, which are basically negative actions, one is totally lost. Thus where is the freedom in this?
Iyengar says, first we must move to plant positive thoughts, then move to non-attachment (and taming the ego), that means the ripples fade away and don't affect the banks, which cause further automatic reactions.
An amazing thing starts happening, when one start moving towards action without attachment and ego. If you look at this above picture, the lake starts reflecting the pristine glory of the creation itself. Ripples have temporary effects. Movement is in perfect harmony, every moment is perfect, re-balancing happens quickly, just the way it should be. Tell me how much money can buy you this?
The purity of the soul then shines through and things automatically gets done better, and you are less stressed, and more carefree of the results. This is different from not caring or ignorance. Thoughtfulness and care is very much there, but it comes from the endless intelligence of the soul, it expresses itself, and then it lets go just like an arrow leaving the bow hitting bullseye (or not for that matter), observing the results but not attached to it. What matters is the shot was taken with total presence, engaging our Mind, Body and Soul, rather than the joy or disappointment of the result. What fault can one find with that approach?
Now not everyone is a Zen master, but I don't believe one needs to be a Zen master to start applying this practically in their lives, and there will be times where we fail miserably, but thats ok, don't beat yourself over it, as long as we recognize it and learn from it, it may take months, years, maybe lifetimes. It gives us more motivation to change the next time. No one is perfect, no-one can change overnight, it takes time, so take it easy on yourself! Persistence pays off...Easy Come, Easy Go, anything that comes easily does not stay with you.
Try focusing on a daily meditation discipline, a vegetarian healthy diet, some basic deep breathing, some basic exercise and stretching, some positive values, some positive books, some positive company, eliminate all the negative input "channels", start exposing yourself to positive input "channels". To effect the output change the input, that you have some control over (what happens in the middle, is pretty much automatic).
Tuning the body through yoga (asanas, pranayamas) is like replacing the shock absorbers in a car, bumps are much smoother. Tuning the mind, is like taking hold of the steering wheel so that ditches and dangers ahead can be avoided. Tuning in to your spirit (meditation) is driving your car home after a long journey away. Integrity is like obeying traffic rules, if you don't there is a danger to yourself and others.
Peace,
Kirpal
”May the sun bring you energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being.
May you walk gently through the world
and know its beauty all the days of your life.”
~Apache Blessing (via Lama Surya Das)
