Those who adopt spiritual practices with the aim of living a more fulfilled life wish to attain a state of mind that is easy, stable and elevated. However, because of some weakness, they find it difficult at times.
Actually, they make it difficult by identifying with their weaknesses. Nothing can be too difficult for one who has understood spiritual truths and realises that they are a soul, a child of the Almighty. They will naturally be yogis, absorbed in meditation, spiritual study and service of the world.
Meditation and service are the defining traits of such a soul. Normally, people’s minds are pulled by their family, friends and worldly things. For elevated souls, God is the basis of all relationships and attainments, so their mind gravitates towards Him. This makes remembrance of God a regular part of their life.
The way to reach a light and high state is to see oneself as a server and think, speak and work for the benefit of people everywhere in the world. We have several resources, such as knowledge, virtues and time, that can be invested in serving others.
We can help by creating a positive atmosphere with our attitude, and inspire others to do likewise. Our words and actions can be such that they encourage others to speak and act in a more refined way and, ultimately, connect with God to achieve a high state themselves.
By using time in a worthwhile way, we can highlight the value of time and the importance of timely action. Serving others in this way will take us to an easy and elevated state.
How do we serve in this way? One who has developed their virtues and powers naturally thinks of using them to help others. We can do that by being cooperative. Generous souls keep very little of their resources for themselves, preferring to use them to serve others. This does not leave them poorer, because generosity brings multiple rewards, not least the goodwill, cooperation and blessings of others.
To be a donor is to receive. Being of benefit to others is to be a benefactor for the self. To donate is to get hundredfold returns. Therefore, it is unwise to expend one’s resources on the self or on trivial matters or problems.
When we engage in serving others, we automatically serve ourselves. Sharing our spiritual attainments unselfishly is the easy way to uplift the self. When we use the time we would have spent on solving our problems in serving with deep love, the problems will get resolved. This is because service done with an honest heart brings instant reward in the form of happiness and strength. The Lord, it is said, is pleased with an honest heart.
Some people complain that their service does not bring success. Why? We can serve in two ways—from the heart, and superficially, with a desire to be acknowledged and praised. If there is a desire for short-lived results, that is what will be received—momentary fame. How can there be lasting success then? We get glorified, become known to everyone, and get to hear, ‘You did very well’. Accepting such praise is akin to plucking unripe fruit from a tree and eating it, for quick gratification. How can we expect to get the ripe fruit then?
When we are happy to have our fleeting desires fulfilled, we deprive ourselves of the full benefit of our efforts – the contentment and power that come from the awareness of truly having been of service to others. As a result, we are not able to make others feel content.
Those who serve with an honest heart may have several shortcomings, yet they share with others their virtues. That brings great satisfaction, and love and cooperation, all of which help us remain easy and elevated. When we are always ready to help, we will be constantly busy, and then the trifling complaints that arise from idleness will come to an end.
B.K. Asha is the director of the Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, Haryana.
