When spiritual aspirant sets out on their journey, they aim to rid themselves of flaws and acquire the qualities that make a person elevated and noble. Such transformation of character requires overcoming weaknesses such as anger, greed, ego, and lust. It is a task that demands deep insights into the working of the mind, constant attention to one’s thinking, and a clear understanding of why the mind produces certain kinds of thoughts and how they can be changed.
Meditation is a fundamental part of this effort. In meditation we observe the mind closely, identifying the desires, fears, and attitudes that give birth to and colour our thoughts. Once we recognise our way of thinking, we can start to change it. Bringing about this change requires knowledge.
Spiritual knowledge tells us that we are souls, and the mind and intellect are the faculties that govern our thought process. It is the soul that controls the body and works through it. The soul carries an imprint of everything it has ever done, and our actions create our tendencies, also called ‘sanskars’. These character traits condition our way of thinking and behaviour. Once we know the traits that cause us to think or act in a particular way, we can be alert so as not to be influenced by them.
Originally, every soul is pure and free from vices. Vices enter the soul gradually, as it in-teracts with others and matter, and loses awareness of its true identity. Our defects, therefore, are not ‘ours’—they are unwanted baggage acquired by the soul during the journey of life. This recognition makes it easy to shed the baggage.
The way to remove the defects is to remind ourselves, again and again, that we are souls—sentient beings of light, innately pure, calm, loving, and powerful. We are children of the Supreme Soul, the Almighty. All God’s powers and virtues are ours to have. We only need to connect with Him, by reminding ourselves of who we are, who our Father is, and what He is like. Regular practice of this awakens in us the memory of who we really are, and of our eternal relationship with God. Once we accept these spiritual truths, our awareness, and perspective on life, change. The experience of peace, God’s love, and the Almighty’s support begin to make us naturally calm, loving, and cooperative. As the soul becomes stronger and full, its neediness and selfishness melt away, to be replaced by generosity. We lose our rough edges and grossness.
In addition, the understanding that every soul is going through their journey enables us to accept others as they are. This makes for harmonious relationships.
But all this happens only when we apply spiritual knowledge in our daily life. If the knowledge remains just theory, it will bring little benefit. Merely listening to or memorising spiritual concepts neither helps us nor does it serve others, as people will believe us only when they see in our living proof of what we tell them.
Some people think that such inner transformation is possible only in a life of seclusion where one can devote all one’s time and energy to the spiritual effort. It is not so. The feelings, attitudes, and behaviour triggered by social interaction show us where we stand. Our spiritual strength is tested when we face a variety of people and situations. We also get to learn from others. This speeds up the process of self-transformation and helps us reach our goal quickly.
B.K. Dr Savita is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.
