How do we know a person’s character? From his/her behaviour. Our values are expressed in our conduct, and we come to know of someone’s character when we interact with him/her.
However, many who set off on the spiritual path do not seem to understand this. Spiritual knowledge appeals to them, and they recognise the benefits of meditation, yet they are unwilling to change their attitude, behaviour and lifestyle. Lacking the courage or conviction to live by spiritual principles, some of them say, “It is not practical to do that in today’s world.”
Some time ago, I was invited to give a talk on overcoming anger. After the talk, one person approached me and said that the talk was perfect, but his experience was that his factory — he was a businessman — would not function without his anger.
He explained that because of his feared temper, when he reached the factory every day, the word would go around and all those loitering about would quickly start working. “If I don’t get angry with them, no work will get done,” he declared.
“But tell me one thing,” I asked. “When you reach the factory, what do the workers say, that a saint has arrived, or that the devil is here?”
“They indeed say the devil is here,” he admitted.
This is the situation today — we use wrong means to achieve our ends, and are convinced that such methods are indispensable.
Thinking in this way is a mistake, but even those on the spiritual path do so. Their conduct does not match their professed beliefs. They speak of high principles, but in their minds, they tell themselves that a little bit of crookedness is necessary to survive in the world.
Such dishonesty will never allow us to become a better person — someone who truly adds value to society. It is our actions that inspire others; they make a greater impact than our words. If we believe in one thing and say something else, our duplicity will be discovered sooner or later. People will sense our lack of integrity from our vibrations, which are created by our thoughts.
True and lasting self-transformation requires work at the level of our thoughts and feelings. I may be projecting a certain personality, but what is going on in my mind? To bring about change deep within myself and give up damaging habits and beliefs I have clung to for long, I need intense meditation, which will bring me the power to transform.
Mere knowledge of right and wrong does not elevate us. The soul, which is depleted of energy, gets recharged when it connects to the Supreme Source of power, the Almighty. When we regularly link up with this Source, by remembering Him, we become able to remove our weaknesses and resist negative influences. Spiritual power brings determination, which in turn brings success in our efforts.
B.K. Amirchand, a senior Rajyoga teacher, is in charge of the Brahma Kumaris’ Punjab Zone, and is Vice Chairperson of the Social Service Wing of Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation.