I am thankful

As I become more and more conscious of my being in this mortal human form, I live life with a more positive affirmation. My guru did not talk much to me on our first visit, but I realize what he has to tell me is already known to me, subconsciously. Something tells me that I am already walking on a spiritual path and that the feeling of contentment is going to grow much more in the near future. All of my life experiences lead to the purpose of realization of the ultimate truth. Presently, I am just another human whose life has been touched by the all pervading consciousness. But I know that the impact will deepen and that this is all meant to happen. Although a person with average abilities, I have achieved a lot in this material world and I feel blessed by the invisible hand of the almighty. However, I wish to achieve these worldly laurels no more. I do not have a very strong idea of what God is, but I sure know that in the mortal form, the lives of humans are touched by parents, teachers and gurus. It is our duty to worship and comfort them and earn the goodwill of the cosmos. With a peaceful mind, even this mortal life of kaliyuga feels like a gift. I do not recall from where, but I have grasped the thought that a positive attitude attracts positive outcomes. So, I am hopeful that everything will end well. I pray every day for every living being to stay content and be grateful for what has been bestowed to them. It has been rightly said that knowledge, in any subtle form, dispels away fear and brings about increasing levels of maturity. A man of God doesn’t fear anything, steadfastly fulfils the purpose of his life with appropriate karma and positively guides the ignorant to do the same. People visit religious places, worship and keep fasts. Few try to look within for their shortcomings and improve on them. Why search outwards when the ultimate truth to be realized lies within? Of what avail shall be outward charity if the mind is uncontrolled and full of negative thoughts? A guru guides the disciple to dispel ignorance; a teacher provides knowledge and our parents help us grow with their love. During one of the spiritual discussions few months ago, I learned that the central message of all religious scriptures is to spread the message of love and forgiveness. But how can we do so unless we ourselves feel loved and forgiven? Someone somewhere has to begin. So, why not we grab the opportunity to act mature and do our part in making this world a better place to live? Our central aid in any spiritual journey is the power of will; the will to let go and stay unaffected by the worldly drama. Some sadhus apply ash on their forehead every day. When I came to know the reason behind, I was deeply touched. They said it kept them reminded of the fact that their physical bodies were going to turn to ash one day. But that feeling did not scare them. In fact, it helped them live life with a positive affirmation, living every day as if it were their last and thus, no regrets. We have a lot to learn from the monks, who seek bhiksha to sustain their human bodies. It is said that the journey of ultimate spiritual practice requires the conscious suicide of mind and ego. The former happens through dedicated practice of concentration and meditation while the latter happens through the seeking of bhiksha. In my limited knowledge, I believe attachment to sense objects is the root cause of all suffering. Under the guidance of a guru, through constant practice, the mind can be controlled. Thus, I want to thank my guru for being the light of my life. I also want to thank everyone around me for contributing in every form, positive or negative, to making me a better human being, thus aiding my spiritual growth.