To lead a life of fulfillment, each person should carry out their duties with a sense of realization. When is this possible? It is possible only when we attain self-realization or pure consciousness. This state is achievable through positive thinking.
For instance, let us consider a boy in 10th grade who aspires to achieve the top academic position in his state during the board exams. The most crucial factor for the boy is having a positive mindset and approach. He should focus intensely on his goal of obtaining extraordinary grades in all exams.
Simultaneously, he should detach himself from distractions such as watching television, gossiping with friends, spending excessive time outdoors, playing his favorite games, and watching movies. These are obstacles to reaching his goal.
All these detachments reflect the boy's positive approach under the given circumstances. By maintaining such focus, the boy will undoubtedly achieve success in his goal.
Similarly, to reach the supreme state, the physical body must be kept fit, as it is a vital tool for attaining self-realization. Positive thinking is essential for maintaining good health. When we are overly attached to our health or physical body, it becomes challenging to gain mastery over it. Reflect on whether your attachment centers on preserving your health or on your life itself.
Moreover, neglecting your body through poor eating habits can result from a lack of attachment to it. There is a saying, "Death is inevitable, whether it occurs at six or one hundred years of age." However, dwelling on such thoughts can lead to neglecting your health. What should your attachment focus on? The most important attachment must be directed toward caring for your health. Simultaneously, there must be detachment from unnecessary and harmful food consumption.
As Mahan wisely stated, "Learn whatever you want; discard whatever is not good." Adhere to positive principles and sayings.
For example, a person with diabetes should detach themselves from sugary foods. This positive approach will improve their health. Similarly, a person with asthma should avoid ice cream. Such detachment from harmful habits and attachment to healthier choices is necessary to safeguard your health achieving mastery over the physical body.
This underscores the importance of applying attachment and detachment appropriately to protect both mind and body. If you aim to excel in life, cultivate attachment to practices that maintain physical health and detachment from habits that harm your body. Eliminating unhealthy behaviors protects a healthy body from diseases.
The mind, too, becomes focused and clear when unnecessary mental distractions, confusion, and doubts are removed. A strong mind enables one to achieve the supreme state.
Life energy, known as kundalini shakti, is present throughout the body. In plants, it resides in the seeds. In living beings, it exists in the blood and life source.
In the human body, kundalini shakti resides in the Muladhara (the base of the spine), which serves as the foundation for the human form. This energy manifests as willpower (ichha shakti) and is typically utilized by the five sense organs. However, it can be transformed into kriya shakti (action), eventually manifesting as knowledge, willpower, and soul energy.
When focused on the Muladhara, the body becomes healthy. During illness, meditating helps channel the invisible soul energy at the Muladhara to energize the body.
When the mind is weak, life energy can be drawn upward through the central nervous system and concentrated between the eyebrows. This transformation enhances willpower and strengthens the mind.
When life energy and soul energy are focused on the top of the head (the Sahasrara), wisdom and knowledge emerge. In this state, we gain clarity about what we truly need in life, distinguishing between necessities and desires.
As we delve deeper, this knowledge transitions into divine energy experienced in the thuriya state (beyond Sahasrara).
Kundalini shakti, which originates at the base of the spine, can ascend beyond the forehead's "third eye" through continuous meditation, transforming into soul energy. Is this energy limited to thuriya? No.
The ultimate cosmic energy resides in thuriya-atitha, a state beyond the physical body. This is where the Supreme exists, beyond space, sound, seasons, time, and reason, manifesting in infinite ways.
To reach the Supreme (thuriya-tirtha), one must first reach thuriya. By going beyond, we can attain the Supreme's abode.
In the beginning, we were mere particles entering the womb in that form. Over time, we took shape. Every soul yearns to ascend toward the Supreme but often loses its way. We understand the upward path to the Supreme as intellectual beings with knowledge.
Energy can be drawn upward from the Muladhara through focused breathing. Chanting "Shiva, Shiva" while meditating redirects the mind from sound energy to stillness, where it unites with the Supreme.
Who enables us to breathe? Is it not an inner force guiding us?
Some people enjoy chanting or devotional songs (bhakti). Others, upon listening, seek to know the source of the chanting (gyana). As seekers of knowledge (gyanis), we can connect with the divine by following such practices.
The energy regulating the body, mind, blood circulation, and breathing originates at the base of the spine (Muladhara). Focusing there reveals the body's functions. Concentrating between the eyebrows uncovers the mind's state. Meditating at the top of the head helps us observe divine vibrations.
The Supreme, who governs all, resides beyond the thuriya state. We experience unlimited love, knowledge, happiness, calmness, and peace when we transcend this stage.
Although we originated from an infinite expanse, we perceive ourselves as bound. However, in truth, we are not confined by boundaries.
To reach the Supreme, we must transcend self-imposed limits. The journey begins by elevating life energy from the base of the spine, aligning nature with the Supreme.
The Supreme first manifested the atom's origin—the universe's fundamental building block. The same essence gave rise to human life. Realizing one's true self leads to purity and completeness, bringing fulfillment. Only in this state can one overcome the cycle of birth and death.
Thus, it is said: Believe in the Supreme. Realize the Supreme. In the state of realization, perform your duties with perfection.
We understand an invisible force governs the universe. This energy is the Almighty, deserving of our devotion.
"You are jivathma (human being), and I am paramathma (Supreme)," declares the Bhagavad Gita. "Realize that I am within you and fulfill your duties."
There is no need to read every chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. By performing duties with realization, you embody the essence of the Gita.
Now is the time for self-realization and action. Utilize current circumstances to achieve greatness. The blessings of the Guru and Almighty will guide and safeguard you throughout life.
Santhosam! Santhosam! Santhosam!
Translated by Geetha Paramesh
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