Keeping It Simple
Throughout the ages pioneers in the search for knowledge and understanding of the various facets of the physical creation have amazed us with many new discoveries that we never imagined possible. Yet they would be the first to acknowledge that there is so much more to learn. It’s an endless endeavour.
Our continuous search to know more, and the resultant stream of new discoveries, underlines the fact that our understanding and our intellect will always be limited. Think of it this way: we have knowledge today which we didn’t have yesterday, and we will have knowledge tomorrow which we do not have today. Even as we expand those boundaries, we remain limited.
For instance, it is incomprehensible for us to think that time does not exist, or that the physical universe does not have an end. These concepts emphasize our limited intellect and understanding.
When it comes to spiritual matters we may imagine we have more questions than there are answers. However, when our spiritual teachers see our confusion, they guide us to the right path by revealing the direction we should take. They tell us to keep it simple. They tell us: “Just be a good human being.” What could be simpler than that?
Every person knows the difference between right and wrong. Doing the right thing and being a good human being means attending to our four spiritual vows without compromise. It means following these important rules:
- Follow a lacto-vegetarian diet
- Do not use alcohol or habit-forming drugs and tobacco
- Live a pure and moral life
- Meditate for the allotted two-and-a-half hours daily.
If we live within these rules, life becomes simple, and it will be easier to become a silent observer. In Song of Songs the poet observes: “You are at peace, an inwardly silent observer of a world in a state of continual agitation.” It is to become the bee that enjoys the sweetness of the honey on the rim of the jar, without falling in and getting trapped. When we are free of the bondages of this creation, we can fulfil our role in this play of life with love and devotion without becoming attached to it.
When we keep the Master’s advice in mind, the possession of knowledge or the lack of it no longer matters. While we are in this creation our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are essential. We need to work in order to meet these needs and fulfil our family obligations to the best of our ability, but this should not be at the expense of our spiritual responsibilities.
We have been born into the time and place dictated by our karma, and we cannot change that. Whether we exist in poverty or in wealth, in sickness or health – whatever our circumstances – we should still strive to be good human beings as our Master recommends. We can fulfil our duties and simultaneously keep our focus on the teachings. This is guaranteed to keep us happy and content.
There is also no need to worry about the future, since our Master has taken over the administration of our karmic account. In Spiritual Gems Maharaj Sawan Singh said:
Your worries and cares are Master’s worries and cares. Leave them to him to deal with. Having become carefree, your business is to cultivate his love.
The Master has assured us that he will never leave us. Let’s cling to this and keep it simple, which is to be a good human being while attending to our duties, both worldly and spiritual.