On Being Obedient
In modern times, the world is constantly challenged by the word obedience, and its use and relevance centres primarily on the young during their formative years. Once the age of thinking and maturity comes, the trend for independent thought and expression predominates most cultures and the society we live in. Almost everyone is inclined towards bringing their egos to centre stage, even if it is out of the norm.
Despite the trends and attention, obedience and submission are very relevant to the spiritually inclined. All spiritual paths highlight the existence of the divine and guide us towards a path where the ego is not at the centre. Instead, we attain enlightenment and holiness by doing the exact opposite, which is to shed our egos in favour of the Lord and his teachings.
On the Sant Mat path, obedience is a highlighted virtue, as it is the key to helping us manage our proud egos and uncover the meaning of divine love.
Obedience is another word for submission. And submission is another word for driving out our ego. When we are proud or full of ego, we do not like to submit to anybody, we do not like to be obedient to anybody. In other words, obedience means merging your will to the will of the other person. Driving your “self” out of yourself and merging your will with the will of another, that is obedience.
Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. III
The spiritual path is a path of discovering and understanding divine love, so it can be relevant and expressed in our daily lives. All spiritual paths teach us about this love that leads us to the Lord. The experience is a journey of discovery, as most of us relate to love on worldly terms, as this is what is familiar.
Upon meeting the Master, accepting the Sant Mat teachings and embracing the vows and the lifestyle, one gets a taste of that love. There is a pull from within that makes us want to be close to the Master, and to emulate his inspiring example. Eventually, we find ourselves compliant and obedient.
When God wants you to love him, he will give you that love; but it comes by meditation, as instructed by the living master.
Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. II
The real game changer is the practice of meditation. Sitting still so that the mind is concentrated through the repetition of the holy names keeps our minds from scattering outward. Our spiritual practice helps redirect it inward and upward towards the spirit within. This process tames the mind and diverts our attention from the world towards the Master. Our focus on him evolves into love, which ultimately detaches us from the ego – or our love of the self – and allows us to access the sweetest and highest form of love.
When that love for the master, for the Lord, comes within us, all other qualities just come automatically within us.
When that love takes its place within us, all other things are driven out. Then there is obedience, there is submission, there is understanding. All good qualities automatically take shape.
Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. III
Indeed, when that love blooms, we are transformed into better versions of ourselves and live our lives aligned with the teachings, emulating the Master in attitude and action as much as we can. We develop contentment and obedience, happy in whatever situation we are in, whether good or bad. That love is what makes us rise above worldly challenges with grace and equanimity, confident that whatever comes our way is best for us. Obedience then becomes the hallmark of our love for the Lord.