Miscellaneous - Religion   

Espouse Truth

CHENNAI: The extent to which the mind can influence the body is indeed astonishing. Success in achieving goals depends on the intensity of the desire that becomes the driving force. This initiative determines the degree of effort and tenacity prompting the individual to pursue the end at all costs, when even hardships are borne with fortitude. Swami Gautamananda pointed out in a lecture that Sri Ramakrishna attached much value to the intensity felt in the heart and mind that alone contributed in a big way to spiritual attainment. Once the aspirant is driven by inner promptings to seek God, it is an indication that the goal of God realisation is not far off, just as dawn precedes sunrise.

Infinite are the ways of God to guide, inspire and instruct His devotees. Faith is a powerful force that can bring about tremendous changes in the spiritual progress of the individual. The important thing is to feel the presence of God within oneself and believe in it implicitly.

With faith comes the understanding of the significance of upholding Truth. This implies that one takes diligent care to never allow falsehood to enter one's life. It is a rigorous exercise and unless one has tremendous will and determination, it will not be possible to espouse the cause of truth.

Regardless of whatever religion one professes, when one adopts a childlike straightforwardness and simplicity in one's day-to-day life, there is every chance of maintaining truth that alone makes one's spiritual life meaningful.

The axioms learnt by rote in childhood "Speak Truth", "Follow Dharma", have to be made the practical basis of the individual's life and not remain as mere quotations. In Kali Yuga, to be able to uphold the truth is itself a demanding penance. One seeks the grace of the Lord to practise this penance scrupulously, so that one does not err or tell an untruth even unwittingly.

The hallmarks of a true Jnani are total absence of ego and a peaceful demeanour. As one advances in spirituality, the percentage of the sense of I and Mine goes down creating a peaceful aura in one's consciousness. One is able to shed the false belief that the pursuit of material comforts can beget peace of mind when the truth of their ephemeral nature is realised in one's consciousness.

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