Jain Spirit 1999 07 No 01

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 22

FOLLOW YOUR INNER DREAM
BY ANANTI MILAN SHAH
In modern society we have become very mechanical, knowing only our physical self and loosing our "real" self: our soul; our spirit. But, our soul or real self is such that it can never be completely forgotten even in this fast life. Occasionally, our higher self permeates through. Once in a while we do something that we truly believe in, something that we have always wanted to do. Some action that brings about a deep inner sense of satisfaction, a sense of value, serenity and silence. These sensations come through as we connect with our inner being, our higher self.
the positive, inner feelings and thoughts to emerge and guide us through out the day. This helps our real self to communicate with our physical and mental self and will also help create a positive attitude in our interactions with people throughout the day.
philosopher once said "We are se burdened by the past that we have no time to look to the present. So the minds get heavy by the end of the day or by the evening of life. Only memories of pleasure and pair remain. The pains that are dead and the pleasures that are dead, we carry the burden of dead within us."
• Constructive Thinking - We must remember that negative, destructive thinking stimulates a response from the lower emotions. This is the way much of our group prejudice is built up. Instead, if we can think constructively in all situations, without any attachments to the thoughts (aparigraha) and if we can respect other people's views (anekantvada) whether they are on religion or politics then we will be at peace with ourselves and send vibrations of peace to the world at large.
• Daily reflection - a daily reflection on the days events each evening to review the day and forgive any "wrong" deeds and any hurtful actior will clear all emotions, quieten the mind, relax the body and lead to deep refreshing sleep.
So, how can we tap into our inner self? How can we start to follow our inner dream, our inner journey?
Daily life is the only life we know. I has to be lived sanely, healthily wealthily and spiritually.
By beginning to live a balanced life and giving time to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. It does not require some miracle but a discipline and perserverance:
• Good Nutrition - eating the right foods at the right time and in the right amount (a Jain diet). When George Bernard Shaw was asked why he was vegetarian he simply said "you are what you eat!" A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables will help the body remain sensitive, supple and sharp.
• Inner Attitude - Spirituality does not depend on our outer circumstances or environment, nor on vocation. It is an inner attitude. For instance, it does not depend on the type of work we are engaged in, but on our attitude in performing that work. We get the idea that priests and business people are at opposite poles as far as spirituality is concerned. Is their occupation a true criterion for judging the spiritual unfoldment of either? If their inner attitude is one of service to humanity then that in itself is spiritual.
The above points are not asking foi much but just a little time for all you bodies: physical, emotional, menta and spiritual, and a positive attitude to life. If we can live our life in such a balanced way we will find ourselves in a web of energy tha will enable us to achieve all our inne goals. If we can really oper our hearts and be aware of the spirituality in everything that we do then life will be a great adventure and we will begin our journey on the great Jain path.
• Daily exercise - This does not necessarily mean a daily work out at the gym! A few stretches or yogic postures for 15-30 minutes each morning will generate subtle energies from within and will keep the physical body from dis-ease. It creates a beautiful start to the day.
• Awareness - We need to develop our awareness such that we live in the present moment. So, if we are washing the dishes then this is where our mind, body and soul should be. Our mind should not "run" and think about what we will do next, what we did yesterday etc. A great
Ananti is a pharmacist working in London. She is a committee member of Young Jains in the UK and has been very active in promoting Jain culture and values among young people for many years. She was winner of the Young Jain of the Year award in 1996.
• Daily silence - meditation for 10-15 minutes each morning allows
July - September 1999. Jain Spirit
18
Jain Education Intemational