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In New York City I have a habit-I say "Good morning, it's a good day." One man said to me, "What's good? It's a lousy, rainy day." I said, "Thank you" for putting me to the test. I will not be unhappy with that man. Gold and brass look alike, both are yellow. But put to the test, you will know what is brass and what is gold. Inner beauty is your under-standing, love, compassion, aliveness. When we feel this, we are alive. I am awake, I am alive. I celebrate my day. Being alive to experience the intimacy of the Divine within me. Live one day this way. There will be no regret. Life is very juicy. Even from a lemon, make it lemonade. Life is not a bowl of cherries. We have to make lemonade from the lemon. We can because we have the connection with the Divine within. Let go of guilt and sin. Some people don't like smiling; they want to make you unhappy like they are. When I see a rainy day, I see the bath for all. It is your choice: see the good in bad things. See the sun behind the cloud. Those who died completing their mission, did not attract the violence. Gandhi said he would die for his cause. Ultimately, a movie was made about him. If he didn't die in this way, there may not have been the movie. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and then she was made a saint.
What is Divinity? In the West we use God. In India we use Paramatma, Paramatma means supreme soul, purest soul. The most purified atma (soul) is Paramatma. Gold is mixed with dross, but when it is purified, it is 24 karat gold. As you go on purifying yourself, you become Paramatma. Our atma, our soul, has the inherent nature to become Paramatma. When you meditate, you can say it is inherent in me to be Paramatma. When you see the statue of Mahavir, you can say to yourself that you can become like him. We do not come to worship the statue of Mahavir, we come to be inspired. Become the Divine, which is Realization. Don't say you believe in God; experience God within you and within everyone.
Be happy wherever you are. I celebrate the day. I am here to experience the Divine within me. What I sow that will grow. Whatever seeds you plant will grow-thoughts, words, and actions. This is not religion; it is the Law of Nature. I am not here to impose my ideas, I am here to share. And if someone has a problem, I will not lose my equilibrium. I am very happy sharing the Truth. It is not a creed, not a religion; it is just a way of life. Jain Dharma is a way of celebrating life.
Namaste
40-Journey to Enlightenment - Volume Two
