Ten Days Journey Into The Self

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre

Page 14

them, he thinks, "Well, he sings, but really he has no rich tone in his voice." If someone dances better, he thinks, "Well, this man dances, but really has no grace. He jumps here and there like a monkey." If someone gives a donation, the jealous person thinks, "This person is generous only because he wishes to show off." If someone is being humble, the jealous one says, "He is hiding his ego behind a mask of humility." If someone is outspoken and forthright, the envious one calls him blunt and impolite. This is how envy and pettiness get in the way, although perhaps the envious are people who did not receive enough appreciation themselves when they were small. Ask yourself whether you have any of this envy. When we reach the larger Self, envy and competitiveness are gone. Then we wish the whole world could be filled with the enlightened ones! These sometimes are called the super-human, but I regard them as humanity realized. In any age there is no death of people who run after wealth, power, or physical beauty. There are few who care for truth, love, meditation, commitment to changing their own lives, those who know it is not our worldly success or physical existence but, first of all, what we are inwardly that counts. Yet it is only these who throw a ray of light on the dark path to guide the misguided, the ignorant, the weak, and the seekers. These few are the Torchbearers. Appreciate them.... those who have gone beyond pride and pettiness, those who have simplified their lives, those who are working to turn the world into a living paradise. Our hearts should feel joyful at the sight of those who are some steps ahead of us. Also, we must draw from them inspiration for our own progress. Appreciation implies that as the other has found his purpose in life, his mission, we must find ours. If we can avoid the snare of inferiority---of putting ourselves down--as well as the snare of envy, and approach the outstanding ones with softness of heart, then we can bring forth our own virtues and talents, and shine with perfection. Only we must be astute in selecting the savior in ourselves or in society who, we hope, will help us realize our Essence. Pseudosaints and pseudo-yogis flourish in this era! A piece of sugar and a piece of alum look exactly alike; both are white, both can have the same shape. But a fly will never be deceived by the similarity. Likewise, a man whose Inner Light is active will reject the false savior. Ultimately we must all depend on the master within; but before we can generate enough enlightenment, we need guidance of outside masters. Friends. Those whom you feel are such outstanding and accomplished people are really no different from you. Night and day, unnoticed, you are growing. From a single cell, you have developed a physical form comprised of countless individual cells. In the same way, an unnoticed process is going on in your inner life--it is working on you, building within you. Give yourself to it. Let appreciation nourish it and in the quiet of your meditation you will see your mission clearly.
Appreciation--we have been concentrating on its meaning, what effect it can have in our own lives. And now we will go beyond intellect, into meditation.
In the silence, your awareness climbs to the moon, to the sun, and beyond.... Now that you are in meditation, you are open to the whole universe; there is harmony between you and the Cosmos.... And you will return to your time and place with fresh inspiration....