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your life a spectacle for others. Enjoy life, but do not make it laughable. Do not lose control when buying things, or else you will come under their control. A self-controlled, balanced life is the key to spiritual progress.
While living the life of a layperson with compassion and caution, it is essential to have daily a minimum of 48 minutes of calm, quiet meditation. I call this meditation "Samayik*." It is the time devoted to being in touch with your Self.
Similarly, everyday we commit some offenses, knowingly or unknowingly, through our physical actions, or by our thinking or uttering ill of others. Such offences are sinful. Therefore, 'pratikraman' is
Through Enjoy life, but do not make it I also essential everyday. laughable. Do not lose pratikraman we look inwards, control when buying things,
acknowledge, and make ourselves or else you will come under their control. A self- aware of these offenses. While so controlled, balanced life is doing, we must (i) repent for our the key to spiritual progress.
transgressions, (ii) renounce our evil thoughts or actions, and (iii) resolve to gain the strength to prevent such offenses in the future. Pratikraman serves to exercise control over our mind by prodding it to overcome its weaknesses and encouraging it to strive for forgiveness, humility, and strength.
Keep aside a few days every month for intense sadhana. If anyone comes to you for help, treat him with dignity and honor. Try to meet his
* The word 'sama' means balanced' - a state of mind free from attachment or hate, 'aya' means 'on the path of liberation', and 'ika' means aspiration. 'Samayik' therefore means 'aspiring for liberation through equanimity'. The word Samayik may also be based on the word 'samay' which means 'time' or 'soul' (as in Kundakunda's Samaysara).
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