The True Essence Of Spirituality
Swami Mukundananda spoke about fostering a life that transcends immediate concerns and aligns with the eternal journey of the soul. He said that, “No living being can ever be in a state of inaction, not even when asleep. When not engaged in overt physical action, the material mind bound by the three gunas (i.e., sattva, rajas, and tamas), contemplates something at all times. Given that inactivity is impossible, the question that arises is how to engage the body, mind, and intellect synergistically for balancing material and spiritual duties.” Reflecting on the insightful words shared by Swami Mukundananda we can evolve a lot. In his discourse on the journey to self-realisation and the delicate balance between material success and spiritual fulfillment, Swamiji offered profound insights that resonate with the complexities of our lives.
Swami Ji asserted that “As we embark on this exploration of the duty of the soul, we are reminded of the profound wisdom encapsulated in the Bhakti Shatak scripture by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Dharma, derived from the root word Dhriya, signifies something worth upholding. Our identification, whether with the physical body or the eternal soul, shapes our understanding of dharma. If the body is our primary identification, the Varnashrama dharma applies, if we recognize ourselves as the soul, then our duty lies in attaining God." He also stated that even if we identify with the body but possess the knowledge that we are the soul, the spiritual dharma is incumbent upon us.
Moving on at the BW Wellbeing World of BW Businessworld's, 'Festival of Spirituality', he went on to say that, “Dharma, as described in Vedic scriptures, encompasses various concepts such as values, principles, attitudes, behaviors, and actions. It evolves with time, place, social caste, and stage of life. It is divinely created, and only with the grace of God can one comprehend its essence. For practical purposes, dharma is broadly categorized into Material (Apara dharma) and Spiritual (Para dharma), reflecting our dual nature of being composed of both matter (body) and spirit (soul)."
He highlighted facts such as, “Material dharma involves fulfilling duties associated with societal obligations, encompassing family care, career, education, societal service, and worldly pursuits. Its goal is material success, family cohesion, and financial well-being, often accompanied by religious rituals aiming for material benefits or averting miseries." He also feels that however flawlessly fulfilling material dharma does not guarantee proximity to God. On the contrary, spiritual dharma is rooted in the understanding that we are fragments of the Supreme Lord, programmed to love and serve God as part of the whole. This Para dharma transcends the material rules and calls for engaging in bhakti or devotion to develop selfless love for God.
“The outcomes of fulfilling material versus spiritual duties unveil profound truths about the soul's journey. Some souls excel in material duties but neglect spiritual dharma, attaining celestial abodes with temporary opulence but without permanent happiness or proximity to God. Others, immersed in vikarmi or sinful lives, face hellish abodes in the afterlife. " he added. In contrast, akarmi souls perform worldly duties while dedicating all actions to God, avoiding karmic reactions. Karm sanyasis, exclusively engaging in spiritual dharma, transcend material debts and permanently transmigrate to God's divine abode. However, this path requires eligibility determined by the divine Guru.
For most of us, the recommended path is karm yog, living a householder life while elevating the soul through bhakti. Even if the turbulent mind impedes success, Shree Krishna's words assure that unsuccessful yogis, after dwelling in virtuous realms, may be reborn in pious families to continue their spiritual journey," stated Swami ji.
He emphasised “The sources of confusion regarding material and spiritual duties are rooted in societal conditioning, competing priorities, lack of clarity, fear of judgment, inner conflict, doubts, and attachment to worldly desires. Balancing these aspects requires conscious efforts and practical strategies."
Setting priorities based on core values, conscious time management, integrating spiritual practices into daily routines, practicing gratitude, and maintaining the presence of God are practical tips to harmonise material and spiritual duties. "Avoiding overcommitment, regular contemplation, and concealing spiritual sentiments when necessary contribute to a balanced and successful life”.
The wisdom shared by him urges us to navigate the intricate dance between material and spiritual duties, fostering a life that transcends immediate concerns and aligns with the eternal journey of the soul. May we all find the balance that leads us to fulfillment and spiritual evolution.
