Fulfillment

Sitting alone on the sandy beach, I gazed out at the rhythmic waves, their continuous ebb and flow captivating me. Positioned at a safe distance, I ensured the waves wouldn’t drench my clothes. Yet, gradually, they inched closer with each turn, persistently trying to reach me.

This phenomenon reminded me of the relentless pursuit of human progress, constantly striving towards goals. Sadly, this pursuit knows no end. Once one goal is attained, another is set, perpetuating the cycle. It resembled grapes, tantalizingly close, yet just out of reach.

We engage in all these activities, believing that attaining certain goals will bring us a sense of fulfillment. However, true fulfillment is found when we let go of the conditions (like achieving this or that will bring fulfillment), for it is available to us now and always.Your default nature is fulfillment. The purpose of work (or doing anything) is not to achieve fulfillment, but rather outstanding work is a result of the fulfillment within you.

This context reminds me Yasodha’s futile attempts to tie Krishna with a rope. No matter how many ropes were knotted together, she always fell short by two inches. However, once she surrenders, Krishna himself came and submitted himself to her. It seems that when you try to manipulate the external world with your power or intelligence to achieve what you want, it may appear as if you are almost there, but you will never truly reach it. But when you surrender**, the entire universe will be with you.

**Michael A. Singer’s talks have helped me understand the meaning of surrender. I won’t mention it in one line here, but you can find clues in my earlier articles. To truly understand it, you need to put in effort.