Moments in Silence #01

Once, during meditation, the shell of the small self (the self with false identifications such as the physical body, and thus bound by limitations, desires, fears, and more) was broken, and I could see myself expand beyond it. From that expanded self, the perception of life was entirely different. Many things that once appeared to be problems no longer seemed like problems at all. The clarity with which I began to respond to situations was astonishing. Above all, I felt unconditional love toward others, even toward those who once appeared as enemies. This love was outstanding and transformative. I realized that what everyone (including those we call troublemakers) truly needs is this love—for when given, it naturally inspires goodness in them. What we often offer instead is punishment or fear, which is exactly the opposite of what is needed.

Love, however, does not always mean sweetness or comfort. It can also take a sour form (like punishments). The difference lies not in how it appears outwardly (sweet or sour), but in the inner intention—whether it is born out of love or hate. When love takes a sour form, people may criticize you for being harsh, but deep within you know your intention, and you are not swayed by outward opinions.

Another experience, I felt as though I were sailing on a boat along a great river without boundaries. The river had many branches flowing in different directions, and the boat seemed to have no physical equipment to steer it one way or another. At first, it appeared as though I was taken into branches (of river) randomly, and I thought this was mere fate. But later I realized that the branch chosen was in fact determined by the state of my mind. If I worried, the boat carried me into a path filled with turbulence. If I remained peaceful, it drifted into calm and pleasant waters. In truth, life itself is like this vast river filled with divine energy and endless possibilities akin to many branches river is splitting into; the body is the boat, and I, as consciousness, am its passenger. Depending on the state of consciousness, life unfolds respective situations before us. Nothing is shaped by fate or randomness—it is all the consequence of our choices which in-turn depends on state of consciousness (conscious and subconscious).

When a situation comes to you, recognize first that it has come as a result of your own choices, and accept it. Then contemplate what in your conscious or subconscious mind might have drawn it, for this can reveal negative patterns imprinted within the subconscious. If you resist the situation—in other words, if you try to protect your ego, I mean, behaving in a way to appear blameless in others’ eyes—life will continue sending similar situations repeatedly, until you keep the ego aside and respond authentically. Sometimes, however, situations do not arise because you attracted them, but rather because you are capable of handling them, and life calls upon you to be of help in that moment.

A wise man—one who knows himself beyond body and mind—does not analyze in this way at all. He simply responds genuinely to whatever situation arises. He is complete in each moment, I mean, free of ego and never identifies with body or any entity. He listens only to the heart, the voice of God, and responds as is.