Activity and Spiritual Practice

 

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Activity and Spiritual Practice

To the casual observer this will appear to be a paradox – because it has been drilled into us that doing nothing is meditation. On the face of it this is true – but does it mean that? How can we live in this world by doing nothing? We have lived our entire life doing something or the other, achieving something or the other, going after career goals and so on.

When we embark on the spiritual path we learn to live in the moment – whatever we do in the moment is the only real thing – and that activity being in the present just makes our life calm and peaceful.

One should always do what one cares for, not do anything because so and so said so. If we do not do what we care for, we do not have to wait until the end of our life to check whether we have lived well or not – it is already a wasted life. If we think this work is important, we should do it.

As we progress spiritually, we realise that we are the most comfortable in our own company, we do not need anybody, nor is there any great urge to do anything in particular. We begin accepting life as it comes.

Activity should never be about ourselves. How we are is about us. Activity should be about the situations in which we exist. Unfortunately, for most human beings, their activity is about themselves. They do things in the world because they want to make something of themselves, which is the wrong approach. Most psychological ailments arise from this fundamental flaw, that people are doing something in the world to become something. First, be – then do. If we follow that, whatever happens, happens.

If we see the value of this work, if we think it must be done, we must do it. How and at what level is up to us. If everyone does their own thing to bring about transformation, it will only be for their satisfaction. If we really want to make a difference, we have to join forces as much as possible. But this activity is not about fulfilling our own self. We are fulfilled, so we do activity. Do something because it is needed, not because we want to do it. If it needs to be done, every responsible human being should stand up and do it. It is not some kind of mission that we are taking up. It is an expression of our humanity. And the beauty of this kind of activity is it also enhances us immensely.

When we do anything selflessly, that is getting done by universal consciousness through us. That is for the benefit of humanity and the energy which we get while doing such work needs to be experienced. This always keep us in bliss and in the moment.