The Backbone of Saadhana

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Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

“ '. . . what is the relevance of sheela (honesty) in spiritual practice?' is

the question many people pose. We have stated before that once dishonesty enters

the mind, it will spread to all its layers. This is an unavoidable certainty.

Dishonesty which has crept in to our worldly affairs will subsequently corrupt

our spiritual life, too.

 

The elucidation of Hareeta, another scholar in dharma shastra is worth

remembering here. He has mentioned that thirteen aspects make up sheela. They

are:

 

1. Brahmanya (possessing genuine interest the Almighty)

 

2. Deva-pitru bhakti (devotion for the Almighty and the ancestors)

 

3. Sowmyatva (gentleness)

 

4. Not harming others

 

5. Being free from jealousy

 

6. Softness (while gentleness corresponds to our mental disposition, softness

denotes gentleness of actions and words)

 

7. Being free from harshness

 

8. Maitri (benevolence) towards all beings

 

9. Being soft spoken (to speak in a manner which is pleasing, acceptable,

truthful and soft)

 

10. Possessing gratitude

 

11. Possessing helping nature (especially helping those who need it)

 

12. Being compassionate

 

13. Being calm and composed (qualities 1 to 12 can sometimes make that person

restless. This happens when the person does not possess total devotion for the

Almighty and His cosmic plans. On the other hand, the person who possesses

unflinching devotion for the Almighty remains ever at peace. Nothing can shake

him)

 

Of these above qualities, the first eleven apply both to the worldly and

spiritual spheres of life. The last two qualities are like two limbs to a person

who seeks spiritual fulfilment. Without the help of these two qualities,

progress in the spiritual path is impossible. These two qualities can be

developed only when a person is totally honest at heart. It is because of this

reason that . . . sheela (chastity) is stated to be a walking stick to for all

saadhanas.

 

A walking stick helps weak legged persons. To a spiritual aspirant, dedication

and sincerity are the two legs. Sheela is the stick with the help of which he

walks.

 

'If the legs are strong, is a walking aid necessary?' you may ask. Here, walking

aid does not mean a stick. It signifies the back bone. The backbone helps a

person to be upright and to walk unfalteringly. In this way, it is a natural

walking aid devised by the nature. The backbone of spiritual sadhana is sheela."

 

Sri Swamiji

Bhakti Mala, May 1997

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/bhaktimala/May-Bhaktimala/may_sookti.html

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says

 

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