Sanathana Dharma - A Sai Memory

[Guest guest]

In Search of Sanathana Dharma

- the way I see it.

 

 

IN RECENT YEARS, many of us have left our traditional places of

worship where our deeply felt ethereal questions frequently fall on

deaf ears. We have turned to Hatha Yoga, Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism

to find the answers and experiences we seek. Yet, the more we seek,

we find `The Ancient Truth' is the same, wherever we search. In the

Eastern traditions, Truth, or Righteousness is termed, "Sanathana

Dharma."

 

In our heartfelt endeavours to seek the `Sanathana Dharma', we have

allowed ourselves a `Carte Blanche to travel anywhere.' Many of us

exhaust our bank accounts, risk our health, change our traditions,

learn new customs and rearrange all that is external in our lives,

to make amends for old habits.

 

But how many of us are making true progress by changing the Dharmic

principles within?

 

I understand this year's topic as given by Swami is `Dharma.' It's a

very important word in the Hindu and Buddhist faiths because it

stands for all that is best in us.

 

But to search for the best in us requires a herculean effort of self

inquiry and a wise teacher to assist us. If we trust our teacher

enough, he/she will guide us through this "Snakes and Ladders game"

of refining our `Dharma'. But like all good games we must play by

the rules to win.

 

Swami provides no shortage of tests in our quest for Dharma. There

is no chance of missing an opportunity for self-improvement while

with him, or meeting a challenge to help strengthen our faith. When

a valuable lesson goes unheeded, he will very quickly provide

another chance for us to make amends.

 

I remember one year in Prasanthi Nilayam during the early 1990's,

when I drew line seven for the afternoon Bhajan hall. I had to sit

outside and at the back, where my view of Swami was impaired. The

lady seated behind me was equally uncomfortable. Her frustration was

expressed by pushing my head from side to side until I became

exhausted and made an excuse to leave.

 

The following afternoon I again drew line seven for the afternoon

Bhajan Hall and again found myself seated in the very same position

as the day before, with the same lady sitting behind me. This time,

neither of us struggled for a questionable view, we simply smiled

and accepted the situation, the lesson had been learned.

 

With increasing crowds to Swami's ashrams the emphasis on Dharma is

needed more than ever before. Where once people were quiet while

they queued, they now talk. I've noticed manipulative moves as

seekers change from one token line to another, with the intention of

securing a better seat. In fact there are a variety of schemes and

plans to out-do the Ashram system of positioning people for darshan.

When, indeed, we could be offering our wholehearted guidance to new

seekers who do not know their way around. Also there is a fair

amount of pushy behaviour in canteen and shopping queues.

 

By failing to learn the little Dharma of `helpfulness and sharing,'

we ultimately lose the supreme Dharma whose very Form we flock to be

near! For Swami's ashrams are nothing, if not created for humility

and sacrifice, even if we fail to achieve it. It requires a lot of

practice to "Let go and let God" - and for many of us this means

countless visits to the Mandir in Prashanthi Nilayam where, in time,

the lessons are indeed hammered home.

 

Through the years I've made numerous promises to myself that I would

follow Swami's advise, hints, dream instructions, as well as paying

attention to my conscience. But I've noticed that more often than

not, though innocently, I've followed my own desires, rather than

those of the voice of wisdom within.

 

In the end, Swami came down with a `mega' hammer blow... I've now

learned a lot about humility and letting go - and what have I found?

By accepting a more humble stance I've achieved an awareness that

hitherto was lost to me. Now, of course, we are in 2004 where

closeness to Swami is not so available to us. We have to view him

from afar. Swami hinted as this situation, during last summer,2003.

He told someone, there's no need to be near his form anymore, I

create a swami for each one of you right here. He stands in front of

you although you cannot see him. THIS is YOUR VERY OWN SWAMI.

 

- Dylys

 

 

Sanathana - ancient, eternal; beyond the beginning

Dharma - the way of higher life, directed by the ideals one holds

dear.

 

 

(Own website 'Sai Memories' is well on the way. We will be sending

you the link).

Sai Ram