THE ISLAND OF SELF

[Guest guest]

prof laxmi narain (prof_narain)

 

Source and courtesy: Sri Ramana Kendram, Hyderabad

This article was published in Sri Ramana Jyothi,

monthly magazine of the Kendram.

 

THE ISLAND OF SELF: Take refuse in the island of Self – the island of

peace in each one of us.We must know how to return to that island

when we need to. In his last moments, the Buddha said: " Take refuse

in the island of Self… " – Thich Nhat Hanh

 

JOYFUL FEELING: When harmful bacteria invade your body, your

antibodies surround the bacteria and render them harmless. Likewise,

when you suffuse your body and mind with the feelings of the joy of

meditation, your body and spirit will be strengthened. Joyous

feelings have a capacity to transform the feelings of sorrow and pain

in us. – Thich Nhat Hanh

 

DETACHMENT AND RENUNCIATION: We often imagine that a person who is

detached will be indifferent to those around, and dislike everything

that reminds him of what he has renounced. This is not true.

Detachment frees you from the fetters which bind you to the ordinary

plane of awareness. One who is detached may enjoy every pleasure of

life, acquire wealth and status, and raise a family that he loves.

But on account of his detachment he is not dependent on them. He

enjoys everything but as the master and not the slave. On account of

his detachment he develops an inner freedom or independence.

Detachment should be understood as the ability to remain unaffected

in the face of trials and tribulations of life. With detachment comes

a greater feeling of love and unity around you. Earlier you had loved

only because you were attached to or dependent upon the objects of

your love. However, with detachment you experience love which is not

bound or restricted by personal likes and dislikes, greed or

ambition. The love is devoid of personal motives. [sri Ramana was a

great and true example of this state of mind.] – Swami Satyasangananda