Narayanasramam

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A State of Harmony by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

 

Whether it is devotion, action or knowledge, the whole outcome is

determined by the attitude and choice of the individual's own mind

and intelligence. One can look at the world of objects; look far and

wide, to glimpse the endless space and its contents. He can marvel at

how the vast endlessness reigns. To perceive the huge visible variety,

one's body has to circumscribe his mind and intelligence, making him

distinct from all the rest. Only then the perception and interaction

with the visibles will be facilitated.

 

At first sight, one will feel himself small, and the surrounding objects huge.

With the idea of big and small arises one set of dvandvas. The dvandva

perception grows in number, variety and dimension, making the individual feel

humility, fondness and loyalty to the whole display. A note of confident

intimacy, friendship and closeness constitutes this devotional note. It leads

him to develop a sense of belonging to the whole. This becomes delightful,

enlightening, expanding and elevating to the mind and intelligence. The entire

play of life becomes a mere occasion for this kind of mental and intelligential

ascent and growth.

 

All conflicts subside. Full freedom born of oneness, inseparability,

wholeness and supremeness reigns and begins to work subtly. It is a

wonderful state of inner beauty, charm, harmony and integration.

 

However, under the influence of ignorance and delusion, the whole

variety, instead of remaining a beautiful and discerning help and

facilitator to perceive the Supreme, suddenly slips into a plight, where the

undiscerning minds and intellects fall a victim to unhealthy and even damaging

notions, outlook and advances. But, mind you, in all this, the Supreme remains

the same singular, all-enfolding whole. There is no effort or intention on the

part of the Supreme to mar the fulfilling variety. But the players and

participants themselves work all the havoc-making variety and differences!

 

In spite of such gruesome differential plight, there is full scope for

every one who slips, errs or deflects, to set himself right and restore his

position as a sportful constituent and complement of the whole.

 

The Supreme reigns equally in all beings. No one is particularly hateful or dear

to the Supreme. Nevertheless, those who remain devoted heartily to the Supreme,

will be in the Supreme, and the Supreme too will be in them. Their minds will

abide in the Supreme and the Supreme will abide in them too. (Bhagavadgeeta

9.29)