Learning to transform ourselves

Puran Chand Sharma

In accordance with the spiritual knowledge gathered and accumulated by our spiritual scholars and scientists in the rarest of the rare, well preserved and documented knowledge treasures like Vedas, Upnishads, Shree Bhagwat Geeta, Puranas etc. we come across various techniques and proven methodology to uplift and transform ourselves for achieving the final and the ultimate goal of salvation. Let us endeavor to dive deep and educate ourselves for seeking the cherished transformation in this transient world. Following significant points and measures would better facilitate the valued readers to comprehensively understand the process of transformation:

INTENTION

First of all, to achieve anything in life, whether worldly or spiritual in nature, we must cultivate a clear and robust intention. Taking an everyday example, we have so many applications on our phone, if we leave all of them running, the battery drains very quickly, leaving us dissatisfied most of the time. This principle applies in all fields including career, relationships and self-development. Having one goal, takes you to the desired goal by virtue of optimum utilization of inner resources. This ability to focus on one goal develops naturally out of sustained meditative practice, as and when we learn to simplify our thought process from scattered to focused. It is known as ‘DHARANA’ In yoga and is the sixth limb of Pantanjali’s Ashtanga yoga. This way we can regulate our mind and it also facilitates our consciousness and triggers the process of transformation.

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

It has been experienced and felt by our spiritual fore fathers that Heart is a kind of Barometer which tells us how we feel about everything, including ourselves—how we feel about our thoughts and emotions, our behavior and about the choices we make in life. If we are satisfied in life, then we shall not hear from the heart. When we are about to choose well, the heart simply remains a silent witness to the decision we are contemplating. There is natural contentment. When we are not happy with ourselves, the heart is restless. It lets us know that something needs to change. Listening to the heart’s signals is the first step.

The second step is to make use of those signals, to ask the heart questions in such a way that we get clear indications. By and by we start receiving clearer messages. When we do not listen, we lose the art of listening to the heart, and also our neural pathways get deactivated.

We should always bear in mind that our inner environment is constantly changing as we expand and refine our consciousness or restrict our consciousness, another moot point in this matter is that everything about us is tied to our state of consciousness, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the habits that slowly adjust to our changing level of evolution.

We are always in a state of continuous improvement, a work in progress. But it so happens sometimes that we choose to go against our conscience, because our desires and mental justifications push us to make another choice, and until we change our thinking, we shall keep on recycling our experiences and habits.

So, what do we do?

There is always a choice. We can do nothing or we can choose to rectify the situation. There is a very effective Yogic practice we can do such as:

1. Chanting of OM, 2. Mental Recitation of OM, 3. Watching natural breaths, 4. Watching the thought process 5. Positive oath for Improvement.

LET BURDENS GO OFF

At bedtime, feel the divine presence in your heart, and repent for anything you have done wrong, even if unintentional. There is no recrimination in this process. While deep in your heart, prayerfully resolve not to commit the same mistake again. You will feel as if a burden has been lifted.

You can also present any questions and confusions to your heart after offering prayer. There is no need to seek an answer right away. Often by the time you wake up, you will know the answer. Even if the answer comes in another form than words, you will surely have the solution.

MANAGING EMOTIONS

Even when we have established a regular meditative practice, more often than not we still struggle with emotional reactions to the ups and downs of daily life. The first thing we observe through meditation is that emotions and feelings arise in the heart. It is also an admitted fact that all living beings in this mortal world wish and desire to be in a permanent state of blissfulness but it is not that easy or a simple process. In order to reach that state of our existence, physical, mental and emotional cleansing and purification is the guaranteed pre-condition otherwise it amounts to living in a fool’s paradise.

Sustained meditative practice and penance are the principal facilitators for achieving this heavenly milestone and triggering our transformative adventure.

LEARNING FROM CRITICS IS GOOD

We know that criticism is a sensitive topic, as most of us don’t like to be criticized, yet without it how would we change and grow?

It is not easy to see ourselves as we are. Criticism is like a mirror in which other people are our reflection. The constructive criticism of a guide or teacher is designed for our evolution. A guide cares about his aspirants as he wants the best of them. Following a method, even if it is not effective, entails a transformation of your character.

The benefits of criticism far outweigh the disadvantages. He is a mature and wise person who graciously accepts criticism. Keeping in view our ultimate goal in life to understand and practice the process of Transformation for being an enlightened person fully devoted to the cause of humanity.

Further, whilst in pursuit of transformation we shall have to ensure that whatever assignment or duty is allotted to us, we shall excel in that giving our hundred percent because the purpose of life is “TO EXCEL IN EVERYTHING WE DO”, whether it is as a leader, a teacher, painter, a student or a cleaner, we can excel.

In every little task there is the potential for excellence. Sometimes we hear people say, ‘I do not want to excel because my ego will swell. Remember, it is good not to be egoistical, but not at the cost of excellence aimed at ‘Transformation/Salvation’. We, as humans, are entitled to pursue our cherished goals.

–         (Author is President of Managing Committee,

Ved Mandir, Amphalla, Jammu)