The world and the seekers of reality

 

The world is your enemy.

The body and mind are great obstacles. They keep us enchanted and trapped in the world; a play of the elements. It is only when a person decides to turn inwards that he feels the power of the body and mind over him.

People seek the ultimate freedom. They think they as the egoistic entity will enjoy that freedom. But freedom is not of the person but from the person!

The body is the greater trap of the two. One has to maintain it, feed it, respond to its urges, and fear its sickness and annihilation. The true force of the body is faced at the moment of death when the senses depart and the body becomes cold and clammy. The fear and loathing that is experienced at such times is profound and scary. The bravest of persons will quake in that moment.

The sooner this covering is dropped along with the attendant ancillaries the better. People are mad enough to love their physical existence. They do not realize that the attachment to what they love and adore is what keeps them in this world.

There is also the love of worldly knowledge. It keeps one smug and satisfied. Even excessive scriptural knowledge has the same effect. Bhagavan Ramana talks of the love for one’s family, and wryly adds, the family of books, that keep one attached to the world.

Freedom is absolute freedom without any reservation. Letting go without any thought of consequences.

Even those seeking realization know that they have to pass the litmus test. At the moment of realization comes a great fear that makes most recoil and stand back. This is the fear felt by the ego that faces annihilation.

Only when everything is abandoned that the ultimate goal is reached. Often that abandonment is not self willed but arranged by provision. The words of the Mother of Pondicherry are striking, "It is when everything is lost that everything is gained!"

Sri Krishna had visited the humble cottage of a devotee. The devotee used to spend all his day chanting the name of the Lord. He had a cow to sustain himself. He was delighted to have the Lord as his guest and did all he could to serve him. Sri Krishna was very pleased with him.

After getting out of the house and travelling a distance he looked back and said, "May the cow leave him." The person accompanying him was aghast and wanted to know why he said so.

Sri Krishna said in all seriousness, "He has reached a very exalted stage. But the thought of the cow keeps him in this world. Unless that obstacle is removed, he will not experience liberation."

Strange are the ways of the Lord!