Practice Makes Perfect – Week 7
28th September 2020Practice Makes Perfect – Week 9
18th October 2020Dear seekers,
Hari Om!
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Sadhana 8 – Renounce to rejoice
When all the previous seven instructions are followed, the mind of the seeker becomes calm, focused, and detached. There is no further reason to hold on to that which will not directly lead one to the goal. What should be done, when there is such readiness in the mind?
What?
Choose something that you would like to give up, and do it joyfully.
Why?
When we are ready to drop distractions, we should not make any excuses for holding on.
Through the practice of the previous sadhanas, our mind becomes ripe for the single-pointed pursuit of the highest goal. We ourselves begin to identify channels through which our mind’s energy becomes dissipated; objects or circumstances which demand excessive time and attention. Not only do we recognise them, but we become ready to let go.
Renunciation should be out of fullness and maturity; not frustration, fear, or disappointment. When we have enough, we are ready to give up that which is unnecessary. When we have developed the right understanding, attachments may fall off of themselves. When we grow past our childhood, how naturally we give up playing with those toys that used to fascinate us.
A healthy spirit of renunciation is necessary for progress; when we are ready to let go, we stand to gain all the more.
How?
Identify one thing in your life which you would like to let go of. It may be a daily habit in your behaviour or speech; it may be a thought pattern which is hindering your evolution and peace.
Once you have identified it, make the resolve to drop it. Offer that resolve at the feet of the Guru or God.
Give it up – joyfully! Your mind may resist; once again, make it cheerful. Feel joy that you are reducing your dependencies. Be thankful for the opportunity to make positive changes in your own life.
