‘There can be no real Happiness until the soul finds its Peace. “
Dadi Janki
Administrative Head, Brahma Kumaris
Everyone in the world I know is either in the pursuit of peace or happiness or both. Welcome to my blog, dear readers, which is going to be all about: . . . in the pursuit of sustainable happiness.
I would like to give a brief synopsis of why and how I’m using the word sustainable in this context. Just like Green Sustainability means a lifestyle that attempts to reduce our dependency on the earth’s natural resources, in the same way, sustainability in relation to happiness here is used to denote something that is generative, something that will complete us and not deplete our energy levels, something that would inspire us to be better and hence more whole.
One thing I have realized over the course of the last 15 years is if I want sustainable happiness, then I can’t keep on accepting, without question, that other people are responsible for it. Also recognize when my own laziness and arrogance impede my happiness.
Going back to Dadi Janki’s quote (BTW, she is one of the happiest people I know. She is this 94 year old human dynamo and the head of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (www.bkwsu.org)): So, according to Dadi Janki, even before I look for happiness, I have to find Inner Peace. Finding Inner Peace is actually quite simple. Like everything else it has a recipe. The recipe has three simple steps:
Step 1: I have to consider the self, the spirit or the soul, separate from this body. That is, I am the driver of this body. In this state of awareness I begin to experience my innate divinity.
Step 2: I have to detach myself from my five senses. Smell, touch, vision, audio, and taste. This you do like you would do a sound check. First smell your surroundings and then become detached from it. Then see your surrounding and then become detached that is see but do not see . . . Do this till you finish all the senses. In this step, the soul (self) feels distinct from the body. It is in it but not of it.
Step 3: Practice steps 1 and 2 to cultivate an inner awareness of peace as the natural nature of the self. Do this practice at some time each day. It can be morning, evening, or while you are in action in the world. It can be incorporated into your prayer, meditation, chanting, or whatever is your own spiritual practice, but it needs to be a daily practice.
Alright, dear readers, do try the above steps and let me know if you experienced peace.
Also, for your consideration, IF you live in the Tampa Bay area on Sept 18, there will be a wonderful program. Experiencing Inner Power and Protection. From 7:00-9:00 experience Sr. Mohini at USF Tampa Campus, Marshall Center. “No matter the status society accords us we all have one quest in life- to live in peace and harmony in a world which is safe and secure." For more information: Call 813-987-2525. Try and make it the cost is free and I guarantee an experience.
Affectionately Yours,
Shireen
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2000.