Hari
Om
Each 'Choose-day' we will investigate the process by
which we can reassess our activity and interaction with the world of plurality
and become more congruent within our personality.
The next little prasaada-pushtaka (gift-book) we are
studying is Sw. Tejoymayananda's "Take Charge of Your Life". Guru-ji
is a wonderfully pragmatic personality and has a strongly down-to-earth
approach to life and application of Vedanta. These are going to be short, sharp
bursts
of applied 'shreyas-preyas' decision
making!
BE
AWARE OF CONSEQUENCES
When
we live life superficially and try to solve problems the same way, not taking
into account the entire foundation and values of life, no lasting change is
possible. For the situations in life which really matter, there can be no
'quick fix'. Cosmetic methods are fine for the small things and inconsequential
matters but will not solve the deeper slashes and forest fires which accompany
us on our journey from the shore of birth to the shore of death. If artifical
needs keep growing and we give importance to symbols of social status, as
discussed last week, we will find it increasingly difficult to live by higher
values and without those as foundation, we also find it increasingly difficult
to cope and deal with the issues we face.
Another
reason for not be able to 'live our Knowledge' is that we are unable to clearly see
the consequences of our actions. Often we do not fear our action because we
feel that consequences can be taken care of in due course - or that no
consequences will occur. All actions will have a result. To use the term
'consequences' is suggestive of a negative result, though in truth it refers to
all results arising from actions taken. If we are heedless of consequences, we
also become unthinking about our actions and lose any sense of self-monitoring.
Thus our standards will slip without notice.
Anger
is rife in our society. Many will make angry or bitter comments in response to
circumstances and discussions simply because it is easier than having to think
or take responsibility. Being angry, we attempt to place the burden of thought
and responsibility on the other. The consequences to ourselves may not be an
immediate effect, or it is one which we think we can fend off with yet more
poor behaviour. If getting angry had the possible consequence of death, we
would think much more about monitoring that anger would we not?! Ultimately a
price must be paid, but because for the vast amount of time the consequences
are not life-threatening, we do nothing to improve our actions and responses.
We are inclined to say, "oh this is how life is lived these days...one
cannot get on in business without being a bit of a bully/crook...to rise in
society one must show who is the 'alpha'… the demands of my family mean it is
necessary to be demanding oneself…" and so on.
Consequences
will arrive, however, albeit some time after. We may find that friends and
family start to withdraw from our company and in support, a sure signal that
our personality is driving a wedge between us. We may find that business drops
away, a sure sign that our unethical methods are not appreciated by customers.
We may find that we have become so addicted to our negative behaviour,
(gambling, drugs, alcohol), our health and indeed our life does in fact come
under threat. By then it can be very difficult indeed to find help.
Then
we become disillusioned and disheartened. Any concept of high values and
appropriate living now seems esoteric and impossible, even though all that is
required is a change in attitude and a return to the Knowledge of what is good
and what is not.
If
we understand the full implications of our actions, we will never be tempted to
do wrong things. We have a choice.