Service Before Self

Dr. Rajesh Bhola
India
Apr 20, 2012


Even in this age of globalisation there is extreme poverty, and millions die every year due to malnutrition and poor living conditions. Yes, this world is still full of suffering. The majority of the inhabitants are pre-occupied with self. Even the most elevated spiritual practices seem just ways of getting something – tainted with greed, in the hope of salvation. Only actions free of ego, greed and hate are the weapons with which we can combat the afflictions of the world. If you abandon self, and have faith in the Almighty, you will discover that there is nothing that the human spirit cannot surmount.

All the pains and afflictions can be transformed into opportunities for our spiritual growth. At a personal level, we never seriously think that much worse can happen to us, than we can imagine. It is never too late, and any time is a proper time to wake up. We have much to do in this life. Do not think that a spiritual experience cannot happen to you. It is not just an inward experience. True spiritual experience and enlightenment can be attained by being outwardly – by talking to and meeting the people who are extremely needy eg. the poor, the orphans; and by visiting the disabled, the abandoned handicapped children. Experience how they lead their lives with great hardship; the constraints they embrace everyday. Initially these will be only simple human experiences. Gradually, they will give you visionary glimpses – some enlightenment. You will start listening to the cry in their hearts, and feel that how their cry expresses a deep truth; how their life grows out of their struggle. You will tune into their world. You will imagine yourself being just the same as them. The deeper you empathise, the more positive the more positive will be your reaction.

Let us experience this outer bliss, stay blessed by helping others, and enjoy the resultant peace in our heart. Let us create sensitive lives that are awake to this collective responsibility.

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