THE UNIVERSAL MESSAGE IN “MY SWEET LORD”

Leave a Comment / / By

I listened to George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” many times before I grasped the distinction he was making in the song. While it grew out of his commitment to the Hare Krishna movement, its central message has a universal application.

Harrison’s lyrics present a clear contrast. He writes, “I really want to see you… But it takes so long…” before shifting to, “I really want to know you, really want to go with you… But it won’t take long…” He seems to be intentionally distinguishing between seeing and knowing.

The ultimate source, what we call “God,” is often described as formless and transcendent—beyond human senses and comprehension. We cannot perceive this ineffable source with our normal sight. Yet, Harrison suggests that to know and “go with God” is a different matter, one that “won’t take long.”

We cannot know for sure what he intended, but his words resonate with the experiences of many spiritual seekers. They report that spiritual senses, once activated, can offer glimpses of the divine in the form of inner peace, a blossoming of the heart, or an intuitive perception of truth.

Though these experiences are not as concrete as seeing or touching a physical object, they are every bit as real. By establishing a connection with this “alternative reality,” we can naturally “go with God,” living our lives joyfully connected to the one source and our own divine nature.

Overcoming Doubt

THE APEX OF DIVINE KNOWLEDGE

Leave a Comment / / By

The Bhagavad Gita (4.38) beautifully extols the profound nature of divine knowledge:

“Indeed, there is nothing as purifying as divine knowledge. One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of Yoga, receives such knowledge within his own heart, in due course of time.”

This verse highlights a crucial distinction: the divine knowledge spoken of here transcends mere academic understanding or intellectual accumulation from texts. While the study of scriptures can certainly serve as a valuable initial step and a guiding light for the spiritual seeker, it is precisely that—a beginning. The essence of this teaching is that true realization of truth blossoms within the heart, not solely from external sources. This internal awakening occurs when the mind achieves a state of profound purity.

When this purity is attained, the seeker undergoes a fundamental transformation. All lingering doubts dissipate, and a profound sense of self-direction emerges. The individual becomes empowered from within, no longer reliant on external authorities, teachers, or guides for direction and wisdom. This internal wellspring of knowledge provides an unwavering compass.

Patañjali, in the Yoga Sutras (1.49), echoes this sentiment with striking clarity:

“śhrutānumāna-prajñābhyām anya-viṣhayā viśheṣhārthatvāt”

This translates to: “The knowledge attained by realization from within through the practice of Yoga is far superior to theoretical knowledge of the scriptures.”

Both the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras emphasize that the ultimate spiritual realization is an experiential, internal journey, cultivated through disciplined practice and leading to a wisdom that surpasses the limitations of intellectual comprehension. It’s a knowing that purifies, liberates, and ultimately, empowers.

Overcoming Doubt, Spiritual Practice

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA: A MERGER OF SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND REALIZATION

Leave a Comment / / By

In 1893, the revered yogi Swami Vivekananda brought the illuminating wisdom of India to the West. He frequently inspired his students with a profound truth about their inherent nature, often urging them, “If only you could know yourself as you truly are!” With a brilliant mind and immense spiritual power, Vivekananda tirelessly advocated for strength and courage, aiming to dispel any shadow of weakness.

At the core of his spiritual teachings was the powerful reminder that our identity transcends the physical form. He taught that we are, in essence, eternal divine beings, already endowed with the very knowledge, wisdom, and joy we tirelessly seek. Yet, he observed, we are often hypnotized by the illusion of being solely a fragile body.

Witnessing India under British rule, Vivekananda passionately called upon his people, and indeed all of humanity, to shed the shackles of weakness and rise with fortitude. His stirring words declared, “What we want is muscles of iron and nerves of steel. We have wept enough; no more weeping. Now we stand on our feet, and we shall be men.”

He affirmed our divine lineage with unwavering conviction: “We are the children of the Almighty, we are sparks of the infinite, divine fire. How can we be weak?” He exhorted us to: “Throw away all weakness. Tell your body that it is strong, tell your mind that it is strong, have faith and hope in all things.”

Vivekananda also illuminated the path to achievement through fearlessness: “The secret of all success is to have no fear. I never think of failure. Failure will come only when I am convinced that I am a failure.”

Therefore, the next time fear or feelings of inadequacy arise, recall the profound truth of who you truly are. With these empowering reflections, you can confidently embrace the tasks and challenges your life presents.

Karma and action, Overcoming Doubt

DEALING WITH DOUBT

Leave a Comment / / By

The spiritual journey inevitably involves confronting our doubts about a profound truth: our nature as eternal beings created in God’s image. 

Initially drawn to spiritual teachings seeking relief from suffering and self-discontent, we often grapple with skepticism. We desire discernment to avoid exploitation, leading us to rely on our rational minds, which struggle to accept realities beyond sensory perception. 

This creates an apparent dilemma. However, the inherent power of our spiritual nature, ignited by dedicated practice, works in our favor. As we commit to our spiritual path, we begin to change. The divine Self gradually permeates our consciousness during moments of mental stillness, bringing inner peace and joy. In time, we intuitively become aware of a vast, ever-present Self, which had previously been obscured by the noise of our busy minds.

Our True Nature, Overcoming Doubt

IN FACING THE “IMPOSSIBLE,” WE ARE ALWAYS SUPPORTED

Leave a Comment / / By

We have all had those moments where we feel completely alone, facing challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But the truth is, we’re always supported, even when we don’t realize it.

There’s a beautiful story from the Indian Puranas about a sparrow who laid her eggs on the beach. When she came back from gathering food, the tide had washed them away. Imagine her distress! She begged the ocean to give them back, but it wouldn’t listen.

Instead of giving up, this determined little sparrow decided to dry up the entire ocean, one drop at a time, using her tiny beak. Some birds laughed at her, thinking it was a hopeless task, but others, touched by her determination, joined her.

News of her struggle reached Garuda, the powerful king of birds and Lord Vishnu’s vehicle. He was so moved by her persistence and angered by the ocean’s refusal that he threatened to dry up the ocean himself if it didn’t return the eggs.

Naturally, the ocean quickly gave the eggs back, and the sparrow was overjoyed.

The message here is that when we take on something truly meaningful or noble (what’s called “dharmic”), we attract support from unseen forces, allowing us to achieve what others think is impossible. As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Karma and action, Meaningful Purpose, Overcoming Doubt, Trust
Malcare WordPress Security