Tagged: solitude
Discovering calmness
Harmonious movement: Take your time. Smile. Breath in. Clear your thoughts. That is it.
When you become acquainted with solitude, in that silence of being just with yourself, when the inner chattering disappears; that is the time when serenity arrives.
Calmness.
To maintain that state of being is a matter of becoming more and more acquainted with that solitude.
There is nothing to “do.”
Thoughts will be moving slowly, in such a way that we can perceive them passing by and to catch the dreamer, dreaming again without effort.
If we have the chance to sit by a park and just look at a tree; Is it possible to look at that scene without thinking about it? Can we stop counting the number of branches or the birds passing by? Can’t we stop thinking about anything else?
If we become acquainted with this state of consciousness of just looking, we will be able to perceive that all of that rush, all of that “being late,” all of that “having so many things to do and so little time,” all of that will vanish; because in the experience of that state of serenity there is peace, there is fulfillment.
We truly want that.
Then, this will become our priority without “effort.”
In that experience, we will automatically look for it and we will realize that there is no place to go, no belief to believe in, but just to be there, observing, feeling, smiling, moving in harmony, taking our time….
Just living life in calmness.
Early in the morning, when we wake up; we could sit, breathe in and out and acknowledge the little movie going on in our minds.
The minute we realize that “show time” is on again; that is the moment when the movie will finish. If we place our attention to that sacred moment when all inner chattering is gone; we are in a good position to discover more about ourselves.
It is in that calmness, in that serenity when our consciousness could open to experience something more.
It is in that space of solitude when deep changes occur.
Becoming acquainted with that solitude and that silence will turn little by little in a very fulfilling company.
We will no longer feel alone.
Solitude: The easy way to experience the self
Trapped in the world of noise, lights and permanent ongoing actions, is a sure way to get lost in everything that our senses could perceive.
Watching TV is more than images changing in a continuous frenzy, it comes with a selling story as well; it comes with the possibility to increase our desires. That is the principle of a society engaged in consumerism. How to sell, how to create a need. How to get the clients “hooked” into that need. Making a dollar out of addictions. There is great “variety.”
Prizes will be given to those who can sell. More “goodies” so they can spend more, consume more.
Highly emotional words are another way to hook us into emotions; the dramatic emotions of someone who suffers; of someone who is upset or angry. Shout, scream. Become violent.Fight. Let them know who is the “boss.” That sells.
Our senses are being bombarded from different sides. Noise with “funny” comments along with ready made laughs, makes a “sitcom.” That will give as ammunition to imitate. Lights flickering, watch the forbidden apple,” for a few moments; so our minds create desires. Something to attain, something to fight for, something to live for.
The struggle of living is in not only in earning and being responsible for our own acquisitions, but in having things to show “our accomplishments.” That is the vicious circle.
There is a price to pay for all of that “showmanship.”
It is called lack of simplicity and when we lack simplicity in life, we are continuously busy in “trivial” things that we have accumulated to fulfill desires created by someone else. The trick is that we believe those to be “our own” desires.
We believe that this is living.
Talk to a person. See for how long they are able to listen to you, completely. Watch, their interest in being “funny,” emotionally “high,” “outgoing,” a “fast talker,” who knows all the latest clichés as uttered by the TV stars… Let me talk about the weather, the politician, the “jet set,” anything including about myself in a light, trivial way just for the sake of saying something, of “communicating.”
It is a world of monkeys. Monkey sees monkey does.
Texting, being hooked up with that “smart phone” so we are not able to smell the roses, but looking at the small slaving screen looking to say something to someone, to read something, to send something…. to show that we are alive, even though we are no longer living but merely existing….
Could you be alone, for just a minute? Could you sit in a room all by yourself without any noises, without any lights, without any thoughts? For how long?
Until that is not experienced regularly, the experience of peace is unreachable. Solitude is the most important step to experience that peace.
It is hard to stop thinking about feeding the dog in a few minutes, or what your boss said in the office or your “bratty” kid told you; or about putting gas in the car before leaving for whatever land…
Look at your face in the mirror. Watch. You couldn’t sleep last night. See how you are forgetting things, see how you are constantly “rushing.”
Fast thoughts taking you nowhere. At the end of the road, you will end up in the same place that someone who took it easy all his life. There is no distinction.
That is the “future.”
Someone who has tasted solitude, will be able to experience serenity in his life. The “mad house” is going on “out there,” inside there is a profound tranquility which is beyond any religious belief or rituals. It is a deep sense of being complete.
It is in this completeness when we could talk to the Ocean, listen to the Wind; smile in a walk along a full moon or to hear for the first time the symphony of birds as we wake up… with no rush. With time.
Time is the most precious commodity we could ever have at this “time.” You cannot buy it.
Simplicity brings solitude at the palms of our hands.
It is in solitude how serenity could be experienced and it is in the continuous experience of this, when we will recognize something different; that is what we truly are, which has been lost due to ongoing “progress” among other things.
Peace is not a religion. It is not spirituality either. It is you and me, when there is nothing else to take our minds away.
It is freedom, and in that freedom resides the only place where love could ever be.
Question: Brother thank you immensely for this platform. I am very knew to BK Knowledge but it seems like the explanation I have been waiting for. The puzzle seems to be getting solved with a few experiences, slowly but surely. I am pretty sure this would not be an unique experience but if you could please throw some light on what I find a bit of a paradox – at one point I am drawn to total solitude, its something which I cannot do without and yet at the other point I find a part of me in every person, can very clearly see there point of view and the bigger picture which makes it very difficult for me to take sides and ascertain right/wrong. I notice getting acceptance and invitation to be with them, however, what they do is of no interest and and enjoyment for me and my lifestyle is very different and I make no effort to take it forward. I do appreciate my extended family and get togethers with them but after a point I need to be alone. I do not want to hurt them as I care but at the same time I need to respect my need of being alone as it saps my energy. So I am connected but at the same time disconnected? Is that a form of cheating/ego/manipulation? Spirituality states not to reject people and at the same time chose your company? Solitude is important and yet you are one with everyone?
Thank you for your great question and your kind words!
Dear soul,
As BapDada mentioned today (3-31-13) in the avyakt Murli, it is about “balance.” Enjoy life as a whole, with everything that it brings. Solitude by being “by yourself” is a first and perhaps necessary step for many in the spiritual path. That will change. You will learn to be by “yourself” while with others. When there is that inner power and “will” for self transformation, you will find opportunities, rather than challenges to “test” your stage.
You may express your need to be alone in some occasions. Perhaps “being alone” is not something that some people will understand. They will think that you are depressed and that they need to “cheer you up.” Express your need to “re-charge” yourself to be with them afterwards, with greater energy and enthusiasm.
Spirituality is the expression of love and power. When there is that “power” you will not need to “choose your company.” Spirituality has many stages, and certainly we should be able to recognize, first grade from high school. That is, spirituality is honesty with the self, and because of that; with others.
“Solitude” is important because it allows you to be with everyone being “you.” Otherwise, you will not be YOU but learn to be “them.”
This is not meant as separation but as a reminder than being aware and conscious is not what everyone is interested in.
Best wishes!
Question: Dear Brother, It is sometimes hard even after years of yoga and knowledge churning, to respond to situations or people rather than react. What is your formula for that?
Thank you for your great question!
In my experience, there are 2 things that need to be done.Yes, it is a “must do it.” 1) Minimize activities so greater time is spent in solitude. 2) Practice the “a-temporal stage.”
Please review these 2 articles:
http://bkgyan.com/2012/10/25/spiritual-efforts-all-knowledge-is-merged-in-the-awareness-of-the-point/
http://bkgyan.com/2012/08/07/spiritual-efforts-eureka-the-avyakt-stage-baby-steps/
the practice of being “a-temporal” or as BapDada calls it “the point,” is what will give you fullness and fulfillment so nothing from the outside and what “normal” people consider valuable, will have the same value to you. To experience solitude is of paramount importance to be comfortable with living with yourself. It sounds paradoxical “living with yourself,” but most “normal” people will not dare to be alone and to do activities alone so they can observe their thoughts and feelings. Solitude will allow you to do that.
From that point it is easy to note when you are going “out of balance,” and easy to shift back to “spiritual reality.” You will not “react” when in balance.
Best wishes,
Solitude
Behind the heavy curtain of thoughts
there is a window to the soul
its brightness is clear
despite the darkness of fear
Determination brings the aim
but concentration is the cutting knife
through the heavy clouds of the mind
Going beyond thoughts
is to discover another world
fulfillment is felt like never before
stability and love are behind that door
The sunshine of the soul is revealed
when solitude has the chance to arrive
as dawn gently illuminates the night
giving daylight the chance to thrive
Isolation, loneliness and solitude: Tests of any spiritual seeker
In any spiritual path there comes a point when “going back” to our old ways may seem imminent.
In the BK path, it is not only sex-lust. Before that there is the sense of isolation and loneliness.
Isolation is that sense of not “belonging” to a common goal, institution or ideal. In isolation there is a difference between “me” and the rest of “you.” Ego isolates. Anything could trigger isolation but nevertheless, to feel isolated is to suffer because “normally” we live as a group, the family “path.” Isolation is a bridge which cannot be crossed.
That sense of isolation or being isolated is one of the first tests that any spiritual seeker will encounter. If you are BK, it is the isolation of the “pure” vs. the “impure.” The isolation of being a “brother in a sisterhood,” the isolation of being “different” despite a set of rules and regulations.
That isolation rejects something which is not perceived as good. That isolation brings differences. Ego.
To go beyond isolation is a requisite to sustain ourselves in the BK path. We cannot rely on others to sustain us, to give us a sense of support. We need to belong to a family, to an institution perhaps but at the same time, to be ourselves. This paradox of belonging to “one and many at the same time,” has to be experienced, for this is not a question of choosing “this or that” but to embrace both. No more choosing.
Loneliness is that sense of no being able to live “alone.” This is another common argument used by those who have left the BK path and other deep spiritual paths. Loneliness means that “I cannot stand to live with my own self.” I need others to feel complete. I need company to feel wholesome. I need another being with me. In BK gyan the concept / experience of “Baba is always with you” have been used to deal with this; however, the problem of not being able to be alone is still there. “You do not need anyone else, because you have Baba.” That is to transfer that loneliness to Baba. Loneliness is still there because I need God.
Paradoxically, the feeling of loneliness is necessary to “improve” in this spiritual path. Not everyone is up to that task. Not everyone has that capacity, but sooner or later the experience of loneliness has to happen.
Baba gives us good “yuktis” to overcome loneliness by being concentrated in “service.” “Have your mind busy in service” it is said. However, please see that we have not conquered loneliness, we have just avoided it with something else, even though “service” is good; loneliness is still there.
Without “conquering” loneliness, there is no possibility of going into “solitude.” Because solitude is being without further noises, further thoughts, further distractions. It is emptiness. It is silence of the mind. In that emptiness is where “God works through you.”
The experience of solitude is healing and fulfilling. It is restful for the self is no longer struggling to become, to be, to follow. It is just what it is and it is beautiful. The paradoxical aspect of solitude is that to experience it, isolation and loneliness have to be “conquered,” but once in solitude we can go back with the noise and the multitudes and being in company of one or many; but at the same time being in solitude.
This is the spiritual journey. To go away just to come back. To lose yourself just so you cannot be lost again. These are the paradoxes of spirituality which reason and logic are unable to understand.
Exploring the Depth of Living 