Whenever we plan a trip to anywhere, there is always a destination in mind. The second step is the preparation for the journey, that is, to be well equipped with all the things you may need on the way. Yet, have we seriously ever pondered, what exactly do we want in life.?
Most of us just live from day to day, dealing casually with whatever comes our way, without giving a serious thought to “am I travelling in the direction of what I exactly want?” The second question is also very important, and that is, “Why do I want what I want?” A complete clarity on these two things is very important. Ok, once you have decided for sure, then the next step is to see that you have firmly resolved to move in the direction of your goal in life.
This journey “within” is known as Sadhana. If the journey is inward then outward gross things are not the right things to collect to carry. So money, jewellery, clothes, property, power, name, fame and relationships will not help on this journey. Once you know the ephemeral nature of these externalities you must determine the distance that you would want to maintain from them. E.g. Fire, it is very useful, but too much proximity to it can end in tragedy. Desires rise in every mind, but have you thought of that inner power that causes thoughts to rise?
We need to look for that. When the search is on a subtle, non-tangible level, then the equipment needed (upakaran), need to be subtle as well. No one can start meditating or do deep research without preparation. Even for ordinary research you need a disciplined mind, a quiet place, a wellequipped library, disciplined hours of concentrated, undisturbed unidirectional effort. Prarthna Saran is President, Chinmaya Mission, Delhi.
