Lesson 3 - Follow Your Dharma
When we begin a journey and clearly define our destination, then we must
begin from where we are, not elsewhere. Clearly defining our destination
requires knowing where we are, requires determining whether or not we
want to go there at this time. We must ask whether we have the means,
the willpower, to get there. Are we ready to leave the world, or must
we fulfill further obligations in the world and to the world? Have we
paid all of our debts? We cannot leave the world with karmas still
unresolved. perhaps we desire something more, some further human
fulfillment of affection, creativity, wealth, professional
accomplishment, name and fame. In other words, do we still have worldly
involvements and attachments? Are we ready for the final journey life
has to offer? Are we prepared to endure the hardships of sadhana, to
suffer the death of the ego? Or would we prefer more pleasures in the
world of "I" and "mine"? It is a matter of evolution, of what stage of
life we have entered in this incarnation--is it charya, kriya, yoga or
jnana? When the soul is spiritually mature, we know when we're ready to
know the Self.
When one is bound down by his past karmas, unhappy, confused and not
performing with enthusiasm his dharma--be it born or chosen--making new
karmas as a result, his lethargy results in despair. The camel walks
slower with a heavy burden and stops if the burden is still heavier. The
burdened have no sense of urgency, no expression of joy. They have
stopped. They are standing on the path holding their troubles in their
hands, unwilling and unable to let go.
Worship of Lord Ganesha sets the path of dharma. Go to His Feet. He
alone can perform this miracle for you. He will release the mental and
emotional obstructions to spiritual progress. He will remove the burdens
of worldliness. To live the perfect life of the grihastha dharma, of
family life, brings as its fulfillment the all-knowing bliss of
Satchidananda, realizing ourself not as formless Parashiva but as the
Pure Consciousness that sustains and pervades all forms in the universe.
Yes, there is a sense of urgency on the path of enlightenment, but only
when we are unburdened of karma, only when we are walking the path of
dharma. Only then can true yoga be practiced and perfected. All Hindus
without exception believe in reincarnation. In each birth we must
fulfill more goals leading to the one ultimate goal which after many
births well lived will loom before us as the only goal worthy of
striving for in this lifetime. All other desires, all other aims and
ambitions pale under the brilliance of even the thought of realization
of Satchidananda and Parashiva.
In fulfillment of our duties to parents, relations and the community at
large, become a good householder, be a good citizen, live a rewarding
physical, emotional and intellectual existence. These are the natural
goals of many. Once this is accomplished in a lifetime, it is easy in
future lives to perpetuate this pattern and evolve toward more refined
and more difficult goals, such as gaining a clear, intellectual
knowledge of the truths of the Agamas and Vedas, most especially the
Upanishads, and establishing a personal contact with Lord Siva within
His great temples through the fervor of worship.