Civilization has advanced at such a pace, over the course of century that it has put man out of touch with himself. We see countless, running hither and thither, trying to achieve peace of mind and spending millions in the process. However, this is of no Vail.
Annals of History reports that Siddhartha, the enlightened Buddha was meditating besides a river when he achieved Nirvana. He came to sudden realization that water is one continuous being; one that has passed on, while the one that is yet to come is one – so is rest of the life force. All emanates from a fountain of infinite life. Off course, years of search and earnest yearning preceded this insight.
River teaches us lesson of constant growth and movement towards life’s maturity; to remain still is to stagnate. This incessant struggle towards its objective is some thing which inspires human beings towards self-actualization. Streams have different flow in different areas; as if stones infuriate them by pinching and pricking. However water flows through them with greater fervor. The water that emerges through is brighter, clearer and frothy white – displaying its true nature. At other places it flows leisurely, with sobering calmness and at peace with its surrounding.
Obstacles towards one’s objectives should be handled similarly to river; to bypass minor objects without much fuss, while tearing down any thing which stands in its way. Fools and ignorant are similar to small stones in the path of river, to be ignored and passed with compassion. Bigger blocks are to be passed by changing one’s tactics and movement. Only the biggest one are worth the fight, for river is a creative life force, replenishing all that is good and essential. It must fight the good fight with courage and wisdom[1].
Stones also seem to have distinctive shapes, exemplifying human character and personalities; sharp one, flat one, big one, small one. All seem to have a place in scheme of things. Some sit on the way side, as if waiting for the destiny to lay bare the course of their path. My soul seems to whisper, ‘wait for your destiny to unfold according to God’s plan’.
If city life is about alliances for mutual interests, then wise among men build it on wisdom and forthrightness. Small brooks, rivulets flowing leisurely with melodious sound, chirping of birds, abundance of crops in the fields, shadowy clouds and towering mountain peeks, all speaks of God’s mercy.
Cameras and photographs cannot behold the panoramic view; human mind and spirit is the true witness to His magnificence. Rivers and mountains serve to build the spirit within, redefining purpose and meaning. If one observes a towering mountain peak, embraced by silky clouds, romanticizing with the sunlight, giving a panoramic view for all to enjoy; soul take newness from such surroundings. Majesty Mountains bow down in obedience in front of Him. None had the vibrancy to be the witness of his grace, beauty and might – except the creature called Man. It is with ignorance as well as insight that he beckons these thought in his mind and soul.
He teaches each towards wholeness, through different means. For some ever flowing river, pine tress rather a chorus of pine trees, placed in an orderly manner, as if carpeting the rugged mountains, in love and awe for a divine guest, are a beckon towards His grace. Just as tree grows so does human understanding; dyadic thoughts, laden with fruits of wisdom. To be the tallest in the forest, one has to be a beckon of hope. To bear all things, be the farthest in the forest, also takes time and understanding.
There is no conflict in the nature, the beauty of all things, basking under the loving Sun. Similarly there is no denying the presence of omnipresent God. The more one accommodates this belief, the more orderly one’s life grows. Individual life is supported by an infinite spirit, which is constantly replenishing it. To open one self to this spirit of infinite peace, power, wisdom is to have abundant life. To close one self to this spirit is to have stunted, self serving life, which is un-gratifying.
We see number of people, spending millions, trying to attain peace of mind. If peace is to be found, it is within. In recognizing the oneness with this spirit of infinite life and opening oneself to its flow, one becomes whole.
In the words of enlightened Emerson ‘Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom which animates all whom it floats, and you are without effort impelled to truth, to right, and a perfect contentment’.
Every thing in the material has a counterpart in the spiritual domain; former is the effect while later is the cause. The flagrant beauty of a lake, giving way to beautiful rivers is just one metaphor of life emanating from the God – the omnipresent. Realization of these facts, a fundamental change in the world view, leads towards greater satisfaction in life.
[1] By the bank of River Kunhar, Kaghan.