Purity – in intention, thoughts, words, and actions – is the key characteristic of a great soul. The basis of purity is determination – to maintain an elevated consciousness. This may involve being discerning about what we watch, read, and listen to, and how we spend our time. The aim is to change our attitude and behaviour. The higher the aim, the greater the joy and satisfaction when we achieve it. Conversely, if we fall short, there is disappointment. Purity is the foundation of lasting peace and happiness. So, whenever our experience of peace and joy diminishes, it is a signal that there is a lack of purity in our thoughts, words, actions or intentions and attitude, so we can check where we are lacking. We may know a lot, and be clever and hardworking, but if we are still unhappy, it is usually because of being careless about our wasteful thoughts, words, and actions. We know that thinking unnecessarily about a situation or of someone’s faults will burden the mind and waste our time, but we are unable to stop it. Instead, we create a chain of thoughts: “This is not the way it should be”, “How could they do that?” We have waste thoughts, and are unable to stop them because we forget that each person is unique, with their own background, circumstances, and challenges, and they act accordingly. This is the main reason for this lack of power to control the self – and not be able to utilize our knowledge to change our attitude and behaviour. When it is suggested to someone that they change their way of thinking instead of complaining, some people say, “I have to be the one to adjust and tolerate all the time.” Even if that is true, doing so is not a sign of weakness – it is a step towards greater strength and maturity. We may find it difficult, and think: “I am not doing anything wrong; that one is wrong.” We forget that if someone has made a mistake, the best we can do is to have good wishes for them, give them the strength and courage to change. Criticising, complaining, or gossiping about it helps no one. If a situation requires us to change our perspective, it does not mean we have come under its influence. Changing for the better in response to people or situations indicates progress, not weakness. When any situation arises, we can remind ourselves that we have to maintain an elevated state of mind and respond in the best possible way. That helps us to see the situation as a detached observer, have greater self-control, and think of the right way to deal with it. Those who do this are rewarded in many ways – there is the joy and satisfaction of having dealt with something in a positive way, and there is appreciation, even gratitude, from others. When we preserve the purity of our mind in this way and act on the basis of it, our attitude and behaviour gradually change and elevated actions become natural for us.
B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumar is headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.