Two key aspects of our life are our principles and our actions. If we lose sight of our principles when we act, our efforts may not yield the desired results.
Our actions reflect our principles. In a spiritual life, the first principle is that I am a soul, a sentient being of light, and the body is a costume, wearing which I play my role in the world. If we keep this awareness, we will be clear about what we should do.
Our awareness, based on the principles we hold dear, determines the quality of our actions. If we believe that we are beings of peace, happiness and bliss, our actions will reflect these qualities. On the other hand, if we consider ourselves to be ordinary folks, we will neither aim high nor strive to be better, and it will show in our behaviour.
On the spiritual path, there are three stages of awareness: one is to know one’s true identity, the second is to accept that, and the third is to live according to that.
We can check which stage we are in, and to what degree. If we think that we live by our principles, how often do we do that — sometimes, most of the time, or always?
Greatness comes from doing something great. We may have lofty ideas and speak impressive words, but if our actions do not match what we say, we will be judged accordingly. The key is to remember our principles when we act.
When principles and actions are in alignment, the actions become noteworthy. If we let go of one of them, it is like trying to play on a swing with one rope broken. What will be the result? We will fall.
B.K. Usha is a senior Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.