Wired to be spiritual

Human beings are souls. All the major scriptures are agreed upon this fact that we, human beings, are souls and not merely bodies. Also we are all children of the same God. Our bodily descriptions like white and black, man and woman, nationalities, etc., may set us apart superficially but in actuality we are all related to each other as children of the same Creator. The moment, we begin to identify ourselves thus we see properly. ‘‘The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision one and all.’’ (BG 5.18).

Upon such realisation our lives shall undergo a sea-change. Instead of being uncooperative, selfish and cynical, we shall naturally be cooperative, generous and trusting. This change shall assuredly bring us joy.

And, ultimately, all our efforts should be directed towards attaining joy. Who wants to live miserably? The soul is described as ‘sachidanand’ or eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. Unfortunately, out of ignorance we in our bodily consciousness have ignored the needs of our souls and have become miserable.

The scriptures show us the way. ‘‘Surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode’’ (BG 18.62). This means that we should follow these scriptural instructions and this life shall be sublime, as even scientists have repeatedly been surprised to find.

Such faith in the scriptures does not mean blind faith. Blind faith is to ignore the obvious: ‘‘Knowing such rules and regulations, one should act so that he may be gradually elevated’’. (BG 16.24) One can experience the validity of scriptural instructions only by trying them out.