For Week of June 08, 2015
Economy
The 18th of January was approaching one year in
the 80's. Dadi was full time in London in those
days. I was organizing the 18th Jan program and
the person helping me was inspired to change the
curtains in the auditorium for that day from the
then current pink velvet to a lovely white
linen.
When I went through the order of events with
Dadi, I informed her that we would be changing
the curtains to give a lovely white, holy, feel
to the day. She went on to ask me how much the
curtains would cost. I told her 800 pounds. In
those days that was a lot more money than it
sounds now.
She immediately replied... NO! Can't justify
that money for one day! She said people trust us
with their money and we can't be wasting it. I
argued with Dadi, telling her that this person
was spending it from his pocket and willing and
inspired - that I didn't ask him! Yet she
wouldn't have it! She taught me a lot that day
about respecting money, and that simplicity was
in keeping what we had... and not in changing it
every so often.
Words of Wisdom:
Do everything with economy. Understand the
importance of economy and eknami - taking the
name of only One. I should not need and want
things. Desires prevent you from becoming a
destroyer of obstacles. For this you need a lot
of renunciation. Do not be connected with
things, be beyond things. Then you will see how
Baba works magic, works wonders. Baba then uses
other people to get things done for you. But you
really need renunciation. Whatever you renounce,
your intellect should not go back to it. It is
your fortune. First you need disinterest in
things, then you renounce them, then you become
a true sannyasi, a sage. We know this world is
finished so have the attitude of renunciation.
If you have the thought ‘this is good and I want
it’ you have failed. Whatever is necessary will
come to me on its own. Learn what it is to be a
destroyer of attachment and free from desires.
Then you will pass fully. I only need the power
of silence, deep silence, true silence. I need
the personal power of silence. With your silence
power you can easily give people co-operation,
companionship, support and understanding. What
you cannot do with words, you can do with the
power of silence. Once you understand the power
of silence, you will never be subservient to
anything else.
Through our economy and ek nami (yoga with only
One) we claim our kingdom. Thus, Baba has made
us wise. Those who maintain economy know how to
have yoga of the intellect with One. Those who
are not economical compare themselves to others,
e.g. “This one’s shoes are very good…”
Drishti Point:
When I look at others, I practice looking only
at the true essence of peace and beauty that is
the soul. I let go of waste thoughts of pervious
interactions with the soul or any history
between us. This spiritual economy in drishti
increases my capacity to love.
Karma Yoga Exercise:
As I walk and move about the world, I practice
true economy of consciousness. I detach and
observe myself and let go of any unnecessary
thoughts and actions. By doing this, I
experience the sweet peace of simplicity.
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