At some point, we are bound to question whether we are leading our lives in the manner in which they should be led. As we grow and transition through the various phases of life, we invest much time and effort to nurture relationships around us, to maintain our connection as social beings. Yet, somewhere along the way, these relationships come to an end, through misunderstandings, or separation by distance or death, leaving a void in our lives. Such experiences impel us to seek a relationship that is permanent and everlasting so that we are not alone in this world.
All relationships of this world will come to pass one day. The only relationship that outlasts even our time on earth is our relationship with God, the Creator. So, how do we develop our relationship with God? We need to first remember who we are. In reality, we are souls, a part of the Divine, separated from Him eons ago. Entangled in the wheel of birth and death, our souls have been yearning to return to the Source. This human birth was given to us so that we can find our way back to God. And to do so, we need to embrace the path of oneness and love.
First, let’s create a solid foundation for our lives, based on the ethical virtues of truthfulness, humility, compassion, non-violence and selfless service. All goodness is born out of love, and when we love, then peace, harmony and joy automatically follow. The truest of all love resides within us. It is the love of the Divine who brought all creation into being. The Supreme loves us tremendously, yet we do not experience this love because our attention is focussed on the attractions and distractions of the outer world. When, through the process of meditation, we withdraw our attention from the world and focus it within, we experience the bliss and joy of God’s love. As we become imbued in this divine, transformative love, we become love ourselves. The Divine’s love also makes us godly, and we inculcate ethical virtues in our lives.
Second, we need to take steps to experience God’s love and Light in our lives, and this happens as we withdraw our attention from the outer world and focus it on the inner spiritual worlds where He resides. As we connect with the Shabd, the Light and Sound of God reverberating through all of creation, we experience the joy, bliss and love of the inner worlds. Gradually, we progress on the inner journey until our soul merges back in its Source, reuniting with the Divine.
Once we have experienced this love, we become aware of the divine presence in our lives. Fear and anxiety vanish, and we no longer feel alone. Living in God’s Sweet Will, we begin to lead our lives lovingly and calmly, always in the company of our Friend. God has not forsaken us. It is we who have forgotten God, and it is up to us to take steps to remember Him. This happens as we take the time to sit in meditation daily.
-Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj