Chapter 5 - Progressively Expanding the Mind.

 Whatever the crisis, however deep the misery, do not allow your grip over the mind to get loose; tighten it further, fixing your eyes on the higher values. Do not allow the mind to stray away from the holy tabernacle of the heart. Make it bow before the Atman (Soul, the real self, one’s Divinity) within. —SSSB

Reflection is an exercise done by almost every one of us at one time or another during our lifetime. Whenever we reflect on a particular thing, especially if it is intangible, we expand our mind by gaining a greater understanding of the life in which we exist, as well as of the universe that exists within us.

This understanding increases our awareness and expands our consciousness. Although we may not be mindful of the change, each time we become reflective we automatically expand our consciousness. This expansion allows us to grow one step closer to the reality of the existence of our soul. Because the soul lies within, you may find it an adventurous exercise to look within for the light, particularly just before falling asleep. By tuning into the soul, we can eventually discover the divinity that lies within that very soul.                     

When we live our lives moment-by-moment, day-by-day, we are performing very much like actors playing a part. The parts we have been given are identified by our names. At the same time we play the parts assigned to us, we also have the amazing ability to simultaneously view ourselves as the audience.

We are always playing the dual role of actor and audience as we continue to make choices. For example, how many times have you apologized for your behavior, harsh words or indiscretion? If you have done this, you have played the part of the audience by reflecting on your behavior. To rectify an indiscretion you may find it necessary to be humble and compassionate and make the necessary apology if it will change friction, hurt, anger or abuse into harmony.

In this case you have modified your part in the drama of life—as both actor and audience—changing the entire scene. This is one of the reasons everything we do in life involves making choices and every choice has a lesson to be learned. This understanding allows us to view life as a play, not just as actor or audience, but also from the point of view of a director in the midst of a production. Most of us have been involved, at some time or another, in plays at school, so this should not be difficult to do.

When we make a choice, having previously considered the experience we think will result, we weigh the expected outcome on the scales of balance. The experience is weighed against the lesson to be gained from the experience, using the principle of cause and effect. Once we can do this, our understanding is enhanced. Balance will take place when we are able to extract from an experience a philosophical, spiritual or intangible lesson. Looking back on past experiences is always a learning process, enabling us to learn valuable lessons on our journey to self-improvement. It is very much like analyzing a game we have played to see the lessons to be learned, in order to improve the next game.

What is wonderful is the fact that, if we are not happy with a particular way we have played the part, we have the option of rectifying that part. We may change the act or scene for the better by making some simple modifications that would probably create a big change. The essence of being is...

 

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