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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Brahmacharini Shripriya Chaitanya

Good morning.

After days of celebrating the joyous festival of Diwali, we return to our routines. Despite the enjoyment we experience at the time, festive occasions sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed.

In the tradition of Advaita Vedanta, a school of thought within Hinduism, great emphasis is placed upon the quality of balance. Balance exists in the external world, and balance is required in our internal world.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna teaches Arjuna that success is assured to one who practices moderation in all things including food, sleep, and activity. It is observed that when we are seeking balance, it is because we see the excess of a particular thing. Of course, it could be the reverse but often it is the overindulgence in something which pushes us to rethink our habits.

One of the practices which Shri Krishna talks about in the Bhagavad Gita is known as ‘tapah’ in Sanskrit. It indicates that practice, whether physical or mental, which helps us to grow from our previous state to one more elevated. It implies discipline: to not give in to the baser tendencies of the body and mind, but to hold ourselves to a greater standard than one we currently adhere to.

Essentially, this means any practice which helps us to bridge the gap between who we are, and who we want to be. Inherent to this is the understanding that we can bring about change, even when we feel it is impossible. We can achieve perfect balance and live in harmony with ourselves and everyone around us.

May we be empowered and inspired to bring balance to our lives through discipline and wisdom. May our equanimity bring peace within and to the world around us.

Namaste, Hari Om.

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