What does it mean to be spiritual? Fundamentally, “to lead a spiritual life” means simply making decisions based on a higher purpose in life. To make these decisions, we need what is called ‘Vivekam’. Vivekam can be translated as the ability to discern what is right for us in the long term, i.e. choosing what is ‘good for us’ (shrEyas) over what is ‘pleasing to our senses and mind’ (prEyas). In other words, making choices that can enable us in the journey of the higher purpose we have set for ourselves.
Our Sanatana Dharma emphasizes again and again the importance of vivekam. Vivekam encompasses several components. It includes:
1. Strengthening the mind to first make sure that we make the right choice each time (in line with our higher purpose)
2. Having the strength to stick by that choice
3. Having the maturity to understand that it was I who made that choice, i.e. being accountable for the choice
4. Having the resilience to accept the consequences of the choice I made
There is a sense of sick comfort in feeling that “I am helpless”, that “I am forced to do this!” But the truth is, we always have a choice! When we don’t have mental strength we blame others or ourselves – both of which are injurious to us.
When we are mentally strong, we take responsibility for our choices. If the consequence of a choice is not what we want, a mentally strong person accepts it as – “I made that choice then, given the circumstances… but now, from the knowledge I’ve gained in the process, I would not make such a choice again,” and moves forward.
Sri Swamiji, in a recent discourse, said that performing spiritual practices such as japa, dhyAna, etc. is futile if it is not accompanied by the aspiration or prayers for Atma guNas (sterling qualities such as forbearance, compassion, empathy, purity, etc.) An example he gave was, let’s say a person does serious japa and dhyAna. When he does this, he will attain some tapas (spiritual merit). But then if he is not, say, forbearing, then the moment something happens that displeases him, he would become angry and perhaps even make the poor choice of cursing the person he blames for it! Then he would, in a moment, lose the tapas he had laboriously accumulated over time through his spiritual practices, and he would fall behind in his spiritual path instead of progressing forward.
Hence, spirituality is all about mental strength. Having the mental strength not only to be aware of the quality of our choices, but also accepting the consequences of our choices.
This is the reason why our dharma stresses the importance of vivekam – so that we can be clear in our heads, calm in our minds, and can progress in life. If we have this, it is called a spiritual life!
Based on the discourses of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji and his disciple, Sri Ramanujamji.
