Value: Simplicity - January 2025

First week: Do not pretend. Be who you are. Do not be artificial.

Pre-tension is a prelude to tension. One of the key factors that cause stress in our lives is the distance we maintain from our true selves. 

 

Our true self comprises straightforward qualities: Truth, Awareness, and Bliss. Truth is simple, while untruth is complicated. To understand truth, you don’t need to remember anything; however, when it comes to untruth, you must remember what to say, whom to tell it to, how to say it, and when to say it.

 

Awareness is pure perception free from interference by the mind. For instance, simply observing a flower as a flower exemplifies Awareness. Any additional thoughts about the flower pull us away from true Awareness.

 

Bliss, or eternal happiness, is our inherent nature. No one consciously seeks sorrow or transient happiness. 

 

Being true to ourselves is fundamentally simple. By not embracing this simplicity, we complicate our lives. We often become artificial in our behavior, appearance, demeanor, and speech, seeking appreciation and recognition from those around us, believing that everyone is constantly noticing us.

 

“Start liking the person you see in the mirror without any makeup!”

 

From the perspective of Vedanta, pretension is Maya; it is merely an appearance, not the truth. As long as we cling to pretensions, we will continue to lack inner freedom, true joy, and peace.

What is pretension? A relevant video from Pujya Gurudev

VIDEO EXPLAINING THE PRACTICE 

Zen master to disciples: "I am simply selling water by sitting on the river bank."

January Week 1 Guidance Audio:  

 

FAQ:

• The second item “Don’t compromise on your values on your own”? Does that mean you can compromise your values when forced to?
• Not at all. It only means temporarily accommodate the interest of the members of your family who may not share the same value as yours. For example, you value time that should be spent on useful endeavors. Don't you accommodate your child's request for spending time in watching a cartoon movie?       
• ⁠Going back to point-1... how do you know who you are... you have been living a certain life all along and you might think that's what you are... how do you know that it is really you?
• This needs some background of spiritual knowledge. For a beginner, it is truly difficult.  For, he/she may have no clue about spiritual freedom or moksha or release from rebirth cycle. Basic study of books such as Self  Unfoldment will help.
• While I am not an optimal human being, how would it be fair for others around me when I am trying to be myself?
• Trying to be oneself does not mean alienating oneself. It's being steadfast in one's chosen values. Don't we have our own habits which we don't give up for others?
• First choose the spiritual values to yourself such as compassion, solitude, non-injury etc. Understand them in your own words and be passionate about one or more of them. Hold them dear to yourself just as you do with your pet habits. Consciously do not compromise. This is steadfastness.
• How can we avoid putting on some makeup? Is it not necessary when we go out to meet the world??
• Gurudev used to tell us to 'Be presentable.' When we present ourselves with well groomed hair and clean dress, we become presentable. This is necessary when you go to work or to meet people. Be moderate. Don't overdo it. This is not to impress the people.
• How does simplicity help me?
• You can become rich by increasing your income or by simply letting go the non-essentials. The first one needs extra time and effort and the second one, just simple attention. Choice is yours!
• Need some clarification about the third point of this week: “Do not own what others value as yours “
• Spiritual values such as compassion and forgiveness are eternal. We want others to practice these toward us! Some may think that these are too idealistic and impractical and adopt anger, intolerance, etc. to solve problems instantly.
• As a sadhaka, you have to consciously choose not to adopt them even if you notice that your near and dear ones value them. Eternal values do not give instant results, but they will leave lasting impressions on everyone.
•  It’s hard to stay true to yourself while accommodating others …
• In a family environment, it will be hard, no doubt. But make it possible whenever you can. Slowly the members of the family will understand the values you uphold. Be gentle in saying NO to those which you don't agree to participate in. If needed briefly explain the reason.