In the labyrinth of our bustling lives, where the clamour of the world deafens the whispers of the soul, we embark on a materialistic journey. I say this based upon my experience from the visits to revered religious pilgrimage. In the nineties, my family and me were visiting Shirdi every year to provide spiritual food to the soul. At that time Shirdi was a relatively simpler place-the temple was smaller, there were no malls, the hotels were clean and functional but not luxurious. Yet the devotion and solace it provided to the soul was seemed more satisfying.
I couldn’t visit the shrine for some years due to health reasons. After recovery I visited again, I noted the liberal use of Gold in the temple which to me seemed like imposing artificiality and material on Sai Baba who attained fame because of simplicity and social welfare for the people of Shirdi during his life time. There was a lot of rush of the spiritual tourists. To avoid rush inside the temple and being a senior, I purchased a darshan ticket. But I was taken aback to find that I had barely folded my hands in reverence to Sai Baba when I was pushed by a security guard out of the queue. I didn’t react to the guard but spoke to Sai Baba in my heart begging his pardon for not being able to visit Shirdi in future. A spiritual journey is not merely a physical passage through time and space but a quest for the essence of our being, a pilgrimage of the spirit and it seemed to me that this purpose could no longer be achieved.
In the sacred lands where the footsteps of countless pilgrims have echoed through the ages, we should have time to pause to reflect and contemplate and not merely rush through. Here, amidst the hallowed shrines and ancient temples, we seek not just external sanctity but an inner transformation. At least for me, it requires peaceful time.
I am not alone. Another friend of mine, a devout Sikh had to return without getting into Golden Temple because of too much rush.
I opine that beyond the allure of tourist attractions and commercialized spirituality lies a deeper truth—a truth that can only be discovered through introspection, contemplation, and spiritual growth. The rush and tourist attraction can discourage people like me to visit them unless it is done through some special arrangement. This is why, when I recently visited Kash-Viswanath temple with my family visiting from abroad, one of my friends obliged me and my family by arranging special arrangements. This seemed more fulfilling.
As we tread the sacred ground of our inner landscape, may we uncover the hidden treasures of our soul and emerge enlightened, ready to embrace the journey with renewed purpose and clarity.
I started to contemplate in a world where materialism often obscures the path to enlightenment, let us prioritize the journey of the soul over the quest for mere external validation. Let us cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, for it is through spiritual development that we find true fulfilment and connection with the divine. This probably not necessarily require a personal visit to the most famous places but to find solace at any local temple or even our homes where we can establish a connect with Him. With these thoughts, I penned a poem in Hindi with its English version, which are given below:
आत्मबोध
मन मस्तिष्क है शांत सरोवर
विचार जने पर भंवर निरंतर
बांध सको जब विचारों की बाढ़
तब हो भीतर झाँकने को तैयार
यदि अंतरमन का हो जाये साथ
तब किसको किसी और कि आस
न अकेलेपन की चिंता न एकांत का गुमान
जब स्वयं की स्वयं से हो जाये पहचान
तब चाहो तो ढूढो जीवन का अर्थ
गूढ़ विषयों पर हो जाये विचार विमर्श
या फिर ढूढो क्या है जीवन के अलावा
क्या अब अहम है और क्या है छलावा
रिश्तों से नहीं कोई वैर पर न हों उसमे लिप्त
कर्तव्य करो तन्मयता से हर परिणाम से तृप्त
मन मस्तिष्क के सरोवर को रखो निर्मल निश्चल
कुंठा संताप से रहित हो कर अध्यात्म को करो सबल
इतना सब जब कर पाएं तो सोचें अगला कदम
यूँ ही दिशाहीन से कब तक करो गे सारे जतन
जब तक पूजा में हो गी वृथा विचारों की आंधी प्रधान
तब कैसे हो पाए गा मन कर्म वचन से इष्ट में ध्यान
Self Realisation
Within the tranquil lake of the mind deep,
Whirlpool of thoughts run with rapid speed.
When deluge of thoughts seem in control,
Be ready to delve deep within and explore.
When inner peace becomes your guide,
No longer seeking solace outside,
No fear of solitude, no need to hide,
When self-recognition becomes your pride.
Seek the essence of life’s true worth,
Deliberate on matters deep from birth,
Or ponder what lies beyond the earth,
What’s genuine, and what’s mere mirth.
Let no enmity taint your bonds,
Fulfill duties, content with the responses.
Keep the mind serene, unwavering ponds,
Embrace spirituality, your strength responds.
When all this you can truly embrace,
Consider your next step with grace.
Why dwell in directions misplaced,
When futile thoughts cloud every space?
Until devotion turns futile storms tame,
How will the mind heed its ideal claim?
In deeds and words, in thought’s domain,
How will it rest in its chosen aim?
In conclusion, I remain hopeful that my inner self will guide me towards realising my connection with the Supreme, leading me to the peace and spirituality I yearn for. Whether it happens in this lifetime or the next, I hold firm to the belief that I will ultimately reach that state of fulfilment.
Inspire Positivity 