His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

 Protecting our True Nature 

Last month, America celebrated Memorial Day weekend. It is a time in which those who gave their lives to serve their country are remembered and honored. Most countries in the world have a group of people dedicated to protecting the citizens of their country. Usually, the purpose focuses on using arms to prevent attack from others. Yet, every day each of us must protect ourselves from another sort of threat—that of our mind and ego.

Our true nature is actually our soul, a drop of the Lord. The soul is filled with goodness and noble virtues such as nonviolence, truthfulness, purity, humility, love for all, and selfless service. Unfortunately, our soul is under the influence of our mind and ego, which keep us engaged in activities that are not always noble or divine. The mind and ego become distracted in activities that may keep us engaged in anger, greed, attachment, and selfishness. Such qualities can cause us many problems. If we consider the spiritual meaning of Memorial Day, we will find that it is a reminder to also reflect on the need to protect ourselves from threats that take us toward negative qualities, rather than toward spiritual and godly qualities.

We know that anyone who owns a home or a condominium, or rents an apartment, thinks about the importance of security to protect one’s family and possessions. People take great care to install security systems with alarms to deter intruders from breaking into their abode. Some people have simple systems, while others are hooked up to security companies that monitor the premises. Others install windows and doors that are more secure; some put rods to keep sliding doors from being easily opened. Others have a watchdog to bark when a stranger approaches. People invest their money in a variety of security devices to ensure they are safe and their possessions are not stolen.  Read more.

Searching for Happiness in this World

H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

All of us today are searching for peace and happiness. This quest is universal. After all, no one aspires to be unhappy! People try to find joy in numerous ways. Some search for it in wealth and possessions. Others try to find it in name and fame. Some look for it in worldly relationships. Many pursue amusements such as going to the movies, listening to music, attending cultural performances, watching television, and engaging in sensual enjoyments. There are those who enjoy participating in or watching sports. Then there are people who seek excitement through drugs and alcohol.

If we analyze all these pursuits, we find that they do not bring the happiness they have promised. We may derive happiness from them for some time, but the loss of any of our possessions or relations brings untold pain and suffering.

At some point in life, we discover that happiness in the outer world is a transitory illusion. Everything in this world must perish. Ultimately, we too must face our physical end and must leave behind all that we cherished.

Throughout the ages, the great teachers, sages, saints, and philosophers of the world have been telling us that true happiness does exist. But it can only be found within. If we seek it in the world without, we will be continually disappointed. If we look for perfection in this world, we will not find it.

There is only one source of happiness that is lasting, that cannot be destroyed by wind, fire, water, or earth. It cannot be taken from us either in this lifetime or at the time of death. The only permanent happiness is God.