A New Year is the time when a lot of people stumble upon the realisation, “Oh! Another year has gone by!” For a few seconds or minutes, we wonder about the current of time that flows by and then again get busy or lost in the world outside. The funny thing is that this happens nearly every year. If we go deeper into these moments of wonder, we realise that there is an aspect of us that is a witness to all the events of time. This witness inside us is unchanging and it is from here that we observe all the change that time brings.
All the events in life until this moment appear like a dream. Wisdom is becoming aware of this dream-like nature of life even as it is unfolding now. Knowing this brings tremendous strength from within and you do not get shaken by events and circumstances. At the same time, events have their own place in life. We need to learn from them and keep moving.
In the past year, how many days were you in sanyas? How many days were you struggling, being caught in maya? Turn back and remember the entire year. Do not run away from anything. Do not reject anything. At the same time, let your attention be on the self. This is a delicate balance. This balance is yoga. This balance is spirituality. Some people think it is about being silent. Some people think it is only celebration. However, spirituality is a harmonious blend of outer silence and inner celebration, and also inner silence and outer celebration.
This year has been very challenging for the entire world. But we need to keep making efforts to make it better for everyone around. This is possible when we are established within ourselves. In you, there is an actor and there is a witness. As you go inwards, the witness aspect grows in you and you remain untouched by events. And as you go outwards, the actor in you becomes more skilful in responding to situations. These two entirely opposite aspects of our being are nurtured by meditation. When you come closer to the Self, your action becomes powerful in the world and right action in the world brings you closer to the Self.
The year that is going by has taught us many lessons; what we should be doing and what we should not be doing. Every pain that we went through brought us some depth, and all the joy and pleasure gave us a new vision of life and hope for the future.
The year gone by saw plenty of rainy days. This New Year let there be sunshine – both in our lives and in society. Let us all have a determination to create a violence-free, stress-free society. Let us resolve to be unshakable within and move towards a better world. Time changes people but there are people who change the time. May you be one of them. Happy New Year!