Day Four: Enjoy the Experiment

Today is the International Day of Nonviolence, designated by the United Nations to encourage the study and practice of nonviolence, in honor of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on this day in 1869. Gandhiji lived his life as a great experiment in order to prove the spiritual principles of truth and nonviolence. The India Times quotes UN Chief Ban Ki-moon as saying that the nonviolence taught by Gandhiji helped to topple tyrannical regimes from Tunisia to Egypt as people realized “it is more effective to fire off a tweet than to fire a gun.” He noted that Gandhiji knew that means and ends were one, and lived by the “conviction that only peaceful tactics could usher in a peaceful future, free from recrimination.” What Gandhiji did was demonstrate that a tremendous power for good is unleashed when we put spiritual principles into practice and test them out. Things happen that would have otherwise been impossible through any other means.

Gandhiji would be the first to admit that he did not achieve perfection but that he did see progress. In his book, The Search for a Nonviolent Future, Michael Nagler quotes Gandhiji’s self-observation: It is not that I am incapable of anger, for instance, but I succeed on almost all occasion to keep my feelings under control. Whatever may be the result, there is always in me conscious struggle for following the law of nonviolence deliberately and ceaselessly. Such a struggle leaves one stronger for it. The more I work at this law, the more I feel the delight in my life, the delight in the scheme of the universe.

This is the spirit we must all embrace in approaching the spiritual life. Study the principles, practice them, make adjustments along the way, and notice the results. Hold to the commitment and note the transformation that occurs. Be steadfast in your commitment to meditate each day. Experiment with your practice, discover what works. Notice.

Think About It: When a student of Paramahansa Yogananda expressed his doubts about his ability to make spiritual progress, Paramahansaji advised him to see God everywhere. When the student resisted this advice and insisted that this ability was due to Paramahansaji’s mastery, the great yogi replied: All souls are equal. The only difference between you and me is that I made the effort.

Be Inspired: Follow the truth of the way. Reflect upon it. Make it your own.

–sayings of the Buddha