You Can be Happy or You Can be Right

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Personal interactions between oneself and other persons can teach one how to let go of ownership and how to serve others. It is easy to find fault in others, seeing their mistakes and judging what is right or wrong, calling them lazy, thoughtless, or careless; rude, or inconsiderate. But who are we to judge anyone else? It is most likely they are doing their best, and who says we do not come across the same way to others? Moreover, who are we to decide what is the ‘right way’, or know for certain why things occur? Can anyone really know the cause and effect of karma ― actions completed in past lives? Humans tend to seek reasons for why things happen. In reality, however, we have little understanding of the cause and effect of our actions or the actions of others or of circumstances around us.

Why did the weather turn cold, why did the stock market go up?

There are many factors, that we cannot begin to grasp the truth of the matter.

This explanation should not be used as an excuse to run rampant.

There are rules and laws within societies to be followed. Conversely, if someone has views different from your own, rather than seeing the differences, see their Soul.

It is a fickle mind ― attached and desiring fame, fortune, material things ― that seeks to be ‘right.’ That mind is ever bound by action.

Fighting to be ‘right’ keeps one’s mind and heart in a state of criticism and battle. So one simple way to attain peace is to let go of having to be right. Have a steady mind and be happy. Here are some examples contrasting a fickle and a steady mind.

God does not create the body, the actions of the world, or the results of action; it is nature that is responsible for all action. [14]

The omnipresent God is not involved with the virtues or vices of anyone. Wisdom is hidden by ignorance, so people are deluded. [15]

But for those who have vanquished their ignorance through knowing their Self, this Soul awareness is like the Sun, illuminating the Eternal Self. [16]

Those whose wisdom has shaken off the ignorance, realizing spiritual intelligence, who meditate on the inner eternal Self, who has perfected faith (based on experience), and who have taken refuge in the Lord, attain spiritual freedom (from mundane entrapments). [17]

The Steady Mind

Next Krishna discusses the even-minded state of a wise person. He cites as an example that, the wisest people see all of life with an They see the Soul in each person.

This point is often misinterpreted. Some may say, well, if all is the same (Soul), nothing matters, so I won’t do anything. I won’t care for my physical self or others. This interpretation is incorrect and is used to justify lazy, uncaring behavior. It is a great shame to waste one’s God-given gifts by becoming inactive, by not enjoying your gifts, by not trying to make this a better world. Remember, Krishna told Arjuna to act and lovingly help others.

If a person feels they are above having to act for another because he or she has achieved total realization of Oneness, ask them then to demonstrate that they have attained an exalted state beyond mere intellectual understanding. Ask them to walk through the wall to show that they and the wall are one. If they can not, they do not truly understand the Oneness through experience.

This is why Krishna said earlier, Even God acts or the entire universe will cease to exist.

So when we speak of all as one, keep in mind the context in which it is stated. Try to see the sacred thread of God or spirit in all things.

This promotes respect, worship, contentment, and bliss; quite the opposite from the sloth of inaction.

Thus, Krishna says, respect for their inner sacredness.

As the Vedic principle states, charity begins at home. So make sure you are following a healthy lifestyle and Ayurvedic food plan; see that your family is also following the same. Ensure that the basic needs of the family are covered in the present and for the future (eg, plan and save for your children’s college education). Then look to the extended family, and next look to the neighbors. Check to see if anyone needs help. In this way, help gradually expands outward beyond the immediate family. It is said that helping a large cause and ignoring local needs is a form of pride; ‘look at me, I help this well-known cause’.

Another maxim admonishes that we serve guests first. We should serve guests as if God has come to our home. So we are advised to feed them before we feed our own family; see to their comfort before we can feel comfortable. So in our immediate environment, for at home, serve the extended community.

Thus, the wise are content with all that comes their way ― neither desiring for good or happiness or money; nor do they recoil or grieve from hearing bad or unpleasant news. Since all happiness and sadness are temporal, the one who can experience the eternal Soul cannot be unbalanced by good or bad news. With the mind focused on eternal contentment that is God, and serving God’s children, temporal issues become less important.

There is a story about a Native American Indian tribe that illustrates this thought. The chief called all the young boys to teach them to be warriors, but one boy was not chosen because he was il. The people told the boy’s father that this was bad news indeed.