SOUL CONSCIOUSNESS
Why should the thought that I am a peaceful soul' be any more beneficial to me than the thought I am a body'? Last lesson we mentioned the most important aspect of this thought, that it allows me to become detached from the role that I play. It is important to understand what is meant by this word 'detached'. It does not mean distant or inward looking to the point of isolation, where there is a breakdown in communication. Neither does it mean that I become an uncaring observer of what is going on. It simply means to have the consciousness of being an actor. I play my part with great enthusiasm and love, but I do not let the expectations, burdens and worries of outside situations or other people affect my own understanding of who I am, a peaceful being. In fact the word most often used in conjunction with detached is loving. By being aware of myself as a soul, I experience my natural qualities so that the feelings I associate with detachment are not of distaste or lack of concern but peace, love and happiness.
How can soul-consciousness help me to improve my attitude towards myself and others? We have the habit of comparing ourselves to others, seeing ourselves in the light of what we consider to be their merits or demerits. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of hopelessness, self criticism and other equally negative states of mind. But through the experience of soul-consciousness I come to realise my own worth and stop comparing myself with others. Self- criticism is overcome as I experience my real, positive qualities and true nature. This leads not to a feeling of superiority, but to a feeling of stability and self-confidence. Doubts in the self are replaced by a deeper faith in myself.
If I understand that I am a peaceful soul, then I understand that others must also be that. Through this awareness, I will be able to relate to them on purely equal terms, what is often called the vision of brotherhood. Sometimes actions are totally opposed to this as when someone gets angry with us and we feel threatened and so often reply sharply in return. Thus a heated argument begins to develop. This is a reflection of body-consciousness. Instead of primarily seeing them as a peaceful soul playing a part, I am seeing the part and thinking it is their real nature.
If instead, I have the determined thought to see them as a soul, then I will respond very differently to their anger. I will see their anger as being something temporary and not intrinsic to their true nature. Instead of reacting angrily or being defensive I will actually become detached or even giving. I can put myself, quite naturally, into the position of being able to help them. I will recognise that their anger is only to do with their own confusion. This positive attitude acts as protection for me as I then don't feel under attack. In addition my stable, calm reaction will help to defuse the situation.
There are other ways in which soul-consciousness can help me to help others. You cannot give what you don't have yourself and when friends come to us in distress, often the most we can do is give sympathy. Although this is reassuring, it is not necessarily very helpful. When in trouble, what people need most is power and clarity. The situation has caused weakness and confusion in their mind, making it difficult for them to see things clearly. If my reaction and suggestions to them are not only sympathetic but filled with peace, power and practicality, then they can take away with them not only comfort but something which will be of positive value in helping them to solve their problem. A strong and uncluttered mind is needed for this.
Soul-consciousness also allows me to be natural in the company of others. This easiness on my part also helps them to relax, as they don't feel that I have expectations from them. With soul-consciousness I aim only to see the good in others, not just virtues that are apparent but hidden ones as well. This will in turn help others to realise their own positive virtues and specialities. A deepening love and respect for other souls naturally develops as I recognise my spiritual kinship with them. There is the realisation that we are all part of one global family sharing one world, one home.
Meditation Practice
Meditation is being in the awareness of my natural qualities, so it is not a difficult thing. Neither is it something that I impose on myself. I can't force myself to meditate. In fact the more hard effort I put in, the less likely I am to experience anything. Too much hard concentration will give you a headache and instead of being refreshed and relaxed you will end up by feeling tense. The first step is simply relaxation. Many people would consider just being able to relax whenever they wanted to as quite an achievement in itself. Once we become relaxed, then the worries and stress of our everyday lives dissolve away and our minds are free to explore gentle themes. Whatever is in our minds, so is our experience. This is why we fill our thoughts with soul-consciousness; thinking about peace helps me to experience peace. The more relaxed I am the deeper that pleasant, restful feeling becomes, until I have reached a state of meditation, enjoying the quietness which is emerging from within. As I progress, meditation becomes much more than a relaxation technique. The object is not just relaxation, it is to become a peaceful person, to fill myself completely with peace. The experience of peace gained through simple relaxation is a mere drop compared to the ocean of peace which I can lose myself in through meditation.
Keep your thoughts or themes very simple in meditation, just two or three carefully chosen ones are enough. Gently repeat them, giving yourself plenty of time to explore the feelings behind them. For example, 'peace is just like sinking into a feather mattress', 'lightness is like floating on a cloud',
'love is a warm, golden glow inside my mind' As you become more and
more engrossed in such thoughts and experiences you will feel yourself gradually letting go of all worldly thoughts and tensions until you become light and free. Now you have become soul-conscious, aware of your true nature. It is this lightness of consciousness that I want to bring into my everyday life, so that whatever problems and obstacles come in front of me I deal with them easily and effectively. Like a flying bird, I will see even mountains as molehills.
Thoughts for Meditation
For the next few days just take up two or three simple themes or phrases such as; I am the peaceful soul', I am a being of light and love spreading these feelings to others and the world', or I am a subtle point of consciousness so different from the physical body'. Repeat these thoughts gently to yourself allowing them to sink deeper and deeper until your thoughts and your feelings match each other. When this happens the tension between what I think I should be doing and what I actually am doing disappears and the soul feels content and full. In addition practise seeing others as souls, seeing beyond the part, to the actor that is playing the part
Raja Yoga - Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
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