It’s all about right life. I’ve been listening to Bennett’s book, Long Pilgrimage, which introduces the Shivapuri Baba and his teaching. Bennett was able to meet with this extraordinary sage who, at a hundred and thirty-six years old, had a clear message. “Think only of God and strive to live a right life.”
In Fourth Way terms — the way of the man in the world.
The Three Disciplines
Right life is attained through the three disciplines—spiritual, moral, and physical. The trick is to organize one’s life with no omission or commission towards one’s duty. Our duty is to be good householders. Obey the law of the land, care for family, and perform one’s profession honorably. Give our body what it needs, no more, no less; train our mind on God alone, and grow our spiritual nature through practice.
According to the Shivapuri Baba, anyone who practices the three disciplines and lives right life, can come to God in this lifetime. I know in my soul this is true. How do I begin?
The Shivapuri Baba suggests discernment is the answer. By listening to what is possible, I can tip-toe my way in. Am I eating desert because the meal calls for a sweet or out of habit? Can I put the tool away once I’ve completed the task? Consistently followed, these little disciplines lead to right life. No omission, no commission. No wasted resources or energy.
The purpose of right life is to create the space and energy to spend more time contemplating and meditating on God, or whatever we call that which is beyond our understanding. A challenge and a hard one for me. I like to watch television and zone-out in the evening. If living right life opens my day, puts me in a balanced and calm state, what is the best use of that energy?
Discernment leads me to believe that time in the evening with my husband is a good thing. Putting aside the work of the day and relaxing is a good thing.
Discernment in Life
The point is, there are ways to incorporate right life in ways that work for me and my situation. I believe right life is as much a feeling that I am where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there as it is a set schedule.
For example, my aim is to spend time in the evening to relax and be with my husband. Am I fulfilling that need by watching television? If so, then fine. If not, I am not where I should be.
As in anything I dig into, the deeper I work, the more nuanced my work becomes. Following an external practice has led me to an inner sense of direction. As I learn to follow that voice, I am guided in the path of right life.
As long as Jack has full control of the remote, I would say that is a good step on the path to true wisdom. 😂
True Wisdom comes from within.