23. Awareness Is The Best Penance

When we see a realized Master in saffron robes, we wonder if they will say anything practical.

A realized Master does not live the same lifestyle as the masses, but the Master is completely aware of all problems they face.

So the Master says, 'It is not necessary for people to do extensive periods of tapas (penance) in their search for enlightenment.'

Immediately our mind is swarmed with doubts and thoughts. How is it possible for a common man, practical people?

Analyze this. When a realized Master says, 'Go and do some extensive tapas for a long time," we shoot it down, "Master that is impractical!'

So, the realized Master says, 'Alright, don't practice extensive tapas.'

We ask, 'Can you explain it in a practical manner?'

Be clear! This understanding of can lead us to express enlightenment. Listening with the right attitude and deep acceptance of what was said can lead us to express our innate nature. Bliss, enlightenment is our true nature.

According to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, enlightenment is being in eternal bliss. Our bliss can never be disturbed by anything that is happening in the outer world. Our outer world can never enter the inner world when we are in an enlightened state. Living in this pure inner joy is enlightenment. Realize that our outer world is outer world. It has no place inside.

Our inner world is inside and it has no place outside. Whatever we do in the outer world is just housekeeping. It is like a dream in which we do housekeeping chores. Imagine all our chores in the outer world as a dream. What happens when we wake up? The chores, housekeeping, the world all disappear.

Again we will ask, 'Master, how is it possible?'

Be clear! When a realized Master says, 'Housekeeping is a dream,' we wonder what it means. The Master is actually saying something different, simple and profound.

The Master is saying, 'By all means, do your housekeeping chores in the outer world. Bring awareness into the housekeeping. Do it in such a way that you will not be perturbed by the many aspects of housekeeping. Just understand that all the housekeeping you do is nothing but a chore in the dream!'

Work on this idea. Use this idea with a clear understanding of what it means. Our entire life will seem like a housekeeping dream. This is a sure path to express our enlightenment.

This is a practical path without having to do extensive periods of tapas. Try it.