Maturity & Knowledge

Becoming a mature human being

Up to now we have examined what is a proper attitude towards the result of an action. Now with reference to action itself, I must understand that I am the author of my actions. I have been given a free will and a capacity to act, and that is also part of the order of Isvara. Therefore, when a situation comes to me, I do what needs to be done. If there is anything I can do to change the situation that has presented itself to me, I exercise my free will to change it. The more I see the order that pervades everything, the less agitated I am. When I am tranquil, I am in a better position to decide objectively what is to be done by me.

But how to decide what is the appropriate action in a given situation? Do I go solely by my likes and dislikes? The answer is no because my free will is accompanied by my understanding of universal values and ethical norms, called dharma in Sanskrit. Values are universal because they are sensed by everybody at all time and places. For example, everybody knows that I don't want to be killed or cheated or robbed. And like me, nobody else wants to be killed or cheated. Because what applies to me also applies to everyone else, values are said to be universal. The universal ethical order of dharma is also not separate from Isvara ⁸³.

The value of following these values is neither understood nor assimilated. One does not understand that going repeatedly against dharma will create conflict in oneself which will result in sense of guilt. This feeling of guilt is due to the gap between the ethical order that one senses naturally and what one does. A repeated going against universal values will surely create a split in one's mind. At a purely psychological level, any person who has a split cannot enjoy any tranquility.

When I understand this clearly, I naturally choose to conform to the universal ethical order. I begin to appreciate that dharma is not separate from Isvara. With this understanding, I do what needs to be done in a given situation without being overwhelmed by my personal desires and aversions ⁸⁴. I deliberately choose to act according to ethical order that is Isvara and try not to hurt, cheat or abuse any being.

In the process, I discover that I become relatively free from conflicts and sense of guilt. What needed a strong will on my part in the beginning becomes more and more spontaneous. I am in touch with dharma and thereby in harmony with Isvara. All my actions become yoga, a way for me to become more mature person ⁸⁵. By this attitude of yoga, my personal desires and aversions are neutralized. I become less agitated and gain certain composure. It is this type of person that can appreciate easily and clearly the teaching of non duality.






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