In a transcendent divine discourse, Hazir Swaroop Sai Sadhram Saheb illuminated the significance of grounding our minds, illustrating the point with a parable about a fakir who dexterously anchored his own.
Driven by an intense craving for jalebis, the fakir found himself standing before a sweet shop, only to discover that his pockets were devoid of the necessary coins. Undeterred by his financial constraint, the fakir, driven by the insatiable desire for the sugary delicacy, sought a means to earn money. Fate led him to the unsavory job of cleaning a drain—a task he reluctantly accepted.
As he delved into the unsanitary depths, the fakir’s clothes became soiled, and an unmistakable stench clung to him. Undeterred by the filth, he persevered, driven solely by the relentless pursuit of his jalebi dreams. After toiling away, he approached the sweet shop, exchanging the wages of his labor for a bundle of golden, syrupy jalebis.
Seated beside a tranquil river, the fakir, now in possession of his coveted treat, reflected upon the sequence of events that led him to this juncture. In a poignant gesture, he began tossing the jalebis into the flowing waters, one by one. Bewildered onlookers questioned the rationale behind discarding the fruits of his labor.
With a heavy heart and tearful eyes, the fakir confessed that the overpowering desire for jalebis had eclipsed his devotion to the Almighty. The pursuit of a fleeting indulgence had cost him the precious moments he would typically spend in silent communion with his beloved Lord. In casting away the jalebis, he symbolically shed the chains of unnecessary desire, recognizing the true value of his spiritual journey.
This parable serves as a poignant reminder that we must anchor our minds and resist being governed by fleeting desires. Human resilience allows us to steer our thoughts and control unnecessary cravings. The crucial question arises: how can we attain such mental mastery?
The answer lies in disciplined practice. Analogous to physical fitness routines, mental fitness requires consistent and punctual efforts. By cultivating awareness of our mental state, particularly through the practice of breath awareness, we can achieve the discipline necessary for mental fitness.
Just as we conscientiously attend to our physical health through regular exercise, we should dedicate time each day to focus on our breath—our life force. Breath awareness, practiced at least twice daily for 15 minutes, gradually becomes a meditation habit. This disciplined approach contributes to overall positive growth, sharpens the mind, and enhances clarity of thought, enabling us to comprehend life’s purpose and chart a course towards personal betterment.
In conclusion, let us not unwisely spend our fleeting time, slipping away like grains of sand through our fingers. Through disciplined mental fitness practices, we can elevate ourselves, embracing a life of true dignity and purpose.
