I am a practicing Sikh, mother of two young adults, and a MD based Montessori educator. Life’s Progress directed inner work has been a subject of perennial interest for me.

We all are living a fast paced life and often feel overwhelmed by life situations. Most of us feel trapped in a default living mode. In this journey, joy is elusive & peace brief. Our lives seem like a fractured landscape. We yearn for an optimal environment & right mindset but are caught in cycles.

For sure we have strayed from Truth & Home. We will experience a positive shift whenever we align with our inner truth. Here are some wisdom-insights to reflect on:

“ Truth is high, higher still is truthful living” (Guru Nanak)
“ No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path” (Buddha)
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32)

What is Truth? The experience & knowledge of self is Truth. It’s both universal and personal at the same time. It is the Life Essence of all that is. Truth is not a franchise any faith can claim to own. This knowledge of self (Atam gyan) has the power to set us free. With it also comes a realization that separation is an illusion . There is no other, no stranger here. That the Source (Mool) of all creation is one. IFC is a vital line and a sign of a vibrant society. It’s a conscious attempt of members to celebrate shared values & diversity through unity walk ,dialogues and helps debunk sectarian discourse.

Often we are so full of ourselves that we miss this one thread of life that animates everything. On a personal level, we can experience unity consciousness when we start making efforts to live in awareness. To start off, these moments may be brief but can be enriched by meditation, Kirtan, reflection, self-inquiry & deep listening. The words and presence of an enlightened master can also ignite this spark.

Guru Nanak explains the five realms on this path to becoming one with Saach ( Truth). The realm of moral duty on Earth, the realm of spiritual knowledge, the realm of spiritual efforts , the realm of Grace and finally the realm of Truth.

Know Thyself is an inner journey. An investment each one can make by allowing the Grace & transforming touch of the Truth in our Life. This truth does not judge and the love it offers is unconditional. It rejuvenates, renews, uplifts and transforms you. The Vedic seers say “The presence of God is everywhere. You have only to consciously embrace it with your attention”. The question is where is our attention? Are we present to this PRESENCE ? Are we available?

 
Harpreet Kaur
Sikh Gurudwara DC