“The only way out is in,” is a concept many of us have pondered for quite some time. Through meditation, writing and other pursuits of self-development (Swadhyaya), we try to access and listen to our inner voices. How does this coordinate with the concept of SURRENDER?
The 3rd step of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous—a component of the Homa Therapy Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Program—states, “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand him.”
That this surrender-like concept is easier said than done is well understood by most. Looking at it as a two-part process may be enlightening,
First, there may be synonymous concepts here. If ‘the best that I can be’ is thought of as a goal in consonance with turning over or will and lives, clarity may ensue.
Most of us most of the time can distinguish between right and wrong behaviors. We have our moral compasses, and wisdom as contained in the Ten Commandments, for example, gives a map, and certainly Vedas—ancientmost knowledge on our planet and the source of Agnihotra and Fivefold Path—provides tools.
So there is no dearth of guideposts to direct us. Of course, the 5 steps of Fivefold Path constitute a healthy way of life.
So added to the ‘Believe what you experience’ dictum, leaving behind ‘ignorance is bliss,’ is likely. We know what to do and what not to do. Doing the
| right things is the way to go. The second part of the two-part process—once we are aware of the yamas and niyamas (doe’s and dont’s) is behaving as we know we should. Notwithstanding tapa (self-discipline) regular performance of Agnihotra gives mind and body a push in the direction of love—including self-love—so that doing the right thing gradually and eventually comes almost naturally. It seems subtle at first, but over months and years, the ‘pushes’ feel real and powerful. During the first year I did Agnihotra (1976) I vowed to stop using marijuana as well as becoming a 100% vegetarian. Agnihotra had ‘pushed’ me in positive directions.Several psychotherapy clients off mine have similar stories. The mind—our source of thinking, feeling and willing—is the key. It is the road to the heart. |