Ways to oneness

There may be hundreds of ways to uplift and heal one’s self. But by and large, all of them fall into four distinct categories.

There may be hundreds of ways to uplift and heal one’s self. But by and large, all of them fall into four distinct categories. These four categories, as enunciated by inspirational writer Vasant Joshi, are: Karuna (extend yourself), Maitri (friendliness), Mudita (cheerfulness with gratitude), and Upeksha (non-expecting involvement).

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In his book, If it could happen to the Buddha, Why not You? Joshi gives the ways on how it can happen. The first step is to “celebrate in giving” and not giving to celebrate. Giving and sharing yourself joyfully is the mantra that increases the beauty and the strength of your inner self.

Not only with human beings and other living things, one has to develop a keen sense of care and protection towards inanimate objects too. One has to develop to an extent that one sees others’ joys and sorrows as a part of one’s own. Oneness is the target to be achieved.

Friendliness and not friendship is the next step. In friendship, you are deeply involved; but in friendliness, you are equipped with the key to detachment. In friendliness, you see all through the same lense. And people belonging to various religions fall into a common and greater religion: the religion of humanity. Joshi calls it “active passion,” and I call it “detached attachment.”

All this requires cheerfulness and a joyous attitude. Being cheerful enables one to lead a positive and quality life. Only such a person can go towards the path of oneness, and have a sense of gratitude.

And, lastly, it has to be hard work without any obsessive passion for results. As they say, do your work sincerely and well, and leave the rest to Him. Because, expectations, at times, land you in tragic endings. So, give your all with no rewards in mind.

Hard work itself is a great reward as it gives your mind peace, and your body good health. Only those work hard who are mentally and bodily fully satisfied.