Page 41 - NAMAH-Jan-2018
P. 41

Namah                                    Your atmosphere is contagious





        be no attraction between dissimilar states.  we can observe what is happening inside. An
        Like only attracts like, so the different levels  automatic unease develops to any negativity
        of consciousness will repel one another in an  that tickles us from around. Ultimately, if we
        almost unnoticed fashion. However, when  are able to seal ourselves and open only to the
        they are pushed together, much anguish and  divine influence, our atmosphere will surely
        friction can result.                     remain radiant and intact.  But a beginning
                                                 has to be made and it is better to be cautious
        We all sit at the receiving-end of these  and maintain one’s balance.
        widespread  contagions and everything
        depends upon the affinity that is stored within.  Practice always starts from inside. We need
        The affinity always determines the response.  to align our consciousness very firmly within.
        It is not a superficial phenomenon but an  Practice implies effort, particularly in the early
        inner reality, a factor of the level and content  stages. We need to cling to Truth. This Truth
        of our consciousness. Everything depends  is our psychic being, our evolving soul, which
        upon this. One has to be very connected and  is the determinant of all meaningful change.
        conscious to remain separate and distinct  The inner connection is what counts. As we
        from any surrounding vibrations. But it is  observe our inner movements repeatedly, we
        possible though, as Sri Aurobindo extolled  become more confident and adept in making
        the virtue of being able to meditate on the  the right responses to what comes from
        battlefield. It will only come through an  around. It is the capacity of our consciousness
        assiduous inner orientation and yoga.    which will always prove decisive. It needs to
                                                 be kept untainted and nurtured by constantly
        Imagine yourself surrounded by a cocoon of  referring it to our psychic centre.
        white Light so that nothing harmful can enter!
        The Mother offers this in Agenda(1) and faith  Whatever is happening around us, it is always
        makes it real. It just has to be embraced. We  possible to create a positive atmosphere.
        must learn to wrap a filter around ourselves,  Conducive surroundings will certainly help
        an instantaneous means of discernment  but if one can manage this when everything
        which can envelop us twenty-four hours  around is soiled or blazing, then one marks
        a day.  The true safeguard is our psychic  oneself down as a true warrior:
        connection. Initially, as we walk this path,
        we need to be wary of contagion, because  “A spiritual atmosphere is more important than
        quite venomous ones may be clothed in a  outer conditions; if one can get that and also create
        glittering or appealing disguise.        one’s own spiritual air to breathe in and live in it,
                                                 that is the true condition of progress (2).”
        Vigilance and attention is very necessary
        because certain atmospheres we encounter  It is the orientation of our consciousness
        can be insidious in a very subtle yet harmful  which determines this air that we breathe and
        way. We must not be deceived. Everything  “precisely by inner discipline; you can control
        comes through practice, not so much formal  your thoughts, turning them exclusively
        sittings, but rather being in a state of everlasting  towards the sadhana, controlling your actions,
        beingness. When we are present within ourselves  turning them exclusively towards the sadhana,


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