Page 18 - NAMAH-Jul-2024
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Namah Vol. 32, Issue 2, 15th July 2024
unaware of the dream burning brightly cruelty,” the divine Force moulding us like
within the change-maker’s heart. While unwilling clay. Change-makers, those who
the change-maker may not have all the take on the burden of shaping society, often
answers, a deep intuition guides him, do so amidst resistance and cries of pain.
leading him forward even in the face of Yet, their actions stem from a deep love,
isolation and potential conflict. a recognition, that clinging to outdated
structures leads to suffering.
Think of Socrates, poisoned for his ideas,
or Christ, crucified for his message. Their We may find ourselves on either side of this
stories exemplify the inevitable breaking down process. Our own habits can be broken by
of old forms to pave the way for the new. the evolutionary force, a force that exposes
Progress often requires the courage to stand and transforms every hidden corner within
up and break what has become fossilised, both us. This can be excruciating, especially for
within ourselves and in the world around the ego. Just when the ego feels it is making
us. It’s a daunting task, but the ‘glory of progress’ progress, basking in its perceived spiritual
awaits those who embrace the fire within and advancement, the ‘dark stuff’ hidden beneath
navigate the challenges that come with it. the surface gets pulled out. This temporary
regression can be disheartening, but it’s the
Embracing the crucible: a dance of ego clinging to a self-image that feels the pain.
transformation
This is where detachment becomes crucial.
We are part of an intricate play, with both
an internal and external stage. Within, our
emotions play out as dramas; outside, the
world presents its own grand theatrics. Our
desires often cling to outdated patterns.
Once we connect with the Agni within, the
fire of progress, and the Veda within, the
secret knowledge of our being, then pain
becomes more manageable. The pain itself
Progress requires a willingness to break, to doesn’t disappear, but we gain a vantage
endure the pain that comes with stepping point. We see the peak we’re climbing, the
out of the familiar. However, this isn’t about direction of the fire within, and with a sense
self-torture. It’s about having a clear vision — of surrender, we embrace the challenges.
the peak we want to climb. This vision fuels When we perceive ourselves as part of the all-
our strength, perseverance, and conviction, pervading, animating force, then challenges
allowing us to navigate criticism, accusations, become opportunities for growth.
and even the suffering of those caught in the
wake of change. Freedom through surrender
Sri Aurobindo describes this as “heavenly True freedom lies in letting go of the moulds
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