nn 1,2

1.1.2 inspirational

Today I will speak on the relationship between worldly life and spiritual life. In the world, human beings are born, live out their existence, and pass into oblivion. It is a stage on which the drama of life is set. No worldly existence, by any creature, is without suffering or without some degree of happiness. In life, a human being will search and search for happiness and make every effort to avoid suffering. But this is not possible, to have only happiness and no suffering in this world. The physical body is incarnate, the very base of life in the physical world is impermanent. It will come, exist for a short time and then die. Impermanence is the overriding characteristic of worldly life.

So, when a human being begins to secure themselves in the world, searches for happiness which is lasting and family, friendship, career, or other endeavors, they will sooner or later be struck by misfortune and be defeated in their efforts to find permanent happiness. No worldly activity will provide a shelter that is lasting for a human being due to the impermanent nature of physical existence. In the world everything is in motion. Change is continually occurring. So while human beings and other living creatures give their all to securing situations in which they may be happy, and in which that happiness will be lasting, it is a fact that despite their labors, their efforts will ultimately end in failure. For this reason it is said that life in this world is filled with suffering. Even while great happiness is being achieved, the seeds of suffering are being sown. For that happiness based upon worldly success, and worldly achievement cannot last. Those you love will leave you and that which you have built will turn to dust. When death comes nothing you have achieved can be taken with you. You have come with nothing to this world and you will leave with nothing. So all that you have achieved is impermanent. You cannot take it with you. All that you treasure, you will lose. So life is an endless struggle for happiness and when that struggle is expressed in the world, it is bound to end in suffering. This physical life is impermanent and all that is built and based upon it is built in sand and will erode with the passage of time. So what is a human being to do to achieve happiness under such circumstances? How can lasting happiness be achieved, happiness that will not be lost, that does not hold within it the very seeds of suffering? What shelter is there for living beings that is permanent?

Living beings cannot achieve permanent happiness in worldly endeavors, it is a fact. The attachments that are formed to the joys and achievements of life, are the very source of future anguish. There is only one solution to this dilemma. A human being must find a shelter for themselves which is lasting, which is permanent, which will not erode with the passage of time and in that shelter, search for happiness, not in worldly achievements and transitory experience. The objective of human life, the goal of happiness, may be fulfilled only in that which is permanent. Now, what is permanent in this world? What is permanent in the life of a human being? The physical existence of a living being is transitory. The achievements and developments in the world are also transitory. It is only the spirit which is lasting. Body and mind come and go, but spirit is eternal.

Love cannot be measured or confined within the limits of time. It is eternal. If it is associated with objects within the physical world, those objects will pass, be they living or inert, but love itself never passes, never changes, for it is of the spirit, not of the mind or body. It is the shelter in which a human being may find eternal happiness. Yet when love is seen as a finite object and sought in physical objects, in power, in prestige, in family and friends and in wealth, these things are impermanent, the object which is loved and the source of love will pass. But a person who is very wise, will realize that the love itself is not impermanent, it is eternal. So, if shelter is taken in love rather than in the objects with which it is associated, then a permanent shelter will be found and permanent happiness may be achieved. For even in death, the love that one has acquired goes with you. It is an asset of the spirit. If you love, love with all your heart but know that in every object in which you find happiness, the real happiness is not in the object but in the love which you have, which has been inspired within you. The objects may come and go but love is a permanent gift if you will accept it. Do not think it begins and ends with any object. Only it is brought out by your experience and remains if you allow it to.

What is the real source of this love which is brought forth by your experience? It is not this object or that achievement. The real source is the infinite consciousness which is inherent in all existence. Love is the language of the infinite. Love is the calling of the Divine. So wherever you find love, in truth, you have found Divinity. But do not be deceived by the colorful masks which are worn. It is the Divine, the infinite self, which is calling to you in the language of love and the forms of this world. The true beloved is infinite, eternal, and everlasting, for that beloved is not impermanent. That beloved will accompany you even in death. The sands of time cannot touch the shores of His abode. In love you meet Him and you know Him in the silence of your own soul.

So human beings, look for your happiness in that which will not cause you suffering. See in impermanence that which is lasting, the dancer behind the dance. Know that which is hidden in every object you love and speak to the infinite in the language of love, then your happiness will be lasting.