It was post Independence era, and I was in my teens. The revival of Indian traditional art and culture, and above all re-establishment of religious faith, customs and rituals was at an all time high. The then prevailing social environment had a great bearing on me; and at the completion of my teenage, I started living an ascetic life while still in saṃsāra i.e. so-called mundane life with family.
Influenced by the popular belief (which prevails even now) that renunciation is the ultimate goal of human life, I left home in the prime of my youth and went to the Himalayas. I left behind an affluent life, all relationships, worldly possessions, everything except one legacy. That legacy was the three letter word ‘why’. During my teenage years I used the word frequently. Sometimes I would get satisfactory answers from people around. But more often I would get rebukes and admonitions, and at times even thrashings.
By and by, I stopped posing questions to others and started analyzing and pondering over vexing issues myself. Soon answers started trickling in. I no more had any need for dependency. No need for hand-me-down philosophies or paths. I learnt how to live with ‘full awareness’. I even overcame my dependency on roti (food), kapda (clothing) and makan (dwelling). With ‘why’ as my constant companion, I finally found the answers to the existential questions that plague a thinking individual. And above all, I found abiding happiness, joy and peace.
In the process of my life’s journey, I learnt that through proper contemplation one’s dependency outside of oneself can be greatly reduced. The need to seek help from psychotherapists, psychiatrists, motivators, guides and gurus can be minimized. It’s important not to lose one’s ‘swamitva’ i.e. ownership or proprietorship of the ‘self’. It is only then that one can become master of one’s thoughts and actions, and understand the true meaning and purpose of life.
‘Swami-ism’ is open to deliberations with those who prefer not to lose or wish to regain their ‘swamitva’ by breaking the shackles of dependency. Do you too have a yearning to “Be a light unto yourself”? If yes, Swami-ism welcomes you with open arms.
Jai ho!