Nisargadatta Maharaj: On Time, Space, Happiness ~ Katie Davis Blog

Nisargadatta Maharaj:

Once you accept time and space as real, you consider yourself minute and short-lived. But are they real? Do they depend on you, or you on them? As body, you are in space. As mind, you are in time. But are you mere body with a mind in it? Have you ever investigated?

Question:

I had neither the motive nor the method.

Nisargadatta Maharaj:

I am suggesting both. But the actual work of insight and detachment (viveka - vairagya) is yours.

Question:

The only motive I can perceive is my own causeless and timeless happiness. And what is the method?

Nisargadatta Maharahj:

Happiness is incidental. The true and effective motive is love. You see people suffer and you seek the best way of helping them. The answer is obvious - first put yourself beyond the need of help. Be sure your attitude is of pure goodwill, free of expectation of any kind. Those who seek mere happiness may end up in sublime indifference, while love will never rest.

As to method, there is only one - you must come to know yourself - both what you appear to be and what you are. Clarity and charity go together - each needs and strengthens the other.


Katie Davis Website: www.katiedavis.org