Simple Living High Thinking
The word for simplicity in the Hindi language is saralata or sarala. This is a quality that develops as one progresses on the spiritual path. Being simple in body, mind and words means:
Being simple in actions related to the body
Having simple thoughts e.g. not having manipulative thoughts or a cheating mentality
Keeping speech pure and simple
Sri Gurudev, Sri Sri Pran Krsna Das Babaji Maharaj says “developing saralata is our bhajan. That should be our devotional practice”.
How do we understand this better? Actions related to the body means how to take care of oneself in order to keep a well maintained environment for the soul to thrive in. This can be achieved by quick simple sattvic meals, a daily exercise or physical routine, and by spending more time chanting and engaging in devotional practices. Overall this calls for simplifying our entire daily lifestyle.
The mind and body play off of each other and therefore the mind gets less and less agitated the more simple and sattvic our lifestyle becomes. As we purify our body and thoughts we start to let go of manipulative tendencies or trying to gain benefits from other living entities. On the other hand, we remember to give respect to all living beings and act on behalf of the betterment of the entire world and mother nature.
Our words tend to follow our mind. Once our mind is purified, the words that come out of the mouth will be only that which is pleasing to the soul, ours and other too. Not words that hurt and not words that serve no purpose for the progression of the soul to the lotus feet of the Lord. These three, body, mind, and our words make up a significant part of who we are. When they are purified we can serve our Gurudev and the Lord with full vigor and enthusiasm.
Sri Gurudev mentions singing the bhajan Yadi Gaura na Hoito, Tabe ki Hoito by Sri Narahari Das, which says If Lord Guaranga had not appeared then what would have become of us? Who in this world would have come to know Srimati Radharani’s greatness and the highest form of Her love? He goes on to ask how would we have known the Holy names, Vrindavan, Radhakund and Shyamkund? These were given to us by Lord Gauranga. Next it says “Gao punah punah, Gaurangera guna, Sarala hoiya mana“ Meaning, only if we glorify and sing the names of Lord Gauranga again and again, will our heart become sarala. That is a method given to us. If we just take shelter of Lord Gauranga’s lotus feet and sing His glories, we will be able to start living simply, and take our body, mind, and words to a higher level. Then one can become a recipient of Their loving grace.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare