Rest and Activity

Weekly Knowledge #170 Bangalore Ashram 10 Sep 1998 India

Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. When to have what and how much to have is wisdom. Finding them in each other-activity in rest and rest in activity-is the ultimate freedom. More tiring than the work itself is the memory of hard work. Thinking you have worked hard itself interferes with the quality of rest. Some people take pride in working hard without any results. And there are others who crave for long rest not knowing the rest is in non-doership. It is the quality of rest, even if it is short, that recuperates. When rest is needed, your body will automatically take it. Resting, without thinking about the need for it, is more restful. Desirelessness, Dispassion, and Samadhi are the deepest rest. Question : Our work is very stressful. We don't get enough time for the family. What do we do? Answer : Do you spend quality time with your family? Even if you spend half an hour are you cordial and fully attentive to the needs of your family? It is not the length of time you spend with your family matters. What matters is the quality of time that you spend with them. Thinking you need rest makes you restless. Thinking you have to work hard makes you tired. Thinking you have worked hard brings self pity.

NEWS FLASH ! The Polish advanced course bid farewell to Sri Sri with a candle dance. Bombay saw an unannounced satsang of over 500 devotees. Sri Sri arrived at the Ashram on a full moon day and launched the paddle boat on the lake much to the delight of all devotees. The Ashram is getting dressed up for the Navarathri celebrations.