Understanding: 365 D23
Yatamana is the first part or stage of the lower level of non-attachment. The word itself, “Yatamana” is derived from Saḿskrta root verb “yata” + suffix “shánac” and it means “one who is endeavoring”.
One who is endeavoring, exerting, trying, attempting to do…. That sounds pretty amazing so far but according to Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, an Indian Guru, philosopher, author, social revolutionary, poet, composer, linguist and the founder of Ananda Marga (Path of Bliss) in 1955, practicing yatamama is not only mental but also physical and spiritual. He also said that “any action that does not lead to to over-all well-being, should not be categorized as Yatamana. I love that over-all well-being. I love this because we should always try to shoot for our over-all well-being, although this is very difficult, it is what we should aim for! He also mentioned that “A spiritual practitioner is moving towards the cherished goal in life, but, his journey is not peaceful always, rather it is a constant struggle against odds and immoralities. That’s why a sadhaka (spiritual practitioner) must be careful enough. Anandamurti compared the first stage of spiritual development with “moving a boat upstream” and told— “When it moves upstream, this amounts to nothing more than straining the muscles. It does not yield any benefit in the long run.”
So when I read his words I get that we are moving toward a cherished goal, non-attachment, it’s not going to be easy, there will be struggles and that we need to be extra cautious in this path, not to over exert ourselves with things we could easily avoid.
Another way to look at this is a process of self reflection and study, paying attention to our thoughts, our speech and our action. Are we living the most meaningful life possible, how can we improve? Is it possible to have a totally different outlook on our lives and the world around us. If we could all gain the most meaningful life possible, wouldn’t the world be a better place. Wouldn’t our lives be happier?
Our thoughts affect us, but also everyone that comes into contact with us. Our thoughts affect our speech and actions. How we talk and treat others. I really believe this should become a movement, a chance for all to focus on being a better human. A chance for us all to be better and make this world happier! Will it ever happen? I do not know but I know that the power of one is a wonderful thing. Each day we choice, let’s make the world and the people around us better! You’ve heard this before but it really does start with you!
Feature image is from https://melaniepoulina-art.com/paintings/look-within/
