By Bhanumathi Narasimhan
There are 3 aspects of beauty - Aishwarya, Madhurya and Saundarya
Aishwarya is Lakshmi or wealth and lordship. (see knowledge sheet on aishwarya and madhurya) . One may seem to have lordship through fear or power due to position but they are not pleasant. Lordship that comes out of love and respect has a different dimension to it. It is a true wealth in the relationship.
Madhuryais sweetness – Sweetness in thought, word and action. It is our nature to be 'madhur' and in a pleasant state of mind. When we are stress-free and centered that sweetness comes to you. When we are pleasant, we create the same atmosphere around us. Others also feel relaxed, comfortable and 'at home' in our company even if they had come with a disturbed mind. This refinement of consciousness has the capacity to enhance one's life and beauty.
That is why so much culture is attached to religion. Otherwise it is very dry. The grandeur of churches for example takes you to a space of wonderment. The intricate beauty of temples also does the same. Its beauty creates sweetness in the mind and any word or action that comes from such a state is also of a pleasing and joyous nature.
Saundarya is the beauty that comes from inner strength. Some people may not be very beautiful but they are very attractive. They have a certain inner strength in them that makes them truly attractive. That is Saundarya. How does one bring out this inner strength? That is through meditation and spirituality. The blossoming of our true self and potential happens effortlessly through spirituality.
The mind is attracted to that which is beautiful. The mind likes to follow. But the goal is towards the self, the source of divinity within us. When we move towards this source, we cannot return empty handed. The Self is the true leader. The Self has complete lordship (aishwarya), is full of sweetness (madhurya) and is the source of all inner beauty and strength (Saundarya). So when we go towards the Self – the guru puts us on the path – we can become true leaders.
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