Changing Time, Unchanging Witness
If we go deeper into these moments of wonder, we realize that there is an aspect of us that is a witness to all the events of time. This witness inside us is unchanging, and it is from here that we observe all the change that time brings.
All the events in life that have passed have become a dream. Wisdom is becoming aware of this dream-like nature of life even as it is unfolding right now.
All the events in life that have passed have become a dream. Wisdom is becoming aware of this dream-like nature of life even as it is unfolding now. Knowing this brings tremendous strength from within and you do not get shaken by events and circumstances. At the same time, events have their own place in life. We need to learn from them and keep moving.
Among the major developments this year, the elections in India brought a significant shift in the social and political atmosphere. People actively united in voting against corruption and mis governance and after three decades, the country got a stable majority government. This change has also positioned India very strongly on the world stage. Our relationships with other countries are much better than they have been and the United Nations has recently declared an International Yoga Day at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call. The successful mission to Mars a few months ago also showcased India's merit in technology.
However, news and videos of barbaric mass killings by terror groups around the world have been a very disturbing development this year. Tehreek-e-Taliban, the same group that burnt the Art of Living Center in Islamabad earlier has now killed over 130 school children in Peshawar. IS has also wreaked havoc in several countries. Our volunteers have been engaged in relief work in Sinjar Mountains and Erbil in Iraq where the survivors of the genocide on the Yezidi community have been trapped. Despite many difficulties, our volunteers have been able to airdrop about 120 tons of food and rescue 200 girls from IS but a lot more needs to be done.
As you go inwards, the witness aspect grows in you and you remain untouched by events. And as you go outwards, the actor in you becomes more skillful in responding to situations.
Whatever the challenges, we need to keep making efforts to create a better world. This is possible when we are established within ourselves. In you, there is an actor and there is a witness. As you go inwards, the witness aspect grows in you and you remain untouched by events. And as you go outwards, the actor in you becomes more skillful in responding to situations.
These two entirely opposite aspects of our being are nurtured by meditation. When you come closer to the Self, your action becomes powerful in the world and right action in the world brings you closer to the Self.
As the new year approaches, let us resolve to be unshakable within and move towards a better world. Time changes people but there are people who change the time. May you be one of them. Happy New Year!
