It is said that without operating within the framework of the nature, and the ecosystem around us, there’s no way we can even taste real peace or happiness

Let’s break that down.

The problem begins with our inability to even comprehend that there is a framework. This is primarily because we are imperfect in our comprehension range. Add to this, the innumerable sayings and motivational quotes of the so-called leaders and influencers, who claim things like “The sky is the limit” or “You’re your own boss” et all. These kind of faulty influences and thought-processes put us in a difficult position. How, you ask? One, we begin to hallucinate about being infinite like the sky or possess infinite ability to bear the brunt of life. When our physical existence on this planet is finite, how can our abilities be infinite? Second, we fail to connect with people because of our unwillingness to learn from others and the consequent feeling of “I know it all”

Like Chanakya says, we don’t live that long so as to make all the mistakes ourselves and learn from it on our own. So, what do we do?

The first secret to becoming really free is to connect with people who know what REAL freedom is and who are truly free themselves. This is emphasized even is scriptures as “the power of association.” For ease of understanding, let’s call this association role plays as “associator” and “associatee.” The onus of finding the right associator is on the associatee. The next secret, which most people usually stumble over, and never realize, is that in the process of associating and accepting mentoring or guidance from the associator, the associatee must follow the rules of association, without which the complete benefit of such association is never realized. What’s this second secret? It is the law of individual space and free will. This means two things again. One, we can’t invade the personal space, which I call as the sacred space, of the associator. Second, we need to respect the associator’s decision on the extent of their offer of association.

Most associations do not work or are diluted because of lack of respect for these fundamentals. In following these rules of association lies the secret of real freedom.

But, why bother about these so called rules or freedom or whatever?

Any sane human being who is looking to find his true purpose and the real role on this planet, will necessarily come to a point when he will reflect in the mirror of his own thoughts, both the fundamentals and dynamics of his relationship with the Supreme. With God.

And anyone who’s looking at exploring this divine relationship and building on it , MUST understand the ABCs of this exercise:

Rules, Freedom, Association and Relationship.

Do you really want to understand how to get to this point of true sanity? Start with chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra with rapt attention. For more insights on how to do this, follow the Soulful Japa series on YouTube