Peace and Equanimity are the strong foundations of the Yoga that include works and the world in its scheme of things. Even so, these two qualities are of greatest help as we move through the world and its ever-changing landscapes. First of all, it gives us the vantage point of looking at things as they truly are and not through the lens of our mental biases, emotional attachments and vital preferences. This part of the practice implies that we do not rush into judgment and the consequent reactions but learn to step back and master the initial reactions of gains and losses, the shock of failures and success, the tumult of joy and sorrow, the sensational responses to heat and cold. Of course, we have to do what we must in a given situation and circumstances, but the action must flow from a state of inner peace rather than of agitation, excitement and disturbances. It means stepping back when instantaneous reactions arise, to wait for the initial impulse to pass away, offer it to the Divine and finally act, if possible under the Divine Guidance or at least with the help of a calm reason.
The actual practice consists of taking a philosophical attitude towards things, facing them with courage and with complete faith in the Divine Will, surrendering oneself at the Feet of the Divine in acceptance of whatever may come as the result of our efforts. It means rising above praise and blame, but looking at things calmly and impersonally.
It does not mean ignoring the work or doing it carelessly. One should do the work well, as it is part of our worship and service to the Divine. But one should not be affected by the results. The work belongs to the Divine and so do the results.
It is in this state, when one is freed from preferences and desires, that one begins to perceive the Divine Will rightly and not as distorted by our wishes. There is a beautiful passage of the Mother below, which is excellent for practice.
‘Most of you live on the surface of your being, exposed to the touch of external influences. You live almost projected, as it were, outside your own body, and when you meet some unpleasant being similarly projected you get upset. The whole trouble arises out of your not being accustomed to stepping back. You must always step back into yourself—learn to go deep within—step back and you will be safe. Do not lend yourself to the superficial forces which move in the outside world. Even if you are in a hurry to do something, step back for a while and you will discover to your surprise how much sooner and with what greater success your work can be done. If someone is angry with you, do not be caught in his vibrations but simply step back and his anger, finding no support or response, will vanish. Always keep your peace, resist all temptation to lose it. Never decide anything without stepping back, never speak a word without stepping back, never throw yourself into action without stepping back. All that belongs to the ordinary world is impermanent and fugitive, so there is nothing in it worth getting upset about. What is lasting, eternal, immortal and infinite—that indeed is worth having, worth conquering, worth possessing. It is Divine Light, Divine Love, Divine Life—it is also Supreme Peace, Perfect Joy and All-Mastery upon earth with the Complete Manifestation as the crowning. When you get the sense of the relativity of things, then whatever happens you can step back and look; you can remain quiet and call on the Divine Force and wait for an answer. Then you will know exactly what to do. Remember, therefore, that you cannot receive the answer before you are very peaceful. Practice that inner peace, make at least a small beginning and go on in your practice until it becomes a habit with you.’
(Ref. https://incarnateword.in/cwm/03/stepping-back)
Affectionately,
Alok Da
