Are you sure you will be provided? Or is it that first Divine will arrange everything, then you don’t ask for anything? Here’s the question: I leave my desires after I am given Ashram residence, or does Mother take me as an Ashram resident after I leave my desires? How will I take?
The Gita speaks to sarvasankalpasannyasi and Yogakshemavahamyaham. These are not mere words or hollow promises. At least, such has been the experience of those who rely upon the Divine for everything, including myself, even while serving in the Defence Forces.ย
Of course, if one lives outside the Ashram, one does make the needed effort to go pick up the food necessities, but one does not concern oneself with how the money will come or who will provide me and what food is in my store for today. One eats what one gets, one sleeps on whatever bed is provided, neither shunning nor craving. That is what equanimity implies.ย ๐ฅ
Food and sleep are not desires until one wants a particular food, a particular bed and room, a particular dress. Preferences implies attachment. Craving implies desires that demand satisfactions. Fixed opinions imply egoism. These things do not go hand in hand with yoga.
The ideal condition is to be happy with what has been given to one, even if it be the riches of Kuber and to use it wisely. But equally to be happy even if there is a little mat to sleep upon and not covet anything. That is what the Ashram life provides, simple, healthy living that takes care of basic needs without catering to fancies and desires. One can live outside with the same attitude.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
