Don't trash goodness, give it a chance : Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati

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Monday, February 07, 2022. 06:00.

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Two types of personalities are predominant in us: the good or daivikam and the bad or asuram. The recognition and development of good qualities will lead one to moksha and freedom from bondage and pain Negative qualities on the other hand lead one into bondage, resulting in sorrow and dependency.The positive and the negative are present everywhere and in all time periods Even in the worst possible scenario, one could find something good. If a tragedy like an earthquake happens, it reveals how there are those who help total strangers even at personal risk.

We also come across those who take advantage by looting and robbing. Since both the good and bad tendencies exist in us. we are both potentially divine as well as devilish Environment, association and circumstances might exercise a major influence. For spiritual progress, satsang is a good option. This means not only the company of the wise but also the company of good people, good books, good literature, good food and good television programmes leave an impact. It is important, therefore, to avoid.what is negative and encourage the positive.

Even if one sees a little good quality in oneself or in others, encourage it! You might find something positive even in those you perceive as your enemies. So give goodness a chance. Negative forces attract similar tendencies that create a corresponding environment. The same is true for positive forces.  It is, therefore, a good idea to cultivate positive qualities. The good and bad don't have equal potential. Good has the power to face all negativities.  One strong good quality can fight against many negative ones.

Similarly, in society if strong and positive forces arise then automatically negative forces are negated. All interaction is merely a play of these qualities.  To overcome anger one has to enhance love.  This love is made pure when directed towards the Divine. Then anger dissolves. Once negative qualities are identified, they can be dealt with. They have the ability to take any form. Often anger appears as righteous and spiritual. Dedicating oneself to a good person brings out the goodness from within us. In the service of such persons we imbibe their qualities.

When one dedicates one's life to God, then Godly qualities emerge. These qualities are inherent and have to be invoked and literally pulled out of us. Goodness when dedicated to a higher cause gains tremendous power. Hanuman's dedication to Sri Rama was unshakeable. When people dedicate themselves to subtle causes like alleviating poverty, to ecology and the like they develop remarkable strength. Their goodness is used for the common good free of ulterior motives or intention of self-aggrandisement. Goodness that is dedicated to God helps in the seeker achieving.  God-realisation and takes him on the path to higher ideals.

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