I don’t know about you, but I have a mind that is addicted to complicating everything, including the spiritual life. But the longer I am on the spiritual path, the more I feel called to simplicity, especially a simple mind and heart. Saint Francis told us, “If something is complicated, God is not in it.” Francis knew that God is radically simple; God has no moods, interior conflicts, competing desires, confusion, or complications — only radically simple love, manifested in creation as truth, beauty, and goodness. In today’s Gospel from Mark 10:13-16, Jesus presents us with an archetypal image of simplicity:
“People were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.’ Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.”
If we are going to reach our highest potential, we must be as simple as children. One aspect of childlike simplicity is purity of heart, which means the capacity to will one ultimate purpose above all other purposes. For the person on the path of Kriya Yoga, the ultimate purpose is loving God above everything else. All of our choices are guided by our aspiration to be one with the divine will. This does not mean that we have to move into a monastery or embrace lifelong celibacy, but that all of our choices serve the highest evolution of ourselves and others. When I am confused about a decision I must make, I ask, Does this decision draw me closer to God? Does it serve my dharma (God ordained duties)? After I consider these questions, the path forward almost always becomes clear. The good news is that God’s will is always the best possible blessing we can ever imagine, whether or not it makes sense to us at the time. Reflect on these words from Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda:
“When you put God first, he will find amazing ways of helping you. He may not spare you suffering. How would you grow if he did? But you will find that his love and support will always be there for you. That is why Yogananda said, ‘Devotees of this path will always be protected.’”
Divine Mother,
Beloved Guruji
My true purpose
Is to love you
With the mind and heart
of a trusting child.
