It is hard to define purity, but we know it when we see it. When I first met our dear Swami Nirvanananda, I knew that I was in the presence of purity. His eyes were clear; his smile, genuine; his presence, warm; his words, sincere; and his soul, translucent. As I have gotten to know him over the years, I have gained even more respect for the depth of his purity. Though Swami Nirvanananda is wise, grounded, and very principled, he is simultaneously unassuming, simple, and very childlike. He laughs and plays often. What does this mean for you and me? We can’t achieve a state of purity though our own willpower. Purity, which is an attribute of the soul, arises only when we no longer depend on our own cunning, control, or manipulation to feel safe. It is the natural fruit of trusting God’s goodness, love, and protection. Communion with God liberates us to be who we actually are. Every time we pray or meditate, layers of psychological defenses fall away, and our innate purity effortlessly shines forth as simple, unadorned light.
Divine Mother,
You see my inner purity.
Help me to
see and enjoy it too.
This week’s reflections come from Isha Das’ book Living Grace: A Companion For Meditation And Contemplation.
