Wherever the mind finds satisfaction -in that very place focus one’s attention. Then, the Supreme Bliss of one’s true nature will manifest itself.
Verse 74
People find happiness, pleasure, joy, in different things. Meditations do not have to be sitting meditations. One may find peace or joy going for a walk in the morning, watching a sunset, looking at some beautiful mountains, holding a small baby in one’s lap, laughing at anything. It is usually simple things that give us joy. Find out what works for you, what brings you happiness. It should not be something that hurts or harms any living being. Practice that activity. Then focus on the happiness you feel. The words “joy” and “happiness” can be used interchangeably in the last few verses. By remaining happy, and being aware of this joy, one’s true nature is revealed.
Tantra & Pleasure
A larger point needs to be understood about Tantra. Tantra is not against pleasures of the senses. Tantra is not against money, sex, singing, dancing, or any other sensual pleasures. Tantra believes life is to be enjoyed. If a person is not happy, then how can they give happiness to others? If a person has no money, then how can she give money to the needy or the poor? If a person has no joy, then how can she bring joy to others? Also, everything in life is a part of God – the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. Therefore, it asks us to accept everything. If you reject anything, you reject a part of God. Enjoy everything, but without attachment. Do not be addicted or attached to any pleasure. Do not let your happiness depend on external pleasures. Enjoy pleasures while they last. If they are no longer there, move on and remain happy. Tantra does not believe in repression or self-denial. Pleasures of the body are to be enjoyed and then transcended. Pleasures of the soul are much more enjoyable (there is infinitely more joy) than pleasures of the body. After enjoying the pleasures of the body, you can move on to the higher pleasures of the soul. Yet, if you try and repress pleasures of the body, the desire for these pleasures will resurface later and inhibit your progress towards enlightenment. Sex is a natural bodily instinct. It was never meant to be denied. If you repress it, it will again surface later. That is why religions keep having problems with their monks. Scandals regarding sex keep arising from time to time. Tantra would say, let people enjoy sex. When they have had enough, they will seek higher pleasures.
The Story of Buddha
There is a story in the life of Buddha that explains this. Buddha was born in a royal family. His father, the king, had been warned that his son would grow up to be a great spiritual master. His father tried everything to prevent this from happening. Buddha’s childhood was one of abundance. He got everything he desired. There was no shortage of the pleasures of the senses, whether it was wine, good food, or fine clothes. Yet Buddha was not satisfied. He knew this could not be all there is to life. There had to be something more. His spiritual quest then became stronger, and he searched for the higher meaning of life. Therefore, it is not necessary to deny the pleasures of the body. Once you experience them, you will realize that there is more to life than sensual pleasures. Then, your desire for spiritual progress will become stronger.
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