There are those who associate a spiritual path with suffering, deprivations, and living in a cave. Surely there have been saints both East and the West who have followed in such style. However, Lahiri Mahasaya, Master and Mother demonstrated that living in a cave is not the only way to realization.
Surely being driven by greed, with money as your god, does not lead to realization. And living in poverty does not necessarily promote saintliness, but rather leaves a hunger and need unsatisfied. As the Buddha taught there is a golden middle path.
A person’s circumstances will help determine what that middle path looks like. Generally, as householders, we require a house to live in. If you are employed in this world you need the instruments that allow you that life: a car, phone, the right cloths, a computer, and so on. If your work in the world is such that you need to entertain, you may have a larger home for that purpose. In other words; your needs determine what possessions you have.
However, in this world material belongings make demands upon us in thought, energy, money, and maintenance. Even something kept in a closet requires something from you. Proof of this is when you let go of a possession that has secretly lived in a closet for years you feel relief and freedom when it is gone.
It is important that your needs and your possessions are in the right proportion to your life. Master used to say, “Simple living and high thinking.” Simple living and high thinking means your possessions are right sized to your needs and your thoughts are upon God and being of service to this world. When you have mastered this balance you will feel harmony with your surroundings and you will know a sense of freedom that no material wealth can ever give you.
Sri Yukteswarji emphasized being methodical, well organized which needs to be a part of any plan for simple living. I am still learning this lesson; however I definitely see the wisdom in mastering it. For instance, when travelling it is best to limit yourself to the basics; oftentimes I over-pack and I then pay the price for it. Planning ahead, having a calm mind, and being methodical certainly pays off when packing for a trip, and for travelling in life.
At times I would love to live in the simplicity of a cave, however my life demands more than that. The golden middle path is elusive, but I work to find that balance and stay on it!
I invite you to be on the journey with me. Perhaps you have travelled ahead of me in this area of being organized and streamlined. When I see examples of those of you who have this quality, I take note and seek to learn more. When I enquire how this is done, what I hear is there is ruthlessness in getting rid of things no longer needed. I am determined to be as simple as my needs in life allow.
Let simple living and high thinking be our mantra for finding the golden middle path. Like the musician who, unknowingly was the teacher of the Buddha when told his student, “Do not over-tighten the stringed instrument or it will break, and do not allow it to be too loose or it will not make the proper sound.” Continuously work to find the right balance in your life and then feel the freedom promised in the golden middle path of simple living and high thinking.