Life is a journey punctuated by beginnings and endings. From the moment of birth to the final breath, change is the only constant. No one escapes death, and yet, paradoxically, we spend much of our lives dwelling on what has passed or worrying about what may come. Hindu wisdom teaches that the only reality in which we truly participate is the present moment. By embracing the truth of now and aligning our actions with dharma—right conduct—we find freedom from fear, clarity of purpose, and the deepest fulfillment.
The Truth of Now
In the sacred dialogue of the Ashtavakra Gita, sage Ashtavakra declares:
“Mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation. Free the mind, and you are free for ever.”
This teaching points to the immediacy of experience. The past exists only in memory; the future only in imagination. True liberation arises when we realize that nothing but this ever-flowing present is real. To live in the truth of now is to rest in pure awareness, unencumbered by regrets or anxieties.
Dharma as the Foundation
Central to Hindu thought is the concept of dharma—duty, virtue, and the natural order. Dharma is not a rigid code but a guiding principle that adapts to our roles, circumstances, and inner calling. When one’s actions flow from dharma, they arise spontaneously from wisdom rather than ego. As Adi Shankaracharya affirms:
“Brahma satyam, jagat mithya, jivo brahmaiva naparah.”
(“Brahman is the only reality; the world is unreal; the individual soul is none other than Brahman.”)
By acting in harmony with the cosmic law, the boundaries between self and world dissolve. Dharma becomes the living expression of the eternal now.
Importance of Embracing the Present
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Freedom from Fear
Awareness of mortality can stir fear, yet recognizing our impermanence also brings liberation. When we accept that life may end at any moment, every breath becomes precious. This acceptance dissolves the false security of permanence and opens the heart to love and compassion. -
Clarity of Purpose
The mind, when untethered from past regrets and future anxieties, gains serene focus. Decisions arise from insight rather than compulsion, and one naturally chooses paths aligned with inner truth. -
Inner Peace
Meditation masters in the Yoga Vasishta describe a state beyond thought where bliss abides:“When the mind rests in itself, undisturbed by desire, there is an ocean of peace.”
Such peace does not depend on circumstances but on the simple act of being fully present.
Relevance in the Modern World
In an age of incessant information, multitasking, and relentless pursuit of goals, the teaching of the eternal present is more vital than ever. Millions grapple with stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection. Mindfulness practices, derived in part from Hindu meditation techniques, have gained popularity in corporate boardrooms and clinics alike. Yet mindfulness without the ethical grounding of dharma can become an empty exercise. True transformation occurs when presence is coupled with right action—speaking truth, serving others, and honoring the sanctity of life.
Other Known and Unknown Facets
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Akshara: The Imperishable Reality
Hindu philosophy speaks of Akshara, the unchanging substratum behind all change. While the world appears in constant flux, Akshara remains untouched. Recognizing Akshara within oneself is to abide in the eternal now. -
Lessons from the Forest Sage
In the Yoga Vasishta, sage Vasishta guides Prince Rama through a series of tales illustrating the illusory nature of time and form. One story tells of a magical kingdom that rises and falls in a breath, reminding us how fleeting our attachments are. -
Unknown Dimensions of Karma
Karma is often misunderstood as a cosmic ledger of rewards and punishments. In its deeper sense, karma refers to the ripening of intentions. A present moment lived in dharma plants seeds of harmony that bloom when conditions align.
Quotes to Illuminate the Path
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From Ashtavakra Gita:
“You are the witness of all things, the knower of all things. You have no form of your own, no name. Awareness is your nature.”
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From Yoga Vasishta:
“Desire alone binds the soul. Release desire, and you are free in every moment.”
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From Adi Shankaracharya:
“Just as the sun illumines the world, the self illumines all that happens.”
These words invite us to shift perspective from a story bound by time to the ever-present flow of pure consciousness.
Practical Steps to Live the Truth of Now
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Daily Meditation
Even ten minutes of silent sitting cultivates awareness. Watch the breath as it arises and passes. When thoughts drift, gently return to the breath. -
Selfless Service (Seva)
Engage in acts of kindness without expectation of reward. Service dissolves the ego and anchors us in the present act. -
Reflect on Impermanence
Smile at the reminder of death as an invitation rather than a threat. Let impermanence inspire gratitude for each precious moment. -
Align Actions with Dharma
Before speaking or acting, ask: “Does this uphold truth, compassion, and harmony?” Let this inquiry guide daily choices.
The only truth is now. Every moment contains the entire universe, waiting to be recognized in its fullness. By living according to dharma, we honor the sacredness of each breath and each action. The teachings of Ashtavakra Gita, Yoga Vasishta, and the insights of Adi Shankaracharya remind us that freedom is not found in some distant realm but in the very pulse of existence. Embrace the eternal present, walk the path of dharma, and discover the boundless joy that arises when life is lived as the truth unfolding, moment by moment.