At the individual level, the problem of the outward gaze
keeps us preoccupied with the problems of others, other beings or things. We
are always concerned with this person or that thing and set out to correct
them, all the time unaware of the manifold problems we are suffering from, both
physical and mental.
These are the symptoms of the deeper problem of not
understanding our true nature, which is spiritual. If we desire material or
spiritual success, if we desire peace, we need to turn our gaze inwards. This
inward gaze alone can protect us from suffering and trouble. Just like machines
that come with a self-repairing mechanism, we need to develop a self-analysing
and self-correcting mechanism.
If we need peace, we need to take a moment and analyse this
life of ours, its pace and its destination. Where are we headed to? What pace are
we travelling in? Such questions need to be asked constantly and at every
moment of our lives. The inward gaze has to be so penetrating that we should be
able to see through the facade of body and mind, into our very soul, the
indwelling Atman.
We need to be constantly on the alert and check on ourselves
for problems, passions, troubles, and wrong perceptions. We would then also be
able to better control our sense organs.
Source - Prabuddha Bharata Magazine Editorial June
2015