Atmak Shakti v Sareerak Shakti

Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’

Broadly translated the title means:
‘Spiritual life (prowess) v Physical life (prowess)’.

The degree of pain and pleasure is perceived according to one’s physical or spiritual strength. A person of feeble physical constitution will feel physical pain more readily and more acutely than one of robust build.

However, physical strength is irrelevant in the case of a person who is spiritually elevated. His spiritual intensity and strength overrides physical demeanour.

Men and women living on the higher spiritual plain are neutral to pain and pleasure and lead a spiritually elevated life, free of vengeance and grudge:

ਗ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨੰ ਸਮ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖੰ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਿਰਵੈਰਣਹ ॥ (SGGS 1357)

(Ga-yaana sam dukh sukhaN jugat nirmal nirvairneh.)

They can endure extreme conditions of pain and torture, and neither are they given to wild bouts of pleasure on achieving worldly goals or milestones. Their spiritual prowess shields them against worldly emotions of sufferings and pleasures. Their calm, sober disposition prevails in all situations and circumstances.

One’s faith in the Supreme Being, regardless of religious allegiance, if followed with humility and dedication, will without doubt assist in spiritual ascendancy and status. In the current times of political turbulence, ever-eroding values and ethics, fast technological innovations and superficial life styles render it extremely difficult to tread the spiritual path.

If you are among the blessed, cherish your spiritual and blissful journey.

RS ‘Arshi’ 7/2/17 edit 11.2.17