We have forgotten that we are dependent upon—whether we know it or not—so many other entities, advanced masters, higher yogis and prophets. In the face of this truth, human beings should be humble. Humility is not weakness; it is a sign of bravery. The one who forgives is greater than the one who asserts. Two thousand five hundred years ago when Gautama, the future Buddha, was a small boy, he had a cousin whose name was Devadatta. As was the custom, both princes had to learn hunting, chivalry, horse riding, chariot-driving, and so on. One day, within the palace courtyard, Devadatta was hunting a bird and the injured bird fell into another courtyard near Gautama. Gautama felt tender compassion for the bird. He took the arrow out to save it. In the meantime Devadatta came running to claim the bird because he had shot it. Both fought over it. Devadatta said, “I hunted the bird, it is mine.” And the future Buddha said, “I’ve saved it, it is mine.” They could not decide so they went to their royal priest. He heard their stories and gave the bird to Gautama. By law Devadatta was the claimant; by compassion the bird belonged to Gautama.
      The universe is much bigger than you and me. We depend so much upon the sun, the moon, planets, galaxies, higher dimensions, angels and so on. We should learn to forgive, to be kind, to let go and be in peace. This is following the dharma. Dharma is spiritual law, righteousness and right conduct, which also includes forgiveness, mercy, tenderness, gentleness, charity and kindness. Then you will have peace. Once you have peace you are fit for Enlightenment. Enlightenment is not an effort to grab or demand; it is an imperceptible growth of Consciousness within you. When your mind is peaceful, you establish dharma within you and in your surroundings.
      You may falter on the way. You may slip. You may miss the road but come back on the path again and do it right. In the Ramayana it is written, “If you have not achieved what you are putting efforts for, do it again.” There are falls, pitfalls, distractions, weaknesses and failures, no doubt. Keep on the path. This is the way of dharma and it will protect you. Learn to let go and forgive. If you calculate too much the pros and cons of others’ actions or dealings, you will never arrive at a conclusion. It is never ending. At some point you have to let go.

      Humanity is growing in consciousness and as consciousness grows we will see our darkness more and more. Naturally, when we are blind we do not see our darkness. But when we become more conscious, we observe our darkness coming up, cleansing and clearing. To be able to see our own darkness is an indication of the coming of Light; as they say, the darkest hour is before the dawn. Dharma is a balance of both male and female energies. Therefore female energies are increasing in humanity. Though on one side it seems very dark, on the other side Divine Mother’s energy, Shakti, is emerging and will balance it out. We have to regulate this Shakti according to dharma; otherwise it can be self-destroying.
      The heart is soft, tender and gentle. The head can be stiff, assertive or aggressive. Mix feelings with intellect and your mind will relax. There is a meditation path that joins the head and heart together in such a way that you think with the heart and feel with the head. We need this synthesis, which creates cooperation, give and take. Assertiveness is competition, war, fighting; this is against dharma. Peace is dharma. For understanding’s sake you divide and analyze and compare, but ultimately you need synthesis to see the whole. That is achievement and fulfillment. The deeper meaning of dharma is not rigidity or regimentation. Dharma sustains us.
      To be human is to be forgiving. We have to learn to be tender, to be kind, to be humble. If someone does not listen to you, that is his problem. Carry on. Balance thoughts and feelings. Balance possessiveness with charity. Balance truth with forgiveness. Even if you are right, learn to be compassionate to the wrongs of others. If you judge, you assume yourself to be holier than thou, which is a sin. No one is holier than anyone else. Sinners of yesterday could be saints today. Saints of today could be sinners tomorrow. So I pray that at least some of us reach Enlightenment. It is not too difficult if you follow the dharma. Learn to be forgiving of others, to be humble, egoless, harmless and compassionate. Pray to the Mother to give you these things. She will. 

© 2008 Teaching from the basis of eternal Truth, the message of Swami Amar Jyoti's Satsangs (Sanskrit: communion with Truth) is one of deep spiritual unity.  His way is not to espouse a particular creed but to impart a spiritual way of life.   He spent four decades (from 1961-2001) awakening and uplifting countless souls around the world to God-consciousness and disseminating the timeless Truth underlying all traditions and faiths.  Prabhushri Swamiji is the author of several books; over seven hundred of His oral discourses, illuminating the classical path for modern times, are available on CD and audiocassette.
This Satsang is edited from  The Spiritual Warrior (M-105) and The Feminine Heart of Dharma (K-143). The entire released collection of Audio Satsangs of Swami Amar Jyoti are available on CD and Audiocassette. Please see the Audio Satsang Catalog at truthconsciousness.org or call us at 520-743-8821 for a free copy by mail.
 
Photos| Page 1: Swami Amar Jyoti at Sacred Mountain Ashram, 1978
Page 2: simon gurney | fotolia.com
Page 4: Kort Kramer | fotolia.com
Page 6: David Lovere | istockphoto.com