Realigning Social Hierarchies

 

In the last post I wrote:

Our idea of hierarchy in society is built on the premise of this ego. If we consciously reconstruct the hierarchy aligning it with the teachings of the saints we can actually enjoy a bigger universe. 

This needs some elaboration.

What is the hierarchy endorsed by the saints? Why do they support this?

At the highest level of consciousness everyone is equal. Sarva Khalvidam Bramha ! Everything and everyone is the divine consciousness. The same consciousness appears in many shapes and sizes through the power of Maya.

Muktabai has described the practicality of this philosophy in Taatiche Abhang. 

सुखसागरी वास झाला ।
उंच नीच काय त्याला II

Once a person has immersed in the ocean of bliss, referring to the ultimate reality or God consciousness, he acquires perfect equanimity. There remains no concept of high or low for him. All are equal in his eyes. And therefore he treats them as such. Whether a boss or a janitor they are both treated with the same respect.

At the level of human consciousness arises question of hierarchy. 

Here Muktabai argues that we are in the shoes of a devotee. Everyone around us is an elder considering God resides in them. We must therefore conduct ourselves with humility when we interact with anyone. 

ब्रह्म जैसें तैशा परी ।
आम्हा वडील भूतें सारी ॥१॥

There is a difference in humility and inferiority which must be understood. In inferiority you fail to respect yourself or appreciate what you have. In humility that self worth is not trampled upon. 

एकें उंचपण केले ।
एक अभिमानें गेलें ॥

On the contrary she( Muktabai) says that instead of humility if we take an attitude of superiority over others it will sooner or later bring our downfall.

पुढे उमजेना काय ।
उडत्याचे खाली पाय ॥

Someone flying high in the air eventually must return to land on his/her two feet. No one lands on wings. So in the present moment even if you are soaring much heights, remain aware and grounded with reality. Remain humble. You don’t know what’s waiting in the future.

In the words of Jesus “ Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Meek doesn’t mean who are weak or afraid of others. Meek are those who are afraid of no one but God. Their ego is surrendered to God. They are protected at all times. The arrogant and evil will be destroyed by their own actions. 

Besides an egocentric person is myopic. Such people can’t see beyond themselves. They can’t see the virtues in others, they can’t touch hearts wherein lies love and beauty of the universe. Body consciousness binds them to day to day material struggles. Outside of that their faculties can’t absorb the subtleties and finer things. They can’t therefore enjoy the vastness of creation. 

Humility and contentment go hand in hand to maintain peace of mind. ‘Enough’ is a beautiful word in the physical realm. When whatever we have seems enough, it takes away a lot of unnecessary stress. That’s when social hierarchy stops bothering us. My colleague has four cars, I have only one. My best friend has a sprawling house, mine is not even half as big. My neighbor goes on vacation every month, I can’t remember the last time I left my home. There is no end in sight for comparisons and thus no peace in sight because of such distorted hierarchies.

To conclude with Tukaram Maharaj’s words of advice:

Thevile Anante taisechi rahave 

Chitti aso dyaavey samaadhaan.

Live as the Good Lord( The Infinite Universe) keeps you. Let Contentment dwell in your heart.

In the next post I will continue on the topic of humility with a well known Abhang of Sant Tukaram.

Saree: Cotton kasavu with silver jari.