SadhanaOriental Meditation and Christian Prayer
Contemplation in action
ーIn relation with othersー
[25] Using things in appropriate manner (1)
– Things other than human beings (materials, animals, plants) －
Food is one of the most familiar things in our lives, and it is indispensable. What should we eat appropriately and how?
Also, how should we procure and use clothes, items (tools) to protect ourselves from cold and heat, sports goods, business items, items for comfortable sleep, and goods for maintaining health?
We should first stop relating with thing in an avaricious and impulsive manner. As a next step, we can review some key elements that constitute our life. We consider the balance of monthly income and household budget, need to buy each item, desired level of quality and price, and so on. We make it a habit to consider how much we should consume and keep at hand.
How can we use things for our life and to move forward in our life? We cannot simply say that we should purchase a thing whenever it is required.
For example, it may be beneficial to use a library instead of owning a book when that is sufficient. It is also beneficial to choose recycled goods instead of purchasing brand new products.
We should be careful about relying too much on things, animals, and plants. Too much concern about health, household budget, and cosmetic aspects may increase affection to particular things.
We also want to make sure that we return what we borrow, let go of what is no longer required, and go back to what we are now. And we want to straighten ourselves so that the way we use things is connected deep in our heart.
When we start using things appropriately, we regain our appreciation for the blessing of nature. When we benefit from products created based on natural resources, we can also be grateful for the service of manufacturers. If we use things in such a manner, our mind is already directed towards God, and we start communicating with Him.
Precious things brought about by God’s kindness and service of people should not be left unused and buried. We use them with appreciation. But too much affection would make you lose sight of God. We use “what we need as much as we need it.”
We carefully follow the process of selection. By carefully following this process, we start to wish that “now” is a good time in front of God and with God (a satisfied state). We can say that is a blessed state.
When we use man-made objects and the blessing of nature in a highly appropriate manner, we have a feeling of appreciation for these things. We also realize that God Himself takes care of us when required, and we can strengthen our close conversation with God.
Actually, using things in an appropriate manner has a profound meaning. If we continue working on this, we can attain a very high level of appropriateness. And the high level of appropriateness waits for us on the other side of a narrow gate. When we achieve it, we become ready to have deep conversations with God in various occasions.