Twilight. The crimson sun dipped toward the horizon, bathing the sky glowing saffron. The silvery ocean reflected the blaze of colour, tropical flowers perfumed the air and delicately winged bats darted through the gathering dusk. Magic! We are naturally attracted to beauty but the beauty of this world does not last. With the passing of time, the blooming rose shrivels, the radiant sunset dims, fades and is gone. We can’t hold on to beauty because it is not permanent. The beauty of this world is not only temporary, it is also superficial. The bodily beauty that attracts the eye is only skin deep. We may become enamoured by a pretty face, but because it is not lasting or totally satisfying, we become frustrated. Real beauty exists. Our longing and search for beauty need not end in frustration. We can find and relish real beauty. We simply need to know where to find it. Everything beautiful in this world is but a tiny reflection of the beauty of the Supreme. We are attracted to beauty because we are a small part of the all beautiful Absolute Whole. Our bodies may be ugly or old, but they are only an external garment covering our true self. We, the living force, are by nature eternally beautiful and it is this inner beauty that shines through our eyes, our thoughts, our words and our actions. Our yoga practice is not just to keep our bodies healthy, but also to develop and nurture our inner beauty. We need to develop the spiritual vision to see and appreciate this transcendental phenomenon. We need to become self realised to perceive our real nature and the all-attractive nature of the Supreme. This will give us real and lasting satisfaction. The most valuable gift yoga has to offer is meditation on transcendental sound vibrations or mantras. Mantras are no ordinary sound vibrations; they are spiritual in essence so they are inherently attractive to the spiritual soul and have the effect of awakening one’s dormant spiritual consciousness and opening one’s eyes to real spiritual beauty. We experience joy in the beauty of a lovely face or a scenic view but it’s impossible to imagine the boundless happiness for those who perceive the very source of beauty. The wise and determined seek the most beautiful, the reservoir of all beauty and their search is never frustrated. Such wise men live in this world relishing the eternal pleasures and beauty of a different world. “Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendour.” Sri Krishna,Bhagavad-gita Namaste Margaret
