Search Inside or Outside?

 The source of sound is within me and I am in vain searching for the source of the sound outside of me. We look for happiness by wishing and acquiring name, fame, power and position coming from outer sources. Feeling, sensing and believing that happiness is coming from out side sources is a sure way of getting disappointed and unhappy. Our  outer dependent acquisitions come and go leaving traces of unhappiness. It is an illusion like chasing the shadow to find myself. I am reminded of Saint Kabir's poem in Hindi: kasturi kundal base' mruga dhoondhe' van mahi. The musk deer is looking for fragrance outside of him without realizing that it is coming from his naval center, from within.

I felt passionate about teaching when I was 18 years old. At that time, some 70 years ago, teachers were poorly paid in India. I followed my bliss and teaching has always filled the cup of my life with lots of joyful and fulfilling blesses. At the age of 89, I am still enjoying teaching as my way of serving others. And I am sure I will continue feeling deep joy and fulfillment following the path I had started walking when I was 18 years old.

When I am quiet within myself I let different voices arise in me. I let them come and go without resisting if I do not like the voice, without chasing it if I like it a lot and running away from it if it causes uneasiness and anxiety in me.Eventually, all the voices go away and a voice whispers in the stillness.I listen to it, embrace it and sing my song.
We all need to find our original voice by remaining still, by letting other voices come and go and discover our authentic voice.

Jagdish P Dave

 I truly agree with you Jagdishji.

In simple words, you May help the needy, the poor,play with kids to make them happy, engage yourself in some social activetyand you Will find the peace and self satisfaction you need.thanks.