Politics and spirituality

Over the last few months I have seen a little bit of politics – something which stayed away from me for the first 30 years of my life. In fact, in the organizations I worked for previously, I was often called the most apolitical person. At IIFT, some colleagues would seek my opinion, specially knowing that it would be unbiased and fair to all concerned. At ONGC, a senior person told me how much he was surprised that everyone would only praise me, even when they couldn’t see eye-to-eye with each other. At BTGS/Pipal, my appraisals often centered on my being apolitical.

Art of Living is a spiritual organization. And the little clean politics that happens around, I have now come to believe, is only good for the individuals and the organization. Not that I play the games, but I am aware enough to know them, better them, and let-go of them.

Politics is essential for one’s spiritual growth. This may sound iconoclastic, but I have good reasons to say that. Firstly, spirituality is about getting to your center (and remaining there), and the job of politics is throw you off the center. Now, you can either stay totally away from politics, or be totally in it and still be strong enough to remain centered. Staying away from politics is kind of impossible – it’s there in every household, every organization. So just smile and be with it, instead of complaining... “Oh, why the politics”.

Moreover, politics elevates you at all levels of existence –

1. The Intellect becomes alert and sharp – you will hardly find a politician who cannot plan, who can’t calculate the risks – you have to always be two steps ahead of others!

2. The senses become more observant – it’s said in politics that you have to always keep your eyes and ears open. A good politician can smell the future. The mind is more intuitive.

3. Your memory becomes stronger – you can’t be a politician who keeps forgetting! Who said what and when, who are friends and groups – you have to remember it all, over the years

4. The ego – feeling hurt, getting angry, being afraid - one would never win as a politician. You have to use the right words and behaviour irrespective of how you feel about the other person or situation

5. Body – politicians often need to travel a lot, work odd hours, and interact with diverse groups. All this is not possible without having good bodily discipline

What I am saying is that politics per se is not bad. It points towards an elevated mind. Mahatma Gandhi was also a politician. What needs to be done is to improve the value system in today’s politics - clean up the dirt, bring back righteousness in it. Gurudev has said many-a-times, politicians need to be Satyadarshi (truthful), Samdarshi (equanimous), Priyadarshi (pleasant), Paradarshi (transparent) and Doordarshi (visionary). All these attributes require a strong spiritual foundation. Politics today needs a little spiritual dose. I would urge the spiritual youth of the world shun their aversion to politics and lead the world towards a brighter future.