I am the Gambling of the Gambler

Actor Walter Matthau, a self-professed compulsive gambler, once admitted that "the charm of gambling is neither in the winning nor the losing. The real rush," he claimed, "is in the gamble." And of course he was right. Yoga science would say that people don't go to Saratoga or Las Vegas to make money or even to enjoy the thrill of winning. Rather, in surrendering to the gamble they are, in truth, seeking the unbounded happiness that is the Supreme Reality. That's why in the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord--in the form of Krishna--states to his beloved disciple Arjuna that, "I am the gambling of the gambler."

For the Lord to make such a statement may at first seem to be at odds with our notion of what is spiritual. But upon closer examination it's like a story we once heard. One night a man was seen crawling on his hands and knees under a streetlight looking for his lost ring. A passerby offered to help, then asked the man if this were the right spot. The answer was "No. I actually lost the ring farther down the street." Why then was the man looking under the corner streetlight for a ring he had lost somewhere down the block? His answer was quite revealing: "Because the light is better here."

Every human being wants to find lasting happiness in life, but until we direct the search within ourselves, every external promise will continue to leave us unfulfilled and continually chasing after rainbows.

This perennial search for happiness is especially poignant now, in these uncertain times. With each passing day, the evidence mounts: 9-11 has changed our world. The stream of wartime images and news of unthinkable atrocities that bombard us everyday can sadden, anger and exhaust us. So how can we not only cope, but actually find true peace and lasting happiness?

Like the sages, we need to find a quiet refuge--one that both gives us relief in the moment and also provides us the wisdom from which to act skillfully so that we can appreciate, enjoy and creatively contribute to life.

For many people, the historic racecourse in Saratoga Springs is the summer place to be. For just an afternoon visit or a week-long pilgrimage, Saratoga provides a great vacation spot: bright sunny days, elegant dining, well-manicured golf courses,therapeutic spas, the finest thoroughbred horses and a who's who of celebrities from around the world. But, as enjoyable as the time away may be, the weight of the world comes rushing back when we return home. No doubt, this kind of vacation is fun and relaxing, but it's limited in what it can offer.

For that reason, and because these times have become so challenging, Jenness and I feel increasingly grateful for our meditation practice. Instead of climbing out of bed and running headlong into the whirlpool of whatever life is handing out, we sit down for a half hour or so of meditation to get a good start on the day. In meditation we take a daily vacation from the powerful thoughts, emotions, memories, imaginations, expectations and judgments constantly vying for our attention. And that experience changes our entire outlook.

As concentration on the mantra deepens, the body and mind miraculously seem to fall away. In that stillness we experience the unity of all life and a peacefulness that is beyond the descriptive power of words. Then, as a result of our meditation, we are prepared to go out into the world--centered in the fullness of the Divine Reality within and equipped with all the energy, security and creativity the day is likely to demand of us.

Without some direct experience of the unity of all life, we condemn ourselves to remaining separate from everything and everyone we perceive. This dualistic delusion of "other-ness" assures an unbreakable bondage to our likes and dislikes. Eventually this divisiveness invites fear, and fear always invites danger.

Ordinary human beings see many diverse forms of the Divine-- such as the sun, moon and stars, and all the earthly aspects of manifestation. Unfortunately, most do not yet see the Oneness underlying the many names and forms.

Why is it so important to be aware of the infinite nature of the Supreme Reality? By seeing the unity in the apparent diversity, we become free of our personal limitations and skillful in dealing with the limitations of "others." We learn to be patient, sympathetic and loving with our neighbors instead of being angry, selfish and resentful. Why does this happen? Because we come to recognize our neighbors as our Self--an integral part of the One Divine Reality.

The heart and science of yoga comes down to this: transforming our old debilitating habits and viewpoints into new, healthy ones. As St. Teresa of Avila puts it, it means living in a world without darkness. When we become aware of the unity of all life and see nothing but the Divine Reality wherever we look--even in the gambling of the gambler--our patience and respect naturally embrace those who take our side, as well as those who are against us.

When we separate ourselves from the whole by allowing our likes and dislikes, expectations and judgments, to rule our actions, however, we miss the instructive teaching of this life, lose our footing and postpone the happiness we seek. Only by swimming against the tide of our unexamined habits can we truly grow as human beings and fully enjoy life.

Our daily meditation practice shows us clearly that while we have no control over what comes to us, we always have control over how we respond. When we recognize our own true Self as none other than the Divine One, we gain the courage to gamble our lives on Its intuitive, perfect wisdom. Once freed of our own limitations, every relationship and circumstance--whether pleasant or unpleasant--is seen as an opportunity for happiness. By serving our own perfect wisdom in thought, word and deed, every relationship becomes a means to end our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dis-ease.