Internal And External Growth

Gurudev SriSri Ravishankar

Of late it has been striking me that we as human beings experience two types of growth - one external and the other internal

The external growth is growing successful in job, acquiring material comforts in life like house, car , good bank balance, circle of friends and relatives etc.. What you are in the eyes of others - rich, famous, failure, successful, poor, powerful , mother, mother-in-law, boss, son, neighbor, leader etc.. And we aim for all this in the prime of our youth and for most part of one's life. We are defined by our job/profession/business/roles in relationships .

The other growth comes from with in as a person. Realizing your true self, finding out what brings that sense of joy, peace within - Accepting oneself for what one is . Realizing that your happiness lies within you .

I see around me so many people so called successful - but the face exudes worry, unhappiness . anger, inner turmoil . Ever on the cell-phone discussing business!! And there are so many people ( may be rich , may be poor too ) radiating that inner joy, giving love unconditionally like kids.

I realized that inner growth has nothing to do with external growth. Also the person who grows inwards is able to feel happiness within and to give happiness to others more deeply .

Enlightenment comes when one loves oneself so unconditionally that the love simply flows to others unconditionally. Nothing to do with external factors. It is just a state devoid of EGO!!

One such enlightened person I know is Sri Sri Ravishankar - Gurudev as he is endearingly known. He exudes that love and joy and touches everyone's life the moment they come in contact with him

I constantly pray that this life's journey must lead me to that enlightenment and the deep joy within.