By: Jim Ryan
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2193/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: March 22nd, 2025

We belong to the human race, we are called collectively as humankind, and yet, if we look closely at what we are displaying in our interactions with one another, it is hardly kind, and in some cases, barely human. Less cynically, we could say that many inventions and innovations, especially in the realms of the artificial, are created with an avid enthusiasm for the far-reaching benefits they could provide. The results are often the inverse. In recent times, whatever we seem to do and create generally ends in a destructive mode.

Rampant greed and selfishness have pervaded all levels of intention and attitudes, which have led to epidemics of negative mindsets and behaviours, and the turbulence and violence of social upheaval. We seem to see, more than ever, the haves and have-nots, a disadvantaged, sorrow-centred and exploitive world of multiple needs, spiralling increasingly into an abyss of chaos.

When we turn a microscope on the roots of such chaos, we see that the basis and seed of actions are always centred on physical consciousness. The all-encompassing belief that all is matter, and all that matters is the world of form. There is no sense of continuum, no desire to see things slowly grow and mature - ‘Take as much as you can’, ‘you only have one shot at this’. Things must be immediate, now, and desires gratified right now. As a result, fast and artificial forms and structures are created to meet such short-term needs.

However, spirituality offers another platform to produce ways to enable truth and beauty to be recognised and developed in interactions and lifestyles. The spirit is not temporary. The acceptance of the permanency of the spiritual, halts the downward spiral of form-related beliefs. There is time to breath, and recognise that the fear and hopelessness that feeds the manic search for something new, has no strength in the face of the spiritual.

A new meaningfulness is introduced into existence, not just a clever philosophy but an awareness directly connected to the vibrancy of the individual's personality. Recognition of the spirit makes connecting to God's soul light energy easy, and brings immediate redirection and realignment to the world of truth. Active spiritual energy is revived and begins to circulate within the soul. The core nature of consciousness is reanimated, and a new awareness emerges, bringing new pure enthusiasm and joy into old scenarios.

Humankind is made up of human beings. Humans are physical, but beings are spiritual. We forget this at our peril. We can bring deep and natural calm to the chaos if we so choose. We can explore the realms of spirituality and look forward to a completely different kind of existence – all with one awareness in the heart.

Jim Ryan has a background in education.
He is an author and a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher,
based at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.