By: BK Deepa
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2970/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: September 13th, 2025

Security is one of our most fundamental needs. Without physical security, our very survival is at risk. But security is not just about protection from physical harm. It is linked to nearly every aspect of our life, from finances to health, to relationships, and beyond. Without a sense of security, we feel vulnerable, anxious, and even paralysed. It is only when we are secure that we can focus on personal growth, creativity, relationships, and problem-solving.

How do we get security? People seek financial stability in order to meet their basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing, and to plan for the future. Having a network of relationships - family, friends, colleagues - provides emotional security and a sense of belonging. The feeling of being emotionally safe and having the mental and emotional resources to deal with challenges gives us mental stability and confidence.

But the external factors we depend on for security – a house, a job or business, savings, a social network, and stable social, economic, and political conditions - are variable and impermanent. An accident, a natural disaster, political or economic upheavals, and soured relationships can upend our world. So, how do we ensure our security?

Spiritual knowledge reveals truths which bring the realisation that we are more secure than we knew, and that we have inner resources to ensure our long-term security.

Recognising the fact that we are immortal souls, not perishable bodies, helps to free us from the fear of death. The soul never dies – it merely leaves one body to take birth in another, to play a new role, just as an actor changes costumes to play different roles. Being immortal sounds great, but how do we ensure a happy life while playing our roles? Immortality certainly does not guarantee happiness, but it does clarify another spiritual truth – the law of karma – which helps us build a happy future. The law of karma teaches that we get what we give. Our experiences in life are determined by the quality of our thoughts and behaviour. The consequences of our actions may be manifested immediately or later – sometimes after several lifetimes. Death does not nullify karmic accounts. The immortal soul carries the accounts with it and gets the fruit of its deeds sooner or later. Understanding this encourages us to take responsibility for our actions, and shows us a way to create a better, more secure future.

The human soul is originally pure, peaceful, truthful, and loving. When we act in line with these virtues, the karmic results can only be good. Being virtuous and kind builds trust in our relationships. Trust is one of the foundational elements of security, especially social security. If people trust us, they are more likely to offer their support in times of need, whether it is emotional, financial, or other types of assistance. In turn, we feel more secure because we know we have reliable people around us.

Being upright and honest also leads to a clear conscience. Acting with integrity saves us from the emotional and psychological turmoil caused by deceit, guilt, and dishonesty. It is much easier to feel secure when we do not have to worry about keeping up appearances or fearing that someone will discover a lie or hidden truth. 

In addition, kind and charitable people tend to create environments of reciprocity. When we contribute to the well-being of others, we increase the chances that they will be there for us when we need them. There is also a ripple effect of charity and kindness: sometimes, helping others puts us in touch with opportunities or people who, in return, help us. It is like investing in the security of our future by planting seeds of goodwill.

So, while being virtuous may not immediately solve our external problems, such as financial or physical insecurity, it is the foundation of good karma, which leads to inner peace, strong relationships, and emotional resilience, all of which contribute significantly to a secure, stable, and fulfilling life.

BK Deepa is a Rajyoga teacher 
with the Brahma Kumaris. She is based in Mumbai.