Functioning
from the Spirit demands NOT functioning from the mind or
vital attitudes or physical habits. Though not functioning from other parts is
essential, it is not enough to release the Spirit into action. It needs an
inspiration from inside or a compelling pressure from outside. Should
either be there, preferably both, the Spirit acts at once and the results
follow instantaneously, at least the new desirable results start flowing into the
outer environment.
Tom Gooth is an American and a world
traveller. His interest is in the economic programmes, especially for the poor,
in the third world nations. He was particular about devising some simple
technology which would be accessible to all so that the pervasive poverty would
be alleviated. He was trying to fit a motor to the cycle rickshaw and spent a
lot of time in Kolkatta. But this was not his main interest. He visited every
spiritual place in any country he had visited and learnt about various yogas.
Once
he was in Mexico driving a Volkswagen. One afternoon, an hour after his lunch
at a hotel, he saw his shoulder bag that contained his wallet and passport was
not in its usual place. He stopped and searched, went back to the hotel and
returned to all the spots where he had rested, but in vain. It was truly a
moment of despair. All his mental resources were at an end. He recollected
every formula he had heard appropriate to the situation but there was no
relief. Suddenly, it occurred to him that the Divine Mother had said, "The
most desperate moment is the best to call me." He sat on the grass in padmasana
and called. The weight on his heart lifted. He thought of resuming his driving.
Before he started the van, he saw his bag on a nearby bush! No questions
were raised from inside, but there was pure gratitude. His body thrilled. The
Spirit never fails, as it knows none. Still, how does it come about is an
explanation that is welcome.