Embracing the Unknown: The Journey of Gratitude

Embracing the Unknown: The Journey of Gratitude

Dear friends, 
At the end of his tour of South Africa in 1981, Pujya Babuji Maharaj gave a message :

 I appreciate my associates.
Proceed towards Unknown.
Love Him who loves all.
Destination is not far off.
Remembrance is the instrument.
Bless you all.
—March 8, 1981

In the vast expanse of human thought, there lies an eternal quest— the search for meaning, purpose, and a destination beyond the visible horizon. This journey is not just a traversal of physical spaces but a deep inward exploration, propelled by gratitude, guided by remembrance, and directed towards the Unknown. The guiding words of Pujya Babuji, “I appreciate my associates. Proceed towards Unknown. Love Him who loves all. Destination is not far off. Remembrance is the instrument. Bless you all,” serve as a profound compass for this spiritual journey towards infinity. Each phrase encapsulates timeless wisdom, inviting reflection and action for those seeking the infinite.

Gratitude as the foundation: “I appreciate my associates.”

Gratitude is not merely a polite expression of thanks; it is a transformative practice that reshapes perception and builds bridges among us. In the context of this journey, the phrase “I appreciate my associates” reminds us of the interconnectedness of human lives. No individual’s spiritual or philosophical journey unfolds in isolation. Each associate, whether a mentor, friend, or even a challenging adversary, plays a role in shaping our path. What makes me grateful is that the Great Master expresses appreciation towards all of us, his associates!

Philosophers like Martin Buber emphasize the “I-Thou” relationship, where each interaction with another person is a sacred encounter. When we express appreciation, we elevate our relationships from mere transactional exchanges to meaningful connections imbued with respect and acknowledgment. This act of appreciation allows us to recognize the Divine, the infinite within others, reflecting the interconnected web of existence. This very attitude of mutual appreciation towards each other embellishes and allows the expansion of the condition we experience at the Atma chakra, the second chakra of the Heart.

In daily life, gratitude manifests as acknowledgment of the contributions of those around us. By appreciating our associates, we nurture relationships that provide support, guidance, and inspiration. This practice cultivates humility and reminds us that we are not self-sufficient beings but part of a collective journey. Gratitude also fosters inner peace, reduces resentment, and nurtures contentment, which are essential for moving towards higher goals, especially the much dreamt about state of Unity between us all.

Gratitude also fosters inner peace, reduces
resentment, and nurtures contentment,
which are essential for moving towards
higher goals, especially the much dreamt
about state of Unity between us all.

Proceed towards Unknown

Babuji’s call to proceed is about our inner journey. “Proceeding” as a continuum means no halting, ever! The frustration of “What next?” cannot then arise. Craving for a comfortable spot on the shore, from where we begin, settles us into inertia; hence, the Kathopanishad declares—arise, awake, rest not till the goal is attained.

Our spiritual journey begins with an impulse of the Master, who is endowed with the capacity to impart Pranahuti. Such a journey never ends, for to complete it would be to impose limits on the infinite, confining what is infinite to the finite, stripping it of its vastness.

There are times when we feel on top of the world and fully satisfied with our inner state. And there are times when we do not feel inclined to meditate. The nuances of why this happens are well understood by all sincere seekers. This duality—of being satisfied and unsatisfied—is the essence of the spiritual journey. True joy and the dance of life arise not from a state of complete satisfaction or dissatisfaction, but from the dynamic tension between the two.

True joy and the dance of life arise not
from a state of complete satisfaction or
dissatisfaction, but from the dynamic tension
between the two. 

Satisfaction brings inertia; dissatisfaction brings complaint. The space in between, where neither is fully realized, is where life truly flows, and where joy manifests.

Life’s vitality lies in movement, dynamism, and continuous proceeding. The Divine itself is movement; nay, it is the continuous expansion we call Brahm. To walk with a Guide who keeps nudging us, directly and indirectly, is to recognize that the journey is the destination. Every step becomes an expression of gratitude.

Consciousness, too, is a flow, not a fixed point. It has no destination, for a destination implies an end, and life is endless. As an analogy, a flower does not stop at blooming; it must fade, transform, and spread its essence into countless other blooms.

Let us observe the beauty of a flower turning to seeds. Seeds may remain dormant and almost stone like, but they are not stones. There is a great potential waiting to burst forth. Though a seed may rest, seemingly inert, it holds within it the potential for dynamic growth. Its stillness is not the stillness of a stone, but a waiting for the right moment to flow, to bloom, to spread. In contrast, a stone remains inert, bound by its lack of movement. In this way, attachment to fixedness, whether physical, mental, or emotional, is the worldly mind’s trap. True freedom lies not in abandoning one thing for another, but in releasing the very habit of holding on. Life’s true essence is in movement, in becoming, in the infinite unfolding.

The Unknown has always held a paradoxical allure, often paralyzing us with fear of some sort. It represents mystery, potential, and the infinite—a destination that beckons but resists definition. The directive to “Proceed towards Unknown” is both a challenge and an invitation to transcend the familiar boundaries of thought and experience. Moving towards the Unknown needs true courage. Courage is an outcome of clarity of our goal and faith in the practice and the Master. Faith is not blind belief, but a deep trust in the process and in our inner capacity to reach the goal.

Proceeding towards the Unknown also denotes a continuous journey, swimming in the shoreless ocean. Let us visit Babuji’s masterpiece book, Towards Infinity:

“When we enter this ultimate state, we are in a state of oneness.
This is in fact the real sphere of Advaita, though if consciousness
of it remains, duality has not yet forsaken us in the true sense.
In other words, the ultimate changeless state has not so far
dawned. As a matter of fact, it is the place where the feelings of
both duality and nonduality become extinct.”

Philosophically, the Unknown can be understood as the ultimate reality, often described in spiritual terms as the Divine, the infinite, and enlightenment. In the works of mystics like Meister Eckhart, the Unknown is not a void but a profound fullness that transcends human comprehension. Similarly, in Eastern traditions like Advaita Vedānta, the Unknown is the realization of the self’s oneness with the absolute reality. Beauty is when we transcend both dimensions of dvaita and Advaita.

Moving towards the Unknown needs true
courage. Courage is an outcome of clarity
of our goal and faith in the practice and the
Master. Faith is not blind belief, but a deep
trust in the process and in our inner capacity
to reach the goal.

One of the greatest barriers to embracing the Unknown is fear—fear of losing the familiar, fear of failure, and fear of dissolution of the ego. To overcome this fear, we cultivate faith, surrender, and openness. These qualities allow us to see the Unknown not as a threat but as a vast field of potential and growth.

Inherent in the call to “Proceed towards Unknown” is the understanding that the journey itself is transformative. The destination may remain elusive, but each step towards it shapes us. As Rainer Maria Rilke writes, “Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”

Love Him who loves all

How are we to love without heart? A heart imbued with love for the Divine becomes the holiest of holy temples! I consider this quote of Babuji as one of the mahavakyas of Sahaj Marg philosophy. The idea of loving Him who loves all aligns our hearts with universal principles. It allows us to:

Experience inner freedom: We are no longer weighed down by the need for validation or reciprocation in relationships.

Strengthen the spiritual connection: This love deepens our bond with the Divine and enhances our sense of purpose.

Foster universal compassion: By loving universally, we become more compassionate and empathetic towards everyone, transcending personal biases.

When we focus our love on one who embodies universal love—whether this is the Divine, a spiritual guide, or the essence of universal consciousness—it elevates our love from being personal and conditional to becoming expansive and selfless. This shift naturally creates a form of detachment that is not indifference but a higher state of unconditional care and compassion.

Detachment in this context does not mean loving others less or withdrawing from relationships. Instead, it means:

Freeing our love from the grip of expectations and selfish desires. 

Loving others in a way that honors their individuality without clinging or controlling.

Finding joy in giving love without needing it to be returned in specific ways.

This is what Heartfulness emphasizes: Love becomes more inclusive, pure, and rooted in a higher sense of purpose. When we direct our love towards one who loves all, it serves as an anchor for our emotional and spiritual self. Loving such a universal entity inspires:

Equanimity: We are less swayed by the ups and downs of personal relationships because our love is rooted in the unchanging source. 

Unity: By aligning with one who loves all, we begin to see all beings as reflections of that universal love. This fosters a sense of oneness and reduces attachments born from a sense of separation.

Freedom: Attachment often arises from fear—fear of loss, rejection, or impermanence. Loving universally helps transcend these fears, freeing us to love genuinely.

We begin to love others as an expression of the divine or universal consciousness. Our love becomes a channel for the universal love that flows through us. This approach allows us to love deeply while staying free from possessiveness or dependency.

Love becomes more inclusive, pure, and rooted in a higher sense of purpose. When we direct our love towards one who loves all, it serves as an anchor for our emotional and spiritual self.

Heartfulness teaches that detachment doesn’t mean disengaging from life. It means participating fully, with a heart that is centered and not bound by attachment. Through practices like meditation and remembrance, we naturally develop this quality. We learn to:

Offer love without expecting anything in return. 

Let go of outcomes and embrace the beauty of the moment.

See relationships as opportunities for growth, reflection, and service. 

Destination is not far

While the Unknown may seem infinite, the assurance that the “Destination is not far” suggests that the journey is more accessible than it appears. This paradox—an infinite Goal that is also near—is a common theme in spiritual and philosophical traditions.

In Advaita Vedānta, the self is already one with the Absolute; the journey is not about reaching a distant place but about realizing an ever-present truth. Similarly, in Heartfulness and other meditative practices, the inner journey reveals that the destination lies within the heart.

The assurance that the destination is near also challenges our perception of time. Spiritual progress is not linear; moments of insight and transformation can arise suddenly, like moving the head from right to left, or the Zen concept of Satori, a sudden awakening. This encourages us to remain persistent and hopeful, knowing that every moment holds the potential for profound realization.

Remembrance is the instrument

Remembrance, the practice of keeping a higher reality in mind, is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. In many traditions, remembrance is both a means and an end, anchoring us in the divine presence while guiding us towards ultimate realization. The Unknown Goal defies any mental comprehension of remembrance: How to remember the Unknown? So, we make do with the state we arrive at during each meditation. Appreciating that state makes us further appreciate the Giver of the condition, and remembrance of the Giver becomes easier. Remaining absorbed in such a state reaffirms our trust, and so touch-and-go moments of love begin. Continuity in this direction leads us to an ocean of love, where we as drops merge in the ocean, and we arrive at the Advaita state.

Even when we offer prayer, there is another Entity besides us to whom we are praying. So, there is dvaita or duality. When a drop merges in the ocean, as described by Sage Kabir, there is a state of Advaita or oneness. Oneness is no doubt a very high state. In Samadhi, where no idea of the self or the Higher Entity remains, such a state is beyond duality and oneness.

Bless you all

At the end of the message, Babuji blesses us all. Such a divine gift is the most precious thing we receive in order to proceed to the destination, awakening gratitude and allowing all the other aspects to unfold. We are all blessed, as he continues to facilitate our growth and evolution.

A dynamic and purposeful life

In conclusion, our journey is endless, described by these guiding words that have both timeless and infinite implications. While this journey is full of mysteries pointing towards a destination, it also reveals that the true value lies in the process, the journey itself. Gratitude deepens relationships and grounds us in the present. Courage propels us towards the Unknown, while remembrance keeps us aligned with the ultimate goal.

As we proceed, we shall surely discover that the Unknown is not an external destination but a profound realization within. The heart becomes both the compass and the terrain, guiding us towards a truth that transcends words and concepts.

Gratitude deepens relationships and grounds
us in the present. Courage propels us towards
the Unknown, while remembrance keeps us
aligned with the ultimate goal.

In the end, the journey is a dance between the finite (the human) and the infinite, the known and the Unknown, the self and the Divine. These simple yet profound words remind us that with gratitude, remembrance, a courageous heart, and the blessings of the Master, the journey will always help us evolve.

The journey can be joyous as well as trying, so never stop. If Lord Krishna had to declare, I cannot remain idle even for a single moment, it is only to convey to us the simple prescription for leading a dynamic and purposeful life.

With love and respect,
Kamlesh