The Time of Your Life

Time is probably one of the greatest assets everyone has. We all strive to be efficient and productive – to accomplish as much as possible in the least amount of time. And while we are exhausting ourselves doing everything our mind dictates, the saints remind us to stop and reflect upon what is truly worthy of our time.

Saints and mystics have an extensive scope of vision, which the ordinary man cannot fathom. They know the true value of human life, and the consequences of wasting our limited time on this earth. Tirelessly, they remind us that if we do not make the best use of this human form, we can be sent back into this creation.

But unless we make our way up, we cannot escape from births and deaths. We can be sent back. That is why we have got to make the best use of this form at this time.

After a fruit drops from a tree, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to put it back on the branch again. Similarly, if we lose this opportunity now, we may find it very difficult to get such an opportunity again.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. I}

It is for this reason that mystics caution us against wasting our time in futile pursuits. They remind us that accumulating wealth, running after fame and fortune, and spending lavishly on frivolous pleasures are a foolish way to live this precious life.

In every discourse, the present Master pleads with us to reflect and think deeply about how we spend our time in this world. Saints tell us to ask ourselves relevant and meaningful questions, such as: are we going to take anything with us – our money, possessions, family and friends? If not, then does it make sense to devote all our time to these things and hardly any to what is actually going to help us on the day of reckoning?

They explain to us that true happiness lies within. It is not in sensual pleasures or anywhere outside ourselves. No matter how happy our family life may be, how much social work we might do or how successful we are at our careers, we will never find lasting happiness in these things because what the soul constantly yearns for is its own source. And until that desire of the soul is satisfied, true happiness will never be ours.

Thus the saints challenge us to go within, and they explain that it is crucial to do this now, while we still have time, because once we have taken our last breath, it will be too late.

That is why Christ said, I can work in the day. When the night falls, nobody can work. … Human birth, the human opportunity, is a day. After death we can’t work; we can’t find the way leading back to the Father.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol I}

We can learn from the Masters how to make the most of our time. By their shining example, we can learn how to conduct our own lives. They know what is worthy of their time. While maintaining a balance between their personal lives and their spiritual duties, they teach their disciples to do the same.

Do not waste any time when you are free from official work. Not a minute of this time will be had again. There is ample time to do our spiritual work, and it has to be done. Nothing worldly will serve us at the final hour.
_{Baba Jaimal Singh, Spiritual Letters}

The Masters are the perfect embodiment of how a human being should live his life. They are able to capitalize on their greatest asset of time, and use it to their advantage.

Whenever anyone pleads with the Master that he should take rest, he declines to do so saying: “The body will ultimately perish. Let us, therefore, do with it the utmost good that we can to others.” Never does he care for food nor other physical needs. He never complains about his discomforts, sleeplessness and extensive touring.
_{With the Three Masters}

It is vital for us to draw inspiration from this and think deeply about the direction of our life. Have we established our priorities? Are we making the most of this human life? Are we spending our precious time wisely?

The real devotees and lovers of the Father, when their mystic or Master is with them, do not waste their precious time in useless pursuits. They are always busy in attaching themselves to the Shabd and Nam within themselves.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Light on Saint Matthew}