subject: Inner Abundance [print this page] Inner Abundance Inner Abundance
When we think of abundance, we naturally tend to think of the overflow of material goods and the comfort they bring. The word abundance itself carries those connotations, defined by one dictionary as "an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply". In our materialistic society, we assume that "more and more" will bring us satisfaction, security, and happiness. Yet all the great spiritual teachings of the world tell us otherwise. They offer us the secret of living an abundant life now without any dependence on acquiring possessions.
True abundance can be characterized as an overflow of peace and contentment which fills each day with joy. The question then becomes "how does one acquire such a state of mind"? Notice that such a condition of inner abundance does not depend on external circumstances and even less on material "stuff". Our addiction to things and our anxious struggle for security are never ending sources of stress. Learning to live in abundance while being free from all those illusions that seem to be abundance ought to be a goal for every person. It is our birthright to have such natural contentment in life.
If we explore the spiritual wisdom regarding the secret of inner abundance, we will find that becoming free of desire is the cornerstone. To not need anything, to not want something we don't have, to not be eaten alive by constant desires -- this is the state of inner abundance.
If you spend much time around people who always need something more, it becomes clear that they have turned themselves into a bottomless well that can never be filled. Becoming free of desires means that we find contentment and fulfillment in the moment without any other requirements than the acceptance of what is. This kind of serenity is not reserved for sages but is actually the way of "common sense". To be restless and unable to find contentment in being alive now is to be forever needing something that throws us off course. It is, in fact, a lack of gratitude and perspective, often accompanied by a heavy dose of self-pity, which keeps us from aligning ourselves with the moment and enjoying the gift of life without any other issues and needs.
Those who think that such a lifestyle might be unrealistic, who point out that there are mortgages to be paid and all the other heavy burdens of life to be considered, need to understand that the anxiety of taking care of those obligations isn't going to empower us to deal with them. If we don't make peace with what is and find our abundance in desireless contentment, then what is the alternative? To be forever worried about our security or frustrated over our perceived limitations or dreaming fantasies of what we think we should have or think we deserve?
When it becomes clear that these concerns are generated by ego, then humility becomes another key factor in achieving this state of inner abundance. This has never been a popular perspective because, behind humility, lies a sacrificial way of living which begins with the crucifixion of the ego. Such hard choices are part of any authentic spirituality. The wisdom of humility, simplicity, and detachment free us from the illusions and endless needs of the ego. Life is then lived not as a race for acquisition but rather as an outpouring of self which some have called the way of loving-kindness. Such a way of life introduces us to an abundance that nothing can take away. This is true security, true freedom, true joy.
