by Roger Gabriel: Purnamadah Purnamidam. Purnat Purnamudachyate. Purnasya Purnamadaya. Purnameva Vashishyate…

That is full, this is full. From that fullness, this fullness comes forth. When fullness is taken from fullness, fullness still remains.

In this invocation to the Isha Upanishad, the fullness being described is spiritual abundance. A state where nothing is lacking and so complete that nothing can diminish it. This is the state of freedom, the goal of our spiritual journey where, as the Upanishad goes on to tell us, “The Divine is enshrined in all our hearts.” We appreciate life in its fullness on all levels, allowing the creative energy of the universe to provide whatever is needed. Any fear, sense of lack or smallness disappears with the realization that not only do we already have everything, but we are also everything.

When most people think of abundance, they equate it with material wealth and the possessions and lifestyle it can provide. But, as we have just learned, true abundance is a life that lacks nothing. This doesn’t mean that we won’t face challenges from time to time, but abundance is a mindset that recognizes that something greater is at work and whatever is needed is already out there somewhere. If we look at life from the level of problems, our world will become small and limited however, if we see everything as an opportunity for growth, we will learn to trust that whatever is needed is already waiting for us, we maybe just need to move it from there to here.

As Deepak Chopra tells us, “When your mind and heart are truly open, abundance will flow to you effortlessly and easily.”

The abundant mind

Abundance, like wealth isn’t really a physical thing, it’s a state of consciousness. During my years of studying and teaching, I’ve met many people. What I discovered early on is that abundance has very little to do with bank balances. Sadly, some of the richest people lived in poverty consciousness, with very little joy in their lives, while others who had relatively little financially, glowed with inner abundance. The Tao Te Ching reminds us, “To be content with what one has is to be rich.”

My Guru, Sri Satuwa Baba Maharaji lived a very simple, humble, and yet abundant life. He almost never asked for anything, trusting in the universe. I remember spending days sitting near him watching as devotees would come for his blessings and advice. The wealthier ones would place donations on his table, which he soon distributed to any wandering holy men or poor villagers. At the end of the day, the table was often empty again but somehow everything was taken care of.

Abundance check

Ask yourself the following questions to see how ready you are for abundance.

1. What could be more abundant than the mind of God, which displays itself all around us in nature. Can you recognize the abundance surrounding you?

2. How full is your life? Is there really anything that you lack? Where do you feel the need to create more?

3. Are you ready to accept abundance or are you still stuck in poverty consciousness? Can you live your life as if you have everything you can imagine?

4. Receiving is only matched by the amount we are able to give. How generous are you?

Cultivating abundance

Abundance flows from the inside out, not the outside in, so, when working towards a more abundant life, we need to focus on the feeling that we want to achieve, that feeling of plentifulness.

• Be conscious of your choices. Choose abundantly.
• Jean Houston recommends, “Try to spend a few moments each day holding a picture of your body and mind in a state of splendid health.”
• What we put our attention on grows, focus on what you want rather than the things you don’t want.
• Distractions, worries, and doubts are the opposite to abundance, avoid them.
• Be bold and think big, abundance knows no limits. Rob Liano said, “God will overflow your cup, so grab the biggest one you can find.”
• Stay open to new opportunities. Ralph Waldo Emerson told us, “Whatever lies behind us and whatever lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”
• Be genuinely happy for the success and abundance of others.
• Align yourself with the path of least resistance and remain detached from outcomes.
• Be generous and be grateful for all you have.

Abundance mantra

India is home to many gods and goddesses. These can be looked at as living entities to be worshiped, or we can see them as external representations of the archetypal energies within all of us. Everything in creation is sound or vibration and mantras are specific sounds which are associated with certain energies in our lives. The Goddess Lakshmi Devi represents the archetypal energy of abundance. By repeating her mantra silently or aloud we can awaken and activate these energies in our life.

A simple version of her mantra is OM SHRIM (shreem) NAMAHA.

The mantra may be repeated as often as you wish. Friday is the most effective day for practicing this mantra or you could make a commitment to repeat it 108 times every day for a certain number of days.

Wealth mudra

Mudras are gestures, which can include eye and body positions but here we’ll use one involving the hands. Mudras intensify and enhance the flow of energy to certain areas of the body or our lives. They can be found in most traditions throughout the world, although in India, they are often associated with the archetypal energies of gods and goddesses as described previously. The Indian god Kubera is the god of wealth, so his mudra is used to help fulfill desires and create an abundant life. It should be done with both hands together, as often as you wish and held for as long as is comfortable.

Silently put your desire into a few words, making sure that it serves you and the world around you. Then bring the tip of your thumb, index, and middle fingers to touch on each hand. Bend the other two fingers so they rest in the middle of your palm. Hold the position as you repeat your desire a few times and then visualize its outcome.

Meditation

The Vedas tell us that world in which we live is a modified form of pure consciousness. By definition therefore, the world we see outside ourselves has its limitations and can never provide true abundance. The unbounded fullness, which is our birthright, can only be found within.

Meditation is a journey from activity to silence. A journey which transcends the limitations of everyday reality to awaken an abundance beyond our wildest dreams. By regularly making that journey we begin living 200% of life with both inner and outer fullness. As the poet Hafiz reminds us, “There are so many gifts my dear, still unopened from your birthday. O, there are so many hand-crafted presents that have been sent to your life from God.”

Isn’t it time you started unwrapping those gifts? Why wait? Embrace your abundance now.

Source: Chopra