The Magnetic North Pole of Goodness

Philosophers have discussed and debated the subject of goodness for as long as philosophers have existed. I’m not an expert on Plato and Socrates, but I do know that one of their main subjects was “What is good?”

Why do human beings ask this question? What makes us think there is such a thing as “good” to wonder about?

There seems to be a built-in compass of some kind. Few would disagree that love is good. Well, not the jealous, possessive, controlling kind, but certainly the caring, protecting, compassionate kind. Few would disagree that peace is good. Contentment. Kindness. Generosity. Most of us agree that they are all good. But what IS good?

In keeping with my overall subject of passionate admiration, I’m going to suggest there is a thing that automatically evokes the feelings of admiration and gratitude within a human being. It does not matter what we call this thing. The sun provides light and warmth, whatever its name. It isn’t the word “sun” that does it. It’s the thing itself. Similarly, something evokes admiration and gratitude. It doesn’t matter what we call it. What matters is the feeling. But that something does have a name, and that name, in English, is “goodness.”

When I spend a little time with Maharaji, I am often overwhelmed with admiration and gratitude. There might be logical reasons to admire him. But logic is a very small part of this. Mostly, it simply happens. There is a certain reality, and my nature is to respond to that reality in a certain way. It doesn’t much matter what I think about it. The reality exists, and my response happens.

The word that comes to mind to talk about this reality is “goodness.” Maharaji is so deeply imbued with goodness that he radiates it. The familiar phrase “moral compass” takes on a new level of meaning in this light. A compass works because there is a magnetic north pole that attracts the needle in its direction. Similarly, there is a magnetic north pole of goodness that attracts the internal needle of my heart, and gives me a sense of direction in life, an ability to know what is good, and to move in a good direction.

To carry the analogy one step further, even if you have a compass in your pocket, it only helps you when you take it out of your pocket and look at it. Practicing the Knowledge that Maharaji gives is like taking the compass out of your pocket. Knowledge bestows many gifts, but arguably its greatest gift is the ability to focus on that compass.

Happy Birthday, Maharaji!