I have been meditating on this quote for a while, to really understand the meaning behind Gandhi’s words.
Gandhi lived in a day and age were the simple truths that we take for granted, like justice, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were not self-evident. Though some may argue that these truths are still not evident, I would think most of us feel that these rights are more or less present in our day-to-day activities.
The pursuit of happiness is the one truth I wish to focus on, because I feel this is the one right we have the most control over. The laws and liberties have mostly been prescribed to us. But the pursuit of happiness is within our reach.
Why live simply?… So others may simply live! If we use up our natural resources, trash the earth with our waste, and end up destroying ecosystems around the world, what kind of life are our grand kids going to inherit? Gandhi also said, “we must be the change we wish to see.” Paramahansa Yogananda said, “Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become.”
If we don’t take responsibility for our actions, it will come back one way or another. We believe it’s best to teach our kids from a young age how to take care of our mother earth, so she can take care of us. It’s important for them to see that living simply can be fulfilling and joyful. Without the added desires of consumerism, one can learn to enjoy the simple things in life. Happiness is found within, as all the great masters have said through the ages, not somewhere outside of ourselves. Swami Kriyananda says, “The secret of happiness is the determination to be happy always, rather than wait for outer circumstances to make one happy.”
At the Natural Living School, the wish is to help the participants understand that the pursuit of happiness is attainable by simplifying ones life, connecting to nature, and going deep within to unlock the inner joy that lights our flame of passion through meditation, yoga, and self-realization. So try it, live simply, so others can simply live.
Natural Living School 