Dear Feel Love Now Community,
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Jesus’ teaching of "not throwing pearls before swine" and the Buddha's guidance on choosing noble company remind us to protect what is precious in a loving and nonjudgmental way.
In this meditation, Swami Nityananda dwells on what it means to navigate life with discernment—seeing all beings as divine while choosing wisely where we invest our energy. Discernment allows us to respect all forms of life, much like walking by poison ivy with awareness but not engaging with it. When we walk in the Light, others who cherish the Light will find us on the journey.
Here’s one of our favorite quotes:
“The phrasing that Jesus used was, ‘Don’t throw your pearls before swine.’ Swine are not able to appreciate your pearls.
“So there’s nothing wrong with swine—they also are the Divine in the form of swine—but they’re not going to be able to appreciate your pearls. They’re not of the awareness or consciousness to be able to appreciate what is most precious. And so just that reminder that while we are in time and space, discernment, of course, is required, but it’s fearless discernment.
“It is loving, nonjudgmental awareness that allows us to look with neutrality upon—we’ll use the example Jesus used—that’s a swine. It’s the Divine in the form of a swine. It’s experiencing swine consciousness right now. What else could it experience?
“So it’s not a problem, but also, I don’t need to wrestle with the swine, if that makes sense. So, every morning I take a little walk. I walk by poison ivy. I don’t need to touch the poison ivy, right? I can be aware of it and respectful of it. I can love it—that’s the Divine in the form of the poison ivy. But I’m sure gonna not touch it. And so, just give yourself that cheerfulness, that discernment, that steadiness. And that’s part of walking the yogic teachings in time and space.
“And very clearly, Jesus says, if you are a student of my teachings, it’s also part of walking in time and space. To be aware of what is truly precious and to take care of it. To really respect it and really take care of it. And the Buddha as well, it’s nonjudgmental, but he says, it’s very important that you choose what company you keep.
“Choose noble company. And if you’re not at present finding those who love the Light, walk in the Light with yourself. Others will join you as you walk in the Light. Others will join you who love the Light as well.”
If you have heard this teaching before, we invite you — as Swami so often invites us — to hear it as if you are hearing it for the first time. Often we receive these teachings right when we need them.
In loving service,
The Karma Yoga Team at AYM
P.S. If you are interested in joining the Karma Yoga Team to expand your practice of selfless service, love in action, please click here.
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