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T
horeau’s call to “simplify, simplify” resonates deeply
with me; I have contemplated it often. When I
first encountered his words, I wondered why he
repeated the phrase. Now I am convinced that his
repetition points to the ongoing effort needed not only to
simplify our lives, but to keep them simple.
One of the things people discover when they attend a
meditation retreat is the pure joy of a simple environment.
Most retreat centers provide only the basic necessities.
After some initial wondering if all will be well without
some familiar conveniences, most people settle into a
sense of peace with so little to care for or to distract their
attention. Simple housing accommodations combined
with the beauty of nature, few interruptions to quiet
reflection, and a focused schedule create an environment
that helps to clear the mind and nourish the body and
soul. Many times I have left a meditation retreat with
a renewed commitment to simplify, simplify! Only to
be reminded when I return to the complexities of life
at home and work that a simple life is not just arranged
by tossing out a few nonessentials or eliminating some
tasks. It is a way of life that requires clarity of purpose and
regular discipline. The spiritual path of yoga offers three
key practices that support a simple way of life: dharma,
or living with purpose; aparigraha, or nonacquiring; and
santosha, contentment.
The key to simple living is dharma, living in harmony
with our spiritual nature and with all of life. Dharma
refers to the inherent divine order and purpose of life.
Our over-arching purpose is to awaken spiritually, to
realize our essential nature and live in accord with it. This
divine purpose provides the necessary polestar to guide
our choices. There are so many choices to make every
day and choice-making takes energy. Clarity about our
central purpose provides a ready reference point, narrows
the field of possibilities, and facilitates ease in decision