I was asked to comment on the following quote:

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‎”Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much of life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.”  – Henry David Thoreau

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The question here is what is meant by ‘morality.’

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Certainly, there are some extreme views here.  What some consider moral, others consider barbaric.  Some fundamentalist, middle-eastern groups see the west as barbaric and visa versa.  Culture certainly plays a major role in what is considered moral.

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A healthy cultural tradition is a blessed touchstone. Yet is the culture healthy?  Where then does one look to find what is truly moral?

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The simple answer is to evolve and act from the place within you that is in harmony with God, the Divinity within.  However, you might use that as a rationalization to do whatever you want to do by telling yourself that your impulses are a ‘higher calling.’ Similarly, you may use it as a rationalization to judge others or yourself.

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Life is a paradox.  Most look for simple solutions, rules, or justifications to hang their hat on.  But life is not that simple.  Through discernment you must learn to weigh the many variables and components in life.  Are your feelings ‘your truth,’ i.e. God’s Voice, or are they your issues, i.e. your distorted views?  How can you tell?

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The answer lies within you.  Yet the path to it is riddled with conflicting perspectives.  Though many demand it, I do not offer simplistic solutions for they are lies used to placate people.

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Morality, dharma, and happiness are all facets of the same diamond.  What is true of one is true of the other.  As Sri Ramana Maharshi put it: “Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.”

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You must learn to discern.  Take the time to reflect, ponder, and question.  Be willing to look deeper with humility and patience.  Do not look for a simplistic formula to navigate life’s waters.  Though such roadmaps are offered, and even imposed upon you, look beyond them.  Truth lies, just beyond the horizon.  It is not something you grasp with an iron fist.  Truth is a subtle whisper you sense at the depth of your soul. Through refinement of your inner world, you begin to hear it more and more.  Yet it is never a dictate. It is a song… sweet, simple… sublime.

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To live in tune with the song is called Dharma.  All else is called Karma.

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