In this article, dive into the heart of Indian spirituality through four wisdom-filled principles shared by Catherine Agostini, a long-time guide at Spiritours of Indian origin.
As an Eurasian, I stand at the crossroads between the West and the East. My father is European (French) and my mother is Asian (Indian from Tamil Nadu). I had the opportunity to live in Pondicherry, and during my many travels, I immersed myself in the four principles of Indian wisdom. A concept that offers a philosophy of life with the goal of cultivating inner peace and radiating it at all times. Here they are:
The first principle: "Every person you meet is the right person"
This is a concept deeply rooted in Indian spirituality, emphasizing the belief that every individual we meet in our lives carries a significant meaning and valuable lesson for our personal and spiritual growth.
Essentially, this saying invites us to view every encounter as an opportunity for learning, growth, and human connection. It reminds us that every person we cross paths with, whether a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger, is there for a specific reason, even if that reason isn’t always apparent at first glance.
Each individual we meet can teach us something about ourselves, about others, about the world around us, or about the nature of life itself. Sometimes, these lessons can be positive, inspiring, and enriching, while at other times, they may be more challenging, confronting us with our own limitations, prejudices, and fears.
It also encourages us to cultivate an open mind and a spirit of kindness towards others, recognizing that every person is worthy of respect and dignity, regardless of their social status, appearance, or personal beliefs. It underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and mutual understanding in our interactions with others.
Moreover, this concept encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the intrinsic divinity in every human being. It reminds us that we are all unique expressions of universal consciousness, interconnected within the complex fabric of existence.
Ultimately, “Every person you meet is the right person” invites us to embrace the richness and diversity of human experience, acknowledging the value and beauty of every individual we encounter on our path. It is an invitation to cultivate unconditional love, tolerance, and gratitude for the many ways others enrich our lives and help us grow as human beings. By integrating this perspective into our daily lives, we can create more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling relationships with others while contributing to the creation of a more harmonious and peaceful world for all.
The second principle: "What happened is the only thing that could have happened"
This is a central idea in Indian spirituality, stemming from the understanding of the interconnectedness of everything in the universe and the belief in a universal cosmic order.
Essentially, this premise suggests that every event, circumstance, and encounter in our lives is the inevitable and necessary result of a complex set of causes and conditions that manifested in the past. It highlights the belief that every experience we go through is the fruit of our karma — the actions, thoughts, and intentions accumulated through our past and present lives.
In this view, nothing happens by chance or coincidence. Every situation we face is seen as a manifestation of the innate intelligence and order of the universe and as an opportunity for growth, learning, and spiritual evolution.
It invites us to embrace reality as it is, without resistance or judgment, acknowledging that every event is an essential part of our journey towards self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
This doesn’t mean that we are passive or powerless in the face of our destiny. On the contrary, we are encouraged to cultivate awareness and responsibility for our actions, to practice discernment in our choices, and to actively work towards creating the conditions that promote our well-being and that of others.
Moreover, this guiding idea encourages us to cultivate compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others, recognizing that we are all navigating the challenges and trials of life in the best way possible with the resources and knowledge we have at our disposal.
Lastly, it reminds us that we are all interconnected, that our actions have repercussions on others and the world around us, and that we have the power to contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and balanced world through our choices and actions.
In summary, “What happened is the only thing that could have happened” encourages us to embrace reality with gratitude and an open mind, recognizing that every moment in our life is precious and significant in its own right. It is an invitation to live with awareness, intention, and compassion, while cultivating a deep understanding of our interconnectedness with all that exists in the universe.
The third principle: "Every moment is the right moment"
This concept stems from ancient teachings and philosophical traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It reflects a perspective on life and time that emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and wisdom in every moment of existence.
At the core of this principle is the recognition that the past is gone, and the future is uncertain. What we truly have is the present moment. Therefore, it is essential to live each moment fully, cultivating a sharp awareness of what is happening here and now. Rather than being preoccupied with regrets about the past or anxieties about the future, it is advised to focus on the immediate reality.
The adage “every moment is the right moment” invites us to understand reality as it is, without resistance or judgment. This means accepting the ups and downs of life with equanimity, recognizing that every experience, whether perceived as positive or negative, holds valuable lessons for personal and spiritual growth.
In this perspective, there are no wasted or insignificant moments. Every instant is an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with the deeper truth of our being. Even in moments of difficulty or suffering, there is the possibility to cultivate compassion, patience, and resilience.
Moreover, this philosophy highlights the belief that spiritual awakening and self-realization are not distant goals to be achieved in the future, but states of being that are accessible here and now. Therefore, the practice of mindfulness and present awareness is considered essential for living fully and authentically.
Finally, this principle encourages us to recognize the inherent beauty and perfection in every moment, regardless of our desires or expectations. By embracing the present moment with gratitude and openness, we can find inner peace and fulfillment in our daily lives.
In summary, “every moment is the right moment” serves as a powerful reminder of the value of the present and the importance of living consciously, with intention and gratitude. It is an invitation to embrace life in all its richness and complexity, honoring each moment as a precious opportunity for growth, connection, and spiritual awakening.
The fourth principle: "When it's over, it's over"
This is a fundamental notion in Indian philosophy, reflecting an approach to life marked by acceptance, detachment, and wisdom. This maxim is closely related to the understanding of impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence, which is central to traditional spiritual teachings in India.
Essentially, this concept emphasizes that every phase of life, every experience, and every relationship has a natural end. Nothing is permanent, everything is in constant transformation. Therefore, when something comes to its conclusion, it is important to let go, without clinging to the past or resisting change.
In this perspective, embracing the end of a situation, relationship, or experience is seen as an essential step in progressing on the path of personal and spiritual growth. Rather than holding on to what is no longer, it is advised to learn from the experience, find gratitude for what was lived, and face the future with openness and courage.
It also encourages us to recognize that life consists of cycles and phases, with beginnings, middles, and ends. Every ending marks the beginning of a new opportunity, a new chapter, or a new adventure. Therefore, instead of fearing the end, it is possible to welcome it as an invitation to growth, renewal, and transformation.
By practicing detachment and accepting reality as it is, we can find inner peace and freedom from attachments that hinder our path to self-realization. This does not mean ignoring or downplaying the emotions that come with loss or the end of something, but rather going through them with compassion and understanding, acknowledging that they are an integral part of the human experience.
Ultimately, the principle “When it’s over, it’s over” reminds us of the importance of living fully in the present moment, without being burdened by the weight of the past or anxiety about the future. It encourages us to cultivate resilience and find beauty in the very impermanence of life. By integrating this wisdom into our daily lives, we can find freedom and joy in each moment, no matter what the future holds.
“The wisdom of life is always deeper and broader than the wisdom of men.”
– Maxim Gorky
By Catherine Agostini, guide at Spiritours and founder of Latitude Bien-Être.
Note: Catherine will be accompanying, alongside Jean-Marie Lapointe, a wellness retreat to South India in November 2024!
