Difficult Times


All of us go through good and not so good times. There are times when we stand rejected on all fronts – personal, professional, social. Our most trusted and loved people also leave us for no fault we committed. These are difficult times. We try to extend ourselves far more than we ever did but still all doors shut on us. We have no clue of what’s happening and why. Sometimes people call me up and ask if a particular accounts tutor is good for their child. It is like asking a doctor to recommend another doctor. We just need to understand that it is difficult times. One does feel lost and under-employed. One tries hard to mend things, but end up messing them even more. So what do we do?
Well, the only saviour in such days is our spiritual understanding. The only antidote to depression at such times is a clear understanding about the laws which govern life. The only medicine is unwavering faith and devotion that whatever happens is accurate and for my ultimate growth. It is impossible to understand this logically with our limited intellect. But the Lord knows best what I need, for He has access to both my past and my future. My Savitri teacher (Ms. Sanjana) often quotes Sri Aurobindo’s words, “What is magic to the mind is logic to the universal intelligence.” This is the best time to validate what the Masters say that the world can make you happy, but not keep you happy. Nothing and nobody can keep you eternally happy, except your interpretations (of what happens to you) based on your internalisation of the Supreme Truths. So the only insurance we have is our spiritual consciousness which helps us to embrace and accept everything impartially on faith that if the Lord allowed this to happen, then it has to be for my ultimate good, although I can never know now how this is so. Having accepted whatever has happened fully, then one can try to resolve things and situations.
What is most important is to attain equanimity of mind first. This is attained by having total Shraddha as mentioned above. But just equanimity of mind does not warrant inaction in dealing with the situation. Be ready to extend oneself and to reach out to the other by dissolving our ego which might say “But, why should I?”
Make adjustments without compromising our values. Be ready to do things which in good times you hadn’t. Like, there were times when I had to agree to go to the student’s homes for tuitions. To adjust with changing times is necessary in such situations. I needed to adapt instead of fighting with the facts. And lastly, one needs patience that the clouds will disperse and “This too shall pass away.” Sai Baba of Shirdi summed up His teachings in just two words 1 - Shraddha, 2 - Saburi (Patience). Can Fear and Faith ever go hand-in-hand?

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