Immense Grace in Unfavorable Situations

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2011 By sadhaka@yahoogroups.com

Ram Ram

21st October, 2011, Friday
Kartik Krishna Navami, Shukravar, Vikram Samvat 2068

Immense Grace in Unfavorable Situations

Man desires favorable situations, but he does not want unfavorable situations - this is his cowardliness. To desire favorable situations is main bondage. There is no other bondage besides this. To get rid of this desire, God most lovingly and with great fondness sends unfavorable situations. If unfavorable situations arise in this world, then he must understand that there is immense grace of God on him. An extra-ordinary grace has been bestowed on him. There is so much joy, peace, contentment, what to say? Attainments of unfavorable situations is as if attainment of visible and evidential Essence, the Supreme Spirit (Paramatma tattva). God has said - "Nityam cha samchittattva mishthaanishthopapattishu" (Gita 13/9). When unfavorable situations arise, remain happy and contented - this is the mother of equanimity. In Gita this "equanimity" has been highly praised.

When Lord Vishnu did not become offended in spite of being kicked in the chest by Bhruguji, he was regarded as the best of all "devatas" (demi—gods). He began to press (massage) Bhrugu's feet and said "Bhruguji! My chest is very hard, and you feet are very soft; your feet must be hurt by this!" I am a ray of consciousness (ansh) of that very God - "Mamaivaansho jeevaloke" (Gita 15/7). Even being an "ansh" of Him, we are not able to respect those who kick us in the chest, then how are we a devotee of God? On receiving unfavorable situations he should consider these to be a golden moment, and dance that it is immense grace of God that has showered upon him. I am hesitant to say that such a golden opportunity is not recognized by every man. If you tell someone that "you are not recognizing and aware, then he sees it as disrespect. If we get such an opportune moment, and we recognize that there is immense grace of God in this, then it is a very beneficial point.

It is said in the Gita, a man that is self-controlled (yogi), i.e. controlled and free from attraction and aversion, while using objects with the senses,attains placidity of mind. Such a person of tranquil mind, soon becomes, firmly established in God. (Gita 2/64-65) He who remains joyful and contented in the worst of unfavorable situations, his intellect becomes established in God very quickly. This is because, the joy and contentment that takes place in unfavorable situations is the mother (Janani) of equanimity. If you gain this joy and contentment, then understand that you have acquired the mother of equanimity and the grand-mother of the attainment of supreme spirit, whether you may call her a paternal or maternal grand-mother. (to be continued)

From "Sadhan, Sudha, Sindhu" in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji