The Guiding Light

 

THE GUIDING LIGHT

The uncertainties of life often leave us feeling bewildered. During such times, we lose clarity of mind and find it difficult to do what is right in the given situation. Considering ourselves to be the masters of our destiny we take our own decisions and seldom rely on people. It is only in a state of either moral dilemma or indecisiveness, that we seek advice from our near and dear ones. 

In this context, it is wise to recall the famous proverb in Hindi, “ सबकी सुनो अपनी करो” – Take advice from everyone but  listen to your inner voice. People give advice based on their experiences and perspective of life. Their opinions may be correct for them but not right for us. Hence it is best that we listen to our own conscience. However, the complexities of life are such that they hinder our ability to think clearly. The question then arises, what should one do in such a situation? The perfect solution is Prayer and unwavering Faith in the Divine.

 LIFE LESSON 

When life seems out of control and we are unable to decide what is best for us, then we must surrender completely to divine cosmic power. GOD-The supreme spiritual master knows what is right for us and will provide clarity of thought, so that we do what is needed and get what we deserve at the right time. 

At the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna could not understand the reason for his mental confusion, although he knew that his duty to fight was awaiting him. He offers himself to the Supreme Spiritual Master- Bhagwan Shri Krishna as a disciple and requests him to give a definite solution. 

 

Bg. 2.7

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः

पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः ।

यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्‍चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे

शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥ ७ ॥

kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ

pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ

yac chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan me

śiṣyas te ’haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam

Translation

Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

Written by _ Saraswathi M V

Mentor credits: Mrs Shalini Pujari 

Ref: The Bhagwad Gita

Overcoming Failures

 

OVERCOMING FAILURES

A magnificent tree at the park succumbed to the wrath of Nature – heavy rains! Despite having strong roots , it could not sustain its boughs. The severed branches had to be chopped off and what survived was the huge trunk of the tree standing tall despite - the destruction. Walkers, joggers and other passers by looked at the tree with compassion. They felt sorry for the state it had been. “How beautiful! it was and look at its state  now! “ they exclaimed. 

A few days had passed by and soon new life began to grow on the tree . Tiny branches emerged on the trunk. It was heartening to see new life, a new beginning! Everybody watched in astonishment, as they had assumed that the tree would just remain an artefact in the Park. They also admired the new beauty and applauded nature for its ability to re-bounce from destruction. 

LIFE LESSON

Many times in life, no matter how strong we are and how sincerely we adopt the values we have been raised with: we all go through dark moments. Moments which will crush us, break us, those which question our existence and beliefs. One may feel helpless, may not find solutions to emerge from the situation, receive backlash or judgment that the mess we are in is our responsibility or a consequence of our actions. But one forgets that the difficulties in life occur to help us evolve as individuals, to strengthen our belief in ourselves, to redirect us to the right path. Tough times also show us the true nature of people around us. Who wishes well and who is happy to see us in hell -True faces unmasked!

Adversities are part of life and humankind needs to rise and shine like the phoenix, come what may! Learning to survive amidst difficulties and difficult people is the biggest challenge of life- tolerance and patience being the key! The purpose of life is to live it well and not be bogged down by circumstances. Tough times do not last but tough people do! The simplest way to remain calm amidst crisis is being thankful for all that life has given us- the Good as well as the Bad. Every experience is meant to mould us into the person we are meant to be.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says  the following to Arjuna :-

Bg. 2.14

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।

आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥ १४ ॥

mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya

śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ

āgamāpāyino ’nityās

tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata

Translation

O son of Kuntī, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

_Written by Saraswathi M V