This universe is designed for learning, not comfort. We are subtle spiritual beings ensconced in a material world with which we are incompatible. As oil and water never mix, similarly we never mix with the gross world of matter.
If we try to live a life of material convenience, we’ll be disappointed. If, however, we view the incidents in our lives, including the inconvenient ones, as opportunities to learn and to refine ourselves, we’ll experience the exhilaration of progress.
Those who look for the lesson in whatever happens to them will see how everything and everyone is interconnected. Instead of asking, “Why me? Why am I the victim?” ask, “What is the lesson?” When you engage in this practice, you’ll find that your intelligence will be divinely empowered to find the lessons in life’s events. With the question ready on your tongue, you’ll climb steadily toward the high ground of self-realization, integrity, and spiritual self-esteem. Notice for yourself how simply asking “What is the lesson?” expands your consciousness.
The Gita and other wisdom texts explain that our present life is but one in a series of lives. Each life is like a frame in a roll of cinematic film. For each of our actions, we receive a perfectly measured reaction. Whatever our present situation may be, it is the fruit of our cumulative activities from many lives. Whatever happens to us is not arbitrary; it is a perfectly measured response to what we have already done.
When we blame God, the universe, or who- or whatever, we miss the opportunity to learn and grow. When we accept the responsibility of looking for the lesson, we develop the insight and internal strength to embrace whatever happens to us as not only a divine intervention but also a custom-designed arrangement to help us advance.
We can be victims or learners, but not both. We are all students, and the universe is our schoolhouse. Whatever comes our way is therapy, or cosmic sensitivity training. Those who collect and apply the lessons, learn to transcend all troubles and attain true peace of mind.
Please drop me a note with your realizations or if you have any questions/comments using Ask Vaish form. I would really like to hear from you.
2 Comments
HariBol prabhu,
I am inspired by :Instead of asking “why me” ask “what is the lesson”. Learning and more importantly applying our lessons in our present lives ( and those learnt in past lives) propagates us spiritually. This wisdom aligns perfectly with the fact that all our actions and resulting reactions are interconnected, so if we apply the right lessons, we are more peaceful. Thank you !
Dear Guru Maharaja!
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you.
Gurumaharaja, I have a reflection to share. I am a born introvert, so right from my childhood I avoided outside people and preferred home and personal family. It became my comfort zone. Then I was pulled to Krishna consciousness and although I had my teething problems and hiccups, it was soothing, and I felt I met my purpose and in due course of time it got engrained in my daily routine and I found myself peaceful doing it. I told myself, this I can do. Again it became my comfort place. I still had a strong sense of family, and sticking to family responsibilities, making everyone around me comfortable. I was carrying both my spiritual and material responsibilities sincerely But with the arrival of my grandson my family responsibilities started increasing day by day leaving me with less time for my spiritual life. This consequently started frustrating me. I kept on wondering why this is happening to me. I suddenly was thrown out of my comfort zone and I found myself yearning to pursue my spiritual goals. Till now I was ok with both. Till now for me Krishna realisation was important. There was no desperation to detach from the material world. There was no desperation to attach just to the spiritual world. There was no desperation to only go back to Godhead. And a few days before I realised exactly what you have mentioned. I realised Krishna did this purposely and I have to catch the cue. Krishna helped me realise what I couldn’t realise in years. I realised that Krishna’s plans are perfect ; Very much similar to what you sent. Thankyou for validating my experience. Thankyou for guiding me as always.