|| Shri Hari ||

Special Grace of God in Miseries

A man wants favourableness,  but does not want unfavourableness -  this is his cowardice.   The desire for favorable situations is the main bondage for a man.  Besides this there is no bondage.  In order to eliminate this desire (for favourableness), God lovingly sends unfavorable situations, for the devotee’s betterment.   In the unfavorable situations,  our attachment to the alien elements (this world) is broken away.   If unfavourableness comes in one’s life, then one should understand that it is a very special grace from God.  It is indescribable,  the amount of bliss,  peace and happiness that is there in unfavourableness.  These unfavorable circumstances are like God Realization.  God has said -  

‘nityam cha samachittattvamisthopapattitshu’  (Gita 8/9).   

‘Constant balance of mind both in favorable and unfavorable circumstances.’  

To remain happy on arrival of unfavourable situations,  is the mother of equanimity.  Lord Vishnu became the greatest among all the deities because when He was kicked in His chest by Bhriguji,  He did not get angry.  He started pressing the legs (feet) of Bhriguji and spoke,  ‘Bhriguji,  my chest is very hard and your feet are very soft,  therefore your feet might be hurt on contact with my chest.’  We are part of God -   

‘Mamaivaansho jeevaloke’  (Gita 15/7),   

‘The Jivatma (soul) is an eternal portion of Myself.’

If we are portion of God,  and cannot heartily respect, He who kicks our chest,  then how are we the devotees of God ?  We should presume the arrival of unfavourable situation as a golden opportunity and we should dance with joy that God has showered his special grace on us.  I am hesitating to say that every man does not recognize such a golden opportunity.  If we tell someone,  that he does not recognize this golden opportunity,  then this gives disrespect to that person.   If we get such an opportunity and we recognize that God has showered His special grace on us, then this is something very beneficial.

to be continued.......

From article in 'Kalyaan Kalpatru' by Swami Ramsukhdasji from Gita Press, Gorakhpur