Day: June 15, 2024

Swami ji said…

‘Man proposes, God disposes…’ – is an age old saying which directs us to focus only on our actions, our ‘कर्म’. In numerous ways, we have been told to follow this one principle in life – with complete faith in the ringing truth of these words. But, despite this wisdom being given to us through the ages – we always fall into the trap of expectations –
big or small. Barely do we start on any task or project, and we start thinking about its outcome ; how our lives could change; how it could benefit others ; the applause and recognition that would come our way.

The blue print that we form in our mind of all that is needed by us, what we must get and when – makes us feel absolutely certain that everything will happen the way we want them to happen and –
any deviation – even the slightest – leads us to feeling disappointed. And, not getting what we expected, is as good as the greatest tragedy having befallen us.

This often leads us to experiencing a sense of failure, shame, sadness – all of which is unfounded. So fixated are we with results – that we forget to celebrate the successful completion of our tasks. Life’s true joys, like most, can be found where we look the least. Taking joy in our ‘karma’ ; नेक , पवित्र , अच्छे कर्म करते हुए – being happy in simply performing our duties selflessly and sincerely – without worrying about the fruit of our labour – with complete faith in God’s will and His plan for us – would do wonders to our way of thinking and functioning. This is a skill we must learn immediately.

All of us must learn to trust God. Once He gives us an idea, some direction, a path to follow – we must rejoice in that moment too ! There are so many in this world who are like lost sheep. They have no idea about what to do with their lives.They simply survive day to day, hour to hour. Atleast we have a routine, a path to follow , a goal to achieve. And we must follow this path shown to us – with the utmost conviction, with the utmost joy – as it is God who has shown us this path!

Let us not be bothered by what others have gained. Let us not waste time thinking how we can get the same, or , whether we will get the same as them.The path that God sets us on could be as difficult as the one through dense forests and hills. It might not be possible for us to see where we will end up, but , there are many sights to take in and enjoy – if , we understand that God wants us to tread that path – as it is best for our future growth and development.

We must not forget – that the only life we are experiencing is the one we are living right now ; at this moment. Hence , we must take joy in performing our duty, knowing that God will be pleased with us for doing so, and, His is the only praise we should strive to achieve. How we will experience the future, how today is connected to tomorrow – are questions that only He can answer.

But, even from a pragmatic perspective, those successful in this world, barely spend time fretting over tomorrow. They remain focussed on excellence, which in simpler terms – is ensuring the quality ; the nature of their ‘karma’ or how well they perform their duties. This requires them to focus on the present and not waste thought and energy on the future.While they, too, never are sure of the fruits of their labour , they are well aware that good ‘karma’, dutiful actions, never go to waste…” तुम पूरी इमानदारी से मेहनत करो…परन्तु आगे सब ईश्वर की ईच्छा प़र छोड़ दो… क्यूंकि होगा वही जैसा वो चाहेंगे …”