Day: August 16, 2025

Swami ji said…

The longing to be protected, to be shielded, to feel secure is a deeply ingrained emotion within us right from the moment of our birth – as “हम सबसे ज़्यादा सुरक्षित अपनी माँ और पिताजी की गोद में महसूस करते थे…” Clasping their hands tightly, we felt prepared to face the world – as “हमारे हाथ को उनकी मज़बूत पकड़ से बहुत सहारा मिलता था…” And as we grew older, we often heard our elders say – “ईश्वर हमारी रक्षा करते हैं…वो हमारी रक्षा करेंगे…” And if we were to admit honestly, it is these very words that filled us with reassurance and offered us the greatest comfort possible — that there was nothing to fear regarding our safety and welfare. All would always remain well under His protective and watchful gaze – we told ourselves every day and night.

Yet, the ways of life are often unfathomable — and if today we could be exuberantly joyful with the happenings in our lives, the next day could bring us perilously close to the most challenging moments that we could have ever faced. And, foolish as we are, we immediately question our Protector — “हमारे रक्षक” — wondering where He was – when that calamity befell us, and , we become resentful, feeling that our grievances directed towards Him remain unanswered.

But an important question arises ? These so-called calamities, these so-called problems — have they truly harmed us? Reflect deeply. Have any of these unpleasant moments genuinely wounded us? Have we not emerged wiser after these so-called ‘fiascos’? Has not failure compelled us to alter our path for the better?

If we reflect sincerely, we will recognise that there are many around us whose lives have been brought to a complete standstill due to some incident or accident that has scarred them forever. They lose faith in life itself – as not for a moment do they forget as to how exposed and fragile are they – and are filled with misgivings – as the future holds nothing for them to look forward to.

But the few among us who are blessed to have a ‘Guru’ in their lives, are able to move forward. Their lives are not ‘marked’ or ‘defined’ by any misfortune or calamity. They emerge from them unscathed. Certainly, they undergo stress and anxiety and also fear what lies ahead. Yet those in the छत्र-छाया of a ‘Guru’s’ grace are seldom adversely affected — mentally or physically — by life’s trials and tribulations.

The spiritual seeker, fortunate to have a Guru in his life, will also face misfortune. He may find himself trapped in a misadventure, or, some woe may befall him. Such is the nature of life. But if their faith in their Guru is steadfast, if , they surrender their troubles at their Guru’s feet, they will remain safe and well even in the gravest of circumstances. They will discover within themselves the courage and clarity to confront the harshest situations. They will find themselves miraculously spared from anything that could cause them lasting harm.

Yet, realising this — truly acknowledging it — is the greater challenge. Our Guru is not meant to provide us with physical and material comforts. The Guru fortifies our mind and spirit. He reveals that the world of ‘माया’ around us is not to be taken too seriously, and, that even the sorrow- ‘दुःख’ it brings is fleeting. Why then should we allow it to affect us in a lasting way?

A disciple often does not realise it, but, the Guru shields him from the most profound pains. He ensures that the disciple never undergoes anything that could deeply scar or harm him. Through His wisdom, He also prepares the disciple to become resilient and steadfast in facing the world. In this dual manner, He ensures the disciple’s protection — always and forever.