Thought of the Month
Without pain, one does not realize the value of pleasure. The value of light can be realized only when there is darkness. This message of truth must be taught to the entire world, as it was the teaching of Jesus. One has to overcome difficulties to be successful in life.
Never feel depressed when you are weighed down by difficulties. Difficulties are part and parcel of the lives of great devotees. God subjects His devotees to tests so that their faith in Him can be strengthened and their hearts purified. However, God will never impose suffering on you that you cannot bear. Difficulties are meant for cleansing the vessel of your heart. Do not be afraid of difficulties as they are like passing clouds; do not waver. Follow your heart, which is steady and unwavering.
Some people accuse, criticize and censure God in times of difficulties. Do not blame others or impute partiality to God. Above all, do not rely on this impermanent objective world; it is full of sorrow and change. Each one has to bear the consequences of one’s own actions; none can predict when and how, but one is bound to face them. “As you sow, so shall you reap.” There are no defects in God. All words and deeds of God are perfect. You see the reflection, reaction and resound of your own feelings. They are psychological in nature. Understand and experience this truth that God always gives good alone. Above all, whatever your difficulties, whatever the ordeals you have to undergo, in any situation, do not give up God.
Jesus performed many miraculous deeds; relieved the suffering of many in distress, preached sublime truths to the people, and ultimately sacrificed his life. He was compassion (karuna) come in human form. He spread the spirit of compassion and conferred solace on the distressed and the suffering. The Lord alone is the savior of the helpless and the forlorn, so do not waver in your faith in the Lord in any circumstance. Go ahead with your tasks with faith and determination.
When you wish to serve society, you must be prepared to sacrifice your individual and communal interests. All religions and scriptures agree that going to the aid of fellow-beings in times of need and saving them from distressing situations is the greatest virtue of a person. What Jesus preached was in accord with these basic teachings of all religions. Seeing his acts of love and kindness, people declared that he was a “messenger of God”.
Give happiness to those who are suffering and consider every activity as God’s work. Wherever you may be, go into the society and render social service in all possible ways, with faith in God and in a selfless spirit. The fulfilment of human life consists in the service that man renders, without any thought of return, in an attitude of selflessness. Service rendered in this spirit sheds light in the dark interior of man, it widens the heart, and it purifies the impulses and confers lasting bliss (ananda).
Since Jesus bore all difficulties with fortitude, he is being adored and worshipped to this day. Once, a disciple asked Jesus, “O master, when I am faced with any problems, how am I to solve them?” Jesus replied, “O simpleton, do not seek solutions for your problems. Love God, who is installed in your heart. Love even those that hate you, because God is present in them also. How can you ever have suffering when you love all? Your heart will be filled with bliss when you love everybody.”
God takes upon Himself the pain and sorrow of the world in order to prepare the hearts of men for love! But, when you look at the truth squarely in the face, you will know that in God there is no “suffering” and that you too have no reason to suffer! The entire world is the play of love! You suffer on account of love. It is love, love, right through – there is no reason for sorrow or pain or suffering! So, when you constantly think of God, you will never be put to suffering. God will shield you from all suffering. He will always be with you, in you, around you, safeguarding you. God remains unaffected. God is pure, unsullied and sacred.
Source: Excerpts from Sathya Sai Discourses
and Radio Sai, Blessed are those who mourn
