Thoughts and Inspirations for the Day 21st Aug 2009

[Mani kutty]

Peace cannot be found in the external world but within oneself. One should realize that the whole universe is pervaded by the Divine. Today the world is filled with strife. It is not possible to make a distinction between a human being and a demon. Man, who evolved from the animal, instead of proceeding towards Divinity, is regressing to animality. Man's primary duty is to uphold the human values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love. However, man today is enveloped in attachment and hatred. The moment he casts them off, he will realize his divinity.

In my view, difficulties are better than pleasure and comforts. It is not prudent to pray for happiness and comfort. The wisdom you gain in times of difficulty is not available in happy times. You ask any realized soul or saintly person as to how he acquired great wisdom. He will tell you that he underwent several sorrows and difficulties and then only he could get wisdom. Today, people desire to have liberation without undergoing any difficulty or without spending a single pie. How is it possible? You must work hard. Just by sitting somewhere and happily enjoying things, you will find difficulties painful. It is only after undergoing challenges that you must enjoy happiness
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Sairam.

[Jordi Valero]

You viewpoint is very interesting, at least for me. You see, I belong to the West and, here, is common to think that only through the sorrows can the human being become wise.
I am not wholly agree with you in this point. I think that a wise man ought to know to extract teachings from every situation...even if it is a good situation.

[kalpana]

Thank you for offering a post for discussion.

''Peace cannot be found in the external world but within oneself.''
Yes

''One should realize that the whole universe is pervaded by the Divine''.
Sri Aurobindo and the Mother have shown several ways.
If we realise that the whole universe is pervaded by the Divine, then difficulties, demons, strife etc are also part of the Lila.
So why moan and groan about difficulties vs comforts. Enjoy both.

''Today the world is filled with strife. It is not possible to make a distinction between a human being and a demon.''

Just as peace is found within, so is strife. We need to alter our perceptions.
A very pessimistic view- the 'angelic part' of the human is stronger than the 'demonic' part, may not be immediately apparent.

'' Man, who evolved from the animal, instead of proceeding towards Divinity, is regressing to animality''.
Where is the evidence?

''In my view, difficulties are better than pleasure and comforts''.

Only better in the sense that pin-pricks keep you 'awake' so you remain alert.

They provide opportunities for growth. Even in the greatest difficulty, the Divine sends a ray of comfort, otherwise the person would be dead.

'' realised souls saying that they went through several sorrows and difficulties, then only they got wisdom''

We also have wonderful examples in our Indian spiritual traditions of the likes of King Janaka, whose outwardly 'comfortable' lifestyle blinded the so-called 'suffering'ascetic, to his wisdom.
One can equally develop attachment to 'sufferings/difficulties'.

In Sri Aurobindos and the Mother's letters, although they refer to their difficulties and sorrows, there is a tremendous humour, resilience, joy, optimism, and a celebration of true Ananda.