It is our nature to compare, compete, and feel dejected, especially when we see others having more money, property, better relationships, or good health. We then try to find flaws in their lives, look for something wrong with them, and assert or deny what we want and who we are. This creates inner conflict, leading to pain.
Nothing is discordant in nature. But most of us would say that life is not always fair. We hold grudges against people, events, occurrences, and circumstances. Life or existence is neither fair nor unfair.
Swami Vivekanand says that not even an atom in this universe can be different from what it is now, for that would destroy the balance of the universe, and the entire system would collapse.
We worry about drowning in a sea of challenges, problems and roadblocks. The Buddha refused to get drawn into conflict with a man on the street who had abused him. When his disciples asked him why he did not react, he said, "He is free to say what he wants, but it is my choice to receive what he says or return it. I chose not to take it, so I was free".
In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn says, 'Yaha sarvatra anabhis snehaha, (2.57)' - don't get attached to success or failure. When you are not connected to success or failure, you are at peace with whatever is to be - shubh ashubham, good or bad.
Krishn says that we must increase our awareness, inner silence, and calmness. Once we learn to do this, we will be able to navigate through life's myriad challenges with ease and composure. When we begin to skilfully navigate the pathways that life creates for us smoothly, we will find that, just like practising driving through a rugged terrain, a certain skill will be enhanced. Within us, there are infinite energies to help resolve all kinds of conflicts - big or small.
Life is like a river; it is constantly moving. Move with grace. Be flexible like a river. A river goes ahead despite obstacles. At some point, we all enjoyed the music a river makes as it flows. The river makes music even as it lives with rocks and obstacles that hinder its path. The river passes them, caresses them continuously, and, in the process, smoothens their rough edges. It also makes music as it gurgles towards its destination.
Once, a king walking along a narrow street had to give way to a charging bull. He could not tell the bull, "Get out of the way, I am the king of this area." Metaphorically speaking, all people who wish to clash with us are like that bull. Therefore, to avoid a clash, we must wisely get out of the way.
Living in harmony with our surroundings and circumstances brings inward peace and poise. When we maintain poise, problems and challenges vanish like mist before the rising sun. In a symbolic sense, we must remember to get out of the way of a charging bull so that we can continue to lead a life of harmony and peace.
Authored by: V Balasubramaniam
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