Why We Suffer?

Aum Sairam

God or His Name is the sole strength in living against all odds and uncertainties. If one is not at cross purposes with Him, one finds His manifestation in every happening. But, one has to bear with patience the onrush of the forces one has let loose. Yoke yourself unto Him and He will bear the brunt.

Take refuge in none but Him. Dependence on Him makes one fearless. Human beings will enjoy three fourths of life and one fourth they will suffer. But, we lose our patience and do not accept even that one fourth of sorrows given by Him.

Don't be obsessed with any wish. Shake off sadness. Unhappiness is part of the ego. Beyond it, no such thing exists. That you have forgotten Truth (that God is within), is the root cause of your misery.

A painful blow becomes bearable to a great extent by His remembrance. As He inflicts blows on you, so also He gives you the capacity for bearing the suffering. As one tolerates unbearable situations with patience, a time comes when He resolves all problems. Whenever you have tumults in mind, try to remember this very often. You can do this. The key is with Him. Truth wins. He is your shield. Destiny still comes but He eases the suffering.

When you have the shelter of Satyanarayan [God within], He will test you in various ways. Your duty is not to get agitated when these sorts of events hurt you. There is a saying of Sri Sai Baba, "You look to Me, and I look to you. Even then, if they do not leave Me and still seek Me, I then become their humble servant."

The smiles and frowns of life are His tokens of love. Bear them with loving patience, you have to forsake nothing. Neither indulges, nor restrain.

If you have devotion, you need fear nothing. Devotion is never devoid of strength. So many varied problems and hindrances must come; otherwise people won't understand and realize how and why He is the best of all friends and companions. He is the Dearest One, who keeps us protected in all calamities and adversities, which are unpredictable. People falter in life and suffer by discarding Him. But, they can't do anything without Him. Have faith in Him, unflinching faith. Love Him. Hazards take care of themselves. Remembering and depending on Him make one fearless in life, whatever may happen.

He gives us jolts so that we can be ready to taste real happiness with Him, to make us free of Maya, or mind and attachments. We do not know His Will, so we grieve over all He does, but He always does everything for the best. Do not worry. Never try to understand. Only accept as a gift whatever He gives, take it as His blessing. When one feels, "I am helpless, my strength fails" He comes to hold the rudder. Being always in the midst of people with their selfishness, jealousy and hatred, the mind is afflicted with pain. These afflictions are shaken off like dust through devotion and remembrance of God's Name within.

He, the Almighty, by His wish and touch takes away the worldly attractions gradually to bring one to a blissful, peaceful state. A person cannot realize this state on his or her own due to the intensity of illusory worldly desire. You do everything, see everything, listen to everything, but do not get so deeply involved as to invite sufferings through them. Of course, He will ensure this; you don't have to make any effort for it. Just keep Him in your remembrance.

Allah Malik