Intense and unbearable sorrow comes into life so that detachment from the world may arise within us, a little dispassion may develop, our tendencies may turn inward, and our attachment may remain only with the Supreme Being.
Even in sorrow, we should thank God and feel His closeness, because this is our time of testing. Through these sufferings, our karmas are being exhausted. They are bringing us nearer to the Divine.
For every little thing that we still have, we should offer gratitude to Him. Slowly, all our sorrows will be consumed, and sooner or later, happiness will surely knock at our door.
My Guru said:
“Endure blow after blow,
Drink the draughts of your own blood,
Do not sigh, seal your lips—
This is love, not a game.”
So, when we have loved the Divine, we should not worry about wounds. We must keep moving forward, remain steady in our seats, and not let our peace be disturbed. The waves will settle on their own — we only need patience.
“Sometimes in life
A taste of saltiness appears;
This too is a flavour—
O mind, why do you fear?”
This sorrow will gather itself back into itself, and what will remain is only us, united with our Lord, completely still.
And in any case, the final birth is said to be filled with intense suffering, because the karmas of previous births are paid off in this very life as destiny. Only then is a realization of the Divine and liberation in life possible.
I remember the words of my Gurudev:
“The one whom He grants divine love,
He grants nothing else thereafter;
The one who has been given everything
Was not considered worthy of that love.”
In truth, feeling sorrow or joy is the nature of the mind. When we say “I am unhappy,” we identify ourselves with the mind, whereas we are not the mind. Until we realise the illusory nature of the world and develop deep detachment, we keep believing the world to be real and continue experiencing happiness and sorrow.
At times of suffering, we should sit in our posture and connect with the Divine. We should remember the many times He has rescued us from difficulties and sent help. He will surely send help again.
“How should new travellers on the spiritual path endure suffering?”
By drinking the nectar of spiritual company, by self-study of scriptures, holy books and remembrance of God, by slowly opening the inner doors of the heart, by establishing a relationship with the Divine within, by remembering Him at all times, by remaining undisturbed, by reading the message of God hidden in every sorrow, by recognizing one’s mistakes and correcting them, by moving forward.
Pray to God:
“O Lord, I do not even have the power to take a single breath on my own; all strength is given by You. At this turning point in life, only You can save me.”
Understand that if waves of sorrow have come, they will pass after some time. Life has two sides — behind sorrow, happiness is already on its way.
“How does a true devotee live in suffering?”
A true devotee cannot be pierced by sorrow. Gradually, when the devotee reaches the highest state, he begins to sway in his own divine bliss. Within him is the presence of God, around him is God’s protection, streams of nectar flow within, and supreme peace is attained. He remains immersed in serenity at all times.
“How does a realized person live in suffering?”
A realized person maintains equanimity in both joy and sorrow. He is neither excessively disturbed by pain nor overly absorbed in prosperity. He remains established in his true nature. Seeing the world as a stage, he plays his role well. Experiencing unity with the Absolute, tasting even suffering with acceptance, recognizing the Divine will in everything, he moves through life in inner delight and Ananda— always fearless, trusting completely in Divine justice, and continuing forward with total surrender.
Dimple Chhabra
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