AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI explains how conscience and an association with God bring peace
In this material world, in our material bodies, we get sufferings from three sources. These are aadhyatimic, aadhibhautic and aadhidaivik. Aadhyatmic is what we give ourselves through our minds and bodies. For example, by fearing, we pain ourselves. Similarly, by overeating, we give diseases to our bodies, especially if the food is too rich. Aadhibhautic is what others give to us. For example, a troublesome neighbour who we are stuck with. And aadhidaivik is what natural forces give us: Scorching heat, incessant rainfall, biting cold, earthquakes, etc.
Now let me cite three stories, which will bring out how these sufferings affect us. Beginning with what our minds and bodies give us, there was a man, who was a habitual worrier. He was, by nature, drawn to whatever was bothering him or what could trouble him in the future. Trying to solve one’s problems is fine, but when we get obsessed with them, we are in trouble. This man, rather than seeking help from others, used to keep worrying and fearing. And he was not prepared to tolerate at all.
Over a period, he developed headache due to being habitually anxious. later he consulted a doctor and was prescribed some medicines. His body reacted poorly to these strong medicines and his misery turned worse. What was he to doIJ Now he had side effects of the medicines to cope with too.
Now, I will tell the story of a woman, whose husband was an alcoholic. This man was an MCD worker, but generally avoided going to work (he had some understanding with his supervisor). He drank from the morning onwards and when his salary was blown, he would demand money from his wife, who worked in several houses as a cleaning lady. If she refused, he’d beat her up. Meanwhile, their son was growing and his mother ensured that he became a good student and a well behaved child.
The third story is of an avalanche, which struck a hilly area and destroyed almost all the houses there. The villagers, who escaped its fury, were now forced to rebuild their dwellings. It was tough, especially that not everyone had spare money but they managed because they had nowhere else to go. This was their land and they belonged there.
Then, what should one doIJ What options does one haveIJ Personally, I have found that willingness to tolerate really helps, if I have done everything I could do in my power. From the three stories, if the man had the willingness to tolerate his headache till he consciously changed his habit of worrying, he would have solved his problem of headache quite harmlessly. In the case of the cleaning lady, her willingness to tolerate till her son grew up was the solution. And in the third case, the villagers had to be prepared to go through that experience again in the future.
How does this willingness helpIJ One will not lament and lose peace of mind — our most valuable asset. One will become courageous; fear of suffering will lessen. One will avoid mental diseases and not have to take strong medicines, which, inevitably, have side effects. One can focus on one’s duties and not get distracted. One will be a good example for others.
How does one develop such willingnessIJ Soul’s consciousness is the first requirement. God’s association is next. Also, accepting that this material world and the material body are naturally painful helps. Is the body not subject to diseases, old age and deathIJ Miseries are always temporary but positive attitude is encouraging. Open-mindedness is conducive for it. One should realise that one cannot be perfect. One should be aware of the harm one does to the self by being intolerant. Humility helps and mind’s control is crucial to achieve this quality.
The conclusion is that we have some control over aadhyatmic troubles but not much on aadhibhautic ones and almost none at all on aadhidaivic disasters. Therefore, be ready to tolerate mentally what cannot be avoided in spite of our best efforts. Do not reject miseries, pains and sufferings, because they are inevitable; only their quantum varies. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com