Difficulties strengthen you

[Guest guest]

DIFFICULTIES STRENGTHEN YOU

 

by Swami Sivananda

 

Difficulties come to test you and thereby to help you by

strengthening your will, patience and power of endurance. Be bold. Be

cheerful. Be calm, cool and collected at all times, even in the face

of difficulties. There is no spiritual sadhana (practice) completely

free from obstacles and difficulties. God sends consolation,

encouragement at every step to the sincere aspirant. Defeat and

failure have their purpose. Criticism too has its uses.

 

Be free from depression and irritation. Remain unmoved by criticism

or praise. Be steadfast. Stand firm like a rock - unshakable by

emotional storms, frustrations and defeats. A spiritual aspirant is

backed up by the whole spiritual world. All saints lend their

invisible help and support to such a struggler. You are never really

left alone. You will get help from saints and yogis internally. Their

spiritual vibrations will elevate and inspire you.

 

Without great patience and perseverance, the spiritual quest becomes

an uphill task. No half-measures will do on the spiritual path. Give

your whole heart to truth and to sadhana. Have faith. Be firm.

Unfold. Attain. All defeats are transitory. All set-backs are needed

experiences. Muster up your courage. March forward. Success and

victory are yours. Have patience first, second and last! This should

be the motto for those seeking the inner light.

 

Great things have small beginnings. All growth is gradual. To be

perfectly unperturbed, by anything, in all circumstances, looking

upon all things as passing phenomena, ever feeling a distinct, silent

witness to all the experiences of life - these are the marks of a

spiritual aspirant.

 

These qualities have to be carefully and consciously cultivated. They

do not come in a day. But they do come gradually by faithful

practice. An unseen power guides and guards you. Feel his power and

presence. He who is endowed with dispassion, compassion, serenity,

self-control, and who has given up the desire for this world and the

next, and who has control over his mind and senses, is fit to tread

the spiritual path.

 

(Source: http://sivanandaonline.org/html/ )