How to start reciting Lalitha Sahasranama ( Step Two)

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Step Two: Become Unselfish and Strengthen your faith by becoming

fearless

 

Miseries and difficulties come at times to strengthen our character.

They are like examinations. We must prepare and pass them. Know that

they are very good for the formation of character. The more we meet

with difficulties, the more we remember our Mother for protection;

and that was the reason why one of the greatest devotees, the mother

of the five Pandavas, prayed to the blessed Lord to give her always

misery and sorrow so that she might never forget Him. Generally, we

forget the Lord when we find everything easy and enjoyable. So it is

blessing when this teacher, in the form of misery, comes and remind

us of our duties.

 

One must be bold enough to face everything in order to serve the

Ideal. Remember what Swami Vivekananda says " are you really sure

that you can stand to your ideals and work on even if the whole

world wants to crush you down? " That kind of courage and self-

sacrificing spirit is necessary. Truth can never be realized by weak-

minded people. Our task in life must be done boldly. Fear none.

Divinity and purity are your birthright. Have faith and struggle on.

 

Why should anyone fear who is unselfish? Selfishness is the cause of

all misery and fear. There is no sin for him who is unselfish. Know

this and be free from all fear and care. Fearlessness is what

religion teaches and one can become fearless only through purity of

thoughts and deeds. Past is dead and gone, but present is alive. So

do everything with unselfishness in the present moments.

 

The path of Karma is so hard and so crooked, even wise men are often

deluded. Depression sometimes comes, but we must try to remain quiet

and steady. God's ways are mysterious. We must struggle as long as

we live. No matter if we fail thousands of times; we must still get

up with fresh vigor and courage. Life is a struggle. One must be

bold enough to stand everything. Let us try to follow the Master.

Strength! Strength! No weeping in a corner. Stand shake off all

weakness. The soul is immortal; there is no sin for the soul. Whom

to fear? Move on with strength. Fear not, but move on. You are free,

you are immortal. Let no one call you weak, wicked, a sinner. You

are not. You are pure, you are perfect.

 

This is a very good song:

 

O mind! Where can be the fear when I have taken shelter at his feet?

He is Almighty and his grace is infinite.

What can enemies do by insulting and torturing?

At the most I may die, but I will die singing His victory.

I have heard the words of great hope that even if I die, I shall

always live with Him in eternal happiness. This is His promise.

In the lonely cottage of my heart I will place Him (my Ideal), who

is the Lord of my heart and soul, and will spend this life with Him

in Happiness and Divine bliss.

 

So no fear after taking shelter at his feet, but happiness and

bliss. That one indeed is fortunate, very, very fortunate who has

devotion. The Lord says, " I can give salvation very easily, but I do

not give Bhakti (devotion). By giving Bhakti, I become bound to my

devotee " It is extremely hard to get true devotion. He who has it

and can work on steadily and quietly, without caring for praise or

blame, is blessed.

 

 

R Ravi Sankar