Pujya Ramsukhdasji Maharaj

[Guest guest]

Why is this World Filled with Sorrow?

 

Question: On one hand " All is God " (Vasudeva Sarvam) and on the other

hand, the " World filled with Sorrow " (Dukhaalai). Which are we to

understand?

 

Answer: When we desire happiness from the World, then there is nothing but

sorrow (dukhaalai). We will get nothing from the World, but sorrow. But when our

intention is only to serve the World, then everything is God (Vasudeva Sarvam).

When we have no selfish desires, and when the only feeling wihin is to serve

others, then we will see only " All is God " (Vasudeva Sarvam).

 

There is another view. There is an outward perspective and an inner

perspective. The inner perspective is only God (Vasudeva), whereas the

outer view is the sorrow-filled world (dukhaalai). One who sees the

outward form, i.e. beauty etc. is focused on the external view. Whereas one who

is looking at the inner view, is seeing equanimity (samtaah). Just like all gold

jewellery appears different in shape and form, however inwardly, it is only

gold. Similarly seeing towards the inner sentiments, looking at everything from

it's very essence, one sees only God. Equanimity is God. When mind is

established in equanimity, one gains victory over the world. " Panditaah

samdarshinah. "

 

Most people see the outward, but those who see the essence, see

equanimity (samdarshinah), where everything is seen as God's Essence.

Out attention is on the world, and therefore we see the world and it's

sorrows, but from inside it is consciousness. One who sees the essence, sees the

essence of God in all.

 

All this does not mean that your behavior has to be the same to all.

That is insane, rather it will lead to one's downfall if you treat a

dog, the same as a human being. Relating in this world, is dependent on the

external situations. Therefore the root of the matter is that, what we see is

different depending on how we see the situation. If you are only seeing it

outwardly, where you are looking at the perishable, then you will see sorrow.

One is inward view, and the other is outward view; one is selfish view and the

other is intent of serving.

 

In reality, there is only one essence, essential element (tattva). That essence

is only God " Vasudeva " . The outward is false and unreal, as it is perishable.

Those who pay attention to the perishable, see the world as filled with sorrow

(dukhaalai). Whereas, those who see the Essence, see the essence of God.