Coping

Being trapped in today’s fast-paced materialistic existence, many of us cannot help but feel the overwhelming pressure of our individual circumstances and responsibilities. Consequently, we are prone to feeling anxious and stressed. It is not at all unusual to hear about children, students, housewives, professionals and the elderly falling prey to this state of mental confusion and frustration. When the mind is unable to cope and becomes distressed, it is difficult to stay calm and composed especially when overwhelming waves of panic hit us.

The Masters explain to us, however, that anxiety or constant worry shows a lack of faith in the Supreme and an absence of a sound understanding of the karmic law that governs this creation.

The mystics maintain that the mind is our greatest impediment to self- and God-realization. And yet, though it is our greatest enemy in its restlessness and capacity to create chaos and misery, it can also be our greatest friend - if it is directed toward achieving our spiritual goals. After all, it is the mind that falls in love with the Master and persuades us to sit for meditation. It is imperative, therefore, that we come to terms with its contrasting natures so that we can learn to manage it, bring it under control, win its friendship and eventually turn it into our ally.

By turning inwards, by exploring and experiencing the spiritual reality of inner life, we can gain the strength of character to remain sane even if the entire world were to go crazy around us. Problems in life will always be present - it is the nature of the realm of Kal - but the support we get from meditation will make us increasingly able to deal with the ups and downs of daily life.
_{Living Meditation}

The Masters have advised us that meditation is the cure, the ultimate solution, but we have to practise it, we have to live it. It is no quick fix. The stress and challenges of our worldly environment make it essential for us to integrate our meditation practice into our everyday life. There should be no real separation between the two. Meditation should take a practical form in our lives, reflected in our every action and in our routine. By applying ourselves to the teachings, we gradually build the atmosphere for our daily meditation. Meditation enables us to cope with the weather of life whilst maintaining equanimity and balance. We cannot alter the course of events that are dictated by our destiny, but by attending to meditation, we can remain happy and relaxed as we go through it. In a reply to a disciple, the Great Master writes:

It is only when we sit in meditation that we begin to discover the power, the waywardness and the obstinacy of the mind. The mind that has been running wild ever since we came into the wheel of life and death will take time to yield. You are just beginning the fight against it. It is a lifelong fight; and the reward is, if one conquers his mind (makes it motionless in the eye centre) he wins the world.
_{Spiritual Gems}

As disciples, even during these stressful and chaotic times, we see a silver lining emerging: our faith in the Master brings forth the desire to attend to our meditation. When we remember to turn to him, we realize and feel the comfort of his presence. We manage to cope with whatever circumstance we have to go through. And instead of looking at it as a negative experience, we accept that it is part of our evolution and we try to pick up a lesson or two along the way and move forward.

The Master is always with you to help,
 guide and protect you at every step.
Just turn to Him and realize His constant presence.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Quest for Light}