Transforming adverse conditions

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Whenever anyone harms us, instead of getting angry we should try to see that

person as a Spiritual Teacher and generate a mind of gratitude towards him or

her. There are various lines of reasoning we can use to develop this special

recognition. We can think:

The only reason people harm me is because I have created the cause for them to

do so through my previous negative actions. These people are teaching me about

the law of karma. By deceiving me and repaying my help with harm they are

reminding me that in the past I deceived and harmed others. They are betraying

me only because I betrayed them or others in previous lives. They are

encouraging me to purify my negative karma and to refrain from harmful actions

in the future. How kind they are! They must be my Spiritual Guide.

By thinking in this way we transform a situation that would normally give rise

to anger or self-pity into a powerful lesson in the need for purification and

moral discipline.

We can also think:

This person who is harming or disturbing me is in reality encouraging me to

practise patience; and since it is impossible to make progress on the spiritual

path without developing the strong mind of patience, he or she is of great

benefit to me.

Patience is a mind motivated by a virtuous intention that happily accepts

difficulties and harm from others. A person with no patience has no stability

of mind, and is upset by the slightest obstacle or criticism. In contrast, when

we develop real patience our mind will be as stable as a mountain and as calm as

the depths of an ocean. With such a calm, strong mind it will not be difficult

to perfect the spiritual realizations of universal love, great compassion, and

bodhichitta.

By thinking skilfully in these ways, we can regard even those who harm or

deceive us as our Spiritual Teachers. This is a very important point because it

means that everyone can be our Teacher. Whether someone is our Spiritual Teacher

or an obstacle to our spiritual progress depends entirely upon our mind. In many

ways, those who harm us are the kindest of all because they shatter our

complacent view that sees samsara as a pleasure garden, and, like a powerful

Spiritual Guide, they inspire us to engage more strongly in spiritual practice.

By thinking in this way we can transform the harm we receive into the spiritual

path, and instead of being discouraged we can learn to cherish even those who

harm us. It is especially important to have this attitude towards our close

friends and family. Since we spend so much time with them it would be very

beneficial if we were to regard them as pure Spiritual Teachers!

May the Merciful Sri Sai Baba always shower His grace on us and our families and

remove our problems and anxieties by giving us all - strength , goodluck,

success and happiness with peace of mind.Sai bhakt,Deepa Hdebu7366

 

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