Almost all the time we complain. Sometimes we may be vocal about it but most of the time we silently complain. Why did it happen to me? Why do bad things always happen to good people like me? Occasionally we console ourselves philosophically that maybe it’s happening because of some previous bad karma which I might have done unknowingly. But most of the time, we consider ourselves a victim of an unjust system.
In our life’s journey we face adversities which either we may foresee, or it may come unexpected. Previous karma does not necessarily seal our future; our future mostly depends on how we react to a situation.
Suppose that someone speaks unpalatable words to us then at that moment we have the opportunity to either aggravate the situation or cool down the tempers. The other person’s insulting words may have fallen on us due to some previous bad karma but if we react with spiritual wisdom then the situation and our problems will not increase.
Once a person lost his job and was not able to find another one. He became so upset and disturbed that in a fit of rage he stabbed a person. This not only landed him in prison but he completely ruined his future. A person with a proper mindset might have used that period to upgrade his skill or to go for higher studies.
Good or bad situations will keep on coming and going, how we respond to them will shape our future. The altitude which we will reach in our life depends on our attitude.
Do not lament, do something
God has bestowed upon us sufficient intelligence to convert any problems into an opportunity. So, whenever we find ourselves in an unpleasant situation then instead of giving a knee – jerk reaction we should contemplate for a while and then make the next move. During those difficult times, if we judiciously use our intelligence then that insidious situation may even become a springboard to reach closer to God.
When Vidura was rebuked, humiliated and was practically forced out of the kingdom by Duryodhana then Vidura did not lament and said, “Why did it happen to me?” He did not grumble that although he was on the righteous path and on the side of truth then why did it happen to him.
Instead of getting caught in all these negativities he simply went on a spiritual journey. Vidura met sages like Maitreyi and devotees like Uddhava. He heard from them pearls of wisdom, learnt many spiritual lessons, absorbed himself in hearing Krishna’s pastimes. He constantly remembered Krishna and perfected his life. Vidura converted his misfortune into fortune. On the other hand, Duryodhana lost everything including his life.
So, when next time we come through any unpleasant situation and circumstances then let us not feel like a victim and complain, “Why do bad things happen to good people like me?” but instead let us try to do something meaningful. And the best is to utilize it to get closer to Krishna, the Supreme God. This is the best way to convert your misfortune into fortune.
Three Reflections
- Previous karma does not seal our future; our future mostly depends on how we react to a situation.
- When Vidura faced humiliation, then instead of lamenting and fretting, he handled it positively and perfected his life.
- During difficulties, let us not feel like a victim and complain, “Why do bad things happen to good people like me?” but instead let us try to do something meaningful during that time.
Ask Yourself?
- Do I always blame God for our problem?
Action Item
- Identify a problem which is troubling you the most and decide not to lament about it but instead start taking action to solve it.
