When a worldly man is miserable, he blames the people around him, the system, and the world in general.
When a seeker is miserable, he blames not only the world – he also blames the Path, the Knowledge, and himself.
It is better not to be a seeker so that you blame less.
But then, a seeker (sadhak) also enjoys everything much more.
There is more love in life and more pain. When there is more joy, the contrast is greater.
A certain level of maturity is needed to see things as they are and not to blame the Path, the Self, or the world.
Do you see what I am saying?
If one jumps across this chasm of blame and misery, then there is no fall. It is like a quantum leap.
The Divine does not test you.
Testing is part of ignorance. Who is it that will put something to a test? Only one who does not know something.
God knows your capacity, so why should He have to test you?
Then, why is there misery? It is for titiksha, forbearance in you.
And forbearance can be increased by prayerful surrender – and by things that vigorously challenge your patience! (Laughter)
Excerpts from the book An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar www.artofliving.org