We might be able to control others, but are often unable to control ourselves. We speak and act impulsively, and as a result, have to suffer twice as much later.
We do not lose our temper with our superiors because we know that we might lose our jobs if we do so. We do not show angst to those in high and influential positions because we know that they might report it to the police and we will have to pay a heavy price. We get angry at our subordinates. We scold them unnecessarily, and they, in turn, take out their frustration on the public or vent it at home on their wife or children. Like the ripples created by a stone thrown into a pool, the vibrations caused by our anger spread outwards towards society. This is how disquiet and conflict arise.
We must forbear, especially with subordinates, because their heartfelt pain will recoil as curses on ourselves. “O Lord, although I know nothing about this, yet he has spoken these harsh words against me. God, you are my sole support.” Such prayers, borne of helplessness, come from wounded hearts. These supplications are very powerful. Those vibrations of sorrow will affect us and permeate the aura around us. The troubles we suffer during our astrologically malefic times are consequences of such situations.
Our auras will change according to our actions. Bad actions—those that hurt others—will darken our aura and restrict receipt of divine grace. If we light a lamp inside a glass cage, the smoke will blacken its wall. Hence, even if it is daytime, sunlight will not permeate. Likewise, if there is light inside, the same will be oblivious outside.
The instance of bad actions resulting in the darkening aura is similar. It is an impediment to receive grace. Even if we try, we might not see the results soon. Therefore, children, you should be careful to avoid doing actions that will block divine grace.
Troubles become more pronounced in individual lives during the planetary transitions of Saturn, Rahu and Mars. Business failures, marital problems, familial discord, accidents occurring while travelling to see an ailing father or relative, a son dying before he receives the news that his father has died, being punished for mistakes one has not committed—such problems plague a person during planetary transitions. What is the cause of this? Actions done in the past. Therefore, one must be especially careful about actions done in the present.
This can only make your future bright. This is exactly what we mean by destiny. Yesterday’s actions become today’s destiny. You will have a bright future if your actions are pure. If you ask, “What’s the logic behind all this?” All that one can say is: “The experiences of each and everyone.” This is what Amma has learnt from seeing and studying the lives of many people.
There is no point in becoming depressed over what happened. That is over. From now onwards, strive to move ahead carefully. Understand that pain and pleasure are the nature of the world. They are like the clock’s pendulum—oscillating between pleasure and pain, pain and pleasure. The momentum gained from swinging towards pleasure will carry one towards pain, and vice-versa. Spirituality teaches us to acquire a mental poise between these two extremes. In order to acquire this equanimity, one must surrender to the God.
When we succeed, we should not leap to sky in jubilation, and when we fail, we should not sink like a capsizing ship. When we succeed, we should think that divine grace is the reason behind our success, and thus reinforce our surrender to the God, and when we fail, we should reflect upon why we failed and strive with renewed enthusiasm. We should attribute failure to God’s will and thus be content only when we have tried our best many times and still failed.
The writer is a world-renowned spiritual leader