Noise or Birdsong in Hard Times?

The years 2020 and 2021 were extraordinarily difficult for the entire world, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. What the earlier five or seven generations had never seen or known, everyone experienced firsthand. We forgot some old things. We learned some new ones. Inwardly and outwardly, we were all changed — at least a little.

In such times of trial, what attitude should one adopt? What way of living? Should we give in to complaint and lamentation — shouting, wailing, "hai hai" — or should we, without losing our inner peace, try to remain as steady as possible amid whatever circumstances have come?

A poet has said it beautifully:

कुछ लोग ऐसे होते हैं, जो सदा अपने गमों के गीत गाते हैं दिवाली हो के होली हो सदा मातम मनाते हैं...... लेकिन दुनिया तो झूमती है उनकी रागिनी पे हरदम, जो जलती चिता पर बैठकर बीना बजाते हैं.....

Some people are forever singing songs of their sorrows — whether it is Diwali or Holi, they are always in mourning. But the world dances to the melody of those who sit upon a burning pyre and still play the veena...

The Song in the Lifeboat

When a terrible storm at sea threatens to sink the ship, when death stares you in the face, there is nothing to do but leap into that small lifeboat and try to save your life. Yet even in such moments, there are rare souls who sing songs of faith, of hope, of life. Those who possess the courage to "romance with life even in a lifeboat" — they deserve our deepest respect. But the question arises: from what alchemy is such courage forged?

In the difficult passages of life, those who can recognize Bhagwan's footprints, those who remember the journey carried upon Bhagwan's shoulders — they are the ones who can make music even in the lifeboat.

The Pilot Is My Father

A plane once got caught in terrible weather and began to shake violently. All the passengers were gripped with fear. But one little boy of eight or ten sat peacefully, nibbling the chocolate the air hostess had given him, completely unconcerned. A fellow passenger asked: "Aren't you afraid?"

The boy answered with clear, ringing confidence: "Why should I be afraid? The pilot flying this plane is my father. I trust his skill. No matter what storm comes, he will bring us safely through."

Could we ever give such an answer about the Pilot of our life's aircraft — the One who steers the universe itself?

The Warrior's Wife

There was a fearsome warrior whose swordsmanship was legendary throughout the enemy ranks. Once, he placed his razor-sharp blade against a woman's throat. But the woman showed no fear at all — she simply kept smiling. When he asked why, she said: "Just as that gleaming sword is yours, so am I — your wife. I am absolutely certain you would not let even a scratch come to me."

When one truly knows one's relationship with the One who holds all power, what is there to fear from the world's troubles and circumstances?

Four Things You Need in the Storm

What do we need to survive the tempest — the storms at sea, the turbulent times? Consider these four:

1. Compass. A sense of true direction is the first necessity. Above all else, our inner perspective must not become corrupted. The question is: does our inner compass always point to true north?

2. Composure. Patience is the second need. Haste, confusion, and mental imbalance only multiply our difficulties. You may lose your composure for a moment — but if your guide, your rescuer, your rescue team loses theirs, how can that possibly work?

3. Continued Faith. An unshakeable Shraddha (faith) in Ishwar. He is capable, He is your own kin, and He is ever near. If there is one hundred and one percent trust in every move of the Supreme Father, the one who governs all creations, then even the fiercest storms will eventually subside. "You are the one who sends the calamity, and You are the one who grants the vision, the wisdom, the direction, and the strength to come through it." This faith must remain constant. To cross through storms, we need such unwavering Shraddha.

4. Constructive Energy. Abundant physical strength, powerful resolve, unshakeable inner fortitude — without these, it becomes impossible to keep going, to "sail on, sail on." Even after you find a lifeboat or a plank to cling to, the work of holding on, of swimming, of rowing without tiring — that you must do yourself. Human effort first, then divine grace. The Prasad of Prabhu comes only after the fullest measure of effort.

God helps those who help themselves.

The Prayer

With the alchemy of these four elements — Compass, Composure, Continued Faith, and Constructive Energy — may our life's vessel reach the safe shore. And may we keep singing, keep making the sweet sound of birdsong, even in the lifeboat.

May doubt depart from our lives and Sharanagati (surrender) take its place. May our Sankalpas be made with understanding. May our love for others bear fruit in Seva. May the spirit of Sakhabhava (divine friendship) with Bhagwan be preserved. And may our lives become as simple and God-surrendered as Arjuna's — that is the prayer of this Adhik Maas.