The pandemic is a wake-up call by God to mend our ways, and that can be done only if we change the way we operate, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Have you wondered about why the world is in such a mess right now? Why has the climate change become such a burning issue? Why has plastic become such a menace? Why are powerful nations competing with one another rather than co-operating? The answer is that perhaps they are trying to become bigger than others. Let us examine this issue using an example that will shed light on this question. Heady after the success of a few films, an upcoming actress began accepting whatever films were offered to her. She became ambitious and wanted to be the biggest star. Some of these films were doomed to fail. Surely, her health suffered but she ignored the warning signs and continued till there was a serious breakdown. Her film career was ruined by her ambition to race to the top.
Unfortunately for all those who are trying to become big, there are ready traps opening up. A small soul will eternally remain small, a brief period of feeling big does not last long. We see the mighty getting humbled on a regular basis. Why don’t we try to become better or simply good, which will help all of us? What is wrong in doing that? Bigger does not help anyone, better does; good does.
Similar is the problem of becoming controllers. It is a natural tendency for human beings. We try to control events and we are unable to do so in the ultimate sense. Couple of examples will help here too. Silver has been a target for many investors; they have tried to purchase large stocks of the precious metal, and have hoped to manipulate its price to their advantage. Time and again they have failed in their attempts. On the other hand, Bill Gates has chosen to serve the humanity in a sincere way and has succeeded beyond belief. In today’s virus affected world, who is able to control the situation? Big leaders are either themselves stricken or are crying in public regarding their helplessness. Sooner we realise the reality of our severe limitations, being small souls, better for everyone that will be. God is the only controller and will remain the only one. Have you ever wondered why so few people genuinely take God’s shelter? Because they want to control and, therefore, endlessly keep on thinking about different matters hoping to control.
This brings me to the third major fault of us, we humans wish to be absolutely independent. Being independent as far as maintaining self goes is fine, because one should, but when we don’t wish to accept God’s position, we are in serious trouble like right now. Why is social distancing necessary in today’s troubled time? Why not continue to do what pleases us as we were doing. Why submit to lock downs? Why even Presidents and Prime Ministers are submitting to restrictions on what they can do and they shouldn’t? The same reality applies here also. God is the one and only independent entity and wise persons take His shelter. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna has stated very forcefully this fact. In case anyone wants peace, etc. he or she must take God’s shelter, otherwise they be ready to suffer, just as humanity is suffering presently.
God has given us a wake up call. We have become godless and damaging the very nature, which sustains us. We have become too addicted to sense pleasures. We are in a self-destruct mode. We must change our attitude. A small soul can never either become big or become controller or absolutely independent. God occupies that position. We, small souls, should accept this reality. It is never too late. God gives ample opportunities to reform ourselves. As a small soul, our hope to exist well in this impermanent miserable world (9.33) is to take God’s shelter. (18.62) I have personally realized this truth and am beginning to reap some of its benefits. Please take advantage of God’s instructions.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
