Does worry really help?

The Bhagavad Gita forcefully declares that, our true essence, the indweller in each one can never be destroyed. We are therefore advised, not to grieve over any being, event, or incident. Worrying is not the solution to anything. It changes nothing.

In the event of a physical ailment, to enhance the possibility of recovery, it is infinitely more sensible to take the prescribed medicines.

We are often anxious about the well-being of friends and relatives; empathise with their suffering and suffer because of our attachment to them.

Suffering could be physical, financial, emotional, but does worry help? Better by far, to offer physical, financial, or emotional help. Merely to lament is useless.

Edison, the famous scientist, had set up a very expensive laboratory, which one day caught fire. There was no panic. Instead, he called up his wife and said, “Please come, you will not get to see such a spectacle again!” After that he went home and slept peacefully.

An objective attitude helps greatly. However, to keep calm in the face of misfortune requires great mental strength.

Once I met a young girl, who had lost both her legs. The centre of everyone’s sympathy, she remained completely unfazed. Smiling from her wheel chair she confidently declared, “In two weeks I will get artificial limbs and begin to walk again.”

This just proves that some can remain calm, in the face of even great trauma. Like the man, who having lost everything in a financial crash, said to his friend, “I came empty handed into this world and will leave empty handed.”

Situations in life demand decisions. Theoretically, life could present several options, but one must choose a practical course, within one’s reach and follow it up with action. And then, just do it!

The choice will depend on one’s vision of life; a spiritual outlook differs from the worldly standpoint. People close to us offer advice, but we should be able to accept it, digest it and get to the crux of the matter.

To evolve spiritually, give greatest weightage to the spiritual viewpoint; other aspects are secondary.

From a spiritual standpoint, accept both praise or censure with equanimity. Not just that, thank the offensive person, who provided an opportunity to test our composure.

To break an attachment with loving and kind people is difficult; it is easier to break a bond with someone whose conduct is disturbing. This is because we have huge expectations from people we love. But it is better not to have expectations from anyone.

The only One we can truly depend upon is the God — our sole well-wisher and friend. To determine whether the vision is spiritual or material, a constant monitoring of our responses to the situations lifepresents , is required. This reveals our true nature.

Take a cue from the Bhagwad Gita, stay calm and watch the solution unfold.