How To Face Problems Of Life?-A Vedantic Approach

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Why Do Problems Arise?

In many Indian households the expression 'Oh it is my karma' is used in a very negative way, as if nothing can be done about it. That is not true. Karma can be wiped out. Spiritual seekers believe that Sanchita karma, Agmi karma and Prrabdha karma can be wiped out through spiritual practices and the grace of God. That is freedom. Patanjali makes his own analysis. Why do we have problems? Because we cling to them and do not let them get resolved. For instance, I may have quarrelled with someone and afterwards that person might have made amends. But still I do not leave, it being my psychological problem, Abhinivesha. If that capacity to drop things is not practised, the problems start or multiply.

Problems are also caused due to the habit of cultivating likes and dislikes. Certain things come but I may not like them. On the other hand, I like certain things but they do not come. Thus people create problems due to Asmit or egocentricity or self-centredness. There is another dimension to our character. Sometimes we have broken the law relating to health. We become weak mentally, and mental problems arise. It is a simple logic. Wherever there is weakness, problems are bound to come. Swamiji's message is that if you are strong, everything will be all right. Again, because of our weakness we develop fear. Thus Swamiji's diagnosis is that weakness and fear are the causes of problems.

How to Overcome Problems?

Whatever may be the cause, we have to find a solution. The solution is to accept the problem calmly and transcend it. Accepting it does not mean that you are complacent, not doing anything. To give an example, when a doctor comes to the hospital and sees the patient, he accepts 'Yes, that person has broken his leg or his heart is weak.' He won't complain or reject saying, 'Go, get well and come,' but he accepts. That is the advice given by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita: 'It is true that Kauravas are there. They have come to the battlefield. Face them.' In other words, 'Accept and Transcend.' When you accept a challenge and do not run away, you are strong.

About The Author

Swami Prabuddhananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order, is the Minister-in-Charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco, U.S.A. This is the text of his speech delilvered at Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, India

To Be Continued

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