Question: Could you talk about being satisfied with what we have, not wanting more material things?
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji: The time we spend in pursuit of worldly attainments and fulfilling worldly desires is time not spent in seeking God and the bliss that awaits us within. True, we may gain some temporary enjoyment from the things of this world, but when we lose them we also must face the pain. Then we have to spend time in getting over those heartaches and disappointments.
After going through repeated pains and disappointments many people decide it is easier to be content with what they receive from God and not have to go through the ecstasies and agonies of desires. Ultimately we reach a point where we become tired of the pain and just pray for peace and contentment in our lives.
In living a life of contentment, we take joy in whatever comes our way. We thank the Lord for whatever He sends us and keep our thoughts absorbed in finding Him within.
Question: I realize that practicing nonviolence is important on the spiritual path, but I really struggle with how to respond when someone criticizes or berates me.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji: As we go about our day and face people filled with anger and criticism toward us we should look at it calmly. First, we should ask whether their words have any truth to them. If so, then we can take it as a lesson to improve ourselves. Next, if their words do not have any truth to them, then we should return their gift of anger [to them] and instead offer only love and kindness. We should not be dragged down to their level.
In this way, we can maintain our equanimity and peacefulness. If they see how calm we are, they too may want to learn the secrets of humility we learned. We add calmness to their hostile environment. We should leave the gift of anger with them and go on our peaceful, merry ways. They will see our example and, over time, they may want to learn to be like us. In this way, our humility can play a hand in transforming others and changing the world. Thus, we have kept our attention on our spiritual goals, and we have become a positive influence in our environment.
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