What troubles me is not only the outer difficulty, but the inner movement it creates. I find myself, consciously and subconsciously, aspiring and praying for outer relief, freedom from debt, better career/ business opportunities, and financial stability. At the same time, I notice fear, insecurity, and find myself almost bargaining with the Divine, which leaves me confused. I understand that Integral Yoga does not ask for ascetic shrinking from wealth, yet I am unclear how to approach the Divine rightly when financial stress presses so strongly and fear of future instability for family and dependents is present.
I seek your guidance primarily on the inner attitude, how should a sadhak relate to the Divine when outer life is constrained by debt and uncertainty? How does one aspire sincerely without fear-based prayer or expectations?
I wish to learn how to place this difficulty in the hands of The Mother in the right way, so that my sadhana remains sincere and not get mixed with wrong egoistic movements arising due to outer stress.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Your guidance would help me find the right inner footing during this phase.
There is a beautiful passage in Savitri which is quite illustrative of the attitude needed as we pass through the various challenges of life.
‘O mortal, bear this great world’s law of pain,
In thy hard passage through a suffering world
Lean for thy soul’s support on Heaven’s strength,
Turn towards high Truth, aspire to love and peace.
A little bliss is lent thee from above,
A touch divine upon thy human days.
Make of thy daily way a pilgrimage,
For through small joys and griefs thou mov’st towards God.’
The first thing important is to understand the nature of earthly life which is a field of unrest. The deeper one enters into it, whether driven by fears or ambitions, the more unrest it creates, even if outwardly one is getting what one wants. In fact outer challenges and difficulties are often a sign of Grace that keeps us focused upon the path.
The main thing is the shift of motives and clarity about the goal. If one aspires for the Yoga then the energies have to be focused upon union with the Divine, service of the Divine, love of the Divine, even if outwardly the world is breaking apart. Of course one does what one must for the livelihood, for the sustenance of family and the bodily needs but they should never be allowed to take much space in one’s consciousness. Once the motive shifts and the aim is clear then one has to only keep reminding oneself of the inner goal, remember the Mother inwardly, seek Her Help and Her Grace as one moves through the various situations and circumstances of life. As to gains and losses, one should try to do what one needs to do to offset the balance but inwardly one must practice equanimity and keep one’s faith in the Divine Grace. All who have gone before us have gone this way.
Two things are however important to remember. The first is not to let the inner remembrance and faith get clouded. One must hold to it as the most precious thing of one’s life, even if everything outwardly seems impossible. The second thing is not to allow any fear. Fear is a perverse form of will that attracts what one fears.
Of course taking debt is never a good thing. It is better, much better to live within one’s means than to take debt to fulfil the wants. Taking debt puts us under the subtle influence of the person who lends us money apart from its other disadvantages. The challenges of life have to be faced by growing in faith and strength, by reducing the outer needs rather than finding easier ways.
Pray to the Mother to help you with a steady source of income and live within the means that life provides. If the goal is union with the Divine then inwardly keep your thoughts and aspiration high far beyond the dull drab drag of earthly pulls regardless of outer circumstances.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
