When we want something in life—like stability, success in work, or inner peace—how should we relate to it in the light of the Mother’s path? Sometimes I feel I should pray and ask The Mother for what I need, surrender it to her, and have faith that she will grant it. At other times, I feel I should simply do my work sincerely and leave everything—result, success or failure—to her will.
I also notice that leaving everything to her will feels easier, because then I don’t have to worry about what is right or wrong for me. It gives a sense of relief that she will decide what is best. But at the same time, a doubt comes—what if what I hope for does not happen? Then I feel uncertain about what comes next.
At present, we are living in Germany and my husband is working here, but I could not get a job so far. At the same time, I do not feel comfortable just sitting and depending on him. I feel the need to do something and build my own path.
Recently, I started learning about stock market trading and investments. I genuinely enjoyed the learning—not just for earning money, but for understanding how the market works. It gave me a sense of interest and engagement, and I have been studying it sincerely on a daily basis. Now, before I begin trading, I want to have the right inner attitude. I do not have a strong desire to earn a lot for material things, but I do feel the need for a career and financial stability. At this stage, this seems like a path that suits me, and I feel connected to the knowledge I have gained.
There is nothing wrong in seeking success in any given endeavour. One does work with the idea that it should go well. And hence one prepares, puts in the required effort, does the best one can do. In addition one prays to the Divine asking for help. However what one needs to remember is that even if one has done everything according to the check, to the best of one’s capacity and even prayed and offered it to the Divine seeking help from the Grace for success, yet the success may elude us. It is not because the Divine is not omnipotent enough to grant it or that because He wants to play the spoilsport but because for various reasons that we cannot foresee now, success may be denied to us by the forces of destiny. Of course the Divine can overrule these forces or He may agree and allow them to have their say. Without going into its dynamics, the actual working out of fate and the results, once the work is done one should leave the results entirely in the hands of the Divine Grace. It implies trust that the Divine knows what is best for us and if despite everything He has let me in through the doors of failure, He knows better what is best for us. This surrender and the practice of nishkama karma helps us grow closer and closer to the Divine which in itself removes a number of inner and outer obstacles that may yet be standing in the way.
In essence it means doing your best, praying that success comes and yet, once the deed is done then try to stay inwardly quiet leaving the results entirely to the Divine. In other words there are things that you have to do as your share of the effort and there are things that are with the forces of Fate. But beyond both of these is the Divine. By remembering and trusting the Divine in all circumstances we start growing closer and closer to the Divine which is life’s secret goal. And as we grow closer to the Divine the forces of Fate too begin to lose their grip upon us and change for the better.
Affectionately
Alok Da
