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Understanding Ephemerality of Relationships

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Laugh over the delusion of mankind, including yours. Reflect how desire grows into greed, expectation brings disappointment, strength slips into weakness. The same cobweb enmeshes every one, strangely.

Parama Poojya Swamiji,

For past many years, I am trapped by my own near and dear ones, in a spider-web. My wish and will to struggle and survive is gradually diminishing. To the best of my ability, throughout my life, I did my kartavya (duty) for my family and others. But I do not find any reason, why I have to see such a bad time in my old age, now.

I need your blessings and also further hope that your Ashirvāda should be able to give me a little happiness and bring a smile on my face.

Sincerely seeking your blessings, P

*  *  *

Dear and blessed P,

Harih Om Tat Sat. Your touching letter of 20th November, I saw on coming back from Delhi. Whatever be the problem, the right way is to think about it with a sense of grace and propitious note. You must at least now have the right type of introspection.

Think of old Dasaratha. His Rama is the best model for all, and for all times. The virtuous son resolved to take the right step, in setting out on forest exile, the moment his step-mother demanded it from him. Should not any good son do this? And what more than such a righteous son can anyone hope to be blessed with?

Yet, on seeing Rama speed off on his chariot from Ayodhya, the father called out in utter distress: “Rama, Rama….”, and lo, left his Prāna. In this, who is wrong – the father, his son or Sumantra, who drove the chariot? A wrong attitude and perception of even the best event can bring about utter disaster. What about the ordinary events of life, when wrongly viewed?

Dear son, understand that embodiment itself is transitory. And all the relationships are also transitory. Everyone and everything is to be left – even the body in which you live, and for the sake of which you have courted all the relationships! So, do not worry any more about family, people and the like. You have done whatever they needed and was possible for you.

Leave now each to his or her plight, wishing well for all. In this, find all the relief and hope you yearn for. Be sure.

Feel free and begin to smile the moment you read this letter. Laugh over the delusion of mankind, including yours. Reflect how desire grows into greed, expectation brings disappointment, strength slips into weakness. The same cobweb enmeshes every one, strangely.

Take the little book Bhaja Govindam or Mohamudgara. Recite the poems melodiously to yourself. Listen to its rhythm fondly, and find the delight and confidence it instils. You will sense a new insight and promise.

You have my blessings and love. Nutan Swamiji and Ma send you their fond good wishes.

Your own Antarātmā,
Swamiji

– Vicharasethu-September 2014

“Whatever be the problem, the right way is to think about it with a sense of grace and propitious note. You must at least now have the right type of introspection.”

“Take the little book Bhaja Govindam or Mohamudgara. Recite the poems melodiously to yourself. Listen to its rhythm fondly, and find the delight and confidence it instils. You will sense a new insight and promise.”

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