By Nila Kamal das
It is said that we are constantly being tested. At every moment we are faced with a situation in which we can either make the right decision or the wrong decision, choose the path of goodness or that of ignorance. If we pass the test given we will then proceed to the next. It is like a school system; when we pass our primary school exams then we are promoted to secondary school then to college etc. But if we are unable to pass then we will have to repeat the same trial on another occasion until we are competent enough to proceed further. What are these tests that we have to face every day? Tests are of all kinds; another devotee asks you to help out with some service. We have two options: ‘Should I help them or not? It is not ‘my’ service therefore I am not required to do it but I think that Krishna would be happy if I help out.’ It could be as small as this or as big as putting our life on the line for Krishna! Of course these are two extremes but we will find that daily we are faced with situations between this parameter.
Sometimes we face such ruthless and relentless tests that we question ourselves, ‘Is Krishna really watching what is going on? Does He even care?’ To answer this question we turn to the thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna describes the Supreme Person as having hands, legs, eyes, heads, faces and ears everywhere thus observing all the activities of the living entity. Moreover He later confirms that He is situated in the hearts of all beings. Thus we can be assured that Krishna is aware of what is going on and He does indeed care.
The next doubt that arises is, ‘Why then do bad things happen to good people?’ What to speak of good people, ‘Why do they happen to devotees?’ In the last verse of the fifth chapter of the Gita, Krishna states that He is ‘suhrdam sarva bhutanam’ (the well wisher of all living entities). All living entities does not just mean His devotees, it does not just mean the good people or the bad people but of every single being in this creation. If we understand this point then we can realise that of course Krishna does not want anything bad of us but in fact wants only our eternal good. The trials and tribulations that we endure are not in fact punishments from the Lord but opportunities for us to learn from, grow from and ultimately endear ourselves to the Lord. When faced with challenges, an impious person depends on their own efforts and ability to solve the problem. A pious individual or a devotee however, naturally takes shelter of the Lord. Such personalities not only tolerate such situations but actually welcome them because they can remember the Lord and thus the doors of the spiritual kingdom near.
Great devotees such as Bhaktivinod Thakur have said, ‘Troubles encountered in Your service shall be the cause of great happiness.’ Kunti devi elaborates on this point further where she prays, ‘I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for by seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.’ We learn from our scriptures that numerous saints underwent severe ordeals in order to attract the mercy of the Lord. Vibhishan, Prahlad Maharaj, Haridas Thakur and Srila Prabhupada are just some to name a few. Though suffering they were able to see the hand of Krishna in all circumstances and thus they did not deviate from their devotional practices, faced the difficulties and ultimately returned to the spiritual world.
‘So how does this apply to me?’ When we are next faced with complicating circumstances and are perplexed by the outcome, we should take a minute out to reflect on it. ‘What can I learn from this situation? What is Krishna trying to teach me here?’ If we are sincere and are honest to ourselves then surely Krishna will reveal the bigger picture to us. As a learned teacher once commented, ‘We are all planning something but do you not think that Krishna is planning something for You? And whose plan will ultimately materialise; your’s or Krishna’s?’