“Every situation is a challenge which demands the right response. When the response is right, the challenge is met and the problem ceases. If the response is wrong , the challenge is not met and the problem remains unsolved. Your unsolved problems- is what constitutes your karma. Solve them rightly and be free.”
-Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
I love the simplicity of this quote by Nisargadatta Maharaj an Indian sage who lived from 1897-1981. I have to say it has evoked a rich contemplation for me.
I’ve thought long and hard about this and here is what I’ve come up with. When dealing with challenges or problems two things are needed.
1. Come into right relationship with the situation
2. Have the right response.
What does it mean to come into right relationship with a problem or issue? Basically it comes down to acceptance. Acceptance of what is. What that means is non-resistance to the situation or to the feelings that arise about the situation.
Don’t go into thinking, “oh, why did this happen to me?” and, ‘how did I cause this?” Don’t waste your time and energy trying to figure it out. Use that energy to accept what is or what has happened.
Once you have accepted and felt your feelings fully then clarity about the right response can arise. You may have to slow everything down and give yourself time to do this. It’s almost like clearing away the clouds so that you can see the sky.
One more thing just to be clear. What is right response? It can be an action or a state of mind or being. A example of this is if someone steps on your foot and it causes you pain the response that is automatic is to pull your foot away and maybe say, “ouch!!” There is no thinking needed the situation clearly dictated the response. Every situation has a right response but when we are clouded by doubts, unmet feelings and anger we can’t discern what that is and our natural spontaneity is thwarted. I know the example about having your foot stepped on seems ultra-simple and many of you might be saying, “of course your response is automatic!” When you have cleared away the clouds of your personal reactivity and you are not resisting the right response will arise automatically even in complex situations. You are at a higher vibrations and alignment when you learn to transcend the personal level and open to what is right and true in the moment. You become one with your true self which is both the body and mind but also beyond them. You are a non-physical being or spiritual being that is one with universal knowledge and knowing. That should give you something to ponder!
Developing awareness in this way can help us to take responsibility quickly so that we can respond sooner rather than later and in this way transmute challenges and dissolve karma. Now more than ever as the earth’s vibration rises we are able to dissolve and transmute our karma much more quickly and with greater ease.
As always, when dealing with highly charged issues be gentle, kind and patient with yourself.
Love this Laura! The acceptance part can be a huge challenge. Simple but not easy!
Thank you!
XO
That’s a very clear and understandable explanation, Thanks Laura,
Linn