“It usually takes me two or three days to prepare an impromptu speech”
— Mark Twain (American author and humorist, 1835 – 1910)
“Life is a preparation, death an examination” said Radhanath Swami in one lecture, and I realized for many of us, pop quizzes test our progress and help us prepare better for the final test.
On a speedy highway, my friend’s car brakes failed. As he frantically tried to negotiate the dangerous curves on the road, the car met a head on collision with a truck. Almost instantly another bus banged from behind and his car was crushed beyond recognition. He miraculously survived, but the shock lasted many weeks. Later he recalled, “I am grateful I survived the accident, but also disappointed that during the sudden collision, I never thought of Krishna, God. In fact I was trying to save my laptop. Only an hour later I realized I am a devotee of Krishna and should thank Him for saving my life”
During sudden calamities we spontaneously hold on to that which gives us internal shelter during the good times. For example if a man sought happiness in liquor and frequented bars, then if an emotional tragedy strikes, it’s likely he’d take more drinks. Or if you are intensely attached to your laptop and God forbid, your house catches fire, you may instinctively grab your laptop as you make good your escape.
A true devotee however passes such tests with flying colors.
Vidura spent his whole life to selflessly serve and counsel his blind brother, King Dhritarashtra. He repeatedly advised the king to be kind to the Pandavas, the rightful heir to the throne. Dhritarashtra blinded by his attachment to his own sons, the Kauravas headed by evil Duryodhana, ignored all wisdom of Vidura. Eventually things worsened to such an extent that Duryodhana, accusing Vidura of disloyalty, insulted him in the royal assembly and ordered to leave the kingdom at once. Vidura was deeply pained, yet he soberly foresaw the disastrous consequences of Duryodhana’s wicked acts. Amidst this hurt, he also felt happy at the prospect of increasing his spiritual consciousness; now that he was relieved of his ministerial duties, he could travel on a pilgrimage and increase his devotional service to his beloved Lord Krishna.
A sincere spiritualist isn’t immune to the shocks and hurts of this world. Accidents, heart-breaks and disasters strike even Krishna’s devotees. And they feel the pain like Vidura did. What separates Vidura from the ordinary is his ability to simultaneously feel happy. This happiness springs from the understanding that the unavoidable misery is a divine arrangement to bring him closer to the Lord. He then gratefully accepted the situation as Krishna’s plan. The immediate connection to Krishna fills a devotee’s heart with spiritual happiness. At the same time the reality of the suffering remains. By prayerfully remembering Krishna, the pain gets tolerable, and eventually he transcends it.
Life could throw unpleasant surprises to anyone, anytime. Vidura could cope with the crisis because he had always lovingly served Krishna. The tragedy of his banishment offered him an opportunity to improve and increase his service. This prospect made him happy. When calamities strike unannounced they simply expose us; what has been our inner absorption all these years comes out. What we took shelter of internally now manifests even externally. Unlike Vidura when Bharat Maharaj realized that the deer he was serving had died, he lost his mental balance; he intensely remembered the deer and gave up his own life.
The thoughts and feelings we choose during our life surface at the most difficult moment of death. If we have chosen to connect to God, then when the inevitable calamity of death strikes, we’d be prepared. If however we have ignored spiritual life throughout our lives, it’s foolish to expect to suddenly feel loving emotions for God when confronted with a tragedy.
I reminded my friend, that all’s not lost yet. The accident is a timely reminder to get more serious in Krishna consciousness. He has now promised to remember Krishna more often so that next time around, he’s prepared.
And if we try sincerely now, Krishna would also help us remember Him. He surely loves us more than we love Him, and certainly He’d remember us.
