Page 96 - Desire to Disaster

• Realise that in the long sequence of births, the particular
loss which has led to the current bout of anger, was fated
to happen

• Fate has sent this situation your way in order to test
your patience and help you assess your understanding of
dharma.

• Hence, do not commit the false purushaartha {focussed
effort} of asanyama {lack of self-control}. It is in your
hands.

Difference between Saattvikataa and Sattvahiinataa
Question : Many people think that if they do not respond to
unfavourable situations with anger and violence,
would it not be perceived as cowardice?

Answer : Not at all. By remaining calm in such a situation,
you are actually developing your character. When
you observe carefully, you realise that it takes a
lot more effort and strength to remain in sanyama
than it takes to indulge in asanyama. For instance,
taking on an opponent who is bigger and stronger
than you in physical combat requires a great deal
of courage, endurance and strength. But it requires
even more courage, endurance and strength to let
go of an opportunity to berate, browbeat, dominate
and intimidate someone who is weaker than one,
especially when he is clearly at fault.

Hence, it is not a sign of weakness to forgive and let go. In
fact, it requires true saattvikataa to be able to do so. In fact,
indulging in hatred and obsessing about revenge is a sign
of weakness. Also, remaining calm and unruffled in combat
with a bigger stronger opponent is also the work of the inner
sattva {character}.

96 Desire to Disaster