How Should We Meet Our Tests?
Photo by Nayaswami Jyotish (View more art by Nayaswami Jyotish)
Where in the “Blessing” in Persecution?
Reading and Affirmation for August
From the book The Beatitudes: Their Inner Meaning by Swami Kriyananda
Rays of One Light: Weekly Commentaries on the Bible and The Bhagavad Gita
How Should We Meet Our Tests?
Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Last week we considered Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, after his baptism by John. We discussed the question, Does Satan exist?
All of us experience temptation of one kind or another in our lives – some of us, frequently; others, only occasionally. Whether temptation comes to us from our own subconscious, or from outside ourselves, is secondary to the fact that it does come, and that we must deal with it. More important, then, is the question, How to deal with it – in fact, how to deal with tests of any kind?
Martin Luther flung an ink pot at the devil, who had appeared to test him. A dark stain on the wall of Luther’s cell is pointed out to tourists in support of this story. Unfortunately, our trials are not often so summarily dismissed. As a fellow monk once said to Swami Kriyananda, speaking of Satan, “If only I could get my hands on him!”
Jesus during his temptations in the wilderness overcame them, and thereby set an example for all time, by clinging the more determinedly to God. As Paramhansa Yogananda used to say, “Darkness cannot be driven out of a room with a stick. Once you turn on the light, however, the darkness will vanish as though it had never been.” Jesus manifested this principle. The Bible tells us therefore that at last, “The devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
In the Bhagavad Gita the point is clarified further by the added explanation that there are three qualities in human nature: sattvic, or spiritually elevating; rajasic, or ego-activating; and tamasic, or spiritually darkening. It is this triune aspect of human nature that the third Chapter refers to with the words:
As fire is hidden by smoke, as a mirror is dulled by rust, and as an embryo is enclosed in the womb, so is the indwelling Self enveloped by desire.
Yogananda explained that each of these examples describes one of the qualities, or gunas. Sattva guna, that which elevates our consciousness, can be freed of any identity with ego by a little puff of meditation and right affirmation. Rajo guna, which embroils the ego in restless activity, can be worked off with a little more, and a little longer, effort. Tamo guna, embracing as it does such mental states as laziness and stupidity, can only be outgrown in time, since it inhibits even the desire for self-improvement.
The example Jesus gave us was intended more for those in whom sattva guna is predominant. But if you yourself find elements in your consciousness that resist even the effort to cling to God in prayer and meditation, don’t despair. Patience, as it has been well said, is the fastest path to God. As long as your efforts take you steadfastly in the right direction, you will come out right in time. Remember Yogananda’s words: “A saint is a sinner who never gave up.”
If, however, your nature impels you, even against your will, to move in the wrong direction – toward egoic desires, and away from God – strive at least to detach yourself mentally from your wrong actions, which are induced by habit. The time will come when their own stored-up energy will tire and diminish. At that time, if you have not contributed to that energy by your consenting will, you will find it possible at last to redirect your energies more constructively.
Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.
Whispers From Eternity
4. Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer
O Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God, may the halo of Thy presence spread over all minds.
May the religion of matter-worship be converted into loving, direct worship of Thee. Since, without Thy power to love, we cannot truly love anything, may we love Thee first and above everything else. May the heavenly kingdom of Bliss, where Thou dwellest, manifest itself with all its divine qualities on earth, and may all lands be freed from limitations, imperfections, and miseries. Let Thy kingdom within us manifest itself without.
Father, leave us not in the pit of temptations, into which we fell by the misuse of Thy gift of reason. When we become freer and stronger — should it be Thy wish to test us, to see whether we love Thee more than any temptation — then, Father, make Thyself more tempting than temptation! O Father, if it be Thy wish to test us, help us keep our will power strong enough to meet all Thy tests.
Give us our daily bread: food, health, and prosperity for the body; efficiency for the mind; and, above all, Thy wisdom and love for our souls. Teach us to deliver ourselves, with Thy help, from the meshes of ignorance which we have woven through our own carelessness.
Paramhansa Yogananda
Inspiration from The Rays of the One Light
How Should We Meet Our Tests?
We will take these sacred words into our meditation together for deep reflection and contemplation. But firstly, we will listen to some beautiful music by Swami Kriyananda, called “God's Call Within”
God's Call Within
Listen to God's Call Within
Reflect, Meditate and Listen to Instrumental Music
Reflect
Meditate
Refection & Inspiration from The Rays of the One Light
Today’s Reflection
Our tests in life can arrive in many different shapes and forms, presenting themselves in unexpected and challenging ways. Tests, challenges and temptations can feel like strong forces in our lives, sometimes pulling us in different directions without us even noticing. These moments remind us to stay alert and think carefully about the choices we make.
Facing tests can help us mature, grow, become stronger, and develop spiritually, serving not only as obstacles but also as opportunities for self-reflection and inner strength. Tests give us a chance to reflect on ourselves and our relationship with God. They encourage us to pause, remember God, love, deepen and strengthen our commitment to Him and Ourselves.
Prayer
Divine Mother Our Hearts are Yours
Divine Mother, when we are faced with tests, keep us alert and aware of your loving presence. Remind us always of where our loyalty remains, true to you. Guide our hearts and minds to remain ever free and empowered in your care, your truth, your words, your voice, your love.
Our hearts are yours
Aum Peace Amen
Blessings & Love
Rev Dinah Pemberton