It pays to have enough spiritual resources

A person without money thinks twice whether to take a bus or go walking. Someone with a lot does not even think twice about taking a taxi.

Similarly, when a situation arises that requires more understanding and tolerance than I have, I find myself out of my depth. If I have a stock of spiritual power and an understanding of the rules of life, I can deal with it without problems.

Unhappiness is basically due to a lack of spiritual power. If I spend more money than I earn over a long period of time, I go bankrupt. If I spend more spiritual power than I replace daily, I become spiritually bankrupt.

The expression, ‘make hay while the sun shines’, refers to taking advantage of a favourable situation to prepare for when it is not. What I have to do is accumulate a stock of spiritual power through daily meditation practice.

If I meditate accurately for 15 to 20 minutes as my first act in the morning, then for two to three minutes from time to time during the day, and another 15 to 20 minutes at night, that stock should be sufficient to pass through most situations without tripping up.

This power tends to accumulate as I learn to think better. When larger obstacles appear, there is enough to get past them as well. Actually, obstacles appear along the way precisely to test my understanding and strength. Well understood, they always bring good lessons.

Ken O’Donnell, an author and international consultant on strategy and leadership, is the director of Brahma Kumaris’ services in South America.