If we contemplate, we realize the journey of our spirit through this life. As soon as we are say 15 or 16 years of age, our mind starts struggling. Youth starts to engulf the life that covers the spirit inside. Those who have benefitted from a pious life in our previous births, are granted peace, accompanied by guides around them in the form of family and teachers.
As life grows, desires and libido takes over and the churning becomes stronger. During the years of adolescence, the life is youthful and lusts after carnal desires. This is actually a time to stop and think, when life needs guidance with patience and knowledge. However most of us are unable to understand the depths of our existence at that point of time.
The story goes about the Devas and Asuras, churning the oceans for the treasures of the universe, and each of them wanted the ultimate nectar (knowledge). However, before they could reach the Ambrosia, they came across deadly poison. Before one attains the nectar of knowledge, one comes across the toxins, The Lord tests us makes us tough and worthy and then blesses us.
Poisons that surround us – adverse situations are toxin, pain is toxin, suffering is toxin, jealousy, criticism, dissonance of thoughts and people are toxins.
These all are supposed to be endured, once we emerge from this test, is when we are worthy of the spirit within.
It is said that none of the Devas, or asuras wanted the poison (which is exactly what happens to us) they looked at Lord Shiva for solution, at that time Parvatiji said, “What is the need of benevolence, which will surely be the end of self? “ to which Lord Shiva repies – the results are not a choice, the action is mandatory” and he proceeds to swallow the poison.
प्राणेः स्वै: प्राणीन: पाँति साधव: क्षणभंगूरे- :
बद्धवैरेषु- भूतेषु मोहितद्वात- ममायया.
However, once HE swallowed it, he did not let the poison go beyond his throat, which turned blue and earned him the name of NEELKANTH. It is said we have the LORD (truth) in their hearts and hence he did not want the poison to affect anything beyond his throat. Whoever bears toxins in their hearts cannot ever attain the truth. The moral for us here is to not spit the toxins outside, neither allow them to spread within our insides, which cause equal disasters.
Even if someone harms you, bothers you, and we feel like abusing them, we should stop, think and hold ourselves. We should endure the pains, insults and so-called inconveniences of life without anger. Have patience, such toxins tend to burn us from within.
We already have the spirit, all we have to do is maintain its… Let’s strive to BE THE SHIVA!!