Patience

If there is one quality that is absolutely essential for all sadhakas, it is patience. Regardless of the field of learning or job we have chosen, the reality is that we cannot become experts overnight. Diligent practice and great patience must be the hallmark of anyone seeking competency in anything. No one can become a dancer or singer overnight. Years of practice must be invested before reaching the desired stage.

We can learn this lesson by observing Nature. She is never in a hurry. Everything is done deliberately at the right time. However much we try, we cannot force a bud to bloom immediately, the sun to move faster, a tree to grow in a few days, or a baby to be born before nine months. That is why in India, we have the saying, "As patient as the earth."

Evolution is a slow progress that cannot be forced. Spiritual evolution, in particular, belongs to this category. It progresses slowly, although it may seem faster in some individuals due to practice in a previous life. We have to experience numerous setbacks before we can learn to walk.

Spirituality is an inner growth that is even more important than physical growth. Therefore, infinite patience must be practiced. All spirituality is an unfolding of the bud within oneself. The time it takes will depend on the individual, similar to how different plants flower and fade at their own pace. For most people, it takes years of diligent practice with unwavering faith in the right path before the flower of spirituality begins to bloom. Even after blooming, there is no room for complacency or relaxation. "Total vigilance is the price of freedom." Just as the army guarding our boundaries cannot afford to relax for a minute, we can never know when the ego, our number one enemy, will take the opportunity to overcome us in our half-asleep state and claim victory.

Many young people start practicing yoga and meditation but become despondent when they fail to experience the expected benefits after a few days or months. Both faith in what one is doing and patience are essential to achieve the desired results in anything. Even mundane tasks, if rushed, can lead to undesirable outcomes. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the 5th "Yama" is "kshama" or patience. The 16th chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes patience as an essential quality for spiritual seekers. Shirdi Sai Baba always emphasizes the two qualities of "sraddha and saburi" - faith and patience.

Patience is the ability to wait without becoming annoyed, upset, or angry. It requires exercising self-control instead of worrying and complaining. In the fast-paced world we live in, it is very difficult to be patient. "Once we're born, the race is on!" We see this restlessness in every aspect of our lives - whether we're drinking a cup of tea or browsing the internet. We have our smartphones in our hands even while watching TV or reading the newspaper. We lack the patience to watch the whole show before checking our email. There is always an excuse to be impatient and in a hurry.

We reside in a world that demands instant gratification. We lack the patience to even brew our own coffee or tea and wait for the result. We want everything to be instant. When our desires are not instantly fulfilled, we become stressed out.

Impatient people are poor listeners, always interrupting others and offering unsolicited advice, without allowing them to express their views.

Impatience causes stress and can negatively affect physical and mental health. Practicing patience can lead to fewer headaches, acne breakouts, ulcers, and reflux. Patient individuals experience fewer negative emotions, as they are better equipped to handle stressful and challenging moments, promoting overall mental well-being. Flexibility and patience are closely linked, as practicing patience involves internalizing emotions and considering the bigger picture.

However, when attempting to change your habits, you may encounter resistance from the world. Learn to take deep breaths when faced with impossible situations that trigger impatience.

True patience can be achieved by surrendering to a higher power. By doing so, you realize that nothing is truly under your control, except for the present moment. If you do your best in each moment, the future will naturally fall into place, alleviating unnecessary worry caused by impatience.

God is the embodiment of patience, allowing us the freedom to live our lives and exercise our discretion. He does not react to evil as quickly as we might desire in our moments of impatience. His patience is a natural outcome of His essential nature, which stems from His detachment. By cultivating detachment, we too can develop patience in all circumstances.

Devi Shailaputri is considered the epitome of patience. Residing in the Muladhara Chakra, the root chakra, she is the starting point from which the three main psychic channels (Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna) emerge. Awakening from her father at the Muladhara Chakra, she embarks on a journey to her consort Shiva at the Sahasrara chakra, located at the crown of the head. As Parvati, the mountain princess, she undertook intense tapas (austerities) for many years before achieving her goal. Despite facing various challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith and patience until Shiva granted her wish. Therefore, we should seek her blessings for the gift of patience.

Nandi, the bull vehicle of Shiva, is another embodiment of patience. Possessing immense strength and power, Nandi patiently awaits his master's call, symbolizing the true devotee who does not interfere with the divine will. Similar to Nandi, a true devotee of God is one who has relinquished all expectations or "samkalpas." Recognizing that God is omniscient, encompassing the past, present, and future, the devotee places complete trust in God's wisdom and patiently awaits His call, just as Nandi does.

Hari Aum Tat Sat!