Conversation between Pujyapad Shankaracharya of Puri, Maharajji (when he was young), and an older lady who was widowed (Mataji).
Maharajji: “Mata, are you doing bhajan (remembering Bhagavan)?”
Mataji: “What? Am I suffering from some adverse circumstances that I must do bhajan?”
In those days, Mataji was happy that her son is settled abroad and doing well.
After a few years…
Maharajji: “Mata, are you doing bhajan?”
Mataji: “What? The one who has favourable circumstances can do bhajan.”
This time she was miserable since her son married a foreigner.
Often, we become the enjoyers of pleasant circumstances, and allow adverse circumstances to pull us down. Our circumstances keep changing but we must continue to do bhajan of Bhagavan. Then, no matter what situation comes, our life remains meaningful.
