Life is full of tragedy and comedy, a kaleidoscope of infinite variety. No two things are the same. Everyone’s life is individual. Each person has a different kind of face, a different kind of mind and desires. We would become bored if we had exactly the same experiences every day; we would soon tire of life. Were heaven itself the same every day, we wouldn’t want it. We enjoy variety. The stereotyped conception of heaven is all wrong. If it were boring, all the saints would pray to come back to earth for a little change! Heaven is something infinitely different, ever pleasantly new, whereas earth is often unpleasantly new!
Yet, no matter how trying life is, most people become accustomed to it and assume there is no other way to live. Not being able to compare this life with the spiritual life, they do not realize how painful and boring earthly living is.
Actually, life is not real; it is only an entertainment. And just as old movies are shown over and over again, so basically the same old incidents occur and recur in life. And although life will go on eternally, the same themes depicted in past films will be portrayed again and again. It is true that history repeats itself. We are all museum pieces!
Whatever comes in life, just take it joyfully, impersonally, as you would a motion picture. Life is entertaining when we do not take it too seriously. A good laugh is an excellent remedy for human ills. One of the best characteristics of the American people is their ability to laugh. To be able to laugh at life is marvelous. This my master (Swami Sri Yukteswar) taught me. In the beginning of my training in his hermitage, I went about with a solemn face, never smiling. One day Master pointedly remarked, “What is this? Are you attending a funeral ceremony? Don’t you know that finding God is the funeral of all sorrows? Then why so glum? Don’t take this life too seriously.” He taught me that one must be mentally above every crucifixion of earthly experience in order to find complete happiness in God.
Krishna taught: “Even-minded during happiness and sorrow, profit and loss, triumph and failure- so encounter the battle of life! Thus thou wilt not acquire sin.” To remain even minded, no matter what comes, is one of the best ways to conquer delusive desires. This I learned from the example of my great Master- even to the last, changeless. Christ also demonstrated that spirit. Even though Jesus was tortured, God’s love was not taken away; he did not lose his divine consciousness. God’s protection of our joy and peace is the greatest fortress possible. Throughout all trials and sufferings, remember the good things that God has given you. Your soul is a divine temple of God. The darkness of mortal ignorance and limitations must be driven out of that temple. It is wonderful to be in the consciousness of the soul- fortified, strong!
Be afraid of nothing. Hating none, giving love to all, feeling the love of God, seeing His presence in everyone, and having but one desire- for His constant presence in the temple of your consciousness- that is the way to live in this world. Those who have other desires will not know true satisfaction.
Extract from the book "Man's Eternal Quest" by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda.