4 words to counter sadness

A Persian King once called all his wise men including poets and asked them a question. Give me a quote that would be accurate at all times and in all situations to keep me happy, when I am sad. It was quite a challenge but after many deliberations among them the following day they came up with a 4 word quote.

"This too, shall pass" is what was told to the king, pleased indeed he immediately had it inscribed on a finger ring, worn at all times. The Persian adage reflects on the temporary nature, that neither the bad, nor good, moments in life ever indefinitely last. Life isn’t always sunshine and butterflies, sometimes you get to learn to smile through pain.

Sadness is not who you are, it is how you feel at a point in time. It is always ones thoughts and I factor that creates the artificial state of sadness, while chasing or losing on to some fake happiness. Sadness does not come from bad circumstances, it comes from bad thoughts. Expectation often keeps us busy with thoughts trying to score over sadness. Well trying to avoid sadness is trying to avoid life. Consider sadness as gifts don’t reject it, don’t rush it, live it and fully use it as a fuel to change and grow. Dealing with what comes your way good or bad is what you are to be worthy of. Inside you there is something amazing, outside there is nothing that comes close to you. To be in sadness for outside worldly matters is not worth it when you understand how it can affect your organs. The lungs, liver and the heart are said to influence the functional relationship between these organs, all courtesy the mind and the poor thoughts you keep company with.

The truth remains “hukum likh dukh sukh payea”. “By his written command, pain and pleasure are obtained”. Another truth we are the only beings who have the grace of the Gurus who can experience bliss of Naam, can choose to follow His teachings and live in peace within ourselves even in bad times.

“This too, shall pass” is true for all but only when one accepts it.

Knowing sadness the Gurbani way only brings you close to divinity.

“We should feel sad, if God were beyond us.

We should feel sad, if we forget the Lord.

We should feel sad, if we are in love with duality.

But why should we feel sad? The Lord is pervading everywhere.

In love and attachment to Maya, the mortals are sad, and are consumed by sadness.

Without the Name, they wander and wander and wander, and waste away.

We should feel sad, if there were another Creator Lord.

We should feel sad, if someone dies by injustice.

We should feel sad, if something were not known to the Lord.

But why should we feel sad? The Lord is totally permeating everywhere.

We should feel sad, if God were a tyrant.

We should feel sad, if He made us suffer by mistake.

The Guru says that whatever happens is all by God's Will.

So I have abandoned sadness, and I now sleep without anxiety.

O God, You alone are my Lord and Master; all belong to You.

According to Your Will, You pass judgement.

There is no other at all; the One Lord is permeating and pervading everywhere.

Please save Nanak's honor; I have come to Your Sanctuary”. SGGS1140