The material world is a tapestry of suffering and a kaleidoscope of pain how is it possible to ever have happiness in a stress filled life?
Today, February 8th 2008, is my birthday. Now Birthdays are supposed to be this very special day when one throws parties and celebrates with family and friends, but today was a day when I came across some of the best realizations of my life.
Why are Birthdays celebrated in this material world? Is it a celebration of our unfortunate appearance in this material world, or is it the celebration to the count down until we leave it?
I was awakened this morning by messages of well wishes and phone calls of a chorused happy birthday, a mood of ceremony and joy approached the dawn of my day. The day began rather happily, I was enjoying the idea that today is my birthday, and today is my day.
Unfortunately my trip to school made material life hit me straight in the face; on the floor was the carcass of a very young adorable kitten, brutally killed by the revolving wheels of time and a motor car.
I was celebrating the day of my Birth and before me stood the leftovers of our inevitable friend Death. Reminded me of the words of the lord:
[BG 2.27]
jätasya hi dhruvo mrtyur
dhruvam janma mrtasya ca
tasmäd aparihärye ’rthe
na tvam socitum arhasi
TRANSLATION
For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.
In this material world the only certainty that is available to us is the certainty that we WILL die. We are all under the stringent laws of material nature; the law of karma is active within all our lives and in every little thing that we may do. Therefore EVERYTHING happens for a reason.
We don’t always get what we want, but we always get what we deserve, get what you need, just chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
