You know, life has a way of presenting challenges, especially when you're trying to lead a spiritual life. I remember a day not too long ago when I organized a meditation retreat. The day was meant to be peaceful, serene, with the aim of bringing calmness to those who attended. We had around 40 people, all from different walks of life. 

But there was one man, someone I had never met before, who came with a very different purpose. You see, while most of the attendees were there to meditate and find some inner peace, this man came to test me. Yes, he came with an agenda to challenge everything I said. Every time I spoke, he would raise his hand and interrupt. His questions were often provocative, designed not to seek clarity but to create conflict. 

Now, in such moments, many people might feel frustrated or even angry. But something beautiful happens when you truly live from a place of spiritual awareness. You see, I didn't even realize he was trying to challenge me. I remained calm, continuing with the retreat as planned, answering his questions patiently and with compassion. 

At the end of the retreat, the man came up to me. He said, "I came here to test you, but now I trust you." In that moment, I realized the power of staying connected to the soul, the Atma, that inner self. By staying calm, I had passed his test, not for him, but for myself. It was a reminder that challenges, no matter how difficult, can be met with peace and grace. 

Many people think that living in an ashram, or being part of a spiritual community, means we have it easy. They imagine that life is without problems, without conflict. But the truth is, we face challenges too. People come to us when they are at their lowest points – when they are angry, sad, or confused. And often, they don't come to listen; they come to be heard. 

In those moments, it's not about having all the answers. It's about listening, being present, and offering acceptance. Only then do people open up to listening to you in return. 

Living a spiritual life doesn't mean being free of challenges. It means having the tools to navigate them with calmness and clarity. The teachings of Raj yoga remind us that the world outside is always changing, but inside, within the soul, there is a stillness that we can access anytime. 

And when I live from that place of stillness, challenges don't seem so overwhelming. In fact, they become opportunities to grow. Just like the man who came to test me – he was my opportunity to practice patience, compassion, and inner strength. 

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the world around you, remember this: the calm you seek is already within you. It's not about changing the world; it's about changing your response to it.

 
BK Sister Usha 
Member of National Coordinating Team, 
Brahma Kumaris, South Africa