Some Words About Father

It’s better to take God’s name than to speak ill of others. I have so many faults of my own. Gossiping about someone behind their back doesn’t diminish my own shortcomings. They may not be listening, but in doing so, I unknowingly forgive my own faults. And if they somehow hear it, have you thought about how much it would hurt them? Always seek people’s blessings. It may not always work, but I’ve seen that curses often do. What suffering people give through them! Better to invoke God’s name instead. It will be good for you, good for everyone.

Son, when you’re angry with someone, don’t start hurling abuse immediately. Take time. In anger, people make so many mistakes that can never be undone. The person you’re angry with—it’s possible that you have something about you that they don’t like either. Who in this world can see their own back? Keep one thing Sarada Devi said in mind—endure, for you too have many things that others must tolerate. Even after that, if stubbornness takes hold, if nothing works at all, don’t say anything to anyone—pour all your anger on me. Once you vent your anger, the burning will subside, won’t it? Say whatever comes to your mouth to me. I can take it. I won’t have any trouble at all. This ability to absorb is a great art. Not everyone can do it. It must be learned with patience. The more anger one can bear, the more peacefully one can live.

Never envy anyone. To envy someone means you’re dissatisfied with what God has given you. Then God thinks, rather than giving to you, it would be more beneficial to give to someone who suffers even more than you. Gratitude has power. Whatever state you’re in, always remember this—you’re surely just a part of God’s grand masterplan. How much do you really know about the sufferings of the person you envy? Instead of envying them, do something to become like them. If you feel they’re better off than you, pray for them to be even better. God doesn’t like anyone who doesn’t want the well-being of those He keeps well. If you pray for their good, your own good will come too. This is what life has taught me.