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A Business Man’s Projection
Once while I was at Prasanthi Nilayam, a distraught business man paid a visit. He knew how to utilize resources in the region to help Swami fund his service programs. He mentioned this capacity to Swami during an interview, and though seemingly interested, Swami told the man to wait. Time was a factor since the man had to return home. Yet Swami gave him no instructions to proceed. He was pulled between wanting to help Swami with this project and having to get back home. His conflicted feelings became increasingly intense as the time for his departure approached.
Upon inquiry, it was revealed that this man had a close relative that had problems and oen needed his help. He generously saved the relative many times, only to repeat this paern over and over again. It was frustrating for him, yet he didn’t know how to detach himself or even that he had this option. Swami, by appearing interested in his help, yet keeping him on pins and needles, had awakened this conflict within the man. He now had similar feelings toward Swami (wanting to help but feeling frustrated) as he did toward his relative.
We discussed his option of just leing go and not saving the relative if, in the long run, it did no good anyway. We considered that perhaps Swami was teaching him this lesson by recreating this conflict within him. Could he just let go of the conflict? Eventually, he saw that Swami really didn’t want or need his help, so he was able to let go of the conflict with Swami. Once free from this conflict, he realized that he could now let go of the conflict with his relative and did not have to put himself in the frustrating position of always trying to save him.
Swami’s unconditional, omnipresent love helps us overcome the negativity we project onto him. He only wants us to detach from unnecessary luggage on our journey to inner divinity.
Less luggage, more comfort. (SSB) 346