Sliding Fortunes
Many of us think of God, only, when we are in trouble or in pain, and that too, to blame Him for our sufferings. But when the going is good, our ego knows no bounds, it’s all about, I, me and mine. Bhagat Ravidas Ji, quite aptly observes:
ਮਾਟੀ ਕੋ ਪੁਤਰਾ ਕੈਸੇ ਨਚਤੁ ਹੈ ॥
Maattee ko putra kaisey nachatt hai.
Look, how the puppet of clay dances!
ਦੇਖੈ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੁਨੈ ਬੋਲੈ ਦਉਰਿਓ ਫਿਰਤੁ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Deykhai deykhai sunai bolai dourriou firat hai. 1. Rahaao.
He sees, listens, speaks and runs hither and thither. 1. Pause.
ਜਬ ਕਛੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਬ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰਤੁ ਹੈ ॥
Jab kachh paavai tab garabh karat hai.
Success inflates his ego.
ਮਾਇਆ ਗਈ ਤਬ ਰੋਵਨੁ ਲਗਤੁ ਹੈ ॥੧॥
Maya gayee tab rovan lagat hai.
Loss of wealth leaves him in tears and utter despair. 1.
The secret, the wise say, lies in maintaining a level of sobriety and moderation in times of success and prosperity, and grit, acceptance and contentment in times of adversity.
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