There have been an extraordinary call for prayers in the last little while, indicating that the world is going through a transition. Even as this world goes through seasons of the year, and today we stand on the cusp of the fall equinox, so too there are times in life when there are intense changes and transitions that affect us all.
To the sensitive yogi, Master said that there are four times of transition each day. Of course we are all familiar with sunrise, sunset, noon and midnight as common markers of the day. However, the meditating yogi will notice special times of the day that are propitious for going within, 4-6 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon, 5-6 p.m., and 10-midnight. One can take advantage of these subtle but powerful tides of energy by using these times for prayer and meditation.
I was so charmed when travelling in Islamic countries when the call to prayer came at different times of the day. Around sunset and the sinking sun radiating deep orange was one such time; the very warm day cooling a bit, the call to prayer coming from different towers around the city, shop owners retiring to the rear of their stores and bowing to the Creator of us all on their magic prayer rugs, the whole city becoming quiet for some minutes while the world acknowledged the One who makes it all possible. Such a lovely feeling.
Other transitions may not make it so easy to find peace, for there are times in life when health, prosperity, work conditions, family life and friendships can all go through transitions, sometimes going our way and other times not. And yet finding peace, inner assurance, a solid foundation in a constantly changing world is at the heart of our spiritual practice. Even Mother said she could have an initial shock of when something first happened. So we too may feel, at first, an initial disturbance, but like a compass needle that always finds north, so our minds go directly to God. Other times we may find no disturbance at all when something untoward happens, we simply are feeling the great divine peace from start to finish.
Naturally, from a human standpoint we like to have things go easy. For some, when a transition takes something away and makes life more challenging, we can feel betrayed. Somewhere inside we feel that if we are making spiritual effort, then everything should go perfectly smooth in this world. However, we do live in world of duality, and the alternating currents will always be at work bringing both, from a human standpoint, good and bad situations. While it is true that leading a spiritual life will avoid many a painful trap in life, no one may avoid all difficulties, and at times hardships seem to come bundled up and delivered all at once.
To find lasting happiness we must rise above this world of duality, for this world will never be able to deliver it. There is a Source of serenity and joy within that cannot be eclipsed by dualism. Avatar Buddha said that life is suffering, then he gave the formulae for transcending it. Attachment to the things of this world makes us blind to this innate Source, so we must remove our full attention from this world and through deepened meditation become established in the ever-abiding Presence within–Nirvana.
Being established in such peace you now have an unshakable foundation for entering into any and all circumstances of life, and the things of this world do not make you over-glad, or over-sad–they simply are. Your real source of joy comes from your oneness with the Infinite Beloved–Sat, Chid, Ananda–eternal existence, consciousness and bliss. As the great Lahiri Mahasaya said, make acquaintance with God in the springtime, for elsewise you may Him elusive in the winter of life. Seek Him out daily, and learn to make the Divine Presence the unmovable core for you being.