How to find inner solace

We are all pilgrims in this world. A pilgrim comes alone, treads his chosen path for some time and then leaves, once more solitarily. His is a sacred destination, always dimly suspected, but usually not consciously illuminated. Whether consciously or by blind instinct, directly or indirectly, all of us ultimately seek joy - infinite, eternal and divine. Most of us though, wander about this world like pilgrims without a map. We equate joy with money, power, fame or good times. It is only after ceaseless roving, after being disappointed with the futility of our search that we stand in silent self appraisal. And it is then that we discover, that our goal was never distant from us at all - indeed, never any further away than our own selves. The path we tread has no fixed dimensions; it could be long or short, depending on the purity of our intentions. Ultimately, it leads inward and the goal is ours already. We have only to claim it as our own. If you walk the path towards joy then it's important to expand your awareness to embrace ever widening realities. There are a few universal principles which will help you in your search: Love all, for it is only by loving that we live in joy. By hating or resenting others we experience only deep inner restlessness and pain Understand that true satisfaction is not found in endless variety but in inner stillness Show mercy, especially when you have a chance to retribute a wrong that was done to you. Revenge merely increases the sense of injury. By banishing from the consciousness the very thought that you were wronged brings a lasting peace. By offering solace and comfort to others we find comfort within ourselves. Greet every trial with a smile and remain undaunted. Trials are not the misfortunes which they seem when we are in them. They are opportunities! Comfort comes only after challenges have been met head on and overcome. It never comes to those who seek to avoid or evade them.

Lord Ganesha