Fortitude to Gratitude

by Alan L. Pritz

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, many people have come face to face with challenging questions. Given the Thanksgiving season, a clearly difficult issue arises pertaining to understanding God's Will and how to be grateful to Spirit when horrendous events occur? No glib answer will adequately ameliorate the sadness and suffering that people have felt and, undoubtedly, still do. I have found it helpful to consider this episode and its aftermath in a perspective that's been useful for my coping process. Perhaps it will be useful for others as well.

Paramahansa Yogananda spoke of a time when he felt helpless watching the horrors of a strife saturated world. Then while meditating one day, a great beam of light appeared in his room and God's voice said,

"What are you dreaming about? Behold My eternal light, in which the many nightmares of this world come and go. They are not real."

From this experience he realized that worldly events were dream-like manifestations of God's consciousness. Interaction with them was like being cast in a true-to-senses movie. He also understood that when we awaken in God we see a greater reality; that we're never born, nor die, nor suffer, but only dream these things. On a mundane level, we can spare ourselves the burden of over-reacting to films by observing light images falling on a screen. In a cosmic sense, the same principle applies; it's just harder to see the Light. Ultimately Yogananda wanted people to remember they were eternal souls whose harbor of safety was with God, nothing else. The world drama, for good or ill, is still just a drama with characters playing roles that educate, entertain, and promote evolution. If we get caught up in it, as is usually the case, we forget it's just a cosmic movie. Such delusion, he concurred, is very tough to break and, paradoxically, we must try to change ignorance and hatred to perfect conditions of love and harmony.

Granted, this perspective is an extremely tall order in the face of glaring tragedy. Also it's inhumane not to feel deeply. However, remembering there are different levels of reality, that ultimately our souls don't die, and that we are of God, is for me, a very helpful thing. It is also something to be thankful for. Why? Because in a weird way these constructs allow for growth even during heinous circumstances. Nostradamus I'm not, so as I write this in late September, I'm unable to predict world conditions in November. However, what I've seen to date is a global unification effort otherwise impossible without great tragedy or enlightened world leadership. Since we haven't the latter, the former must be responsible. It is also evident that 3rd world conditions, steeped in ignorance, negative passions, and entrenched social-political worldviews are presenting themselves like a boil that won't heal without corrective care. Perhaps that time is now.

Another reason for gratitude is the realization that what we face is nothing new. It is an unfortunate consequence of being in a world of duality, but we're not spiritually alone when rising to the challenge. The following is a brief excerpt from a letter that I feel aptly states what we face and how to best do so:

"Do not let fear darken your consciousness. This world has ever been a battleground between good and evil. Those who are striving to uphold the light must also withstand the opposition of darkness. But we are not alone. Though the power of darkness may seem formidable, the divine power of goodness and love is much greater. When all else seems uncertain, we are reminded that God is our strength and our bastion of protection….God's virtue is winning and ever shall win. Each of us individually has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to contribute to that victory. Events such as this are a call to awaken us to the need to connect our lives with the divine Source - to live by His laws and express His love. If we are to know a better and more secure world, then through our thoughts and actions we must counteract the negativity that seeks to undermine it. Every thought of God you think, every sincere prayer and caring action has redeeming power. Let us build with our prayers a shield of light and love that can encircle the globe and protect every soul from the influence of the forces of darkness, that peace and harmony may prevail in this world." Sri Daya Mata
While much in the media has touted the strength of terrorist dedication, little has addressed the implacable strength of divine power. Spirit is ever active and will respond, particularly when beckoned with a thankful heart. Attitudes of gratitude and faith open the consciousness for spiritual growth, inspiration, and supply. We need to apply these spiritual laws to become effective healers of a world newly re-awakened to the plague of global strife. If suffering can yield any positive fruit, then we may yet be grateful for this opportunity. Let us blend fortitude and action with wisdom to justly serve the world. And for that, we can give thanks.