God Bless You 

by Ranjani Powers

 

What do the words "God bless you" mean to you? What is your internal response when someone says that to you, and what intentions do you have when you say those words to others?

 

Contemplation is an essential part of our tradition. In Swami Rama’s book Conscious Living, he states, "There is another school called contemplation: shravana, manana, nidhidhyasana. What is contemplation? It is about discovering what truth is. I am in search of truth; I listen to the sayings of great sages and the scriptures taught by knowledgeable teachers. This is shravana. I think deeply about these sayings and teachings; this is manana. I continuously search, and finally, I understand the truth and integrate it into my life. This is nidhidhyasana.”

 

Our goal is to discover the truth taught by the scriptures and great sages, but first, we must understand our minds. The more we practice and study the scriptures, the better we can see the inner workings of our minds and remember that there is no space for self-condemnation. Again, from Conscious Living, Swamiji reminds us, "Learn to forgive yourself when you make mistakes. The scriptures offer a beautiful path to be free from the stains of past impressions within us, known as prayashchitta. It is quite simple: prayashchitta means repentance and the determination not to repeat mistakes. Once you embrace this, you are free." 

 

As a sadhaka in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, I daily contemplate understanding my thoughts, words, and actions. Understanding the words I express and how I react to others is essential for me, so this requires a close relationship with my mind.

 

It is easy to become complacent in our language when we lack mindfulness. Take the phrase "God bless you." Some individuals might connect the words to mean blessings–like wealth, family, and good health. However, what happens when we accumulate worldly success without confronting our suffering?

 

We've heard the phrase, "Pain is universal, but suffering is optional." Addressing our suffering helps prevent attachment to the material world and the fear of death. Genuine growth often comes from facing challenges, and we must strive to live joyfully and die gracefully. 

 

Unfortunately, many resist the effort needed for personal development, seeking only a superficial façade instead of a solid foundation. As a South Indian proverb states, "What came for my head took my hat.” This reminds us that growth can be challenging but essential for a meaningful life.

 

My most transformative experiences have arisen from challenges, such as growing up with a father who, at times, could be abusive. Through the practice of contemplation and self-observation, as Swamiji suggests, I have come to see my father not just as an abusive parent but as a child of God, burdened by his unresolved anger and pain. I've learned that difficult moments can lead to inner transformation, allowing us to love unconditionally. Although I haven't always acted in the best way, I recognize that personal growth is a continuous journey.

 

Keeping these teachings in mind, when I hear the phrase "May God bless you," I interpret it as my Inner Dweller bestowing upon me the experiences necessary for my growth. I embrace each opportunity as a step toward becoming fully human. To be fully human is to embody divinity, and until I fully understand this, I will endeavor to have whatever comes for my head take my hat.