Our Temperament is Our Introduction

Wherever we go, people will recognize us for what we are by nature. Once in a band, there was a drummer. He quarreled with others quite frequently. He would always complain for every minor thing. “Mr ‘X’ quarrels with me,” he would say. He would bring a variety of complaints to the manager all the time. Once the manager asked him, “How is it that you get into dispute so often?” His reply was, “Everyone is jealous of me.” The manager further asked him, “Are you the king here? Why are others jealous of you? Do you have a lot of wealth or are you very famous?” He then looked down and said that he had no answer for that. The manager then said, “Fine, I will tell you. The answer lies within you. Thus, you must introspect to learn more about your characteristics, limitations and behavior. You will find an answer for sure.” He said that he had already corrected and improved himself.” Be a Tapasvi of body also”

There are some people who do not get along with anyone. This is because of their personality and habits. Such people will most likely be unable to get along with their own family members too. They do not pull on well in their offices and work places. They may resign and go somewhere else but no matter where they go, the personality traits will accompany them too. Unfortunately, such people do not get along well with their God either. How to deal with or treat such a person? He maintains his curve. Throughout life he lives with his super-ego. And when he dies, he has a stiff neck and an abundance of arrogance.

Try to Discipline Yourself with Yoga

It would be better that we connect ourselves with some yoga. Yoga means that, as per our own understanding, we move from anguish to gratitude and try to make ourselves happy. We live with devotion, and become Bhakta-yogi, or Shant-yogi, i.e., the peaceful yogi, or karma-yogi, i.e., devoted to desireless action, or Gyan-yogi, i.e., committed to knowledge, subtle, divine knowledge. You may adopt anyone of these and live quietly, peacefully, in adjustment and harmony with all others. You need not cause any problem or trouble for anyone.

Occasionally, you come across a person who does not offend anyone, even by mistake. He easily mixes up with others. He knows how to mix up, meet and fuse, and be one with all, like water mixing with water. But there are some who never adjust with others or fuse into others like irreconcilable stands of opinion or shades of color. You must adopt humility, be genuine, and natural.

Remember one thing

Lord Krishna was a unique personality in Himself. We have Tapasvis or devoted persons of different sorts. These are those who pursue Tapa of voice; others pursue Tapa of body, and yet others pursue Tapa of heart. Gods, Brahmins, gurus, and learned persons – they are all worthy of worship. One should honour them and pay respect by bowing at their revered feet. One should go on performing actions in the line of one’s duty. This and the service of others is acknowledged by Lord Krishna as the tapa of body – Anudveg karam vakyam satyam priyahitam cha yat udvegkari.

One should not utter harsh, provocative or inciting words. One should always speak sweet, polite, civilized and useful [to others] words. This is the Tapa of voice. Be a Tapasvi of body also. Later on, be a Tapasvi of heart and mind also. How will you be a Tapasvi of heart? They say that you should be polite, gentle, natured and cheerful. Inculcate the habit of smiling, staying cheerful and happy at all times. Develop the habit of doing good to others. Do not be like fire, angry all the time. ‘Jwala-prasad’ is a very good term to describe such people.

But there are others who are burning inside all the time. Manah prasad saumyatvam maunamatmavinigrahah,
i.e., be cheerful, be happy at heart, be civil and polite, and speak in measured tones. Be peaceful, and always keep yourself under control. You should have pure emotions, kind and sweet feelings. Iti etat tapo manasam uchyate.

These Tapas are mental Tapas

Lord Krishna asked for this Tapasya. The words of Lord Krishna are wonderful. He understood the spirit of His times and came out with revolutionary ideas. At that time yogis were generally recognized by their outer appearance. They lived in jungles, sat on deer-skin. In Karma-kand, asanas [seats] are prescribed to be in accordance with the given specifications. What should be the colour of your seat, when you sit down? How do you touch or place your hand as you sit or rise? Do you touch your forehead or not? Whom do you remember as you touch your forehead? Which rosary do you use? In which direction do you keep your face as you sit for prayers and worship? All kinds of methods are in use. But brushing aside all this clutter, Lord Krishna said one thing, “A Yogi is the one who is connected with God, connected with his supreme aim; one, who is connected with and balanced in his duty.”
Work on your temperament, overcome arrogance and make yourself as placid as possible so that you can get along with others and yourself too.