The phrase "God gave and God took away – What is the use of sorrowing?" reflects a deep philosophical understanding of life, fate, and divine will in many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism. This statement emphasizes the acceptance of both joy and sorrow as parts of a divine plan, suggesting that human beings should cultivate equanimity and resilience in the face of life's inevitable changes.
Understanding the Phrase in Hinduism
In Hindu philosophy, this idea is encapsulated in the concept of Prasada Buddhi, which means having a mindset of accepting all experiences as the grace of God. It is an attitude of surrender, acknowledging that whatever happens in life is under the control of a higher power. Hindu teachings encourage acceptance of both good and bad as part of the cosmic order (Rta), and one's duty (Dharma) is to remain balanced in all circumstances.
Key Concepts Relevant to the Phrase:
Karma and Dharma: In Hinduism, the idea of Karma (action and its consequences) plays a significant role in understanding life events. Good and bad events are seen as results of one's own actions in past lives or the present life. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, teaches that one should perform their duty (Dharma) without attachment to the outcomes, understanding that both joy and sorrow are part of the divine order.
Equanimity (Sthitaprajna): The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 14) advises maintaining equanimity in pleasure and pain. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, "Matra-sparshas tu kaunteya, sitosna-sukha-duhkha-dah, agamapayino nityas, tams titiksasva bharata" – meaning, "O son of Kunti, the non-permanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."
Bhagavad Gita and Detachment: Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita often emphasize the importance of detachment. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, Krishna says, "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" – meaning "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." This encourages acceptance of outcomes, whether perceived as good or bad, without attachment, understanding them as part of God's will.
Acceptance and Surrender (Ishwara Pranidhana): This concept, found in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, emphasizes surrendering to God's will. It teaches that peace comes from recognizing that the divine will is ultimately unknowable and beyond human control, thus advocating for trust and acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties.
Stories and Examples from Hindu Scriptures
Several stories from Hindu scriptures illustrate the philosophy of acceptance and surrender:
The Story of King Harishchandra: King Harishchandra is an epitome of truthfulness and virtue, who loses his kingdom, wealth, and family due to a curse but accepts his fate with grace. Despite the immense suffering he endures, Harishchandra remains steadfast in his Dharma and surrenders to the will of God, showcasing the virtue of unwavering faith and acceptance.
The Story of Draupadi: In the Mahabharata, Draupadi's experience exemplifies endurance and resilience. Despite the humiliation and suffering she faces, she places her trust in Lord Krishna. This story illustrates that even in moments of despair, surrendering to divine will and maintaining faith is paramount.
The Story of Prahlada: Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, was subjected to various tortures by his father, Hiranyakashipu, because of his unwavering devotion. Despite the suffering, Prahlada remained devoted to God and was ultimately saved by divine intervention. This story exemplifies surrender and faith in the divine amid adversity.
Quotes and References from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita 2.38: "Sukha-duhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau; tato yuddhaya yujyasva naivam papam avapsyasi" – "Treating alike pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, engage in battle for the sake of duty. Thus, you will not incur sin."
Bhagavad Gita 18.66: "Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja; aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shuchah" – "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
Manusmriti 4.178: "A man who persists in doing good, with his mind detached, reaps eternal rewards; while the fruits of evil actions quickly mature, yielding misery and pain."
Importance of the Philosophy
Psychological Resilience: Accepting life as it comes, without clinging to transient pleasures or wallowing in pain, fosters emotional stability and resilience. It helps in developing a balanced perspective on life's ups and downs.
Spiritual Growth: This mindset is seen as essential for spiritual growth in Hinduism, where the goal is to attain Moksha (liberation) by transcending the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Letting go of attachments and surrendering to the divine will are crucial steps in this journey.
Lesser-Known Information: This philosophy also appears in various forms in other Eastern philosophies and spiritual practices, such as Jainism and Buddhism, which share similar views on detachment, karma, and equanimity. In Hinduism, the acceptance of both joy and sorrow is also reflected in festivals like Diwali, which celebrates both the return of Rama (joy) and the remembrance of Narakasura’s death (sorrow), symbolizing the balance of life experiences.
The phrase "God gave and God took away – What is the use of sorrowing?" encapsulates a profound spiritual truth that is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. It encourages a life of acceptance, surrender, and equanimity, promoting peace of mind and resilience. By understanding that all life events are part of a divine plan and that our ultimate goal is spiritual liberation, one can navigate the challenges of life with grace and wisdom.