Chardi Kala

Sat Nam,

This is answered from personal experience.

I really like your question. I am an American college student (older than a teen, but still), and to obtain chardi kala as a young person, for me, came through understanding how awesome it is to be disciplined in my own life, as well as how my discipline serves me. Instead of bemoaning the fact that I could not do this, or could not do that, I embraced my control, and realized that it raised me so high, so I could help others who did not have this control (or had too little) from doing things that might really hurt them and others around them. Then we could all be happy and have good times, regardless of who we were and how much control individually we had. This is why I view myself as a Sikh.

I have a feeling that you do your banis, ardas and meditate, which is absolutely what you should be doing. But, temptation is very strong, and very potent, and usually requires learning how to apply Guru's gift of intuition. The trick I've learned is that instead of shunning temptation and the things that tempt you, analyze them. Use your intuition and mind's ability to really look at what you are doing, and how it affects you and others around you. Say for example, taking drugs while hanging out with friends. The temptation is that "Hey, this is so awesome, I get to smoke dope (drugs) with the guys and we can just relax." That's the temptation. What's the reality? "Damn, I shouldn't have done that. Why did I accidentally punch that guy in the face? Why did I scream at that girl who was walking by, and made her cry?" That's a potential, along with many others. Temptation leads to consequence. Karma. Personally, if I find myself in this situation I think, "Okay, God, I have a feeling that this might go bad. What should I do to make sure these people do not get out of line." And the answer comes. As a Sikh, I believe that you have to be the unsung hero, the person who subtly controls the situation, and guides it to the best possible outcome. I don't tell people "You're stupid for drinking." I tell them WHY they shouldn't do it, and if they ignore me, how to minimize damage. And the happiness and understanding on their faces is what gives me chardi kala.

So, try to strengthen yourself, and your control. You really have to practice it. Part of the process of reading the Guru is asking for the blessing to actually be able to LIVE the truth. Ask for that blessing in your ardas. Ask how you can serve Him, and he will show you, in every situation. You are a strong person, a Singh, and you should do no less than live to your highest truths, the best ... (more)