The waters of a river cascade down mountains, fall into valleys and rush through gorges; tributaries join at various stages, and the waters become turbid and unclean. So too, in the flood of human life, speed and power increase and decrease. These ups and downs might happen at any moment during one’s life; no one can escape them. They may come at the beginning of life, at the end, or perhaps in the middle. So, one has to convince oneself firmly that life is necessarily full of ups and downs, and that far from being afraid and worried about them, one should welcome them as adding to one’s experience. One should not only feel so but also be happy and glad with whatever happens! Then all troubles, irrespective of their nature, will pass away lightly and quickly. For this, a calm state of mind is essential.
- Dhyana Vahini, Chap 3, "The Goal of Meditation.
