How we can remain calm and balanced in painful and adverse situations?
The only way to remain calm and tranquil in most adverse situations is through wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge, applied understanding. When you apply your knowledge, it manifests as wisdom. Through wisdom you can observe the areas of your mind, emotions and feelings which give you the experience of pain or pleasure.
It takes a long time to develop this kind of wisdom, but ultimately, when you are able to understand a situation by applying your wisdom, you can overcome pain and suffering and maintain your equanimity, your tranquillity and your balance. This is one of the greatest sadhanas that a person can have in life.
Printed in YOGA, Vol. 4, Issue 11 (November 2005)