Challenges

Q78  Swami!  Some people pose challenges quite unwarranted.  Pious and noble people are disturbed and agitated in such situations.  What should we do with those who challenge us unnecessarily?

Bhagawan: Only egoistic, jealous people with bodily attachment challenge like this.  Aspirants and seekers should not be disturbed by these challenges.  You should not react to their words and be affected thereby.  A cow that grazes in a field may challenge another cow.  A pig that feeds on faeces can challenge another pig.  Should man who takes food challenge a pig?  You can talk to an equal but not to everyone.  Don't respond to everyone and then lose your peace.  In fact, you should face a challenge if you must, in this way, "Do you help everyone as I do?  Have you taken up welfare programmes as I have done?  Are you broadminded like me?  How many people have you transformed into the righteous way of life?"  People should have healthy competition.  You should not challenge for petty, low, mean things.

(From: "Satyopanisad" Vol. 1 by Prof. K. Anil Kumar)