The most discussed date in spiritual history is just round the corner: 2012. What lies ahead and what should we do?

Disaster Management

A Spiritual Modus Operandi
It's not a pretty thing to talk about, but it must be faced. Our transition to Satyug may encounter rough weather: literally and metaphorically. The next few years may throw up tough challenges in terms of natural disasters, environmental crises and man-made horrors. We are moving from severe imbalance to perfect balance and that is by no means an easy task. So what must we do when events like the Delhi serial bombs or other such horrors burst upon us?

• Stay calm and peaceful no matter what confronts you. It's all happening for the best. The suffering is voiding a lot of collective karma, and it will leave us and the earth more purified. It's entirely possible that the Delhi blasts will have inspired millions to move towards peace and a higher way of life. All disasters are opportunities for growth, personally and collectively.
• The change starts with us. Each time an event releases negativity into the environment, we need to turn into Neelkanths, and become adept at swallowing the poison. Instead of turning against other communities or losing faith in the government or human nature, we need to use the 'All the more reason… principle: "All the more reason to support and practice peace, unconditional love and acceptance. All the more reason to care for the country. All the more reason to knit the fabric of society closer together."
• Make up your mind to uproot all hate, anger and disquiet within you. No matter what provocation is offered, strive to retain your even temper. Remember you are doing this not just for you, but for the world. Within your family aspire to be the peacemaker, the one who can bring warring members together in genuine harmony. Take that role upon yourself in your office, your club, your satsangh. Let that be your personal mission.
• Take responsibility for the event no matter what – bomb, flood or tsunami.
All of us have conspired knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously in creating the present situation. There is a concept called Ho'oponopono in Hawaiian spirituality which affirms that we need to take total responsibility for whatever happens and to heal it. How? By saying these four statements: I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. I thank you. We can say it to ourselves, to society, to the environment, or to God. It reintegrates our shattered unity and makes us whole again. So chant!
• Get together with your satsang group or friends circle and explore other ways to heal the devastation in society and the environment. Pray. It's the most powerful thing we can do. Send white light to all in pain, sorrow, anger or alienation. As seekers we have a special responsibility in healing and purifying the atmosphere.
• Finally and the most non-negotiable. Work on yourself. The future of the planet depends on you. Use every opportunity to grow in wisdom and understanding, in love and compassion, in generosity and selflessness. Whatever we uproot within ourselves we are also uprooting from the body politic. Whatever goodness we nourish within ourselves, we are also nourishing in the outside world.