‘You sweet frog, when you know something is dragging you down, the first step is to stay as far away as possible from that emotion. Which means do not indulge in things that give greater power to that character trait! When you know something angers you, either prepare yourself not to react or admit you shall be angered, but still stay forcibly calm. Once you are equipped with self-realization of your nature and temperament, you are already forewarned of what is going to trigger anger, hate, depression, and if you are aware then you already are one up on that emotion.’

‘Baba, it’s easier said than done.’

‘Of course, you silly mango, it is difficult but if your priority is to work on yourself then it is as easily done as said. To work on your inherent tendencies, one needs to make it one’s soul and sole priority. One can go beyond one’s negative tendency by not surrendering to its pull and destructive power. It eventually comes down to what is your priority. What is it that you want to surrender to? It comes down to the individual and how motivated and focused the person is to overcome or go beyond the inherent tendency. It is not going to be easy but you have to amputate the thing killing your very being. Whoever told you amputation was a breezy pastime? It’s a life-altering decision. Each moment requires tremendous determination. Slowly but surely the grip of that tendency will loosen if you are persistent enough and you will be able to overcome the tendency or have enough power over it and through the years, the tendency might even starve and drop away. Remember, my sweet worm, each of us has to decide whom we want to prostrate ourselves in front of: The One we pray to and worship and believe in or our very mind. Our tendencies are all logged into our own vibration and consciousness which we call the mind. Remember the purpose of all negative tendencies is to pull us down but the true inherent nature of one’s Spirit is to rise up. The more you allow the external tendencies to gain power, the deeper you shall sink and if the focus is on the Divine Spirit, the more you shall gravitate towards The One. Thus, the question to ask is ‘Who am I?’ Once you start this journey slowly the answers shall set you free. So in reality, you set yourself free. The joy of seeing the complete daftness on your face is worth the wonders of owning a few galaxies, my child. Come now let us just observe the stars and the moon and the shimmering water and set ourselves free from all thoughts and tendencies and life and all that.’

Rudra sighed. He began to massage Baba’s feet and the Old Man exhaled in peace.