What should be our attitude towards trials and tribulations in life if we wish to grow? On this auspicious day when the Chinese New Year is being observed, Bhagawan draws some wise counsel from the Chinese culture.

From ancient times and to some extent even today, the Chinese have observed one ritual every morning before beginning their day’s chores. They declare: “Difficulties are our friends. Let us invite them.” They have recognised that without trouble, no good can be realised. They start the day’s work with this thought before them. The Chinese also realise that true happiness comes from the satisfaction of a task well done. In Bharat, too, there is the dictum, Uddharet Atmana-Atmanam (Raise the self by the self). What is it that can raise the self? It is our own good conduct. Our good conduct is not for elevating the country, but for elevating ourselves. A whetstone is used for sharpening a knife, not for making the whetstone smoother. Likewise, in this world, your good conduct improves you, and as a result, the world. There is a proverb current in China: “The most delicious food is that got by hard labour.” What is got by arduous effort is relished with joy. One who enjoys his food without having laboured for it is an idler. In China, everyone works hard to earn his living. This cult of work should activate every human being.

- Divine Discourse, Feb 13, 1997