May 6

First You Have to Stabilize Yourself

Question: Can a spiritually-minded person have a harmonious life together with someone who is not spiritually-minded? The person I care about does not understand or accept my God-centeredness.

Sri Gurudev: You can still care about that person. Just remember that you have to stabilize yourself before you help someone else. Ideally, your companion should be somebody who has similar thinking; but if you are strong enough and won’t be affected by his or her lifestyle, it’s fine to stay with that person. Gradually you can help him or her. If you are going to be adversely affected by that person, you are not yet ready to be helpful; in that case, you should take care of yourself first. You can pray for that person, but don’t let anyone disturb your peace.