When we practice surrender, we must exercise patience and fortitude. It is not possible for us to demonstrate surrender to God’s will in one day. The Lord tests his devotees to measure the degree of their faith and strength. And so we must constantly remember to trust the Lord. It is not up to us to judge what is good or bad. Surrender must be real, not a practice followed only if it yields quick results. Surrender requires acceptance of suffering as well as joy, defeats as well as victory. With time we will reach our Atmic destiny, but effort and patience are needed on the way.

If you want to enter the palace of moksha, or liberation, you will find that at the main entrance there are two guards. This entrance is the place where you offer yourself, and it may be called the gate of surrender. The two guards who are there are called Srama (effort) and Dama (patience)….. However much you offer yourself in surrender, it is not possible for you to enter God’s abode without Srama and Dama.

Summer Showers 1973