How Do Good People Endure Hardships and Foster a Virtuous World?

Learn how good people contribute to global virtuous consciousness and enhance the subtle ambience through resilience and positive actions.

September 1, 2024
Sanjeev K Yadav

Photo by freepik/Freepik

Life often seems unfair, especially when we see good people facing hardships. This paradox has puzzled many and led to various interpretations.

Since my childhood, I have been pondering why good people seem to not be supported by the universe or God. It is not just about good people; some great personalities in history have faced hardships since birth and throughout their childhood and their entire life.

These challenges are not limited to physical hardships; many have been prone to mental and emotional imbalances due to their lesser ability to handle life’s adversities. Despite their good nature, their well-being has often suffered, preventing them from functioning at their optimum potential.

On the contrary, people who are dishonest, clever, or deceitful often appear to enjoy life more. They may achieve financial stability and success through unethical means.

In today’s world, where material success is often equated with happiness, these individuals seem to thrive. Corrupted people are financially more stable, and those who are people pleasers often find success in their careers. This stark contrast between the lives of good and dishonest people adds to the perception that life is unfair.

In many cases, individuals who engage in dishonest or unethical behavior seem to navigate life with fewer obstacles. They might manipulate situations to their advantage, bypassing the struggles that honest individuals face.

This can lead to greater financial stability and material success, which society often equates with happiness and fulfillment. For instance, corrupt individuals may exploit loopholes or engage in fraudulent activities to amass wealth, giving them a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

Moreover, people who are adept at pleasing others, even if it means compromising their own values, often find themselves in favorable positions. They might climb the corporate ladder quickly, gain social acceptance, or receive preferential treatment. This ability to navigate social dynamics and prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations can lead to apparent success and stability.

For good people, witnessing the success of those who are dishonest, or manipulative can be disheartening. It challenges their belief in fairness and justice, leading to feelings of frustration and disillusionment. This emotional turmoil can further impact their mental well-being, making it even harder for them to cope with their own hardships.

Throughout history, numerous examples illustrate this paradox. Many individuals who have dedicated their lives to noble causes and actions have faced significant challenges and adversities. Despite their good intentions, they endured immense suffering.

This raises the question: why do those who strive to do good often encounter more obstacles? Is it a test of their character, a karmic cycle, or simply the randomness of life? Let us explore the lives of some of the great personalities’ history has given us.

Swami Vivekananda

Early Life Challenges: Born as Narendranath Datta in 1863, Vivekananda faced financial difficulties after his father’s sudden death, which left the family in poverty. Despite these hardships, he pursued his education and spiritual quest with determination.

Spiritual Struggles: Vivekananda experienced intense spiritual struggles and doubts before meeting his guru, Ramakrishna. His journey to spiritual enlightenment was marked by periods of deep introspection and inner turmoil.

Health Issues: Throughout his life, Vivekananda suffered from various health problems, including asthma, diabetes, and chronic fatigue. These health issues often hindered his work but did not deter his commitment to his mission.

Endurance and Legacy: Despite facing numerous hardships, Swami Vivekananda’s resilience and dedication to his spiritual and humanitarian goals left a lasting impact. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, emphasizing the unity of all religions, the importance of selfless service, and the potential for spiritual growth.

Mahatma Gandhi

Challenges: Gandhi faced numerous challenges, including imprisonment, physical assaults, and political opposition. His commitment to non-violence and civil disobedience often put him at odds with both British authorities and some factions within India.

Endurance: Despite these hardships, Gandhi remained steadfast in his principles, leading India to independence and inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Nelson Mandela

Challenges: Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid in South Africa. He faced harsh conditions, isolation, and the constant threat of violence.

Endurance: Upon his release, Mandela continued to advocate for reconciliation and equality, eventually becoming South Africa’s first Black president and a global symbol of resistance and justice.

Mother Teresa

Challenges: Mother Teresa faced significant challenges in her mission to help the poorest of the poor. She dealt with criticism, financial difficulties, and the immense emotional toll of working with the destitute and dying.

Endurance: Despite these obstacles, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, which grew to serve millions of people worldwide, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Challenges: King faced constant threats to his life, multiple arrests, and intense scrutiny from both the government and opposition groups. His leadership in the Civil Rights Movement was met with violent resistance.

Endurance: Despite these challenges, King remained committed to non-violence and equality, delivering powerful speeches, and organizing pivotal events like the March on Washington. His efforts were instrumental in the passage of civil rights legislation.

Helen Keller

Challenges: Keller lost her sight and hearing at a young age due to an illness. She faced immense challenges in communication and education.

Endurance: With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate and went on to become a renowned author, activist, and lecturer, advocating for people with disabilities.

Dalai Lama

Challenges: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, faced exile from Tibet and ongoing political struggles with the Chinese government.

Contributions: He has worked tirelessly for the promotion of peace, non-violence, and human rights, and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Rumi

Challenges: The 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic faced personal loss and political turmoil.

Contributions: Rumi’s poetry and teachings have inspired millions, emphasizing love, tolerance, and spiritual growth.

The Battle of Collective Consciousness

Throughout history, humanity has been engaged in a profound battle between collective virtuous consciousness and collective evil consciousness. This struggle is not just a metaphor but a reality that shapes our world.

Collective virtuous consciousness embodies the shared beliefs, values, and moral attitudes that promote unity, compassion, and ethical behavior. In contrast, collective evil consciousness represents the forces of greed, deceit, and selfishness that seek to undermine these virtues.

Good people, who strive to live by virtues such as honesty, compassion, and integrity, are often at the forefront of this battle. Their actions and intentions contribute to the collective virtuous consciousness, fostering a more just and compassionate world.

However, their commitment to these values often puts them in direct conflict with the forces of collective evil consciousness. This conflict can manifest as personal hardships, societal resistance, and even persecution.

Despite the challenges, good people continue to endure and persevere. Their resilience is a testament to the strength of collective virtuous consciousness. For those striving to do good, it is essential to recognize that their efforts are part of a larger, noble struggle.

Every act of kindness, every moment of integrity, and every instance of compassion contributes to the collective virtuous consciousness. This awareness can provide strength and motivation, even in the face of adversity. By focusing on the positive impact of their actions, good people can find meaning and purpose in their struggles.

Since I have been discussing collective consciousness for quite some time now, you might be wondering if there is any scientific basis for its study. Let us explore some prominent research and their findings.

The Maharishi Effect

The Maharishi Effect refers to the phenomenon where a small percentage of a population practicing Transcendental Meditation and its advanced programs, such as the TM-Sidhi program, leads to measurable improvements in the quality of life for the entire population. This effect was first observed in the 1970s and has been published in numerous peer reviewed studies [5] [6] [9] [10] [11] [13] including world renowned news agencies [7] [8] [12].

Key Findings

Crime Rate Reduction: Research has shown that when 1% of a community practices TM, the crime rate decreases significantly. For example, a study in 1974 found a 16% reduction in crime rates in cities where 1% of the population practiced TM. [1]

Group Practice Impact: The effect is even more pronounced when a group practices the TM-Sidhi program together. Studies have demonstrated that the coherence generated by such group practices can lead to reductions in violent crimes and overall crime rates. For instance, a study in Washington, D.C., showed an 11% decrease in violent crimes during a period when a large group practiced the TM-Sidhi program. [1]

Statistical Significance: These findings have been subjected to rigorous statistical analysis, with p-values indicating a very low probability that the observed changes were due to chance. This lends strong support to the validity of the Maharishi Effect.

Heart Math Institute Research

The Heart Math Institute has conducted extensive research on the electromagnetic field energy of the human heart and its influence on collective consciousness.

Key Findings

Heart’s Electromagnetic Field: The heart generates the most powerful and rhythmic electromagnetic field in the human body, which can be detected several feet away. This field is significantly stronger than the electromagnetic field produced by the brain. [2]

Emotional States and Coherence: The heart’s electromagnetic field becomes more organized during positive emotional states, such as love and compassion. This state of coherence can influence the electromagnetic fields of individuals nearby, promoting a sense of harmony and well-being. [3]

Global Coherence: The Global Coherence Initiative (GCI) by Heart Math Institute studies the interactions between human consciousness and the Earth’s magnetic field. Research suggests that collective behaviors and physiological rhythms can synchronize with geomagnetic activity, indicating a deep interconnectedness between humans and the planet. [4]

Both the Maharishi Effect and Heart Math Institute’s research highlight the profound impact of collective consciousness and coherence on societal well-being.

The Maharishi Effect demonstrates how group meditation can reduce crime rates and improve quality of life, while Heart Math Institute’s findings show how the heart’s electromagnetic field can influence collective emotional states and promote global coherence. These insights underscore the potential of collective practices in fostering a more harmonious and peaceful world.

Possible reasons for continuous suffering

Let us delve into some reasons why good people continue to experience hardships or suffering despite their virtues.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

Good people, by their very nature, are often more sensitive and empathetic. This heightened sensitivity can make them more vulnerable to emotional and mental stress.

Their strong moral compass and ethical standards can lead to internal conflicts when faced with the harsh realities of the world. This internal struggle can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, further compounding their suffering.

Philosophical and Spiritual Perspectives

Various philosophical and spiritual perspectives attempt to explain this paradox. Some believe that good people face hardships as a test of their character and resilience. Others view it as a karmic cycle, where suffering is a result of past actions, either in this life or previous ones.

From a spiritual standpoint, enduring hardships can lead to greater spiritual growth and enlightenment. These perspectives offer some solace, suggesting that suffering has a higher purpose.

High Moral Standards

Those who strive to live by high moral standards may experience more inner conflict and guilt when they face ethical dilemmas or witness injustice. Their strong sense of right and wrong can make life’s challenges seem more burdensome.

Self-Sacrifice and Generosity

Good people are often generous and self-sacrificing, putting others’ needs before their own. While this altruism is admirable, it can lead to burnout and neglect of their own well-being, making them more vulnerable to suffering.

Expectations and Disappointments

Good people may have higher expectations of themselves and others. When these expectations are not met, they can feel a deeper sense of disappointment and frustration. Their belief in the goodness of the world can be shaken by negative experiences.

Karma and Life Lessons

Some spiritual perspectives suggest that good people face challenges as part of their soul’s journey. These experiences are seen as opportunities for growth and learning, helping them develop resilience and wisdom.

Randomness and Luck

Life is inherently unpredictable, and suffering can strike anyone, regardless of their character. Good people are not exempt from the randomness of life. Their suffering is not a reflection of their worth but rather a part of the human experience.

Character Building

Hardships can build resilience, empathy, and strength. Good people often face challenges that test their character, helping them develop qualities like patience, compassion, and perseverance.

Testing Faith and Beliefs

Difficult times can test one’s faith and beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding and stronger conviction. This process can be seen to refine and purify one’s spiritual and moral values.

Strategies for Maintaining Well-Being and Resilience in tough times

In challenging times, maintaining well-being and resilience is crucial. Here are some effective strategies to help you navigate adversity and foster a balanced, healthy life.

Spiritual Practices: Engaging in meditation, prayer, and yoga can provide inner peace and strength. These practices help individuals connect with a higher power or their inner selves, offering solace and guidance.

Community and Support: Building a supportive community is crucial. Sharing experiences with others who understand and empathize can provide comfort and practical help during tough times. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and seek out mentors for guidance.

Perspective and Gratitude: Shifting your perspective to focus on the positive aspects of life and practicing gratitude can help mitigate feelings of unfairness. Keeping a gratitude journal and regularly expressing gratitude to others can strengthen relationships and foster a positive environment.

Purpose and Contribution: Finding a sense of purpose and contributing to the well-being of others can be incredibly fulfilling. Engaging in volunteer work or community service can provide a sense of meaning and make personal hardships feel more manageable.

Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: Viewing hardships as opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection can transform negative experiences into valuable lessons. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and self-awareness.

Develop Resilience: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and build emotional resilience. Using positive affirmations can reinforce your self-worth and maintain a positive outlook.

Focus on Self-Care: Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as hobbies, reading, or spending time in nature.

Set Boundaries: Clearly define and maintain your personal and professional boundaries to protect your well-being and prevent burnout. Establishing a healthy work-life balance is essential.

Develop Coping Strategies: Enhance your problem-solving skills to effectively tackle challenges. Learn and practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.

Maintain Ethical Integrity: Uphold your ethical and moral values, even in the face of adversity. Demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior can inspire others to do the same.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect on failures and setbacks as valuable learning experiences.

Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking therapy or counseling to work through emotional and mental challenges. Engaging with a life coach or wellness coach can help you set and achieve personal and professional goals.

By adopting these strategies, individuals can create a more favorable environment for themselves and effectively navigate challenging situations. These practices not only enhance personal well-being but also contribute to a more positive and supportive community.

Remember, you are a soldier of the collective virtuous consciousness, capable of bringing about change in your own life and in the world through unwavering resilience.

About the Author

Sanjeev K Yadav, M.A. (Yoga), M.A. (Psychology), Diploma (Nutrition)

Mr. Sanjeev is a yoga professional and consultant specializing in applied yoga, human excellence, and psychology. With over nine years of experience as a health and life coach, yoga & well-being trainer, and psycho-yogic counselor, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. He is currently completing his Ph.D. dissertation in yoga.