How to Trust the Universe
One can only trust someone reliable. So the question you can ask is - Is the universe reliable?
Well, this is a paradox. We only understand the universe's reliability when we learn to let go and trut the process.
Trusting the universe is more than believing in luck. Luck is a form of procrastination, because when we believe in luck we are merely avoiding the hard work we must do. Trusting the universe is deeply embedded in believing there is a far deeper, greater, and, higher power. But it doesn’t just end there. True trust is when we do the action required and let go of the attachment to the outcome stemming from our trust in the universe’s course for us.
The Gita explains this in the 3rd chapter -
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥ ३-१९
Translation - Go on efficiently doing your duty at all times without attachment.
Doing work without attachment man attains the Supreme.
First, let’s understand - what is the universe?
Is it just the vast space and the distant galaxies and stars? Or are we more closely linked?
The same elements—carbon, and hydrogen—that form celestial bodies also make us, so are we not a part of the universe too?
We are not separate from the universe; we are part of it. Awaken to this reality and liberate yourself. When you trust the universe out there, you also hold a part of that trust for yourself.
Trusting the universe is ultimately about trusting yourself. Just as a bird lands on a branch not because it trusts the branch but its wings, we must trust that we have the strength to navigate whatever comes our way. An emphasis on trusting anything bigger than us is because when we find ourselves in the eye of a tornado and we can’t see anything but our life swirling around us, we will find that the trust in the universe having our back, will translate into inner strength.
Now let’s understand - Why trust the universe?
Well, because it has never once deceived us. It is a mysterious, ever-changing force, and though it hides its secrets, it remains constant. The universe never promised us a smooth ride, it promised to deliver us safely to the destination. Both our inner and outer worlds are in a state of constant change, and the universe has not promised us otherwise.
The beauty of the universe is in the transformation, the guarantee of constant change, which guides us from our lowest points to our highest potential. Change is ingrained into the most fundamental aspects of our life, it is woven into the fabric of existence, from the cycle of dusk and dawn to every breath we take. That is why we must trust the universe. Because it promises us change - and so when you have a storm pouring down in your life, know In your heart that clear skies also lie ahead.
Finally, let’s understand - How to trust the universe?
Trusting the universe is knowing that you are not the doer. You are merely a vessel carrying out your dharma , which is the duties of your body and role towards the upliftment of society.
Madhav spoke these words to Arjuna in the midst of a battlefield, where Arjuna, torn by a dilemma, was faced with the impossible task of fighting his own family—cousins, grandparents, nephews, and his guru who had taught him the knowledge of war—over the wrongs done to his wife and to society.
If he could summon the strength to continue the battle after hearing this, then surely we, too, can find the strength within us to face our struggles, drawing upon the wisdom this shloka imparts -
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥ ३-२७
Translation - All actions are being performed by the modes of Prakruti (Primordial Nature).
The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism, thinks: “I am the doer.”
In conclusion, trusting the universe means surrendering to its flow, knowing that even when life feels chaotic, there is a greater plan at work. It is not about blaming the world for the change it promised but holding on to the reality of the law and gracefully getting through the difficulties.
By letting go of the attachment to the outcomes, and harnessing the faith that the universe will provide the strength needed to perform our duties, we will find peace and growth in life’s journey.
