"There will soon be a sharp increase in the number of wars and
natural disasters, and nearly everyone on the planet will be affected.
Spiritual seekers will suffer the most, because they are the ones
who are most sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
It will become increasingly difficult to meditate, and seekers
not grounded in the dharma [Truth] will be in grave danger of being
seduced by the Dark Side."
Unaware of the effect Atmananda was having beneath the surface world
of my reason, I watched his demanding, doughy face and listened
to his soothing, arresting voice.
"But there is no reason for you to indulge in sadness.
In times of great darkness, spiritual warriors band together
and fight the Forces. This is their soul's work, and therefore
their inner beings are extremely happy! Despite enormous odds,
they fight for Truth and Light and, well, I'm not supposed to tell
you this, but, let's just say that the warriors are in for some
pleasant surprises in this and in future lives."