Can we see adversities like the corona crisis as blessings?

Answer Podcast

Can we see adversities like the Corona crisis as blessings?

Question: Kunti Maharani prays, “Let calamities come upon me again and again.” So, should we see material breakdowns—like the Corona crisis—as blessings that can lead to spiritual breakthroughs?

Answer:

There are three distinct situations to consider here:

1. When adversity has already come upon us

If some material breakdown—like a pandemic, illness, or crisis—has already occurred, then yes, we can and should try to see it as an impetus for spiritual growth. In such cases, adversity can serve as a reminder of life’s fragility and help us turn our focus toward Krishna.

As it is said:

“If in distress (vipatti), one remembers Krishna, that vipatti can become sampatti (a treasure), as it draws one closer to Him.”

So, from this perspective, we can see adversity as a blessing in disguise—not because the suffering is pleasant, but because it can catalyze a spiritual awakening.

2. Should we pray for adversity?

Now, that’s a more nuanced issue. Kunti Maharani’s prayer is very elevated and reflects her deep spiritual maturity. For most of us, we may already feel overwhelmed with life’s challenges—we might not need more!

Also, adversity by itself doesn’t lead to bhakti.

Sometimes, yes, a devotee may get diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer, and that triggers profound spiritual seriousness, eventually leading to a glorious departure. But that doesn’t mean cancer caused bhakti. If that were the case, then everyone with cancer would become a pure devotee!

What actually causes bhakti is:

• Krishna’s mercy
• The blessings of devotees
• The sincere desire of the individual soul

Adversity may act as a catalyst, but not the cause.

So rather than praying, “Krishna, please give me suffering,” it is more balanced to pray:

“Krishna, whatever happens in my life, please help me remember You and move closer to You.”

And if distress comes on its own, then we can choose to see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

3. Empathizing with others in adversity

What if someone else—especially someone who is not a devotee—is going through adversity? Should we go and tell them, “This is a blessing”?

Not necessarily.

For them, it may feel like a complete disaster. And to say it’s a blessing might seem insensitive or dismissive.

Instead, we should:

• First empathize with them on a human level
  “Yes, this is really tough. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.”
• And then gently introduce the spiritual perspective:
  “Even in difficult times like this, sometimes a door opens toward something deeper—maybe toward peace, healing, or a deeper purpose.”

In this way, we connect with them emotionally first, and then help guide them spiritually, if they are open to it.

Conclusion:

So, can adversity be a blessing?

• For ourselves, yes—especially if we are sincerely practicing devotion, we can see adversity as an opportunity to refocus on Krishna.
• For others, we must first empathize before philosophizing. Only then can we gently help them see the hidden opportunities within adversity.

Even if we can’t see the adversity as a blessing, we can at least look for the blessing in the adversity.