In Sanskrit, the term Atma refers to the Self (I) and ‘mine’. Where the ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are present strong attachment develops. This is described as Atmabhimanam (attachment to the self). Even in relation to trivial matters, when there is mention of ‘I’, the person concerned places his hand on his heart. This shows that the self (I) that is referred to is not the body but the spirit. When a person declares, ‘whatever the disaster, whatever the trouble I may be confronted with, I am not afraid,’ he reveals his confidence in his Atma (Self) which is the basis for his fortitude. (SSS Vol.23, p. 5)
In all situations and at all times, your faith in God should never leave you. It should not change according to whether your desires are fulfilled or not. Like your life breath, your faith should remain steady, through joy and sorrow, loss and gain, pain and pleasure. Treat whatever happens as good for you. Have that sense of fortitude. When you have faith in the Self, even wild animals will be gentle towards you. (SSS Vol.30)