Thoughts on Equality

Every creature whether it is a human being, bird, animal, insect, fish etc. is made up of two essential elements. One is the body and the other is the soul / life within the body. The body of each being is clearly made up of the basic elements like water, earth, fire. The soul is more subtle and one cannot see it or feel it. However, we can presume that the soul is no different in each. Thus if we break down the substances that go to form each being, we can see that it is the same.

Thus, although the outward appearance is different each is the essentially the same. Yet, we believe that we are different, superior, inferior etc. We believe that we deserve to get higher share in things because we are human. We believe that the world is made only for our existence and enjoyment. Many of us care two hoots about the rights of other creatures or beings.

Within humans also we create artificial barriers and obstacles for others based on colour, religion, caste, creed, region etc. Due to our selfish motives, we expect the best for us and want the others to be satisfied with our left overs. Our ego always prompts us to fulfil needs of ourselves even if it is at the cost of depriving someone else.

Although everyone is equal and has equal rights, we are all different in terms of our capabilities and talents. It is not easily possible for anyone to become extraordinary in any field without certain inborn talents. Dedication, sincerity, perseverance and hard work can take us forward but without the inner spark, we may never move from good to great.

Similarly, there are certain roles that we are biologically programmed to do that can't be delegated or modified. For example, only women can bear children and that too, safely only during a certain period of their lives. Likewise, women are psychologically better equipped in the role of educating and grooming children to become responsible adults.

We see two extremes prevalent in the world. One is gross inequity in the treatment of humans and other creatures by people who are better endowed. The other extreme is the abuse the concepts of equality. If, in the name of equality, everyone wanted to be doing cushy jobs and have cushy lives, how will the world survive? For instance, the taxi driver cannot fly the aeroplane, the engineer cannot do a surgery and the cat cannot perform the role of a watchdog. Each one has to perform the role that one is best suited for.

While we work towards re-establishing a comprehensive equality mindset in this world, we should also work towards becoming mature, balanced and realistic in choosing and performing our respective roles.

"Having choices in life is a privilege. Making the right choices in life is a responsibility" - Anonymous

Greed is Evil

It has been almost a year since the terror attacks in Mumbai. It was a mindless display of hatred and violence against helpless and innocent civilians. The terrorist who was captured says he was instructed to create fear by killing as many people as he could while he was still alive and had ammunition. Many lives were lost and many more people were injured in the two days of carnage.

A question that comes up is how do we prevent such attacks in future and how do we create conditions for a peaceful life. Lot of talk and discussions have revolved around increasing the level of intelligence networking, patrolling, security forces and arming ourselves with superior weapons. Retaliatory attacks were also considered as a possible option.

While all of these may be good deterrents, they are by themselves not enough. Haven't we seen endless bouts of violence in some countries and regions? We know through history that permanent peace cannot be brought by violence or by suppression. An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world become blind, said Gandhiji. The solution to permanent peace lies elsewhere.

The root cause of most problems is greed. As long as greed exists, men will continue to seek more, acquire more and amass more. In modern world today, greed is considered as an acceptable behaviour. People think progress is linked to greed. It is not just the political leaders or the criminals who have greed. All of us can be accused of indulging in greed. The only difference, perhaps, could be in the methods used to satisfy our greed. Even nations sometimes display behaviour that originates in greed.

When the society thus allows greed to occupy a space, it starts manifesting itself in various ways. Come to think of it, we are all jostling each other to get a larger slice of the world's resources. Some do it subtly or by using their intelligence or talents. Some, who do not have these skills use other methods. Some use power and indulge in violence. The terrorists, in many ways, represent the cruder or crueler form of greed satisfaction. The objective of their greed is power and all that it can achieve.

The important question to ask ourselves would be whether greed should have a space in our society. If we say yes, we will continue to live in a dangerous world. And if the answer to this is negative, we should ponder on how to eradicate greed. How do we create conditions wherein greed is abolished from our hearts? How do we learn of be satisfied with what we have and not crave for what we have not? How do we make values-based-living (VBL) as the most popular and sought after lifestyle?

Any thoughts?

Hit the pause button !

Have you noticed people who are outspoken? They tend to speak the first thing that comes to their mind. In a way, it is a good thing whereby people around them know exactly what they think. In many ways, it is a weakness because blurting out thoughts without thinking about its effect is really foolish. I am one such guy.

It is not just in moments of anger or emotion that I do this. Even in normal situations, I feel kind of compelled to spell out my thoughts. Maybe it is a need to be honest and truthful that drives me to this. Maybe it is a desire to get straight to the point without beating around the bush. In any case, I have suffered and caused much suffering to happen with this trait of mine.

Intuitively I know that it makes sense to push the "pause" button before I speak. When the pause button is pushed, it gives us time to think over what we are going to speak. We can re-frame our words to make it sound more agreeable and acceptable. It can help us to not speak if we realise that our words are going to hurt.

People will not mistake us if we speak or react slowly. Even if they do, it is OK. Better to be thought of a slow or a dull person than a rude or a brash person. When we pause and speak words that sound smart, soft and sweet, people will forgive us for speaking late or slow. We may even appear to be intelligent and thoughtful.

Do you agree?

Celebrate in Style !!

Today is the birthday of a dear friend. This post is dedicated to him.

When I asked him yesterday as to how he is going to celebrate his birthday, he said "My company gives a very expensive cake to all its employees on their birthday. I have told them to send the cake to an orphanage where a girl who shares my birthday lives. I am also planning to give her a few gifts. In addition, I am planning to buy a good self improvement book to read."

I was delighted to hear this. How many of us think of others on our birthday? How many of us think that celebrations can be made more meaningful if shared with others? Here is a living example of a selfless person who takes every opportunity to spread joy around and takes pleasure in that. I am glad I have a friend like that who is so inspiring.

I saw an advertisement recently in which a person reports late to work on his birthday. His boss asks him sarcastically as to what kind of celebrations he was up to. This guy says he had gone to donate blood which he does each year on this date. This is also another beautiful example.

If we tune our minds to it, each day can be an occasion for a celebration. Each day can be spent on helping someone and on making someone smile. Whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion or some other milestone, let us celebrate it by including people who need it the most.

Innocence of a child

All of us love children. It does not matter whether it is our child or not. At the mere sight of a child, strangers start smiling at each other and the ice is broken. There is something very attractive in children. It could be their playful nature. It could be the joy that seems to fill them. It could be their low level of ego and self consciousness. It could be their ability to quickly forget pain and smile despite it. It could be their vulnerability. It could our own amazement and wonder at seeing God's blessing in the form of a child.

It is not the physical appearance of the child that attracts us. It is not her talent or intelligence. It is not the wealth in her family. Even a child without any of these is cute and beautiful. What strikes me as really wonderful in children is their innocence and their ability to trust everyone around implicitly. A child's mind is not crooked or scheming. It is simple, straight, open and transparent. She is honest about what she wants and what she likes or dislikes. She does not hide things. She speaks what she thinks. And most of all she believes what we tell her.

When we see a child we want to love her. We want to play with her and laugh in a carefree manner like her. We want to provide her with things that make her happy. We want to protect her from harm. The whole world loves a child for its nature, character and behaviour.

Why can't we be more like children?

The 'needs' test

The whole universe and everything that exists is God's creation. He has made sure that every creature he has created is well provided for. Every insect, bird, animal, fish etc. has a space to live and food to survive. It is truly a magnificent creation wherein each of the millions of species is programmed to survive and flourish.

If we see most creatures, they only consume what they need. Even if they store or accumulate, like bees or ants do, it is only for the sake of their consumption during the lean season when food supply is limited. They never seek or crave for anything beyond what is necessary for survival.

If we look at human, we have a difference of approach. After the basic needs of man is taken care, the needs of the ego arise. So, we seek larger homes in better locations and multiple homes too. We buy clothing that we may not wear too often and remains in the confines of our wardrobes. There is virtually no end to the "needs" of our ego. Is it need or greed?

It is our greed that results in unnecessary destruction to our habitat and our world. In the name of progression man has ignored other creatures and progressively encroached on their lives. It is time we reverse this trend.

One simple way would be to take the 'needs' test every time we feel compelled to buy something. Do I really need it? Can I manage without it? Can I make do with what I already have? These are the kind of questions to ask ourselves. If we can make this one change, we can make a significant positive impact. And the 'needs' test can be applied in many other areas too. Let's simplify our lives this way.

Even if we can "afford" something, we should not procure it unless we really need it. If indeed we have surplus resources at our disposal, we can use it to fulfil the genuine needs of people who do not have the means to satisfy it. Here too, the 'needs' test would be relevant. Charity done without doing the needs test may turn out to be a wasted effort.

If we thus make sincere efforts to use the available resources in this world to satisfy the needs of its creatures, we will end up making this a much brighter and happier world.

Lets spread joy around us. It will surely end up making our lives more joyful..

The way to true happiness

It was a few days before the Diwali festival many years ago. The mood was festive and we children were eager with anticipation of eating the sweets and other savouries that would be made at home, bursting the crackers, wearing new clothes etc. The mid-term exams were over and the vacation had started.

Although we were not very well off and belonged to a simple middle class family, our parents ensured that we celebrated such festivals within our modest means. Those days, we used to buy clothes only twice a year during such occasion or on birthday. On the day when we were about to go shopping for new clothes my elder brother (aged about 10)announced that he did not want new clothes.

We were surprised by his decision and were wondering what was wrong with him. Did he feel offended by something and is expressing his dissent in this manner? Or did he wish to get something else instead of clothes? When he was asked the reason, he just kept quiet and did not give any special reason. Our mother would not take no for an answer and probed him further.

After a lot of questioning, he finally gave his answer. He said one of his friends, who stayed in the same building as ours, came from a poor family and he normally does not get new clothes during Diwali. So, my brother felt it would not be appropriate for him to strut about in new clothes while his friend continued to wear his old clothes. It was an unbelievable act of self-denial and selfless behaviour from someone as young as my brother.

At that time, I just couldn't relate to this spirit of sacrifice that my brother displayed. However, I learnt a very big lesson from him that has stayed in my heart ever since. In our joy and our success, we should not forget others. Share with and care for others. Keep the feelings of others in mind. True happiness is when we bring a smile in the face of others..

Greetings of the season to all my readers... May the festival of lights bring joy and peace to your family and you..

No pain no gain

All of us are programmed to avoid pain. We know it hurts. Having experienced pain once, we do everything possible to keep it away. We react spontaneously and instantaneously at the first hint of pain - physical or mental pain. But pain is not always so bad. Though it hurts, it also has its uses.

People who work out and are into sports enjoy pain. They feel satisfied with their training and hard work only when they feel the pain. It indicates to them that there is an impact and a resistance being formed in the body which makes them stronger and fitter. Pain helps them identify which muscle parts to work on and which to give rest.

Pain at the mental level also has its positive benefits. It makes us mentally prepared and strong to handle similar situations in the future. It helps the mind to reflect on things. It is only when we experience mental anguish that we realise that there is more to life than mere enjoyment and pleasure. We ponder on our purpose and become more realistic when we experience pain.

A life without pain is boring and pointless. With such a life we become complacent and start taking things for granted. It might even make some of us arrogant and rude. Most importantly, without pain we might even forget God and spend our time in useless pursuits which do nothing to help us evolve into better beings.

So, welcome pain. Treat it as a necessary evil which has come to do some course correction for you. Look at it positively and enjoy the experience that pain delivers. When your mind is thus tuned to accept pain, it loses its sting. Who knows, you may even look forward to the experience...

Choose heroes carefully

"A man known by the company he keeps" goes an old saying. People ascribe our character with the character of our friends. If our friends love social work, we are bracketed as social workers. If we keep the company of people who love to fight, people presume us to be short tempered and always ready for a fight. It is also true that we get influenced by the behaviour and thinking of our friends.

Similarly, the people whom we adore and consider as heroes also reflect our sense of values and aspirations. Think about this for a little while and then think of your heroes. Are they the kind of people who lived ideal lives and a life based on ideals? Are they known for their high moral standards?

It is important that we choose our heroes carefully. Their lives must impress us with its high standards. Do not choose people who achieve success unless it was based on value pillars like honesty and integrity. Do not choose people who became famous for their talent and skills but were lacking in principles. Make sure that your heroes were people whose lives lead you in the right direction.

Do consider people like Swami Vivekananda who exhorted us to live courageously, Abraham Lincoln for his greatness as well as humility, Nelson Mandela for patience and perseverance, Mother Teresa who lived a selfless life full of love for the down trodden masses or Mahatma Gandhi who taught the world about non-violence and secular life. Choose such people whose lives made a positive impact on the world around them.

I would love to hear about who your heroes are and why?

Food for thought

In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna has spoken about three difference types of characteristics viz. Sattvik, Rajasik and Tamasik. People with Sattvik character are pure in thoughts, charitable, kind, non-violent etc. Their minds are tuned towards good things and towards God. People with Rajasik character have high levels of competitiveness, energy, anger and ambition. Tamasik people are lazy, indolent, confused, lethargic and given to base tendencies. Most of us have a combination of various characteristics and the mix differs from person to person.

Lord Krishna also describes the kinds of food preferred by each type of person. The sattvik person prefers fresh fruits / vegetables / nuts, food cooked without much seasoning and food offered first to the Lord. The rajasik person likes hot, pungent and spicy food which tickles her taste buds and ignites the passion in her. The tamasik person like food which are stale, kept overnight, already tasted by others or intoxicating. So, food also can be categorised as Sattvik, Rajasik or Tamasik based on who prefers it.

Our character gets influenced over time based on what we eat. So, if we are the adventurous and sporty type, we can consume Rajasik food to lift our spirits and make us energetic and competitive. If we want to turn spiritual, we should cultivate a habit of eating only / mainly sattvik food. If we consume any food which seems tasty without understanding the nature of it, we may be unknowingly creating a barrier for ourselves. So, if a sportsperson is tending to eat food that is either stale or not fresh, she is likely to feel lethargic and not competitive.

As people focussed on living a life of values, it would be right to redefine what we eat. Focus on sattvik food. It will slowly but steadily improve your character. You will find yourself less excitable and more balanced. You will find good positive thoughts arising more often than before. Sattvik food will facilitate you in your journey towards values based living.