Saturday, May 19, 2012

Wise or Foolish?

Prosperity, good luck, success etc. are all considered as moments of joy. The natural reaction of one who is blessed with such moments is to smile and glow with happiness. After all, it is a great feeling to be successful or to have achieved something. Each of us crave for such situations.

Similarly, adversity, misfortune, failure etc. are moments tinged with sorrow. One does feel the pain and anguish at such moments. The heart seems heavy with the burden of the moment. Such moments hardly ever makes one smile. Given a choice, we would rather not have such moments in our lives.

If we were to reflect on such moments, it would dawn upon us that these are but fleeting moments in the vast expanse of time. Such moments do not last. As someone wisely said, “This too shall pass”. It would be stupid of us to expect success or failure to be lasting. Nothing is permanent in this world. All good and bad moments must come to an end. The cycle of joy & sorrow, good & bad, success & failure is going on all the time.

If we realise this eternal truth and remember this at all times, would we get carried away by the occasion? Would we not become more balanced and have a sense of equanimity?

The one who smiles in prosperity is foolish and the one who smiles in adversity is wise – Vishwanath Seshadri

1 comment:

Sonal Raisinghani said...

Crux of it is well explained in the phrase “This too shall pass away”
Good or bad moments both will pass away..
There is nothing great about the person who smiles in happiness.
Greatness is when the person learns to smile in adversity.
By smiling always whether happiness or adversity, fake or real, we can change the character formation in us. Because with this choice you are training your fertile mind…

Had read this song/poem long back.. searched for its exact words on internet..

Smile though your heart is aching;
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

That's the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

Lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.