Day: November 25, 2023

Swami ji said…

During a time, not too long ago , large, happy families lived in joint households – with sounds of children chattering and playing ; peals of laughter and hearty ; healthy discussions radiating love and happiness – were audible to the neighbours and others around them. Affection, appreciation for other family members and acceptance of all – was from the heart – genuine and honest. Anyone who brought anything – small little things that brought happiness – shared them with others lovingly.
Sharing was caring. The policy of divide and rule had not reared its ugly head in those days of old.
Differences, if any, were accepted and forgotten – and undue importance was not given to minor issues that would crop up once in a while. Materialistic
needs were minimal and every heart was filled to the brim with love for all.

But , fast forward to today – and it appears as though – ‘ रिश्ते नातों का आज ज़्यादा महत्व नहीं रहा ‘. More than relationships – it is money that has begun to matter more to us – as we feel that money makes the world go round. A good household today, is defined, not necessarily by the level of happiness and understanding between people who live in it; but by irrelevant issues like – how big the house is ; how well it is decorated ; the current market value of the house – and we are filled with awe and respect on learning about the exorbitant cost of the famous address. Even the people who live in it are more concerned about the ‘price’ that the house commands rather than the ‘price’ they pay for neglecting family bonds, relationships, and responsibilities towards those who should matter to them.

Yes, economic conditions for many are better today – than they were yesterday. There is more wealth and money to be ‘enjoyed’ by us today. But at what cost has this been achieved ? Families are fractured by infighting over wealth distribution. Siblings squabble over familial wealth. Relatives envy each other over the salaries drawn by their children at their workplace. Parents are wary of children leaving them in a hand to mouth situation and vice-versa. Money, ultimately, has taken up more space in our minds than it might ever in our bank accounts – but , strangely , we appear to be happy in seeing that change happen in us.

What is the point of living in a house – however ornamental and opulent it is ; however big it is – if joy doesn’t reside
in it ; if happiness by – passes that ‘house’ – as it is yet to become a ‘home’. And, this is exactly what afflicts society today. In trying to make our bank accounts healthier – we have made our hearts smaller – leaving no space for love and affection to be given to others…”हम डरते हैं कि हमसे कोई कुछ माँग ना ले…”

While the physical needs and wants are fully met and indulged in – the emotional needs begin to want – as there could be not many to share our joys with ; no one to disclose our fears to. While we might accumulate some wealth ; we will also at the same time accumulate twice the amount of doubt and fear in our hearts ; that we might lose what we have gained, today, to someone else tomorrow ! How, then, in such a state of mind can we ever hope to have a trusting and healthy relationship with others ?

Today , we spend most of our time trying to make ourselves wealthier – and while there is no shame in doing that in an honest manner – it must never be forgotten that nothing ; not a penny’s worth of any ‘thing’ that we had spent our life in accumulating – can accompany us to the next life. It is only our ‘karma’ that will be our constant companion – till the end of time. There is no escaping its fruits – good or bad. Thus, we must try just as hard, if , not more, to do good to people around us – much like we do to make money. Earning a mother or father’s invaluable blessings ; a sibling’s appreciation – are far more valuable than the costliest jewels in the world.