Day: March 23, 2024

Swami ji said…

‘Why do people take me for granted?’ ‘What makes them behave the way they do with me?’ ‘What have I done to deserve this kind of a treatment from them?’ All of us have spent hours putting up these questions, in our regular conversations, to our family and friends. We also pose these questions hoping to hear words – not necessarily true, but , of comfort and reassurance – that there is absolutely nothing wrong with us. We like to be reminded that we are soft – hearted and that we – who wouldn’t hurt a fly – certainly couldn’t treat anyone else in the unbecoming, ungainly manner – in which, unfortunately,
we are treated, quite often, by others.We like to be appreciated for being so careful with the tone, volume, note and weight of our words – while speaking with others. And, on hearing such appreciative words about us, our mind, too would definitely echo – Of course , we do !

We have grown up hearing our elders remind us constantly –
‘जैसा करोगे, वैसा भरोगे..’ Only, if , we were willing to give this age old wisdom some credence; we should be able to judge ourselves impartially. We would then be able to reflect on , whether our conduct , reflects clearly and exactly, that – what we expect to receive from those around us. We would ask ourselves – Does our attitude, our behaviour; our mannerisms; our way of talking to others – convey the same very respect that we expect from them ? If we are honest in our dealings with others – would it be very wrong to expect the same from them ? If love is all we have for others ; it is love we hope to receive from them too. But , then , are we wrong in expecting others to reciprocate in the same way ?

Things can be very simple for us, if , we believe in being reflections of what we would like to receive from others.
” हम जैसा बर्ताव दूसरों के साथ करेंगे, वैसा ही बर्ताव वो हमारे साथ करेंगे…”
What we radiate, emit and give out – will always come back to us – both the good and the not so good ; as nothing that we do bounces off us – but, seeps into our lives and is existential with us. The choice to pursue what is correct; what augurs well for us – shouldn’t be very difficult for us to zero down on.

But, whimsical and irrational that we are, we feel that just by expressing our distress and anger at the intolerable manner in which, we feel, we have been treated by others – the issue will somehow dissipate on its own. No.Things don’t work out this way. We would certainly know, if, there is something wrong in the way in which we behave with others – in different situations of life. On finding something wrong with our mannerisms with others, we
need to rectify ourselves immediately. If we dole out uncalled for arrogance to others – smirks, raised eyebrows and criticism are all that will come our way.
Co – operation from our end – will always find hands outstretched to help us , all the time. Rather than letting words of appreciation getting lodged in our throat – let them flow and envelope others in happiness – and we will see smiles and joy directed back at us.

There are times, of course, when such a way of functioning with those who are always ungrateful and unresponsive – appears to be futile and an effort wasted. The world being a tough place, challenges this idea many times.Trying circumstances, uncalled for aggression from others, often make us wonder, if , we too need to develop a coarse character to survive in this world. But, it is during such times that we must remember – that it is God – who is giving us an opportunity to let our goodness shine in darkness, rather, than letting it get engulfed in it. It takes ‘light’ from the stars – millions of years to reach us.

Thus , we too must believe and have faith – that the ideals and principles colouring our actions – will come to our aid, will benefit us some time or another – ‘और अगर ‘Ishwar’ हमारे अच्छे ‘बर्ताव’ से प्रसन्न हैँ ‘- then do we need anything else apart that ?