“अपने ‘ख्वाबों’ को अपने ‘असूलों’ से बड़ा मत होने दो…”

Swami ji said …

None of us can deny not having heard the elders in our family say – ” जितनी चादर हो, उतने ही पैर पसारो
…” Why did they say this? These words were not said randomly. They were said and are still said – after much deliberation and reflection – and are said to serve as gentle reminders to one’s loved ones; whenever they appear to be going overboard; or show an inclination to stretch themselves too thin while trying to acquire something, or, fulfil a desire that is not within their known means or resources. Someone has to check them. Remind them of the ground reality – before their wings of fantasy make them soar, and, perch on branches which could break under the weight of their aspirations – which would come at a huge cost – by literally abandoning their principles – ‘उनके आदर्श’…’जब हम ऐसे ख्वाब देखने लग जाते हैं जो हमें हमारे उसूलों से दूर लेजाते हैं…’ Who could be better than our wise elders to school us with their experience and sound words of advice ? But are we willing to pay heed to their inputs and opinions?

Of course, we should dare to dream. Dream big. Why not ? There is no harm in dreaming – as dreams have the power to motivate us – thereby making us work very hard with sincerity. They give us the strength to put in effort – that we had never thought that we were capable of drawing from within ourselves and strive to labour everyday with honesty – filled with positivity that – ‘एक दिन हमरा ख्वाब पूरा होगा …’

But , not all dreams can be realised at once. Some take longer than others to take a concrete shape. Some are not meant to be realised at all. We must accept this too. There will always be something bigger and better to set one’s eyes on – at the very next moment. That is the nature of the world.What we have today, will always appear to be less tomorrow. The dreams achieved today, will lose significance tomorrow, for , there will be another mountain to conquer, another aim to meet and accomplish. But, the rush in which we are to see our wish and desire turn into a reality – we feel no compunction in compromising – “अपने उसूलों के साथ …” ‘After all , wouldn’t it be foolhardy for us to stick to our old jaded and faded life of principles and values – and forego realising our shiny dream in the process? ‘- we chide ourselves – and part ways – ‘अपने उसूलों से ‘- without any demur.

When dreams turn to desires ; never – ending desires ; that is when the mind begins to corrupt. For one loses patience and self – control …“
हम अपना ‘संयम’ खो बैठते हैं …”, and the next thing we know – we have made a deal with the devil. To grab and hoard wealth and power ; to fulfil every little whim and fancy of ours – we begin to play fast and loose with the rules. What we would know to be morally wrong – the mind would convince us to do anyway. ‘Everything and anything would fly…’ – जब ‘उसूलों’ से ज़्यादा बड़े हमारे ‘ख़्वाब’ हो जाते हैं …” and then the change in us is so drastic – that we are more than willing to do anything – to acquire and possess whatever it is that has caught our attention; to get what we desire.Scruples and ethics give way to lies and falsehood ; relationships could be sacrificed ; trust could be breached. All these are bound to happen to a person addicted to and intoxicated with the fleeting sense of gratification on obtaining the material desires of this world.

What would make the journey towards realising one’s dreams – most beautiful –
would be- when we remain consistent and stay determined to hold on to the good values, strong ideals and sound principles that had been inculcated in us from our childhood. When despite the challenges, we had refused to waver from the firm principled foundations on which we had built our lives; refusing to loosen the threads – ‘ हमारे उसूलों के ‘- because of which we had not buckled, bowed down – ever – in the face of any dream – however big the dream could have been.