Swamiji said…
Life, more often than not – is what we perceive it to be. A poor man can find taste in the simplest of meals and relish it whole – heartedly, but , a rich man is unable to find none – in the most exquisite meal served to him. A humble hut can be ‘home’ to one, and, a palace can be a prison to another. Thus, it is really how we choose to experience life – with which lenses we opt to look at it – that decides whether we enjoy it or not.
The same principle also extends in the way we interact with our brethren. All of us are unique in our own way. Each one of us is a distinct combination of emotions, characteristics, moods, habits and temperament. It is very rare to find two individuals with identical dispositions and similar attitudes. As a result, each one of us will have some good qualities and some weaknesses too..”हर इंसान में… हम सब में … ‘खूबी’ और ‘खामी’ दोनो होती हैं…”
The only difference is in the way we look at others. ” हम में से कुछ इंसान ऐसे होते हैं जो दूसरों की कमजोरियों की तलाश में ही लगे रहते हैं …” – and love to talk about their weaknesses only ; gaining some kind of smug satisfaction in highlighting their shortcomings – with glee. Looks – to the affect – saying, “Didn’t I tell you about him ?”, are exchanged openly – mocking the hapless target on the sly.
Why do we behave as though we are like some hunters on the prowl – looking for the next victim, to prey upon – by criticising and judging him ? Rather than indulging in this senseless, wasteful tendency that we have allowed to flourish within us; we should make a constructive attempt to change by focussing on the qualities and positives of others.
We must question ourselves – ‘ Why are we like this?’ Why do we revel in highlighting and discussing others shortcomings? Even in their success and happiness, we tend to move our focus towards what they are not good at. Perhaps, we , ourselves are insecure, and, thus, find comfort in looking at people as diminished and imperfect. This is perhaps an escape mechanism for us to avoid facing ourselves in the mirror, and, to begin the often difficult and tumultuous journey of self-improvement. We fool ourselves into thinking that – others are of a weaker and more flawed character than our own. This makes us feel better about ourselves, and , absolves us of the task to improve ourselves.
Is it very difficult for us to change our mental makeup ? Why don’t we give a deep thought to the harm that we are causing to ourselves – by refusing to see goodness in others…”आख़िर हमें दूसरों में अच्छाई को देखने में इतनी तकलीफ क्यों होती है?”
Do we count the thorns while admiring a rose bush? Do we not consider lions and tigers as majestic creatures – even though they are ferocious carnivores and can kill and eat men too? Do we not all flock to the ocean, even though it has claimed countless lives in its storms? Why then be so critical in our view of our fellow beings ? Just like we enjoy the beauty of nature and are inspired by it – we too must look at positives of our brethren and look to emulate them. It is only when we are willing to see some good in others – that we can hope to become like them – by making their goodness a part of our lives.
Despite having been wronged by Ravan, Shri Ram, still had the humility to acknowledge the great knowledge that Ravan possessed. He did not simply dismiss Ravan as an evil man, as most of us would have done, but, instead, paid him the respect due to a great warrior – in his death. We need to remember that we can benefit tremendously …. ” जब हम अपने आप को दूसरों की अच्छाइयों से तराशेंगे…”
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 