Swami ji said…
“The world is watching me…” “They will be impressed when they see me do this…” “I’ll show them who I am…” So deeply embedded in consciousness is man’s concern about what others think of him and how they view him – that he does not even realise as to how aligned his actions and motivations are with his vanity. The phrase – “Money makes the mare run” – sums up our society’s ideals today. People work hard and strive for success. But what is this ‘success’ we seek? Some of us work at prestigious companies, some have successful businesses, others hold very high offices. Some have such great wealth that – neither they nor their future generations need to ever work. Yet, does this itself satisfy us. Are we content with all the things that we possess and all that we have achieved? Those very things that God gives us in this life on account of some good ‘karma’ done by us the past. The answer in most cases… “No. We are not satisfied.”
The strange desire ; the need to some how announce to the world, to let it know that we are doing great and should be noticed – gets the better of us and in a way – “Look at me! Admire me!” is what we really want to say to the world. And, this deep-rooted, needless desire in us – to be noticed, to be seen, to be known – often takes a dangerous turn. Most of us, in one way or another, are attention-seekers, and this constant craving can quietly carve deceptive patterns of self-indulgence, extravagance, and wastefulness into the mind. Without a moment’s hesitation, we surrender to these impulses, drawn by the lure of a grand, ostentatious lifestyle that promises instant gratification.
In this pursuit, many fall into the trap of excesses. Do we not hear of people sinking under the burden of loans and EMIs – living perpetually in debt – just to maintain a luxurious status and false appearances. The ambitions of worldly life begin to replace the simplicity of real contentment. Gradually, we start valuing display over depth, appearance over authenticity.
True worth never needs a show. When our actions, intentions, and character shine with honesty and humility – recognition follows naturally. No amount of adornment or display can substitute for inner grace. The world may be impressed by our possessions, but, the divine eye looks only for purity of thought and sincerity of purpose. We must remind ourselves constantly – Live not for this world – for all in it rots and decays. Our skin wrinkles and sags as we age. The walls of houses crumble and fall. Relationships end. People’s thoughts about us keep changing. They might admire us one moment, and, envy us the very next. The ‘success’ that we thought would impress them becomes a cause of resentment later. Just to satisfy the vain ego ‘बाहरी दिखावे के चक्कर में…” for a few brief moments, we bring misery upon ourselves for a very long time. We must remember to maintain a lifestyle and standard of living that can be afforded by us comfortably and is well within our means. Rather than being ‘known’ only for the expensive material possessions – that have been acquired more to flaunt, and, dazzle others – by taking huge loans – causing ourselves great mental stress and tension – wouldn’t it be better if we are noticed by others due to our good ‘karma’, our helpful attitude, our friendly behaviour, our amiable and sympathetic nature and love for all ? Reflect on it.
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 