Swami ji said…
Perhaps a person’s character, contributions, and nature are remembered, cherished, and recalled most vividly only after they have passed away. Sad as it might seem, this is quite true. We, too, vividly remember the quirks, the smiles, and the habits of those around us when they are no longer with us.
Yes, we might leave behind worldly possessions– a house, a car, money for our kith and kin. But, who really remembers one’s forefathers as time passes by, or,
genuinely thanks them from their hearts- for the roof over their head- as all of it had to come to them finally- they maintain. Yet, we do remember the smiles, the jokes, the laughter, the wisdom, and their kindness. That is truly what we leave behind. That is our legacy- in the true sense of the word.
‘Karma’ is all that matters– our actions, our thoughts, and our intentions. These are what truly matter, and it is the remnants of how they make the people around us feel that live on beyond us.
Thus, to be truly successful in life, do not focus merely on material gains, but, also on how we have made people feel. Have we left people feeling comforted? Feeling cherished? One must definitely not try to be a ‘people pleaser’, but, one must make an effort to be nice to everyone. After all, if , there is one thing that we all want– whether we are children or elders– it is to be loved and cared for. Thus, making someone feel cherished can be no less than a gift.
A smile, a light-hearted joke, a comforting comment, or, a word of encouragement is often more valuable than gold and silver. Such things enrich people’s lives in a way that wealth cannot achieve.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be remembered and cherished as a soul who left behind imprints of love, kindness, helpfulness, and, understanding in the hearts and minds of all those he met during his lifetime? Could anything be worthier than to be treasured as one who left behind footprints of joy, laughter, and happiness wherever he went– footprints that remain embedded in the memories of others?
Unknown to us, after we have passed on to the other realm, wouldn’t it still be an honour to continue to hold a special place in the hearts of others– as a memory that refuses to fade with time– simply because we stood by them when they needed us the most? Perhaps, even years later, they would continue to remember and speak of- “हमारे नेक कर्म, जो हमने तब किए थे, जब हमने बिना अपने बारे में सोचे उनकी मदद की थी…”
And could there be a greater honour than this– “जब लोग हमारे ‘जाने’ के बाद भी हमारे गुण गिनते-गिनते थकते नहीं हैं…” When, even after we are gone, people do not tire of remembering and recounting our good qualities, the kindness we showed, the help we offered, and the moments when we stood by them. Perhaps that is one of the truest measure of a life well lived. For what greater legacy can there be than to continue living, not merely in photographs or possessions, but in the gratitude, affection, and memories of those whose lives we touched?
The spiritual seeker must try to imbibe this philosophy in his mind. Kindness and love are what we can give to this world. Both can be given abundantly, and doing so is what will make us great in God’s eyes.Showing genuine patience and gentleness is nothing less than prayer. It is such acts that make us dear to God and bring us closer to Him.
“Live life as though you are praying– as though God sees you and hears you every moment…” The same reverence, respect, love, and joy that we feel in the presence of God should also be reflected in the way we treat His children. If we truly see God in all – then our gentleness towards others, our patience with them, our willingness to understand them, and our desire to bring them happiness- becomes an extention of our prayer itself.
One cannot claim to be spiritual and, yet, be ill-tempered towards others. Little is achieved in God’s eyes, if, we close our eyes in prayer every day but are unable to see and alleviate the pain of others- with our eyes open.
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 