It is always a duty to be prepared for a tougher situation in life!

“I don’t want to take too many challenges in life. What is the use? It is always a tension by the side. There won’t be peace of mind so easily. Even at work ultimately the earnings do not match with the effort that goes into meeting these challenges. Further, there is a sizable risk too. See! All these entities with us today do not come with us one day. Even I earn millions, I have to leave them all and go…. You may say that I leave them to the next kith and kin. Even they do not need that much. Then what is the use of this extra effort? Be doing normal activities everywhere including at work, be off quickly from these and relax! Life is meant to live tension free. So challenges to the extent forced only have to be taken up, not beyond!” Thus used to say a man of mid thirties firmly on how one should plan and live his life….

An elderly well-wisher who noticed this man for a long time decided that he should to talk to him a bit on the subject. Accordingly, he raised the topic when he happened to visit him one evening. The man was quick in responding to the same and repeated all his ideas with a firm tone….

The elderly looked at him and said, “My dear! There are always two types of works in front of us in life; Essential works and Pleasant works…. Our safety always lies in doing the Essential works. It does not matter whether I do here Pleasant works or not. But the time required for Essential works can never be eaten away by Pleasurable works….

What’s happening in your life is…. If I am permitted to say…. The Pleasant works are eating into the time of Essential works and thus you have become lethargic! It is a very dangerous trend in life! Taking up reasonable challenges at all levels and continuously living through these challenges and the associated risks in life is a duty with us and in your case, you have simply closed this almost except allowing it to operate at low level and occupied with pleasantries all other times. Here you are bypassing the Order in Nature and the coming up results in the form of difficulties soon will encompass in numbers!”

The elderly as he was leaving just smiled at the man and said, “A body and mind which never faced challenges and hectic running in life are never tuned in to take up the physical and mental strain one faces when difficulties strike in! I may be up now in having a peaceful life in front but every up has a down followed sooner or later. Am I really prepared to face that down at this point of time?”

The Way to minimize Tensions!

“Master! I have a question….I am constantly bothered about the uncertainties in life and the associated tensions with me. These thoughts haunt me beyond a level and I almost find myself helpless in these matters. In this scenario, what is the best course of action in front of me?”

“My dear! As long as one is living on this earth with body and the associated desires, these tensions are inevitable….It is like going on a vacation on to a top of hill, suddenly coming across the edge of a cliff and then coming to know that the way ahead is totally blocked. The only way there is to return if not fully and try to find the alternate routes. To avoid a similar painful process of being psychologically immobilized at certain times in life, one should have a discipline with him / her and the same generally broadly comprises of three activities viz.,

Go on distinguishing between the stable and time tested entities and those which surface suddenly with glitter and glamour and try to keep off from the temporary ones as much as possible,

Go on doing all works of responsibilities well with more attention and less interest in closing and not feeling high for the results and

Live with a Prayerful attitude as much time as possible with a firm belief that ultimately He is the Doer!

For any ordinary individual, a discipline combined with all these three actions alone keeps off the tensions in life and puts them in a corner without a say!"

* The World of Computers....

A man borrowed certain loan from a Company for his financial needs and on one of the days  he received letter from them which read as follows:

Sir / Madam,

We request you immediately to note the following.... This is a one time warning and further reminders will not be sent in this context!

You know very well that you entered into a loan agreement with us on a clear understanding that you will arrange for prompt repayment of the due amount from your end on or before______of every month.... A default in this payment might have been be an oversight or willful neglect from your side.... Whatever, in both cases the penalty is as follows:

If you pay on or before __/__/____, the penalty is calculated at a lower interest rate of ___%.  After this date, the penalty is calculated at a higher rate of___% interest....

Please note that a default /delay in payment reflects in your Credit Worthiness and will be reported to Credit Rating Companies without a concession in this regard!  And this in turn will adversely affect your future borrowings from all the Established Financial Institutions.

Further as per the loan agreement you entered into, a legal action will follow to attach your properties and other assets if payment of over due amount is ignored for such a time after the firm receipt of this letter which will be decided solely at our end!

On scrutiny, we found that your overdue amount pending as on date is Rs 0/-      and we sincerely advise you pay this amount immediately and thus avoid all the penalties stated above....

Your Payment Mode : Only A/c Payee Cheque with clear mention of your loan account number on the Cheque.

For__________ 

Signatory

Note : This is a Computer generated statement and as such does not need any authentication....  If you have already paid your dues in time, please ignore this letter....

The problem itself, many times a solution!

A man got into a permanent problem in his life. As life moved on, many started sympathizing with him. For that, he smilingly used to say, “See! For all of you, when a problem surfaces or threatens to surface, there is a profound fear in every one as the immediate cozy and comfortable life is being disturbed. That way, problems will be coming and going. But for me as there is no solution to my problem, I have only two options in front of me….Either be afraid for ever and thus live a low life with head bent down or as even a cat when cornered gives back, react on the positive side and firm up the mind that the end would seen whatever it may be! That way life is peaceful immediately and any how, how the future is destined no one knows!”

There is a saying that if one stoops down to a level of taking out everything from a person, indirectly the person is freed from the other side and having begged up to a stage for not taking out the things,  suddenly the affected individual  feels free and gives back!

The above distinctly shows that many times the fear and the tension of how the problem gets resolved create more trouble than the actual pain the problem gives as time moves on….So it is the attitude in life which ultimately gives us happiness clearly making us know the ultimate purpose of our living and the impermanency around. These truths always totally bring solace to a disturbing mind which otherwise feels that in the whole life some thing seriously is lost. In fact, if the understanding deepens, voluntarily relinquishing the comforts, luxuries, wealth and titles takes place embracing a simple life and a highly contended feeling firms up in the mind.... A Great Phenomenon in Nature!

THE ETERNAL GOOD.. CONTD..

Relieved the next moment as the gentleman slowly removed from inside of his mouth a small grassy leaf left out in the Soup which accidentally got stuck in his throat as he gulped the liquid..

THANK YOU FOR THE PATIENCE!

The Moment of Calmness in life!

I am a bundle of desires!   As I start living my life, these desires work through my thought, word and deed and make me feel satisfied through an expectation or achievement.  But the fine truth veiled in here is that my thought, word and deed together alone may not be able to bring in the desired result as that is equally controlled by certain unknown forces Viz., Happenings around!   These are independent of my aim, plan and execution of activities, if not totally….Thus, when the result comes up as different from that expected, it is truly a pain in life and the quantum of this pain directly varies with the fact Viz., How much I got addicted to my level of satisfaction in earlier achievements!  This is the power of ignorance around!

Having understood this mechanism constantly working in me, I should equally make a note that I cannot do much and sometimes may not be able to do anything to bring a change in my thought, word and deed....The reason herein is that the propelling force behind these three entities....the ‘me’ inside, cannot be negated by me so easily! But there is no despair, it is still possible to do that in a fine way.... Either through an observation of this phenomenon in me, through an incessant dedication in doing my attached duties or through a constant Prayer to the Almighty....

Thus, as I start living a moment of my life through one of these activities with an associated lightness, I exist at that moment in a state of total calmness of life!  And this is the only True Sacred Activity I can do in my entire life period....

Should I not continue doing this....The next moment too?

Life Experience speaks....No doubt in that!

“Everywhere there is a restriction. I want to do something but I am not allowed. Many times I had to bend down or yield. How much of this is correct? Instead, why don’t they let me do and face it myself? There is no need to tell many times that there is danger. What happens in the worst case? I only will suffer….I am fed up with all these sermons, guidelines, constant vigil and criticism….I am sad!” thus was speaking a young man to an elderly well-wisher one evening on the various controls imposed by his elders around….The young man felt that the well-wisher at least would understand him and agree to what he had said....

The elderly looked at him and said, “My dear!  I know what you are speaking and with what you are not happy!   I ask you a simple question here….Why don’t you straight away say what you want to say or do what you want to do?  No one is threatening you to attack you except that you may be criticised.  So, why are you afraid so much?” 

“Sir, how can I do that? Then I will be branded soon as an adamant and hard nut to crack.  Further, all may withdraw their support to me.  Even my friends too may be kept off or they themselves may go away. I cannot have such a life….”

“That means you want to do what you like and at the same time all should be with you, co-operate with you, help you in your routine and finally appreciate you too. You want everything from others but you don’t want to listen to and do what they propose for you. Is it justified?"

“--------” 

“See, there is no answer from you!” concluded the well-wisher…. "You should understand that in normal cases, what generally people expect you to do is good for you except a few which may not stand in today’s times!   Here, the foremost discipline in you should be first to receive all these advices as they are!  If you do that, half of your burden really goes off as the elderly are instantly happy with your behavior.   Further to this, ponder over these and see by yourself if there is any good for you in that.  Having done this, gently modify each advice if required to suit to your situation and conditions.  Now the last step…. Where you find the advice is irrelevant, do not act but keep it in a corner of your mind and try to investigate why the elderly have told that.   In time, you may find the hidden benefit in some of them. This total discipline should help you in the present circumstances!”

While departing the elderly quipped, “Remember….Whatever advice these grey haired personalities give you, can never be given by one unless his / her hair truly becomes grey!”

Am I taking care of my Work?

“Sir!  Why is work so important in life and what exactly is the right work for me?”

“My dear! The day necessarily begins with me when I start looking out for some  'Item' or 'Service' around which I cannot generate from scratch....  But this 'Item' or 'Service' may be provided by someone else ready made.   Naturally he / she expects something in return and will never give free.   Equally, most of the times I will not have an exact skill to produce and return what this supplier wants. Thus, I have to go through a continuous exchange process and see that ultimately my supplier gets what he / she wants. Then alone I do have a right to take my required 'Item' or 'Service' from him / her. Seen this way, it is clear that I can stop the whole working process only when I need absolutely nothing in my life which can never be a case with me as long as I exist on the earth!    Thus work becomes a very important aspect of life next to basic living....

The right work for me is nothing but the work I can do making use of the skill I learnt and practiced from my younger days....the skill which was passed on or learnt as hierarchy of my family most of the times. This skill too, once got into learning cannot be changed much later except fine tuning the same and expanding into related fields….

When I was young when the process of learning these skills was actively going on, my parents alone have worked at that time on my behalf....And it is my duty to take over this task from my parents at the earliest and start working myself as they can never do this for me for whole of my life!  If I neglect or postpone this take over, my competitor the next door will permanently take over the 'Vacancy of Exchange' available at my door step without a second thought and later however well my work be done, it may have no demand!!!

Any consumption without timely return of acceptable equivalent worth is a  sin in life as it has no support on earth through known Universal law!" 

A Introspection constantly required in life!

A deep thinker one night had strange thoughts thus….

“As I look back into my past life in a nut shell, apart from the few downs I experienced, most of the time my life was reasonably smooth and because of this I was of the view till this moment that my care alone had ensured all this…. 

But if I look once again carefully into my past, it is very clear that out of the total time of this 'take care', I was practically physically with my possessions and my people only for a short  time….Most of the time, they were under the care of the System and the related people around and the System and the related people truly provided a cover of protection in this context apart from the personal care of my people.  If seen this way, how am I a owner here?

Beyond a level, even the System and the related people could not have done the required had the Providence taken a smaller look on all these aspects. Thus the ultimate 'take care' was through the Grace of God alone… 

Now I sincerely feel that I am no doer here, the Almighty alone takes care of all and the people around me in the Social System do the required activities from their side, myself contributing only a small portion in this....In this scenario alone, the so called protection was  extended to all of us!    Really, how small was my thinking all these days?  Now I understand that as long as my life is planned on the earth I should be doing my duty as per my Dharma for the related activities to go on and be constantly Praying to God for the Decent of His Grace all along as the ultimate Doer and Protector is He alone!

And this attitude only is safe for me from this moment as all other actions tainted with a 'stronger Ego’ feeling would produce equally more pain in  the end!”

A Discipline that paves way to Happiness in life….

My personal care/needs take distinct time, energy and money and in addition, some have to be done at a specified clock time/calendar date without fail. Any deviation here is forever a debt which necessarily has to be  repaid with very high interest subsequently…. 

Further, the postponement cannot be done beyond a time limit as it results in break down of my System from which recovery is a costly and time consuming phenomenon. And, some times, I may have to settle for a lesser level permanently….

Since my Employment necessarily takes its own time and I can never say ‘NO’ to it, the only way of performing the best in this scenario is to become totally time conscious….Of course, time is money and so it is the energy too…..

With this background, if I observe my schedules carefully, I surely find that my available time is spent in enjoying the life as relaxations are sought by me continuously….

This is a strong force in me driving me incessantly in the direction of enjoyment but no despair….There is a bridle available…. My alertness to happenings…. With this bridle in hand, I can keep the enjoyment tendency in limits and catch hold of the precious time and energy continuously getting out of my hands….

And if I really do this, soon all types of enjoyments, let loose conditions and unbridled tendencies would be checked and regulated but I should still allow them at a level as they form the gist of my present life and may be the aim of my life is partly to satisfy these….

So, there is a catch and too much harshness in this direction works ultimately against me only....myself totally left out with a miserable state of mind and the resulting indiscipline beyond limits….

Now I know where I stand exactly....

The First Preference in the Eyes of God....

A benevolent king was all the time helpful to his people in their crises. He used to help them beyond and give the best support in times of their need. He advised all his Officials to be ever ready for this type of support to be provided for people from his Office.

A common man in the kingdom was equally doing a similar job.   He was helpful to the core to people in the neighborhood out of whatever resources he had.  Most of the time, he did not have much to give except extending a physical help with a sincere Prayer to the Almighty at his heart for their betterment!

Their lives went on thus….Finally days were numbered for both of them….

At the Heavenly Abode, the gates were open first to the gentleman. The benevolent king was asked to wait….He got astonished with this but sincerely sought the reason for that preference….

Thus came the reply in no time…. “All the while, you just distributed what excess was with you which, most of the times was never from your own effort.  Further, you were always proud of your charity and thus never thought of Presence of the Divine Hand at the back of all these!

And this gentleman had done exactly the opposite…. He could only give his physical help most of the times as he had not many resources with him.  But there he was sincere and further always believed that the Almighty alone helps ultimately which is a fact….

And….Those who depend on themselves the maximum and believe in God alone will have a first preference here!!!”

@@ The difficulty of Understanding....

“It is really strange…. Our Management Office has to deal with a problem and the members constantly are questioning the Manager In-charge and sometimes it goes to the level of hurting him straight. The poor man is unable to answer them and is totally in a confused state.   As a member, I never questioned or would question the Manager on my portion of this issue. It is crystal clear to me that that responsibility is totally mine. And this equally applies to all the members.  Sometime back, I explained to this Manager in depth, the back ground of this issue and asked him to answer any member who questions him to say that as the Manager of the Group, he himself had nothing to do with the situation but he could help….Still, it is not clear to this man, he is unnecessarily taking the blame and is not able to reply to the members. Why can't he understand what I say and speak clearly ‘what is’ to the members?  Had  I been in his position, I would have seen that none of the members speak one word on this issue and keep off instantly….” Thus said a middle aged man proudly to his friend while discussing a burning issue in his Group....

The friend who happened to be a deep thinker all through his life, listened to the man, paused a while and said, “My dear!  Here in, you know the answer crystal clear and are wondering why the Manager cannot speak the same….The simple answer is....Like all the other members, the Manager too is not understanding in depth whose basic responsibility lies here…Had it been clear to him, he would have spoken the same and would have settled the issue long back; no doubt on this!

The problem in life is…No one understands a particular subject crystal clear except a few but if such a person of clarity starts wondering how others don’t get it, it means that he/she too had not understood the matter one hundred percent. This is the beauty in life as our self interest in a fine way covers up the ultimate understanding and make us believe that the other man alone is/was responsible for our troubles.

You can do nothing here….Repeated explanations may help to some extent but basically I should be sensitive to the difficulty of the other man and thus be considerate to his problem.   Leaving this, if I pounce myself on the other out of anger or disgust, how am I better here?.... Instead, an ordinary man who diverts and pacifies the affected friend is truly helping out to a certain extent!”

Loss or Gain, I should ever be a Hero!

“Sir! I have a basic doubt. Why not we risk something at least sometimes in life?  If it is a success, surely it is an achievement…. Of course, it can be a failure too….Then we simply lose; that's all!  Is not this life worth venturing that way?  A rich experience definitely adds up here…. Further, it is a fact of life that nothing comes with us and when age takes over, what I was able to do earlier, I can do no more!  Then, is it is not the right time to venture when everything is with me?  And surely, I will be taking care to see that I am always well within my limits. I try to spend or venture with only such monies/energies which are either already earned by me/with me or can be earned/recouped quickly in no time as I have a steady job and good health through God's Grace. Please advise me over these doubts….”

“Yes dear!  You can do venturing and I emphasize that you should venture many times whether you succeed or not because in that process you learn a lot.  More than all this, a tough personality comes up in you which ultimately does good everywhere of course when Ethics of life are upheld all along…. But do you know one thing?  What many people generally shun and brand a path as one not be followed, it is wisdom I avoid the same as that is backed by their rich experience which had seen many perils in that direction!  Only when people do avoid certain paths of life through a belief, I can definitely venture in that direction but I should see that never I earn their wrath or non co-operation at anytime in that process. In fact, it is a heroic activity if I get their blessings there….Lots of convincing and persuasion are the primary tools of action here along with a firm decision on my side to go ahead! These are the general guidelines of action that save us many times in life!

The final important aspect in this context is....You may loose all that what you said in the process of venturing either temporarily or permanently, still nothing befalls on you…. But if you do something in a path where no one treads easily whatever may be the end result, won't you become small in front of all who see you as a man of no principles?  Do you want that title ultimately?  This title continues with you even if you make a fortune here and in such a scenario, you are never a Hero!!!”

The Wake-up Call required many times in life....

A benevolent Emperor had a Minister with him who often used to play the role of an Adviser/ Counselor in his official / personal life.   He had a strange habit with him.  Whenever the Emperor faced a failure and lost something, he used to say openly, “Your Majesty!  It is God’s Will!  Remaining is only yours!” 

There was a meaning to that and the Emperor always took it in the right sense!  That way, the Minister carried true respect in the hearts of the Emperor and his Court Officials....And the Emperor in spite of having faced many misfortunes in his regime, quickly recovered with this revelation!

But fate some times would be too cruel….

It so happened that the king in the neighborhood out of his greed, silently worked on a plan, built up a strong battalion of army and suddenly attacked the Emperor.  Being totally unprepared for such an attack from the neighborhood friendly king, the Emperor in spite of fighting valiantly, lost the battle!  He was forced to leave the Capital with his family and move to a distant place. The Minister too sincerely followed him all the way.

The people in the new place, welcomed them with all sympathy and respect and accommodated them but could not do anything more than that from their side. Finally, a small life was in front of the Emperor and his Royal family! 

At that time too....After the settlement, the Minister repeated his words….

The Emperor had totally lost his temper and shouted angrily at the Minister, “Every thing is taken away from me…the kingdom, the wealth, the prestige and what not…. Still you say remaining is mine!  What is there with me now and what is the use of that left out?”

The Minister smiled and said, “Your Highness! You are mistaken....Tell me  honestly….Are not your body, mind and support of your people with you intact? These are the tools every one on the earth uses diligently to grow and expand.   If you want, you too can do a lot now….These precious entities gifted by the Almighty and built through your effort and goodness alone would bring you a fortune in time. What more really do you need now except the courage to get up and a will power to achieve what you want?” 

The Emperor was highly inspired with the explanation given by the wise Minister and instantly made up his mind to fight back what ever!

The true reason for apathy at Work….

A Company was doing well.  Its order book was swelling. The Management had gone ahead with recruitment of the best young talent from all prestigious Educational Institutions.  And they were offered the good salaries, perks and what not….

Years rolled by….Strangely, a downward trend entered in this company!

A few new Entrepreneurs around having smelled a fortune in the field, entered to make hay and quickly captured some of the Orders of the market!  Next they lured the stalwarts from the parent Company for elevated posts and much better salaries. Thus, the original Company could no more retain the talent….Slowly, its finances became tight, elaborate training in the latest techniques which could be given earlier easily became unaffordable and younger talent could not be attracted….

A true analysis was made for the reason of downfall….In the process, some strategies were worked out for improving the performance….That story goes in different direction….

A question independent of this was debated…. ‘Why does a Company having appointed the best talent could not continue in business?’ The following was found to be the right answer:

The Company which provided everything to the employee had forgotten one crucial issue in the process i.e., upholding the integrity of the employee!  Highest integrity prevails when and only when the Employer cares for the Employee a little beyond what is mandatory as per the welfare measures in force simultaneously not pampering him/her even a bit at any time. The ideal way here would be when the Owner starts believing that the Company indirectly belongs to the Employees too and as a Owner, his/her stake is always related to securing own essentials. 

It is similar to the attitude of a parent if not the same, towards his/her ward where in the bond is always felt deep in the hearts of both which can never be shaken at any time by the outside forces.   The ward in spite of not getting immediately anything from parent's wealth, simply works all the time to protect or improve  it! 

 And this type of attitude would surely be missing when a business interest to encash the maximum lurks in the mind of the Owner and in such a scenario downward trend is imminent sooner or later if not immediate!

The Story behind….

The Stalwart Rulers of two Nations met an evening in a picturesque Hill Resort on one of the days of their holiday tour to a distant place.... 

After a few enquiries and exchanges, one of them asked the other, “What strategy do you follow in your governance to arrive at a decision and subsequently implement all major and crucial policies?

The other leader smiled and said, “It is simple and straight forward!  I decide upon myself what is good for my people and straight away implement it….And no one in my country can question that!  My people subsequently may experience some difficulties in following the related rules and regulations and at times become really unhappy but soon they adjust and abide to what I decided for them. But in the end they always see in this, a true benefit for them!”

To a similar question raised by the second, the first one replied, “See!  My people are staunch supporters of Democracy. They want everything to be discussed, debated and then only decided!  I need to allow that….So, I first decide on what I like to do, allow all this process as routine and finally somehow implement what I wanted initially….Here, my people do not protest because they are one hundred percent made to believe that I listened to them everywhere!”

Ultimately my Effort alone is the Best….

There is no other better way than doing my basic works myself!

My body needs routine movements & the related straining and my mind needs timely involvement to keep them in a fit and healthy condition….And these movements / involvement exactly match with the requirements of living a Natural life!   

In practical life, the requirements of my actual living differ as I am partly away from Nature but still my basic works are more or less the same.... 

Some of my works have to be outsourced or 'Help' may have to be bought  in those areas because I necessarily would be doing my own work in my area of specialization and my major portion of energies and time have to go in that direction.  Further, I would be earning a decent salary here!  

But, all the time I should take care to see that never these works which are outsourced or where 'Help' is being purchased are my basic works!  And if I am alert, I can easily see this demarcation where my works totally become own personal.  And here, strictly  buying 'Help' should stop and ‘Self Help’ should begin.... 

The strain undergone by me to do these basic works is the golden goose by my side which lays golden eggs continuously through out my life in the form of ‘Good Health and Well-Being!’

Don’t we want the supply these golden eggs throughout our lives?

There is no go here....Should I not see this soon?

“Sir! How important are health and safety in one’s life?”

“My dear!  As I live through my life, I make use my body continuously for all of my age related activities and constantly express and feel myself through this physical entity that is with me....Thus seen in total, my body is a vehicle of my activities, expressions and feelings in my life and is all the time dearer to me! 

And naturally such a precious entity with me should be in good shape, be active and safe in the environment where I continuously live.   For this to happen, the health and safety of the vehicle become prime important.  Health is maintained to continue the activities well and safety is practiced to preserve the body in shape and form and many times both of these are interrelated….

At any time in my life, If I start neglecting the care of my body because of certain forces in me suddenly becoming prominent, my body would mostly put up with this neglect/abuse up to a limit but generally will not permit  beyond….I should ever make a note of this danger, should never yield to these forces easily and thus follow a certain disciplined life! 

Again, if I am compelled by my habit or forced by circumstances to indulge in unhealthy and unsafe practices, let the involvement be limited as my mind, a monster by my side gets its way through many times without my knowledge! This check is essential in my life all the time!

Finally to say....No known methods would guarantee one hundred percent health and safety in life and still both of these may be in danger in spite of all precautions followed.  Thus, a sincere Prayer to the Almighty to guard me all the time alone is the Ultimate in my life but only after my daily care is one hundred percent implemented in action!"  

A True Prayer....

The Almighty is totally behind all of my activities.   Every moment of my life is directed by Him.   Many times, I forget this and firmly believe that I plan, I do and I gain.   It is a boon if I am freed of this belief even a little which opens up entirely a different window for my perception of the Universe.  And if that happens in this life, this birth is truly worth any other worldly gain on this earth!

The Almighty is all benevolent. He is ever ready to help me in this task by being next to me all the time.  I only forget this and remember my God either in crisis or in situations of lots of hopes and aspirations in my life….Further, I regularly Pray to God to take care of me from all the downfalls and thus protect me….No doubt,  these are the best practices in life for me with the demon 'fear' by the side but along with these, I should simultaneously rise above these practices at least sometimes in my life!    

Thus, with all the devotion to my Lord let me await for the Moment….Surely, the Moment arrives, I would become aware of It over and above doing my normal duties that are with me and the next Moment takes over….And here alone lies the True Prayer in life!

A practice required in my life….

In a certain small village, there lived a distinct gentleman….

In all problems of the individuals of the village, when some used to extend just the lip sympathy saying, ‘I am sorry. I am unable to help here. See, it is not my problem!’ and thus keep off, this gentleman firmly used to say, ‘It is a problem and painful situation. Let me help the affected!’ and immediately get into whatever relief works possible at his level …. 

Thus life was going on.

Suddenly there was a catastrophe in the village and almost all the people of the village were affected this way or that way….People who supported earlier the thinking Viz., ‘It is not my problem’ when his/her next man was in trouble had a trauma and painful recovery.

The gentleman who supported all the while the concept Viz., ‘It is a problem and painful situation’, continued saying the same and got into action. With all calmness, first he attended to his problem, brought that to a stage where good recovery was in sight, immediately started helping out the people around who were equally affected and truly worked out a plan for them towards recovery….

People around him got astonished and asked, “How is that you are not disturbed much during this crisis and helped yourself as well as others?”

The gentleman smiled and replied, ‘My dear! I always believed in the precept that a problem in front needs to be addressed; that’s all!   I could never distinguish it as ‘mine’ and ‘not mine.’ Thus, when the catastrophe had struck me and others around equally, there was only one thought in me…. ‘First help yourself for self recovery and when once you can stand to the situation, help the next man!’  As I continuously believed in this philosophy, in time it worked to the perfection!”

Am I Humble here?

“Sir, I have a doubt…. I am an ardent lover of Spiritual Ethics and I try to follow the Spiritual Discipline in thought, word and deed the best possible.  But I face a problem when I thus start living with this discipline.  Most of the time, I will be with groups of people like family members, relatives, friends and members of my Office and neighborhood.  When I am with these people who do not follow my discipline in their life, I have to sacrifice some of my principles to see that they are neither hurt nor feel uncomfortable with my behavior.   I feel sorry here when I thus deviate from my practice but I find I am helpless.  Am doing the right?”

“My dear, as you start living your life amidst all problems and interactions with people around you together with a Spiritual Practice as you understand, simultaneously you should see that people around you are ever respected in your thought, word and deed without fail!    Bereft of this additional discipline in you, all your Ethical Practices go a waste….Thus when you truly live with due respect to people’s ideas, expressions and behaviors every moment and in that scenario alone as and when your people themselves allow you voluntarily to live your life the way you understand the Spiritual Path, then only you can do your specific practices in that line. No other deviation is ever sacred!

I should understand here that all the people are around me at this moment because I alone wanted my life that way else they would have never been with me!  Hence, they are not a problem but I am a problem for myself…. I should see this total need of mine first and become humble instantly!  Thus, all my Spiritual Ethics would truly become meaningful as I start living my life with this humility incessantly glowing in me !”

@@@@@@ A 'Day' matters here...Better I be aware!

The day I am officially out from my School / College with a Provisional Certificate in hand, I should be on the lookout for my job.... A Prospective Employer may not select me instantly, but would be keen to know how I made use of my time from this day whenever he / she conducts an interview for my job.... And if I happen to relax even a day without a sincere attempt to search a job and / or improve my skills, that day will be dug up and taken out in the interview!   That Event invariably gets into my Work Experience Record for the rest of my active phase of Work Life….

Thus, the only way in front of me is start searching a job and meanwhile apply for Higher Studies and/or Improvement Programs for my skills through training/doing part time job/ even working without pay….Anything in this direction would be appreciated by the future Employer except the dreaded monsters like ‘Nothing Done’, ‘Not attempted’, ‘Relaxed’ or ‘Rested’ from my side!

Again, after joining any employment, I should grow and ‘Was Stagnant’ is another Monster here! This involves getting a good Performance Appraisal, regular increments and promotions with additional responsibilities in parallel…. If these are neither timely nor in order…..there is a threat! The threat of soon being ‘out’ from the present position….So, nothing is respected here, other than growing!

Thus, from the day of award of degree to the day of retirement, the best course of action is simply be active continuously in this line and remember for ever that even a ‘Single Day’ matters here!

And the final word....During this period, if at all I have to be away from my work due to unforeseen circumstances or have to take a long leave in the interests of family welfare justifiable to all in the field, I should be back to my work the moment the problem/issue becomes manageable….

Ultimately Basic Survival Skills and Contentment are the true Assets in our lives! Rest all are inferior!

Once there was a great meeting of Staunch Democratic Leaders from all over the world at a Central Place.  They were the representatives from countries where the best possible democratic principles were upheld by the respective Rulers.  After the deliberations, on the evening of closing day, a get-together was arranged for all the representatives.

The rep from a highly developed country declared with a pride, “Our Rulers respect democratic principles to the core with full freedom of expression around and we have secured with us everything required in life!  All issues of people are well taken care and addressed to the point.  As citizens we enjoy the maximum freedom and get all the support from our Rulers….”

The man from the developing country having heard this, paused a while and then with a smile said to the rep, “My dear! I agree that you have the best and your Ruling Administration comes to your rescue at a call to help out in your difficulties. But have you forgotten that in the process, you have lost your skills of being vigilant and protecting yourself from the unseen attacks which can be both from outside as well as from inside? I, no doubt agree that your system around you works the best and that way your life may be with all ease, but our people have more the original capability of protecting themselves from the attacks both external and internal as they are forced to live their lives in that way. Here, Mother Nature optimizes the support on earth and provides that only for those who are really in need.  So we have this asset with us which may be missing to some extent in your countrymen.  Also, along with this, since our ruling is never perfect, our people have developed lots of mental adjustment and feel quite happy even with the little gains that come to them. Ultimately more of basic survival skills are our assets and Contentment and Peace are our Gifts from the Almighty!”

The Spiritual Path in front of us….

“Reverend Sir! I am very busy with my daily works and usually do not find time for other activities in my life. And all Philosophical Preachings always say that one should not stop these ordained duties even a moment and further be doing them with all zeal. Please tell me, in this scenario where is the time for me to Practice Spiritual Discipline in my life as envisaged by the Great Personalities?  Please clarify to me on this doubt and guide me further….”

“My dear!  Spirituality is not any distinct entity from a normal life that one leads on the earth. In fact, a dedicated effort towards one’s own responsibilities is a Spiritual Discipline.  Meaning, it is not what life an individual leads but the quality of his/her life here that matters, the works remaining the same.

An individual is an embodiment of actions due to the past and discharge of his/her responsibilities through these actions alone is the way to maintain the balance in life. And this must go on eternally till the time the actions naturally fall off from him/her with the dawn of The Supreme Knowledge through Grace of God!  Till then there is no go for one but to continue doing the destined actions….

What the Spiritual Practices all the time emphasize is doing these actions with more attention and lesser emotions because attention is superior to emotions even though we as mortals are never free from them. Thus, the true path to be followed is to exercise a discipline of greater attention with lesser emotions in all our actions in a natural way. The Peace, which prevails all along alone shows a way to be more and more attentive in life!   It is truly a contagious and cumulative phenomenon in an individual whereby he/she moves towards Refinement. That’s all what the Spiritual Practices in the world mean and nothing else!”

Living for the Day....

“Master, what is the exact meaning of 'Live for the day'?”

“My dear!  We all have to live for the day as the future truly is unknown. This is the most important aspect in life. But many times, the meaning of this is wrongly understood. The enjoyment force in us misguides here and encourages living for the day on the lines of thinking, “Enjoy today; forget tomorrow.” One with all discipline has to check this entity in him/her, look at a realistic living feasible in his arena, plan for that and start living for the day.... 

Thus, a day for such an individual mainly consists of doing the works for an earning and discharging the responsibilities around, spending a good time on health and safety upkeep, saving reasonable finances for the coming days, relaxing in the way one wishes for the rest of the time finally closing the day with a Prayer to the Almighty to protect the self from the invading forces outside and devastating trends within…. And repeating this discipline the next day, day after and so on and on; that’s all!  This is just living for the day and nothing else for an ordinary personality with all his/her limitations by the side!”

The only Way for a corrupt free Democracy!

Around the world, all Democratic Systems are plagued by two specific characteristics of a few individuals in every System Viz., extreme possessive quality and a strong desire to dominate people! These two, the so called evils in all societies mar the prospects of the upcoming democracies in the world.  When thus, these qualities exceed a limit in an individual, such a person will by all means be after the only way to express them i.e., through grabbing the unlimited power!  This is where, in spite of having all round checks by others, a Ruler in Democracy freely goes ahead to rule in his/her own way but behind the doors….Meaning, having firmly secured the reins, the Ruler rules through the two well known weaknesses of certain selfish individuals with him/her. These two weaknesses of a man are getting lured through offer of additional goods and services or being afraid of a threat of withdrawal of support of men and material with him/her!

In such a scenario, the personalities alone become the most important entities of either the Ruler or of those backing the Ruler in a closer circle. i.e., a personality where an individual is not interested in the possessions or power except in a living based on hard work and honesty.  Such a personality in the individuals alone can keep up the sanctity of a corruption free Democracy whether it lies in the individuals of the Ruling System or of an Agency or a Commission set up to go into the allegations made against the Ruler.

The Spirit of Enquiry!

Continuation.... 

All along, behind the activities of all Learnings around, God’s Smile is there through a discrete message, “That’s the same way I teach all my children on the Earth….Making them search and find out the Truth on their own!  And I am for ever with them in this effort!  They struggle, achieve a certain distinct entity, see it as nothing and get into further search….Thus, when a dedicated search is established in oneself, that alone starts revealing many wonders, but the task must go on!  And in between when they get off from this and go for a while into mundane activities, I wait patiently for them to return and get back on to the Eternal Search ….

Ultimately this Search alone leads to finding the Reality in True Form!  And that is the true purpose of one’s life on earth while rest all findings are always inferior!”

….Concluded!

Ultimate freedom of living….

Continuation….

When thus, the Democratic System even though best expressed, had an indirect authority through power behind the doors, a few individuals of the region were totally unhappy and were helpless in their thinking beyond for sometime….But soon they heard that in some other region of the world, there are Great Personalities who lead a simple but happy life and thus were eager to know how they could do it.  In that context, they traveled to that region, met a Great Saint, payed their salutations to the Great man and sincerely requested Him to give a solution in this direction.

The Master smiled and said, “My dear, whatever way the best care anyone proposes, all Systems ultimately end up with defects. Yours one of these is no exception in this context!  See, all the entities you describe Viz., being suppressed, overpowered or subjected to threats, intimidation and coercion are there in the world because one is after possessions directly or indirectly….Thus, since an individual is interested in possessing worldly things as many as possible simultaneously having own group of people as dearer, someone who is powerful can always rule such a person through a threat of taking away these possessions or detaining own people. Only when one sees this truth, the possessive tendency lessens in him/her and automatically further way will be explored based on this inner strength. This way alone an individual experiences glimpses of ultimate freedom in life and further clarity surely descends through the Grace of Lord!”

Concluded!

Ultimate freedom of living….

Continuation….

When thus democracy was made a mockery, a few wise men suggested that the only solution for the associated evils would be to empower each individual more…. “And that’s all, he/she will take care” they thought!  And, by a miracle, this change had happened, not an easy way!

Thus, the individuals had become kings, of course, simultaneously with more responsibility with them to answer the law and the Special Groups’ power had lessened….And the Ruler could get a place only behind them….

Thus democracy got refined and the best evolved in time!  Further, time had passed.   And with time everything rots….This was no exception….

All individuals around are basically of two types the good and the bad. In the above scenario, the good remained as protectors of law and order and in general, looked after many issues….But, a few bad elements were behind power….They understood in a smart way….the inevitable defect of follow up in respect of the rule implementation….No authority could do it to the root level….

Thus, the responsibility existed crystal clear only on paper….if insisted, more paper was generated to the satisfaction of Rule Maker and shown in front of Rule Implementer that the best was done but ruling at own discretion was done behind the doors….And in that way, soon all the power mongers together were the indirect  Rulers….And with all strict rules and responsibilities around, these elements ruled behind the doors.

Thus once again democracy failed in the true sense….The citizen was free as long as he would not point out the real powerful man….He was much better many ways but not always….That was when one became weak….

To be continued….

Ultimate freedom of living….

People of one region decided to be better in their lives!  At that time, they were being ruled by a Ruler who was all the time authoritative.  Because of that, many of them were suffering silently….And naturally, their Ruler was not that good too….

To bring down his authority, they thought on only one way….They collectively approached him and said, “Here after, we will not take your orders unless there is good in them.  A Special Group of us will check each order you pass and if that is likely to do good to us, then only we will take it!”  Seeing their togetherness, the Ruler was taken aback and initially decided to suppress them.  But their unity was beyond and he soon agreed to do what they proposed.

Thus democracy was born in that region and the freedom of expression was upheld in no time! And subsequently, for certain period this system ruled and in time had undergone changes with further refinements to the original thoughts!

But the Ruler was smart!

He understood that the Special Groups that decide were really powerful and the only way to gain original power would be to keep them happy, if required beyond….That way soon, he started luring them by offering certain benefits.  Many refused in the beginning but a few had fallen a prey….This went on…. And the Ruler was steady…. “In time, surely many will be with me” he thought!  His assessment was correct and it exactly happened!  The Ruler and Special Groups started ruling together….The groups got their share and Ruler was back to his power.... 

Thus, deteriorated democracy there in time and was about to reach the bottom….

To be continued….

I myself wanted all this around!

“Sir, I am experiencing some problems in life. My people all the time do not agree with what I propose. Thus there is a conflict. They sometimes act in their own way and sometimes through my compulsions. But never once also in the way I propose. I am feeling unhappy here without any concurrence in thinking and opinions. What is the solution? How can I convince my people?”

“My dear, it is very simple and straight forward to understand. Long back, when you were young, you were a free man without all these. You only added your people around you one by one. Thus you increased your circle. In time, these individuals too have grown up and started their own circles or have become stronger in your relation and started expressing openly in their own circles which hitherto not done in front of you.  And when their expressions clash with your ideas, the problems are seen. See, these problems are common in life and it is not at all the wisdom to concentrate on these issues. That is why our elders without touching these, guided us only in the direction of stronger forces in us which if not streamlined, the confusion and chaos in every one’s life would be the maximum. And that is the reason why we are today in these circles of relations. When you thus live with people around you, understanding them alone is the right solution. Weed out the bad around in case it prevails and found to increase in intensity as a little of that too is a passing phase in one’s life….That’s all is your task at present!  How your people around you express without this element of bad in them is totally left to them as they are born free…. In all these cases only gently guide them; that’s all!”

The Path of Spirituality....

“Reverend Sir! What is the disciplined life one has to lead who wishes to progress in spiritual path?”

“My dear, I am a certain personality at this moment which is my ignorance in life and it is a fact. Thus, when ignorance is a fact, in the first instance living according to that is the right way. But the ignorance in my life makes me accumulate further ignorance through my own self interested actions done continuously. That way the pain in life continues but the purpose in life is to evolve above this. For this, I should simultaneously make efforts known to me to be away from some of these self interested actions. The wisdom in life is to strike a reasonable balance between these two distinct actions and start living.  It is like a mother’s action wherein she does not feed the child unless the child cries but never delays that beyond a limit.   ‘Feed when the child cries but do not feed out of fear that the child may cry’ is her motto as she knows that a small crying is good for the child before the feed. In a similar way, one has to first train the body and mind by following this mid path with least conflict.  And surely, there is certain level of clarity in one’s life when this conflict is reduced. Out of the calmness restored through this discipline, an individual can do fruitful investigations in life as per his/her wish.  This way alone one establishes in spiritual path!  All other rigid disciplines full of beliefs and austerities take him/her nowhere!”

A responsibility towards self....

“Reverend Sir, I see a deep unrest of frustration and fear in me. It surfaces when I am forced into loneliness i.e., when removed from my familiar surroundings and interactions for a while. Whatever self explanations I may provide for myself, this entity of unrest always surfaces and it appears it never leaves me.  All diversions with engagements around look like a loud laughter with a burning heart inside. What is the true remedy here in my life?”

“My dear! The unrest in us a fact and that being constantly covered up through contemplation of possessions in the world is a fact too! These possessions are incessantly acquired by an individual to overcome the deficiency of this unrest in him/her. But truly, it never comes down that way; in fact, it increases with more and more possessions….

The only way in front of us to get over the unrest is through a primary activity of physically sharing these possessions to whatever level possible with others. But an individual always finds a mental block here in himself/herself for this sharing. So, the intelligent in various societies have evolved a method of driving people into this sacred task. It is similar to a method of removing a thorn in foot with the help of another thorn…. 

Meaning ….'Share the possessions through a feeling of another entity of distinct possession.’ Thus let one have his/her own group of people and share the possessions with them. This is the original concept of having a family and taking up responsibilities in respect of people around. As a house holder, one was advised to continue this sharing to a certain level in his/her surroundings too. And the unrest gradually reduces when this sharing is done through a true sense of giving away! The individual has been advised thus, ‘Let there be no conditions for this giving and simply give away out of happiness in becoming lighter day by day!’ In this way, one has to live through his/her life and whatever be the outcome is to be taken with all smiles….Thus moves up clarity over the ladder with lessened unrest.  Rest all is only through Grace of God!”

Work....A never ending Entity!

“Sir, now a days, I am finding no time at all to do my personal works because of too much pressure at work in my Company. My family and people say that I am not paying necessary attention to them in time. I am finding myself helpless in meeting both demands at the same time. I do not know how to strike a balance between the two….” 

“My dear, I can surely say that you are not clear on the concept of work which is very important to know at this point of time. You should always remember that….

No one truly knows when the work comes up and how it ends in one’s life….

The completion of work is a whole time process by itself and never, never and never bit by bit!

My work starts in youth and ends with reasonable retirement past sixties. All this period, it is a single entity….

My work alone truly supports my basic living all the time, not the rest of one hundred and one activities I try to do in the outside world!

Fragments of work are a myth and do not exist….If any one tries to do fragments and bits of work, the whole thing soon ends and he/she would never be fit in work environment though rest of his/her active life.

A halt in the mid of active work is permitted only for inevitable reasons and never for the imagined and assumed ones. Further, in this situation back to work scenario would be welcome but with a rating down which invariably one has to accept but would not be thrown out of work environment. This is only a boon granted in the toughest situation.

The above means that there is nothing like….Work ending for a while and I am having free time! Instead, in between when a breath can be taken, I will be doing my works of my personal life; that’s all!

It may difficult to understand the concept of work in this way but all other ways of fragmenting the same is nothing but ultimately myself working against me….i.e., softly killing myself!”

A Precious Gift in life….

“I am getting bored in my life. There is nothing new here.  Seen, in any direction, life looks dull. What is that I am doing?  Get up, become fresh, go to work, come back and rest after a tiresome day and repeat these activities day after day....unending, that’s all!  I find no interest any more in this type of life. Is the life going to be the same here afterwards?  If so, this way, I find the whole living is meaningless….” thus expressed a young man sadly his agony to one of his well-wishers one evening.

The well wisher looked at him, comforted him for a while and said thus, “My dear! I strongly feel that you have stopped observing beyond!  See, an atom when observed casually is nothing, but when investigation had gone deep into its structure, was found to have enormous energy which can be made use for all our needs!  Thus, if we don’t limit ourselves, our observations are always infinite….But, when we stop doing this, golden opportunities at finger tips are lost.  Do you want to lose such vast empires of fortunes? You may say that it does not happen to everyone; rarely one will be able to touch such superior entities….No doubt I agree that it is not a common phenomenon that wonders do happen.  But I should not forget that the purpose of life is to be open from my side always; that’s all!  Rest is God’s Wish and Will!  In this scenario alone, I get through my investigation and catch hold of my fruit according to The Almighty’s Will. Prior to this, I will always have a test to be given in front of Him and for this too let me prepare and be ready.  A discipline through discharge of my responsibilities in life alone prepares me for this test. He will test me at anytime and if found fit will relieve me of certain pain in life through great revelations.  Don’t you want this Precious Gift?”

Am I seeing through colored glasses?

continuation….

The friend replied, “See my dear! For people like us, many requirements in life are met easily with the casual work we do….I mean to say, a work with lesser competition around!    For people of the region you visited, it does not happen that way….They have to face every minute, the tough competition to secure even a small item in life.  And to face such a competition in their working, there is no go but to be trim….That trimmed way, is nothing but having a healthy body maintained through tough exercise and good nutrition and presentation through the best grooming.   And in time, it is a habit of body and mind as unless you get trained in that direction from childhood, it cannot be yours! Now tell me, what else can they do in such a scenario?” 

The man was taken a back at the revelation made by the friend, but asked him in a gentle tone, “OK, I understand, but tell me, how is that I am not doing anything like that but still getting my requirements easily?   I think, these people have too many expectations in life….”

The friend looked at him and said, “Expecting more may be a factor with them and that also naturally will be predominant when they have to struggle to get everything, but here, let us remind ourselves of one thing….'My requirements are met easily means….My portion of work is being done continuously by someone else somewhere and I am purely relaxing at his/her cost; nothing less! How is that I am a man of ethics, preaching on lines of philosophy, if, knowingly I permit this?” 

….concluded!

Am I seeing through colored glasses?

A man who used to boast himself a personality of simplicity, ethics and spirituality in life, visited a distant place for the first time.  He found the behavior of people of that region a bit strange.  He extensively roamed around and explored the surroundings. He found that people of almost all ages regularly doing strenuous body exercises like running, jogging, swimming and other isometric ones. They never bothered for the time of the day, weather and other environmental factors but used to continue with this discipline. Maintaining the body in trim condition was their main aim. Further they used to take extreme care in presenting themselves the best way in the outside world. He wondered how much precious time they routinely would waste on all these activities just to look good! The last one he noticed was….The people were always conscious of high nutrition in their diet.  An umpteen number of foods were in stores and on the table to satisfy this….

After his return, he met one of his friends an evening and casually narrated to him what he observed in the place of visit.  He laughed and said, “This human body is just with us to make use for our living.  How these people worship this body so much in maintaining in trimmed condition presenting it in such a refined way and by being conscious of the health beyond!  Do we need all these for a physical body which any how deteriorates in time? Why not they understand that an attitude that asserts 'do some minimum exercise, eat less but healthy food and have cheer on your face' is enough to give them good living? Beyond that, what is the use of all these?   I see no point in living their life in such a style!” 

The friend was a deep thinker and a man of understanding.  He listened to him, paused  and said, “My dear!  We can give a lecture on swimming when we are on shore safely.  We will not do the same when we are in deep waters and do not know swimming!  Are you clear?”

The man retorted saying, “What do you mean?”

Contd....

Am I doing the right work?

Continuation....

"To tell you correctly….All works we do fall into two categories Viz., essential and no essential…. Spiritually, essential works are the ones for the body to exist in a healthy way including proper rest and sleep!  Since for a mortal, psychological well being is also important, certain works in this direction become essential including hobbies for mind relaxation.  Further works may be called stylish works…done basically for style and show!  These works of show may appear important for an individual but are not really required for leading a decent life.  And least effort is put in by one in doing these works….

As per Nature’s law of Inertia, we tend to do the same work i.e., repeat doing the same work continuously or continue to rest beyond!  This is where I should observe myself, discipline myself and never yield to this phenomenon happening in respect of me!

Once, I identify my works correctly in this way and start doing in that direction, no one will say a word!  Even if someone points out without seeing what I am doing, he/she himself/herself will find an answer in time and I need not specially answer him/her!  So, start doing the works in this way and still someone questions you here, either firmly tell him/her that you are doing your work and you are not obliged to do what he/she says or simply ignore that but be doing your works. You are ultimately untouched by any remarks!”

“As a final say, I would like to mention that if you start doing this way, the path may not be easy as there would be lots of non co-operation and withdrawal of support from members. You have to bear the same patiently….No go there….And that is going to be your real strength through which ultimately good will be done to everyone around!”

....Concluded!

Am I doing the right work?

“I live in a joint family.  Here works and responsibilities, even though well defined and  basically are done by particular members, the peripheries are not clearly defined as ultimately each will help the other mutually. The problem here is….You will be doing some important work and you may like to do the same with more time spent on it for betterment or….you need some rest, you know and you will be relaxing for a while, that's all....it blows up!  When you simply do this....either be on your job or sit/divert yourself for a while, all eyes will be on you in no time!  “Why is he not helping us?”  Thus you are targeted without a say!  So naturally, orders from elders follow next, listing out what all is not done!  It is really pathetic.... And they will never understand beyond this, in whatever way you may try to convince them!”

“Look my dear! I understand what all you have said and such problems do exist at all places of working together in groups like work place, community development programs and to tell you even in your own home if you delink from the present joint family....Sorry to tell you....But I can straight away say that there is your mistake in this....So to say, your mistake only!  And you are repeatedly doing that....”

“Sir, I told you a real problem. I never stopped from working and I do what is required in fact more....And I love to do more because it is ultimately for my family.  Even here, if I am pointed out, there is no sense!   And if I am not allowed to rest and relax a while through some other engagement, what is the meaning? How are all these people correct?”

To be continued....

Excess enjoyment in life is a demon by the side....

A young man always used to say, “Tomorrow may not be there!  Let me live today the best and enjoy every moment in life!” Thus, he was in the habit of getting into the finest enjoyments around and spend lots of money and time there.  He somehow used to finish his works, see to his responsibilities and quickly escape into this world…. And this was never ending! 

Some elders had advised him repeatedly not be irresponsible like that by going round the enjoyments as the glitter can go in no time….but he never cared for their advice!  Further, he was saying…. “I am continuously doing everything that is required in my life….Then what is wrong if I relax a bit in my free time? You people, struggled all throughout your lives but ultimately never had seen the best. When I am doing my job well at least, please don’t question me here….” Seeing him talk like this, some elders sternly warned, “These enjoyments are the perils in one’s life. You will be in problems soon….” but he used to brush aside all that without a second thought by telling that a relaxed mind always functions the best!

As the life was moving on thus, he suddenly came across a situation where in an extreme enjoyment appeared along with a tough situation in his life!

The young man without a second thought had fallen for the attraction unable to face the stressful situation even though a few of his urgent issues were in front of him to get through the tough situation!  His will power, which he relied upon so much, had vanished in no time!  He could do nothing in front of the evil forces of enjoyment and was virtually prevented from what exactly he had to do at that moment….Thus, all that he boasted all the time capable of doing had come to an end in no time!

The morale here is….Never I should propose extreme enjoyments in life other than the moderate ones to balance myself coupled with life responsibilities awaiting and this only is the safe path in life!

Fearlessness is the Key....

A Saint told a story thus…..

A man was always conscious of the uncertainties in life. He strongly believed in the philosophy that as uncertainties were a fact in life, there was no use of not recognizing them and lead a life closing the eyes….And his friend was not like him but a practical man!  He used to simply do his job well, beyond that forget and just lead a happy life without all those controversies of life at the back of his mind....

Both thus had passed through various phases of life….

Looking back, the first man found that he had wasted his life by being conscious of the uncertainties in life and never making an attempt to concentrate on the requirements even though he had no major difficulties in his life.

The friend had ups and downs in his life some of them being the real harsh ones but lived through all, sincerely solving the issues all the time and only leaving the ones that were beyond his care and attention!

The Master concluded, “The first man was always half-hearted in all fields he had ventured where as his friend involved totally in the fields he volunteered.   Life was a burden to the first man whereas it was a meaning to the friend!   So, living without fear feeling light all the time is the basic purpose our life and all spiritual practices in the world should always guide us in this direction…. And remember, any Spiritual Practice devoid of this message but laced with even an iota of fear should be first discarded whatever be the Practice!”

True parental care!

“I have done a lot for my family!   You know, how much I cared for them in their younger days....struggled and given them the maximum and was with them every minute….Now they are saying that I did not care enough! No doubt, they have some problems but that cannot be the reason to point out!  See, all of them are settled, totally on their own and living independently!  Is that not enough? This way, it is really a sad remark for an old parent!" thus lamented a man of fifties one evening in front of a well-wisher about his grown up children....

The well-wisher, a deep thinker in his life could easily understand the agony  of his friend.  He comforted him for a while and said thus, “My Dear, with your permission I wish to clarify here a little even though it is of no help now.  Please listen carefully....No doubt, you did a wonderful job by caring for your family!   But my question is….Have you overdone that a little?   See, my help is the utmost required for my people when they are growing.... to say rightly, help and service are the not the words; my sincere work is required for my people when they are young and I should do it one hundred percent!  Anything less, here would hamper the growth of the young as it would be a deficiency in their lives.   But any excess too hampers the growth as it like giving food to their mouth and they take life easy and so never learn or attempt to learn.  Here the right support with reasonable resources alone is the best course of action….

The problem is, when the possessive feeling is strong in me, I'll provide an excess support without getting into details whether it is required or not….Here, a feeling that 'My fellow should have the best' over takes! When lesser interest prevails in me due to some peculiar conditions then important care would be missing as the approach becomes casual....It is difficult  to have a true yard stick in this regard.  As long as the parent neither reacts nor takes it easy, what appeals to him/her mostly is the appropriate care to be carried out with his/her own reasonable resources and energies.  In such cases, even though there are problems for the grown ups in their lives, they correctly understand that it is either their fate or their own make but never feel even a little that the parent had left something undone!

If done In this way alone, the parental care will be truly recognized!”