In a world where human beings are running after materialistic objects, we need to stop, pause and think. Where will this Massive Rat Race lead us? Our destinations often seem to be blurred by our vision towards perfection and on the win or lose factor as if we are in some game being played in the sports field in school or national/international contests. The fact remains as to who are we competing against? How much can we satisfy our bodily needs through whatever we gain from this ‘tournament’? And even after we satisfy ourselves, are we REALLY happy??! We run after happiness seeking happiness in the fulfillment of earthly desires which give us only temporary contentment. In order to secure happiness totally, it is very important for us to realize as to who we actually are and in fact , WE are different from the materialistic bodies we inhabit.
The Bhagvad Gita says , “ As the embodied Soul continually passes in this body from boyhood , to youth, to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at Death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.”
Somewhere , sometime I had come across an article in a newspaper which stated that scientifically speaking old cells in the body are replaced by new cells every seven years. What, does not change is one’s Consciousness. And that is……..the…….SOUL. This is further described in the Bhagvad Gita as follows:-
‘As the sun illuminates all in this universe, so does the soul , one within the body illuminate the entire body by consciousness.’
The complexities of life coupled with innumerable number of temptations belonging to the world of ‘Maya’ [make believe], keep us from establishing a direct communication with God. God, who is perceived as a symbol or a form actually has no shape. It is for our own convenience and our means of relating to God that we, as human beings, have given the Almight shape and gender. For us to gain happiness in the Real sense, we have to nurture the soul till such time we are able to touch the Supreme Soul or God. He is there, always present in the Inner Temple of Silence, that is our heart and asks for nothing more than Love. Once ,one realizes this, this Call of the Soul beckons him to be united with the Almighty through Yoga. Yoga means to unite and by practicing which one becomes gradually freed from his attraction towards material enjoyment and is attracted instead to the Supreme Soul.
When we mention Yoga in today’s world , images of various postures conjures up in our mind. However, yoga is much more than this. Through this method sense control and self control is achieved. Only by regular practice of meditation self-realization and a lasting experience of inner happiness can be obtained. Guru or the dispeller of darkness comes forward here.
Lucky are those whose Souls have been beckoned at the Call of the Supreme Power to spread the message of peace and love. In a world where weapons are created to destroy masses, diseases spread everywhere, international terrorism rising by leaps and bounds with every passing day, communal riots, we all need to strive for World Peace. This can be possible if only we build relations based on true faith and confidence in each other.
Often it has been perceived that Time has healed those relations which due to circumstances had drifted apart. But it takes both the human beings involved in a particular relation to withstand the test of time and re-join their threads of amity. Patience and Perseverance are the Key ingredients to a successful relation on earth. Unfortunately many of us do not pay heed to such little but important aspects which a relationship requires to nurture. Giving each other respect as a human being and space for growth is very necessary. Just as a plant is nurtured with utmost care , a relationship also needs the same amount of nurturing for sustenance. For it is then when we can live in peace and harmony.
Those relations with whom we are connected by birth or come across by means of social/legal attachments are always there…………..yet, somehow I find that those relations which need the loving care and respect which they have been deprived of are the ones that require our attention. For example the under privileged, people in old age homes or children in orphanages. When we empathise with them, we become a part of themselves ….. CARE & ENCOURAGEMENT to move on in life by helping them lead better lives. A lot many I am sure will agree to the fact that it is our moral duty to encourage humanity thus supporting a good cause. Care inspires and gently reassures us. Lending us a feeling of security and support it reinforces our connection with others. Not only is it one of the best things we can do for our health but it feels good whether we are giving or receiving it.
I end this note with my heartfelt gratitude towards the Almighty to have given me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you friends. God Bless You. May You find Peace & Contentment in Life.
