Thursday, 6 July 2017
Progressive
Common
sense says one must do what is progressive. What hinders progress is obviously
our inability to THINK progressive. India being such an ancient country, it is
steeped in various traditions. Each state has its own culture and traditions,
almost as if it were a different country.
As
a nation, we evolved. We tried to learn from other countries as did others from
us. But somewhere, we started thinking that the definition of progress is more
money, more power. The race is to become a power center. In every field.
This
power center is like the honey that bees get attracted to and swarm around. And
then, we develop a mob mentality ruled by these power centers. Basically, a mob
mentality is mindless and can often become a dangerous trend.
Any
belief that begins to border on fanaticism loses its core of origin. Every
belief starts with an experience and gets strengthened as a stereotype which is
then very hard to let go or change.
We
must remember that stereotypes are valid for a period of time. And there valid
reasons for their development and existence, too. But they are not all
timeless.
We
have heard ad nauseum that change is a constant. So, some truths also change
with time. To move on and adapt ourselves would certainly be progress if the
consequences all around would be win all around.
But
if we try and hang onto some stereotypes which lost their value in an evolving
world or within a changing context, we could end up in a regressive situation
instead of a progressive one. And every phase is chronicled in history as the
wisdom or the madness of men. We look back in judgment but what we need is to
be vigilant and aware in every phase so that wisdom prevails and we need not
look back with regret, small or big.
Surekha
Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Wednesday, 5 July 2017
Monday, 3 July 2017
Personal evolution
In
"satsang" and from spiritual orators and books, we often hear about practicing
detachment. While being human, it is extremely difficult. But there are ways of
reducing the attachment. Just because, then, decisions would be more correct
and more balanced.
Simply
put, if we can just be clinical in our assessment of situations, putting behind
our personal feelings, this can be achieved.
You
know, watching the world go by? Just don't get embroiled in the lives of those
you recognize on the way. Easier said than done? Sure! But at least peace
reigns in the lives of such people.
Once
you get into the habit of expecting from people the kind of consideration and
compassion YOU gave them, you are in for trouble, depression and sleepless
nights. Specially if they are "family". Expectations from the family
are natural. But, people just grow up differently. Even siblings. They are
products of their own journey. This is the bottom line and the most clinical
one, too. It is always good to remember. So that we can immediately let go of
any personal expectations and understand that there is a reason why people do
what they do. And these may not coincide with your thoughts, values,
sensibilities or ways. But that is really not an issue. It is alright. The only
thing that is enduring is that which comes from the heart. And to listen to the
heart, sometimes, you have to lessen the impact of the brain.
So,
the ideal formula is love genuinely, keep a respectful line of control between
and live and let live. The only people you can bear influence on are kids... and
I am not even sure of that! The rest of the time should be spent on personal
evolution.
Surekha
Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Speakingtree Blog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari
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