Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Form of dharma
When we speak of dharma, we generally get a mixed bag definition:
rituals, duties, religion etc. And the result is confusion. Because dharma is
not any one of these. If anything divides human beings, it absolutely cannot be
dharma.
The core of dharma in its true sense lies in each one of us.
HONESTY: we might get cynical here because we see very
little honesty today. And yet, it is our core because, when thinking about it,
who can accept and actually like dishonesty? Which means honesty IS our core.
WORK/ ACTIVITY: Movement and change are two constants.
Activity is our second core. We need to give it direction but all humans have
act ..that is, keep moving . It is inevitable.
CLEANLINESS: an inevitable measure of dharma. To clean not
only the body but the thoughts, the mind and emotions, ego as well as our
environment.
KINDNESS: to care selflessly. Help people in need without
wanting to be on page 3. On human, compassionate grounds.
Irrespective of your religion, any other identities you
might have, all the four points mentioned constitute your inner core as a human
being. And if all of us started understanding and practicing this form of
dharma, there would come a time when all humans of whichever religion, caste,
creed would happily and harmoniously share space, love and peaceful progress.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Monday, 30 January 2017
Tradition
It is pretty awesome to see joint families living in harmony
even today, respecting all the relationships within and giving space to each
person while connecting wisely. I have to share this true story of a gujrati
family where 80 to 85 members live, united and caring of each other. You will
wonder...HOW is it possible? Let me say this. The seeds of such living are
planted very early, with traditions, principles and values in place, too. Every
member, therefore, knows only this way of life which can't be faulted really.
If only all humanity could learn to live this way, with a give and take of
love, harmony and wisdom! The philosophy is, live like a well oiled machine
which is highly productive. The members are the parts of the machine and the
oil is the love, understanding, caring and generosity, all of these looked upon
as love based generations.
So, this family has one large home where only the parents
live now. They have been wise enough to give every child another home as they
got married. But, there is only one kitchen, the one in the parental home. All
the ladies have to take over and share the administration of the kitchen in
turns. Any guest has to come only to the main home. If one member's business
takes a knock, the others compensate for the loss and support that member.
What would you call this? Unconditional love? Duty
consciousness? The upbringing? Genuine emotions for each other? It is so
uplifting to even think of such an existence. I love this story because I grew
up in a joint family, though in a smaller set up, but have seen these emotions
at work and have been a recipient as well. Today, when I see so much artifice
in society, I like to dwell on this story. It has the power to make me
instantly happy.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Compulsions
How many compulsions we have to deal with in life on a
regular basis! A lot of energy is lost if we look at them as necessary evils.
To HAVE to do something against our wishes needs an instant infusion of extra
energy in the form of mustering up a little more enthusiasm than we actually
want at that point.
There is heaviness and reluctance and a need to just become
invisible so that there is no compulsion foisted on us.
But actually, that compulsion could be pushing us towards
new experiences which we would be deprived of otherwise. It is like not wanting
new experiences and getting caught in a limited space because we are
comfortable there.
I have realized this fact. And
each time I have surrendered to compulsions, I have gained in one way or
another. Rather than avoid them and miss out on a piece of life. It could be
that the universe wants us to have that experience and that may be the right
time for it. And maybe, we would emerge wiser, better and happier in the
bargain.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
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