The Basis of Blissful Life
Fame and prestige allure everyone. The entire world is running in the crazy rat race to achieve a distinct reputation. Though sought by all, it remains merely a dream for many. This rare asset is bestowed on only those who have done noble deeds in the past which have attained maturity and begun yielding results. The actions motivated by benevolence are similar to a fixed deposit. In a fixed deposit, a definite sum of money is invested for a specific maturity period, after which either an increased amount of money could be withdrawn or it could be reinvested again.
Similarly, our good deeds keep accumulating. When they attain maturity, they could be used to earn honour and glory. But, this would deplete the reserve of the accumulated merits, which could only be replenished after making fresh attempts of earning them. Instead, there is a better way out. If no effort is made to earn repute and no desire is made to rise to prominence, then the accumulated spiritual merit is left in the bank to multiply. Altruism should be made an indispensable part of life.
However, there is another aspect also. Humiliation annuls the accumulated sin. Malicious actions done in the past bring disgrace, contempt and other mental and physical hardships. Profanity leads to afflictions, but these not only eliminate the past wrongdoings, but also cause internal refinement. In this world, fame fascinates and notoriety disgusts all. It is the impartial force of nature which keeps the record of every individual and does justice accordingly. It bestows glory and success upon a person in proportion to his spiritual merits and gives diseases and disgrace in proportion to the sins he committed. Thus, it works to establish a balance and maintains the sacred bank balance. If a person enjoys more pleasures than his amassed spiritual merits, he is punished by nature; and if a person teases another person more than his accumulated sins, then the nature punishes the former.
One who understands this eternal secret of nature never complains about his life. Instead, he motivates himself to do noble deeds on the one hand, while on the other, he tries to destroy the ill-effects of his previously committed sins by performing penance. Also, he prays compassionately to God to guide and help him in his life sojourn.
The discretion of acting at will is only confined to human life. By doing virtuous deeds, a person not only leads a happy, contented and peaceful life, but also develops his internal faculties, thereby reaching the higher realms of consciousness. But, knowingly or unknowingly or sometimes compelled by circumstances, every person commits some mistakes during the course of his life. So, one should regularly perform some ascetism to illuminate his life and prevent it from being overwhelmed by darkness.
If a person is indifferent towards righteousness and inclined towards evil, it means that he has made it a habit to do wrong, which may prove detrimental for his future. Wicked deeds may fill the life with darkness and the mind with confusion and may lead to a constant state of restlessness. While, righteous actions lead to internal illumination in which the soul develops rapidly and which fills the intellect with joy and satisfaction.
Man himself has to decide which path to follow — virtuous or malicious. Many a times, to fulfill his desires, man chooses the wrong path. But, he has to bear the far-reaching ill-consequences, for which he should be prepared and should not blame anyone else for his plight.
By the law of Karma, nature liberates the man from the burden of malicious Sanskāras. Our present life has chosen its course based upon our previous actions and our present actions are going to decide the direction of our future. Whatever we get in our life is the consequence of our own actions. But, we don't accept this fact easily and get involved in the blame game. Yet, we cannot turn our back to the truth. So, if one wants to improve his life, he should carry out his obligations without any desires and thus achieve self-refinement.
Sing the song of celestial love, O singer! May the divine fountain of eternal grace and joy enter your soul; May Brahma, (the Divine One), pluck the strings of your inner soul with His celestial fingers, and feel His own presence within; Bless us with a divine voice that we may tune the harp-strings of our life to sing songs of Love to you.
(Rig Veda)
"A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of." — Nelson Mandela
"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do." — Nelson Mandela