Time has Taught Us that Our Existence and Health are Prime
A human being is considered the most thoughtful, wisest, and superior most living species on Earth. On the flip side, it is difficult to search a creature who is so foolish, insensitive, and selfish than a human being. Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya has illustrated this fact, giving several examples, in his book titled 'Samajhadaron ki nasamajhi' (Folly of the wise). Some excerpts are given as follows:
'All the creatures following the discipline of nature normally remain disease-free. Only human beings have created different types of diseases for themselves as well as domestic animals.'
'All the living beings, fulfilling their needs of hunger and reproduction, keep harmony among themselves. Only the humankind, to fulfil its untamed desires, commits heinous crimes, and creates conditions of conflicts and wars.'
'In fact, such cruel tendencies of human beings have eliminated several species of animals and plants. In the guise of security and prosperity, they have developed weapons of mass destruction and polluted water, air, and earth. Such activities have put the entire planet in danger.'
'The environmental specialists and other global organizations looking after humanitarian issues have warned several times for restraining this madness and also highlighted impending dangers. Still, humans have not stopped their arrogance.'
Under such circumstances, Nature takes corrective action. In this context, Pujya Gurudev has written: 'When knowledge, wisdom, logic, and propriety don't succeed in persuading people to follow the righteous path, then the blows of harsh punishment correct everything in a short time. It is essential to change man's accumulated evil-impressions and stubbornness. One can see the naked dance of greedy people indulging obstinately in improper behavior. In order to deal with this catastrophe of rampant evil practices, Nature is going to organize Tandava-Nrutya (dance of destruction) to liberate this Earth.' (Vangmay 29, page 1.49)
It has been observed that wise people can be made to change their harmful habits/traits by persuading them or by making them aware of the consequences of such habits/traits. But the foolish and stubborn people will not abandon their importunity. 'There is always a crook to outsmart another crook' proves right. In the normal course, when the illegal work is done silently, the Shiva element of Nature (responsible for the destruction of ashiva), punishes lightly. But when the criminals/sinners openly, fearlessly and shamelessly commit crimes, then Shiva does their treatment by incarnating in Tandava mode. The process of Shiva's Tandava is implemented only under such a constraint.
People not realizing the impending dangers of playing with Nature have been alerted by the outbreak of Corona (Covid-19) virus pandemic. They have been made to understand, at one fell swoop, that the survival of humans and humanity are more significant than their narrow comforts and selfish desires.
At present, it seems that the blind race for money has suddenly stopped. All the immoral activities in the guise of entertainment have been quieted. The cordial relations with neglected kins and neighbours have been rekindled. The commitment to self-discipline and self-control has been re-awakened. The human empathy that became dormant due to egoistic nature has got a chance to re-evolve. The tendency of exploitation has been tamed, and the philanthropic activities of helping others in the times of need have taken a lead role.
However, the good efforts of understanding the humane values and putting them into practice that have started now should continue so that another pandemic or catastrophe does not fall on us. In that case, Nature would take harsher steps for the benefit of humanity.
Yugrishi has written – 'Making mistakes is not so bad as being reluctant to accept and rectify them.' The humankind, in the intoxication of its successes, started ignoring the rules of Nature. Therefore, in place of self-control, empathy, and cooperation, wayward tendencies took reigns of the human psyche. Now, in the hour of crisis, people are realizing the importance of these virtues. Therefore, some concrete steps should be taken so that these qualities become part of our daily habits. Even if ideal harmony between individuals and society or Nature is not possible, at least some minimum balance is undoubtedly required. In this context, Yugrishi has given an easy to implement formula: 'Individual interests and happiness should not be given priority over collective interests and benefits.'
The Corona pandemic has taught us that our existence and health are the prime. The survival of humans and humanity is possible only through global caring and sharing. If everyone willingly contributes, in some way or the other, towards this common goal, then a strong background for saving ourselves from possible future disasters can be made.
With prayer-filled wishes for the welfare of all, (Pranav Pandya)
"At this time, there is a disease that affects and does so without distinguishing borders, nationalities, skin color, or social status. And this is a great first lesson in life. He tells us — as it should — that we are all the same. We are facing a pandemic that, in order to be addressed, requires a strong sense of personal responsibility and collaboration between communities." — Corina Abdulahm Negura
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." — Mahatma Gandhi
"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness." — Edward Stanley