Sep 10, 2009, 12.00am IST
JAYA ROW.
While the rest of the world was still in the dark ages, the focus in the subcontinent began to shift from conquering the world to gaining control over the mind.
Honing of skills, whether as philosopher, musician, sportsperson or scientist was encouraged, because the acquisition of knowledge was given prime importance. The dictum seemed to be based on the concept of doing ones best. Wealth, fame and accolades might follow but the focus was on acquiring knowledge.
Excellence was not the exclusive privilege of a chosen few. Everyone was included from the most gifted to the least endowed. There were no qualifying exams, no grades to be sought, and no heartbreak over not having obtained the minimum marks. The pathway to excellence was simple.
We have two distinct entities: the mind and the intellect. The mind is the realm of emotions, impulses, likes and dislikes. The intellect is the rational, discriminating faculty. The intellect judges, discerns and distinguishes between pairs of opposites. Our actions can be driven by whims and fancies of the mind or by the clear counsel of the intellect. Impulse-led actions are weak; they lead to failure. Actions propelled by the intellect take one to success. Often the mind and intellect point in different directions. The mind might go for instant gratification. The intellect might prefer short-term pain for long-term gain. Whenever there is conflict between the two it is the intellect that ought to prevail.
Everyone is born with a distinct talent or gift. Zero in on this inner calling, your svadharma. Within the area of your core interest fix an ideal, one that soars above personal, self-centred interests and includes the well-being of society. This shift in attitude changes your life from drudgery to revelry, from indignation to inspiration. The higher the ideal, the greater is the enthusiasm and creativity.
An attitude of Whats in it for me must be replaced by an irresistible urge to serve, sacrifice, and help. It is a myth to believe that you can succeed or be happy through selfishness. When Mohandas Gandhi set aside his legal practice for service of the people he had no idea he would be regarded as a mahatma. When Muhammad Yunus established Grameen Bank for the poor women in Bangladesh he had no clue that he would become world-famous and be awarded a Nobel Prize.
Devotion comes next. Love what you do. Embrace all with a sense of oneness, not otherness. When you place a mirror before a monkey it sees a competitor, not its own image. It lashes out at the mirror. You, on the other hand, see yourself in the mirror and preen before it. You admire yourself with great joy and satisfaction. So see yourself in fellow beings. Exult in the feeling of oneness. This cleanses you of all hatred and malice. It empowers you.
Your focus must shift to that which is permanent. Then the ephemeral aspects of life cease to traumatise you. You become sagely within. You command the wealth and power of the world. But you neither depend on it nor get affected by it. You remain unfazed by the roller coaster ride of life. In the end you move to the state of enlightenment, your true nature.
The writer will speak on Bhagavad Gita Ch 8 at Kamani Auditorium, Sep 10 to 13, 6.30 to 8 p.m. All are welcome.
Visit: http://www.vedantavision.com/
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