We live in an era of competition. Not just in the form of a competitive market economy, but even in the smallest aspects of life. As humans grow rapidly in terms of science and technology, are we forgetting the meaning and essence of life itself? If so, what is the essence of life? Let us try to answer these puzzles by exploring the current happenings around us, and compare them with our idea of life itself.
Life = Career/Money?
There is absolutely no denying the fact that money and a source of earning is essential for any human being, but the question I would like to raise is quite different. Is the whole point of your college life and everything you do for the purpose of filling up your CV? Has the whole idea of education shrunk into securing a ticket at an multinational company? Now, this is not applicable to everyone, but the truth is you come across many people who believe in the above. The important question I would raise here is beyond criticising the attitude of few people, but questioning the directions of a section of people and the reason forcing them to do so. I would go to the extent of calling it an extension of the age-old attitude judging students based on the streams they choose in school—science, commerce, or humanities. I am not denying the huge importance of job-oriented courses, or professional education, but I want to make it clear that an arts education is equally, or, at times, even more important. As they say, the three levels of understanding go from ‘knowledge’ to ‘opinion’ to ‘critique’.
Coming back to the issue of a certain over-importance given to CVs and placements, it is a flawed idea, because at the end of the day long term success belongs to the better developed ‘human being’, and not to a ‘human machine’ with a CV longer than the Ganges!
Ask yourself, “What is the essence of my life?”
The Magic Of Life, And Our Forgotten Responsibility
Today, as you read through this article in a world of comforts, there are people who don’t get a day’s meal. Now, the sudden rebuttal to this comes in the form of few questions such as “What can I do?” or “How am I responsible?”. This is when it is important to remind the privileged few about their forgotten responsibility. The Mahatma once said that poverty is the worst form of violence, so isn’t it everyone’s moral responsibility to end it? Firstly, let’s try answering this question from a purely materialistic and non-religious, non-spiritual manner. Every child born in this world has an equal right to live. But this is hampered by the income disparities existing in our society, because of complex historic reasons. So, from a pure humanistic and moral view point, each one of us have a responsibility to make sure that we become part of a historic correction process. For the ones who believe in a supreme power, whatever name you may like to call it, you must take each privilege in your life as a tool of empowerment given by that supreme power to empower your fellow human beings.
Life is like a magical scroll unfolding in front of our eyes, but think about the ones who can’t enjoy its intellectual gifts because of empty stomachs! Make it a point to commit yourself to any cause you feel close to; make it a point to use your skills for the good of society, and, trust me, the sense of fulfillment from that shall be greater than the oceans of happiness you get from buying the most expensive of products!
Nature: The Forgotten Mother
From philosophy to philosophy, from place to place, from eternity, man has searched for God! Obviously I don’t have an answer to the question about where to find God, but I can tell you with the greatest conviction that if there is an expression of God, it is the Nature that surrounds us!
Our lives—every form of life—exists as a part and parcel of the life-force called Nature. Since when did our lives become separated from Nature? Why is it that the conservation of nature is a ‘separate discussion’ when we ourselves are a part of it? We have forgotten Mother Nature, and, worse, we have started to take her for granted! From the smallest plant to the richest human being, we are all part of the beautiful song composed by Nature known as Life!
Striking The Right Balance
The word that has become alien to many in today’s popular narrative is “balance”. Sadly almost all our popular narratives are filled with two opposing ideas, without the need for striking the necessary balance.
The million dollar question is can two separated narratives be done together? The answer is YES! The idea put into your head by society is this: in order to be successful, you have work 24×7. This is nothing but non-sense. Similarly, that one friend who says life is all about partying and chilling is absolute nonsense too. Now the challenge is in balancing both. Look at the most successful people in each field and you’ll see they have mastered the art of balance.
There are no hard and fast rules in life, it all depends on you! There are people who work an hour and still succeed and there are people who may work 24×7 and fail.
Don’t blindly swallow what society throws at you. Analyse your situation and take a stand! Build the life you wish to have! You are at your best when you are yourself!
A Need For Being Human Beyond Everything!
“Who are you?”
“Name”
“Place of birth”
“Religion”
“Language”
Etc., etc., etc.
“What were you really born as beyond all these categories?”
“Human!”
The above is the most important understanding required for all human beings! At the end of the day we are all humans beyond all our differences, and this needs to be kept in mind always! No division is more important than the ideology of ‘being human’. (Not the brand :P). This is a subtle message, but the single most important one I have to give!
“In the lap of Mother Nature,
beyond the tall mountains,
as the ocean waves kiss the sand,
mighty winds sing the song of life,
may the narrative of love rise,
above the narrative of hatred,
remembering the essence of life,
may the ideology of love triumph!”
You may agree or disagree with the viewpoints expressed above, but be a seeker, and don’t have judgments. Be open to new ideas, keep exploring life, and as long as you do so, you shall never forget the essence of life!