SELF CRITICISM
God’s creations are really unique
Some are the powerhouses of knowledge
While others having the just ordinary origin
With their self critical & analytical mindset
And self introspection with sincerity
Know their weaknesses and strengths aplenty
Try getting rid of their weaknesses
With self will and inner prowess
They invented things
Thus changing the lives of humans
Amongst them is Newton
The celebrated master in physics
Chemistry and astronomy – so to say
But being the son of a simple farmer!
Graham Bell the inventor of telephone
Which changed the concept of connectivity
Which today we all flaunt with pride
While Konrad Zuse invented first computer
Which could be programmed
Thomas Savery invented the steam engine
Camera by celebrated Joseph Nicephse
Sewing machine by a French – simple tailor!
But those who fret and fume at criticism
Just fail to make perceptible mark in life
And end up incognito
Such is the name of the game called self criticism.
SELF CRITICISM FOR OUR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
More often than not whenever somebody criticises us on something or points a finger at us; we itch for paying that individual back in the same coin or may be with more ferocity and try twist somebody’s arm of that individual. It goes to show that we tend to be very touchy and think ourselves holy cow as far as our criticism is concerned.
We are aware that humans are endowed with the unique trait of differentiation. But sometimes this characteristic is not used judiciously partly due to excessive ego or entrapped / enslaved by some psychological deformities or habits like intoxicants or lust which is not easy to be ridden easily. It is through self criticism /self introspection spelling out our weak and strength dispassionately that we can get rid of these weaknesses. Here inner power will make it possible to eradicate these evils.
Self Criticism and Self Realization
Mental and physical abnormalities could be cured through self realization through self appraisal/self analysis and then attack bad characteristics which are slowly but surely eating the vitals of our body and soul besides these defects are playing havoc with our happiness and further march in spiritual life. The psychological deformities could only be cured through inner strength which could be cultivated by leading a worthwhile life bereft of negative trait like greed; anger; covetousness; deceit; etc and that is meaningfully attained through self realization. Spirituality is the answer to all the drawbacks that an individual is having. Will power is the cosmic energizer in true sense of terms. This cosmic energy is not acquired from the physical body but from the invisible source (our God). The true nature of our ‘self’ is attained if there is coordination between body and spirit. And this all could be attained if we know SELF fully. This self could be made purified by taking in all the bitter pills of criticisms from ourselves; from others with an intention that those who ctiticise us are not our enemies but our well wishers. Also those who gloss over/ignore our weaknesses are our enemies.
It should always be kept in kind that we always learn from criticism and not from appreciation. Sometimes self confession too serves the purpose. This sincere confession of a fault-line / drawback at the Altar gives a spiritual twist.
A person afflicted with self destructive bad tendencies hallow us from within us consequently sapping our inner energy in the process. Now at this critical juncture what is the solution which offers us the way out. It is merely self criticism that is to point out things or single out things which are taking us to self destructive course every second. We have to attack our own beliefs; thoughts; behaviour; actions and deeds; actions and reactions thereof; etc.
All sorts of learning could be meaningful only if we use that learning in the day to day life. A knowledge which has no applicability is no knowledge at all. If somebody points out our fault; then we should take it as a healthy criticism. Criticism may seem unwholesome initially but it has wholesome results ultimately. Subjecting the gold into fire intensively results in removing the last shred of impurity from it. It could be termed as baptized by fire. It is just like taking a bitter pill for removing the dormant disease in our body. Following a percept at hand with critical thought makes it possible for us to chaff out the ill-conceived thoughts and fill the empty portion with healthy and wholesome thoughts; which are better both for individual concerned and the people around him.
An organisation which critically appraises the status of the project at hand and tightens up the nuts and bolts loosened during the interim period that are found out could improve the chances of its success. Similarly a Government which makes mid-term appraisal of plan at hand for its execution and sees what steps are required to improve upon the performance meets with success ultimately. Policy paralysis with no control results in complete breakdown of the country. Even now there are some countries who encourage self-criticism for giving overall health/fillip of the country concerned country.
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INNER THOUGHTS 