ON TEMPTATIONS

ON TEMPTATIONS

Holy Bible says: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Holy Quran: Those who purposely tempt the believers and do not repent from their evil will end up in Hell Fire.

OUR WILL POWER & TEMPTATION

Our will power is an instrument of our own making. It is combination of instincts, senses and urges and comes to our rescue whenever we are confronted with temptation of any kind – positive or negative. This way, our instincts. senses and urges  provide us resistance or otherwise we may yield to these allurements.

Our will power is an instrument of our own making. It is combination of instincts, senses and urges and comes to our rescue whenever we are confronted with temptation of any kind – positive or negative. This way, our instincts. senses and urges  provide us resistance or otherwise we may yield to these allurements.

IDEA OF WRITING ON TEMPTATION

The idea of writing about ‘temptation’ dawned on me when I was standing in a queue for waiting my turn for depositing the demonetized Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes. A total stranger came to me and offered old currency notes at 60:40 return – a bait which many must have accepted, meaning for every hundred 100 rupees, I shall gain Rs. 40. What a pity! This is an example of temptation. I introspected and refused the offer right away.

WHAT REALLY IS TEMPTATION

Importantly, temptation is the passionate or a strong urge or desire to do something or to have something which, we know, from the bottom of our heart that we should not have. doing what we should not, ethically or morally speaking, is too bad or unwise. it leads depletion  of our credit in karmic deeds. Not only the act but also the feeling for it comes in this category. The root word for it is ‘temtare’ meaning to taste. It may lead to undesirable consequences. in other words, an act which we should avoid for its ill-conceived results. Temptation leads to not only futuristic ill-effects but also reduces our will power and resolve to transact anything logically.

PERSONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPTATION

Temptation induces a person to commit sin or crime. Lure of becoming rich induces us to adopt corrupt practices to become rich through backdoor means. It is the unethical desire from where evil springs which sullies the person’s character – which when lost cannot be built again.  Temptation may also lead to break laws of the land leading to deterrent punishment. This includes committing adultery will not save us from punishment for a person for going tempted or going astray. When a person loses his practer, he loses his reputation, merits and position in the society.

When the question of temptation comes, it is based on our own misdirected desires and product of our mind hence we cannot associate God with it. He helps us remove our tendencies to any sort of inducement but funny thing is man always shifts blame for his temptations on others even knowing well that this is an exercise in futility. He, sometimes takes umbrage in medical scientific phraseology like mental sickness – psychological infirmity. This escapist attitude is moralistic and uncalled for. Fact remains, nobody or no circumstances or situations could be held responsible for our inducement to commit sin.

TEMPTATION AND ITS RELATION WITH  CURIOSITY

We should not forget that man is curious by nature. Till such time our curiosity is satiated, we remain about it. This may create temptation. Too much resistance may be sometimes sickening.  But one thing we have to keep in mind, if we yield to a particular longing, then we have to think what would be the consequence of its commission. When we yield, we will be disillusioned because it did not give us fulfillment that we anticipated. A person who is self aware and awake will not repeat but others who keep repeating the folly are ensnared by it and suffer ultimately. It is also worth mentioning that those who suppress their desire may miss to learn from the opportunity provided. Hence the persons with sagacious mindset adopt middle course. They follow the desires of the heart and their minds finds ways for acting intelligently and with awareness.

GOOD TEMPTATIONS

S0me good temptations are beneficial for us. If we strive to fulfill these sincerely, we can gain a lot. For instance, our temptation to create something unique which may be of benefit to us and the society in general.

EXAMPLES ABOUT TEMPTATION & LESSONS THEREOF

While i was a kid, we used to study a story ‘ the greedy dog’. It got a bone which he carried in his mouth. While crossing the wooden bridge, he looked down into the stream and saw his own reflection. Thinking that it was some other dog holding a bone. He growled. The reflection too growled at him. He then started barking. In this process the piece of bone fell in the water. Thus the temptation of having another bone resulted in losing his own one! There is a strong message that greed or temptation or allurement  is in essence bad.

The influence of temptation or allurement or outward attraction is so strong and irresistible that Sita Mata, the consort of lord Rama, could not resist the temptation of having a golden coloured deer.

During their stint in the exile, while Rama and Sita were sitting together and Lakshmna guarding them they saw a golden deer. Actually this beautiful deer was really a demon in disguise sent by demon king ravana. Sita Mata was so much lured by the beauty of that golden deer that she wanted to have for herself. To fulfill her wish Lord Rama pursued the deer. while Lakshmana was left to guard Sita Mata. But the deer ran away and after reaching quite a distance, the demon imitates Rama’s voice – calling for help. Lakshmana then leaves to his aid after drawing a Lakshman Rekha which none could cross except Sita. While Sita Mata was left alone. This was the time when Ravana in the disguise of a sadhu came for alms and persuaded Sita with his pep talk to cross the line. Thus she was abducted.

This way, we learn a lesson that even Lord Rama and Sita Mata could also could be lured by temptations. Normal human beings like us could also fall prey to these? But one thing is there, while outer attractiveness of allurement, sometimes is irresistible, yet before falling prey to the same we should first introspect about  the consequences.

WE KNOWINGLY ARE INDUCED TO DO AN ACT

One thing that is worth acknowledging about temptation is that we know that our act which we are not supposed to do yet we are induced to do because of weakened will power. I think it is due to unsatisfied or unfulfilled desire about a thing the influence of which far exceeds our resolve to resist. This although is subjective in nature. There are people who will not even give a cursory thought or look on an enticing thing without even an apparent effort. That is the testifying by fire. A purse lying on the way containing high denomination notes may entice one but other may not give a second thought about it and would like to hand it over to the police for restoring the same to the rightful owner.

INFLUENCE OF OTHERS  

Then there are others who are in the habit of enticing others into sinful act by deception, flattery or teasing with seductive demeanor. This may be offer of body for sex in return for money – a form of solicitation. It may also be ensnaring through blackmail which is particularly undertaken by the spies for extracting sensitive information.

Types of allurements:-

1. 
   Unfaithfulness in marriage institution.
   2. To give false witness with the intention to be rich.
   3. Covetousness /Greed For Personal Satisfaction.
   4. Act Against The Religious Beliefs without thinking about its consequences.
   5. Vile Parading Of Sex for tempting or enticing the individual.

Therefore, It could be right to conclude that temptation or allurement to which our mind gets attracted to for temporary satiety but forgetting that its long term ramification. If not checked within a short span of time, slur of temptations could ruin our character. Hence, we’ll have to cleanse vile / sinful thoughts from our system so as to desire of enticement is annihilated. This could be attained by leading a spiritual oriented life.

Meditation is the way out as enshrined in Bhagwad Gita

Yoga meditation is the process of cultivating and stabilizing the awareness of one’s real nature, through definite spiritual and psychological methods and laws by which the narrow ego, the flawed hereditary human consciousness, is displaced by the consciousness of the soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANCE OF ADAGE: SELF HELP IS THE BEST SORT OF HELP

IMPORTANCE OF ADAGE: SELF HELP IS THE BEST SORT OF HELP

SELF HELP

The Karma or action we take in hand initially

Success of our efforts really

Depends on the focus attention

We put on the job taken for fructification

With a fond aspiration and expectation

That our efforts will pay dividends ultimately

When we pay undivided concentration we put sincerely

When our efforts are rewarded with success

We get inspiration to move ahead with more vigor

But when we aspirations do not meet our expectations

Failure does not deter us from trying again against all odds

Take on the task head on with still more energy

Till our objective is achieved finally

The practice that we attain

In our sincere attempts

We make give us experiences

To face life’s challenges

And also with it, a wholesome satisfaction

That we’ve succeeded with our own potential

And, of course, with the bountiful graces of our Creator

Wherein nobody can pull us down

And we can walk with our heads held high

For none but you are in charge of your action or inaction

None but you’ll bear the brunt for skewed actions

And feeling of immense ecstasy for successful action completion.

 

SELF HELP IS THE BEST SORT OF HELP

The importance of the adage: Self help is the best sort of help actually dawned on me when one of my friends who had rendered help to me reminded me of this, but while doing so, he broke the dictum; our left hand should not know what our right hand does. Even as he was saying so, he sounded very insulting and almost abusive about the assistance he had provided when I was in need of his help. Although, time permitting and with God’s grace, I should have accomplished that task myself without his assistance but that is a different ball game altogether. I least mean by this that we should not take somebody else’s assistance, but should be very selective while taking the same lest the person concerned breaches our trust and take  cudgels in front of others! This way a thin line of trust just evaporates in thin air.

It has been proven beyond any stretch of doubt that self help is the best sort of help. God has given us the faculities and inner potentials to tide over the situation in the best possible way we can, if we sincerely try. What and how much we can achieve with self help is evident from some examples in the history. Great men achieved great things firstly with their own grit and determination and subsequently associated all others provided there was a need.

Self help could be of use if we possess self determination, believe in our inner potentials besides practical experiences in variety of topics which we confront on daily basis. It is not that we can be specialist in all the areas, but the things we can do ourselves based on  our capabilities and sincere efforts could pull us out from the quagmire. Sometimes we may fail due to quirk of luck or sometimes due to our own mistakes.

SELF HELP AND HELP FROM OUR CLOSE CONFIDANTS

In the event of any work experience deficiency or imperfection in practice, if conventional wisdom is any guide, we can take the assistance of our close confidants / nears and dears including our spouse – who are likely to be impacted on fructification of a task and whose destinies are closely knit with our own.  Or better still, now a days, goods and services, including knowledge/know how of any sort could be procured online and other sources on payment basis, therefore, relying on relatively unfamiliar person or unreliable person of suspect nature / atitude is of no use. This is to avoid any future embarrassment which may impact our self esteem and that too for a task we can do on our own!            

SELF HELP BY THE BODY OF PERSONS/CITIZENS TO BUILD UP A COUNTRY

Essentially, self help is not merely limited or related to individual(s). Self help could be in relation to a country and its people. Their steadfast resolve and determination in the face of dire natural emergencies or other impediments pull them out of emergent situations. For instance, if a country is in need of hardware / software for improvement of its information technology or when a country is not self reliant in weaponry, that country could be blackmailed into submission by the countries having the same by not supplying the needed war materials when there is emergent need. If that country has become self sufficient to an extent, it could manage its affairs with aplomb. In this self help is of immense help.

In India, who can forget the Bengal famine of 1943 when four million people lost their lives due to hunger owing to shortage of food. The hoarders were also responsible for this disaster. Subsequently, during 1967 to 1978 concerted efforts were made to increase the farm area, double cropping practice gained currency, use of fertilizer besides use of seeds with high yield. Thus self help of Indians as a unit helped the country to gain self sufficiency in food. Now, besides meeting its requirements, India is exporting food grains to other countries!

Who does not know the shining example of Holland now Netherland. This is indicative of the fact that there is no limit to our achievement, if we have resolute will power and sense of purpose. The people of this country have shown what people unitedly could achieve provided they have willingness to achieve. Most of the area of this country has been claimed from the sea i.e. It is man-made. The self help story of Holland masses is based on the love/hate relationship that they had with the sea water –  being 7 metres at the lowest point. The people, with their self help attitude and expertise, protected themselves from the sea. This shining example shows us how self help could help not merely on individual basis but on country basis too. This also proves that with firm conviction, even hardest tasks could be accomplished!

SELF HELP COULD BRING ABOUT HUGE DIVIDENDS WITH POSITIVE COOPERATION FROM OTHERS

It is also a practical reality that living demands relationships. For fulfillment of our needs, we essentially require others contribution(s) in order to fulfill various goals of our life – may be on the basis of give and take or on the basis of payment for others’ services. Human nature is to seek information from variety of sources. This may be in the form of knowledge (it may be academic or spiritual, training in some skill development 0to improve our productivity and capability. In all these, our individual sincere efforts in gaining know-how counts much.

Looking after oneself is our prime responsibility, others assistance, if needed comes later on. We help others due to our personal understanding, out of love and empathy. But helping others to win brownie points is not logically correct.

FOR SELF HELP IS OF USE DUE TO FOLLOWING FACTORS:-

 

• Self help could save us from future blushes.

 

• It enhances self belief.

 

• It enhances our self esteem.

 

• It could provide us opportunity to undergo variety   of practical experiences – both failure and success.

 

• WHEN STUCK, WE CAN AVAIL SOMEBODY ELSE’S EXPERTISE FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF OUR GOAL – OUR EGO SHOULD NOT COME IN THE WAY FOR THIS.

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GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY (PRAKASH DIVAS) ON 14TH NOVEMBER 2016 (OUR HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON GURU NANAK DEV JI’S PRAKASH DIVAS )

GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY (PRAKASH DIVAS) ON 14TH NOVEMBER 2016
(OUR HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON GURU NANAK DEV JI’S PRAKASH DIVAS )

GURU NANAK DEV JI’S PRAKASH DIVAS – A HOLY DAY TO REMEMBER

Guru Ji, through His preaching, changed our lives to perfection
Purb / Parva – a Sanskrit word meaning celebration
Factually, life is a festival (Purb) of highest order
It may be on the occasion of some festivals
Or on the anniversary of supreme sacrifices
To uphold commoners’ causes
Or Prakash Utsavs
A Day of Enlightenment considered in admiration by us.

On the most auspicious full moon day – Pooranmashi
At a village named Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi
Now known as Nanakana Sahib
In the month of Kartik
15th day of April in the year 1469
When our most revered Baba Nanak Ji was born
To father Baba Kalu & Mother Tripta
No one but our beloved Akalpurakh (Lord)
His observable mission for this Special Messenger
Of spreading ‘IK NAAM’S’ pious Message
And that such a person will make huge difference
For causes most dear to the society in general
Indeed a Shining Star on the horizon!
Observance of holy days and celebration of anniversaries
Linkage of which is an important feature
Of the Sikhs & the ones who believe in (Khalas) purity
Way of living now or in future with certainty
Gurupurb lasts for three days
A pious Akhand Path in all Gurudwaras
With organization of Nagarkirtans
Procession (Kirtni Jatha) is led by Pious Fives (Panj Piyaras)
With Holiest Sri Guru Granth Sahib kept on the Palanquin
Hymns from It purifies the environsthe most
Spreading Its Message – the most fragrant
Far and wide making the gentry mesmerized
Gatka Parties displaying their artistry
With their traditional weapons.

On the Gurupurb Day Diwan
Starts early in the morning hours
With Asa-di-Var
And hymns from Guru Granth Sahib are sung
Followed by discourses and prayers (Ardas)
And finally Prashadha in lines (Pangat)
By the devout (Sangat)
Called Langar served to all alike
People share it with great reverence
And make this day; a day to reminisce.

O! our Babaji – the most benevolent of all
Our earnest prayer to Thee our beloved One
Let the spirit of this day
Remain echoing in our memory
Spreading Thy Universal Message
Of Uniting the Humans without bias
And ridding society of all ills and malice
Engendering brotherly feelings amongst all.

GURU NANAK DEV JI & HIS TEACHINGS / SUFFERINGS UNDERGONE BY THE MESSENGERS OF GOD AND ENLIGHTENING THEREOF

Guru Nanak Gurpurb, also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm by all those who know about His contribution to the humanity in general. He was born on 15th April 1469 at Rai Bhoi-di-Talwandi of Shekhopura now in Pakistan. His life spans from 1469 – 1539 A.D. History is the guide to tell us that during this period many of the spiritualistic, cultural and progressive ideas came to the fore and fructified owing to the proactive role of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The following observable changes occurred:-

• The universal message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was to reach a common understanding through dialogue and carry all along by understanding others viewpoints.
• The old dogmas and unnecessary rituals prevailing amongst the masses gave place to progressive ideas. Service (Seva) and prayers (Simran) should be given more credence.
• Propagated the idea of goodwill and welfare of all without bias.
• Insisted that everybody should be truthful in words and deeds.
• Resulted in intellectual and spiritual renaissance of the masses.
• Humanism was given more importance with the idea that human beings are considered good or bad according to the deeds and not on the basis of birth.
• Religion should create harmony and not hurdles in the path of masses.
• Complete surrender to the will of God for spiritual forward march.
• He taught the philosophy of ONE GOD.
• Bad traits such as ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust should be shunned from our midst.
• We should always be in the quest/pursuit of knowledge for our enlightenment. Knowledge helps us to attain salvation too.

The Holy Gurbani is a sacred treasure and has universal appeal, every verse (shaloka) while recited suffuses and fills with fragrance in the environment it is spoken and cures the illness of our soul. Almost all the prayers are in the praise of our Akalpurakh in one form or other.

For Example: Gun Biant Kimat Nahi Pae!! Nanak Jis Bhavai! Tis Lae Malae!

Endless are His virtuous qualities; His worth cannot be appraised. O Nanak, one who pleases Him is united with Him.

This is the holiest day in the history of Sikhism. It is celebrated not only by Sikhs but also by all those who believe in His Holy Words. Akhand Path, non-stop recitation from Guru Granth Sahibji, Asa Di Var (Collection of 24 Stanzas written by the revered Guruji). Gurdwaras are specially decorated tastefully on this occasion. Devout pay respectful tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Devji and remember His contributions for the spiritual upliftment of the common masses and rid them from unnecessary rituals that prevailed.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s premise was that those who do not know the true meaning of scriptures, cannot differentiate between good and bad; are steeped in egocentric pursuits. These people are verily the ignorant ones. There is no exaggeration in saying that main thrust of Guru Ki Bani is to remove ignorance, superstition and complex customs bedeviling the masses This also helped in spreading the message of goodwill besides engendering brotherly feelings amongst them without bias. Guru Nanak’s stellar contribution is the wellbeing of the humanity as a whole and for the spread of this message He travelled length and breadth of our country and abroad.

On this day Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) which are taken from the Gurdwaras in the early morning itself and cover almost all the lanes and bye lanes in the vicinity. People sing hymns in His glory in this procession.

All the incarnations Messengers of God suffered. They suffered so that we may learn lesson for a peaceful co-existence between all humans:

–
• Guru Nanak Preaching are more relevant now than ever:

While pains and sufferings are the part and parcel of our life but when it is inflicted by ourown brethren then it still more painful. What has been happening around the world now is nothing but painful. Guru Nanak has himself mentioned this “Unto whom should I tie up and give the bundle of my pains? The whole world is overlowing with pain and suffering. Where-ever I see loads of pain and suffering.” Guru Nanak traversed lengths and breadths of India and in the foreign lands, so he mentioned about the ‘pain across the globe. This pain and suffering could be ameliorated through meditation, he mentioned. “Remembering Him in meditation, a profound peace is obtained. Oaub and suffering will not touch you at all – remain in the sanctuary of God and no pain and suffering will ever touch you at all.

All the humans are our Creator’s creations but they are born under different circumstances and different conditions and different locations. But from the same LIGHT we are created. Then why people we interpret scriptural inscription differently. It really pains me immensely.

• Prophet Mohammad suffered immensely at the hands of his opponents in Makkah and in other place like Al-Tayf and Madina who knew His exceptional intelligence and integrity.Although he was bestowed with very good business, a happy family and helpful relatives yet he preferred the path of pains and sufferings. His opponents raised every conceivable hurdles in His path but he did not care about His sufferings but wiped off the tears of others though He was called ‘lying renegade’. Madina Although like Christ, He forgave them and followed a Allaha ordained path for the welfare of mankind.
•
• Jesus Christ preached the importance of having compassion for our fellow beings. He taught that kindhearted feeling should be there even for our enemies, Jesus was born in 7 – 2 BC and was crucified in 30-33 AD in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. He was born in Nazareth, Galilee to Parents Marry & Joseph. During his life time too he had to suffer at the hands of opponents on one pretext or other.

The Supreme Lord sends His Messengers on this earth to spread His Message. His teachings are so relevant that there is a definitive imprint of His teachings on the psyche of people and that is why His influence remains centuries after centuries. Those sincere devotees who have attained certain level of spirituality can see the Divine Vision.

Christ preached forgiveness and mercy. He even forgave those who harmed him immensely. No ill-feelings for anyone absolutely that is the message given:

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus was the one who had won victory against material consciousness. He exists in the hearts and minds of His followers. He said, ‘I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me.’ Christians including numberless others who have indomitable belief in His preaching shun delusions and follow His ideals. His presence is felt through his teachings. Those who have self realization know that in every speck of cosmos Christ Consciousness exists but only those who have vision can experience this. Christ Consciousness is a part of Cosmic Consciousness should never be lost sight of by us humans.

His teachings are so exhaustive, yet, if we care to follow the ones mentioned below, we can make our life sublime.

• Krishna – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who appeared on this earth as the Avtar (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) more than 5,000 years ago had to put put up with so many pains and sufferings firstly at the hands of Demon King Kamsa (the most demonist of all Bhoja dynasty. Subsequently faced evils in the form of demons like Trnavarta, Bakasura, Aghasura, Dhenuksura, Pralambasura, Kesi in the form of horse, besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave and finally besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave. So much so was he disturbed by the demons that for the safety of his subjects he had to established his abode at Dwarka suffused with fortification etc. In Mahabharta, Lod Krishna played a stellar role in annihilation of evil in the form of Dhritrashtra and his sons especially Dharyodhna/ Though the battle between Kauravas and Pandavas took a heavy toll yet truth won and evil perpetuated and pampered by Kauravas was destroyed ultimately.

• Lord Rama an epitome of Dharma and peace. He was to be carbonated as King of Ayodhya but had to go for exile for 14 long years. During exile, he killed many demons who disturbed the hermits in their meditation. His consort Sita was abducted with deception by demon king Ravana who represented evil. There was a ferocious battle between the two armies of Lord Rama and Ravana where evil of Ravana was defeated.
• Lord Budha who epitomized non-violence and peace throughout his life and spread his message of fair-play and tolerance through his disciples too faced many hurdles initially from his opponents while spreading the message of love and affection. Even his death is death after consuming a special delicacy offered by his generous host, the remains of which was buried.

It goes to show that our most revered ones suffered at the hands of their opponents then what we are? We should actually learn lessons out of their sufferings / sacrifices and live joyously and with empathy.

Profound lessons that we human should get from the Messengers and God incarnations.

We woefully opine that we are suffering pains at the hands of our opponents (those who do not agree to our viewpoints) just conveniently forgetting the untold sufferings undergone by the Messengers of God. Following should never be forgotten while dealing with each others.

• The world of ours is in constant struggle between good and evil. This is due to thrusting our opinionson others forcefully and consequent struggle. Then differing people resort to disproportionate violence result in loss of precious lives. No religion recommends this.

• There is a fight between the truth and falsehood. This difference may be due to different interpretation of scriptures but basic thrust of all religious scriptures is good of humanity as a whole without bias and feelings of compassion, empathy, cooperation, brotherhood and goodwill to be encouraged between all humans.

• There are those who are oppressor and those who are oppressed. The oppressor should introspect about his/her origin and should never identify himself/herself different from others.

• Bad things could happen to good ones. This is a fact, bad things have happened to the good people but when this injustice should stop and message of goodness that is codified in all the religious texts made applicable in letter and spirit? The sooner this happens the better for the humanity as a whole. No human loss please.

• We should never forget that we have a common Creator meaning we are commonly related to our Him. Then why bloodletting for temporary gain – a gain which pains even our Creator!

• All the main scriptures exhort us for co-existing with mutual cooperation and with goodwill then why misunderstanding and killing? Where all this will lead the humanity?

• Be that as it may, lets forget our small small differences and live as creation created by our ONE Creator.

• THE MESSAGE OF COMMUNAL HARMONY THAT GURU NANAK DEV JI EXHIBITED SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY ALL THE SOCIETIES SO AS TO REMOVE THE DISCRIMINATION IN THE SOCIETIES. HE HAD HIS DISCIPLES FROM HINDU AND MUSLIM – A CLEAR MESSAGE OF COMMUNAL HARMONY WHICH IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR.

IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIFE.

IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIFE.

In Bible, it has been said: For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
In Holy Quran it has been said: …do not give preference (to your own words and deeds) above those of Allah and His Messenger (the Prophet Muhammad, blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny).

Bhagwan Sri Krishna Said about Self Discipline : Meditation Yoga.
One who does his prescribed work without any desire for its fruits is a sanyasin, he is a yogi.By not lighting the sacred fire and by not performing any work one does not become a yogi.

DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIFE

DISCIPLINE IS FOLLOWING DO’S AND DON’TS IN DAILY ROUTINES
WITH ETHICAL, MORAL AND RATIONAL STANDPOINTS
ITS MAIN AIM IS TO IMPROVE OURSELVES
THROUGH PERSISTENT TRAINING AND CONTINUOUS PRACTICE
WHILE LEARNING A SKILL BEING TAKEN IN HAND
A STRICT REGIMEN OF SET RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE NEEDED
SO THAT WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED IS SUCCESSFULLY FRUCTIFIED
FOR THAT ORDERLINESS IS WOEFULLY NEEDED
NOT MERELY IN THE LIVES OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN PARTICULAR
BUT ALSO IN THE SOCIETY IN GENERAL

FOR PREVENTING CHAOS AND CONFUSION IN THE SOCIETY
BECAUSE THE RULES AND NORMS ARE MADE CHIEFLY
TO BE FOLLOWED WITH A SPIRIT OF BRINGING ORDER IN THE SOCIETY.
THOSE WHO FAIL TO OBEY IN EARNEST
THE SET RULES ARE HANDED OUT PUNISHMENTS
ACCORDING TO THE SEVERITY OF breach OF DISCIPLINE.
DISCIPLES IN GURUKULS OF ANCIENT INDIA
USED TO ASSIDUOUSLY FOLLOW THE RULES OF HERMITAGE
INFRINGEMENT OF WHICH ENTAILED HEAVY CHASTISEMENT.

DISCIPLINE AND DISCIPLE ARE INTERCONNECTED IN EVERY WAY
DISCIPLES FOLLOWED DISCIPLINE, SO DEVISED
FOR ENSURING ORDERLY CONDUCT OF TRAINING AND PREACHING, SO REQUIRED.
EVEN MOTHER NATURE FOLLOWS SET RULES
AND IF THOSE RULES ARE BROKEN BY ANY LIVING BEINGS
SHE IS UNSPARING IN ITS retribution
IN THE FORM OF EARTHQUAKE, tsunami, ST0RMS WITHOUT ANY DISCRIMINATION.

THE ROOT AND MEANINGS OF DISCIPLINE

The root word for discipline is discipulus or disciple (a Latin word) – a follower who works in conformity within the ambit of certain set rules and regulations/conventions in order to disciplining the individuals. Those who do not obey the rules and regulations are punished or penalized according to the crime committed. Alternatively, the person concerned may be pardoned, if later on he is found not to have broken rules.

In our life, we’re constrained to perform some vocation or evocation in order to eke out a living according to our professional knowledge or skill, attained through training, activity, following some rules or conventions. Nothing tangible could be achieved without any modicum of discipline.

Even persons with huge reservoir of knowledge have to act in a disciplined manner lest they use their know-how in a fit of egocentric bent of mind which may prove as an exercise in futility.

HUMANS AND DISCIPLINE

Amongst all the God’s creations, humans are bestowed with power of discrimination. All other living beings, animals and birds do not observe proper system and way of life to meet different contingencies. Proper norm of behaviour is a must for living a purposeful life. This calls for high sense of discipline and order. For optimum result, some system is required. The rules of proper behaviour and living righteously are needed. The birth and death continues if we have karmic debt.

DISCIPLINE IN OUR DOMESTIC LIFE

A set of self imposed rules are to be maintained in the family so that the value system is inculcated in the offspring. It is also the responsibility of the elders in the family to transfer traditional modes of behaviour. This ought to be done in disciplined manner so as to establish virtuous behaviour in the children. I happened to come across a couple along with their two children, a girl and a boy, sudying in 2nd and 1st standards. I observed both he parents and their children during my train journey from Jammu to Delhi. I felt a nice mix of the best inculcation of value system enmeshed in very good personal behaviour by the children, observation of personal hygiene including keeping their place neat and tidy, clarity and sweetness in language spoken not merely with their parents but also with us etc. And to top it all, whenever the children went astray, they were given chance to mend and that too by giving easy to follow examples. A high degree of disciple in the children was obviously is essentially the direct result of good value system which the parents had imbibed from their respective parents. Hats off to these disciplined parents. An epitome of discipline indeed!

DISCIPLINE IN ARMED FORCES

A soldier has to undergo different courses in order to toughen himself physically, mentally and emotionally for the purpose of making him a disciplined military professional. This professionalism is attained by undergoing different weapon training and then prove his worth when that training, so undergone, is tested under various conditions which determines his expertise. All this is not an easy task as we imagine. A strict discipline of body (proper diet, proper drill or exercise or Yogic posture regime to make him agile and active), then in order to accept any challenge to work under duress one has to psychologically and mentally harden oneself.

An excellent disciplined soldier obeys the order of his superiors without qualm or asking question. Also, whenever there is a whiff of indiscipline in the armed forces, due punishment and corrective measures are initiated for infusing discipline in the services. Thus rigors of training helps make them as a disciplined personnel.

DISCIPLINE STRENGTHENS ACTIONS AND RESULTS THEREOF

With discipline, we can create appropriate situations and conditions with proper but disciplined thinking and action thereof and bring about results we want; of course with God’s grace. While enforcing discipline, we should take care that it is not excessively imposed. It could prove counterproductive – it could destroy creativity, freedom of action and expression besides living a life full of joy.

DISCIPLINE MEANS CONDUCTING ONESELF WITHIN THE CONFINES OF RULES OF LIVING

Discipline is observance of proper rules of conduct, behavour and in order by proper training and self regulation. For this to be reality, we have to do everything possible to be a true disciple first and observe the rules most carefully. While observing the rules of conduct and order, we should not disregard creativity, zeal and jest while being discipline.

RELIGION AND DISCIPLINE

In the olden times, kings and prominent personages used to send their wards to hermitages or Gurukuls as disciples to variou sages / gurus for acquiring knowledge, learning various skills (both in weaponry and old religious texts, Vedic studies etc) and disciplining them according to the capabilities and picking level of the disciple under the expert direction of a Guru. Meaning disciple (learner) and discipline (imparted by Guru) are closely linked.

In religions, when different voices are being heard, god sends his messenger to bring about modicum of order and spread the message of wisdom. It could be said that if there is no discipline, even the religious teachings and preaching will lose their substance or relevance. In religious prayers and meditations, we have to observe some discipline so as to ensure connectivity with god and remove ignorance. All the karmic deeds or misdeeds essentially are basically due to our thoughts. All the jobs we have to transact in a disciplined manner for optimum results.

Every religion has its own code of conduct in following the practice of connectivity with our creator. But one thing is sure, all follow stringent discipline in prayer and meditation etc. There are some religions in which there is practice of self-mortification or self-degradation as an device to punish oneself for forgiveness for resorting to some unethical behaviour.

DISCIPLINE IN FORMAL INSTITUIONSIn order to make studies or learning a beneficial exercise to attain knowledge in the stream one wants to study, it is paramount that a proper and disciplined methodology is followed . Lopsided and unorganized studies or in haphazard learning process will not bring us much dividends. There is also the instrument of reward and punishment in schools for those who do not studies as per rules.

DISCIPLINE AT WORK PLACE

The organizations work, in a disciplined manner, under laid down rules and conventions. Anybody breaking these rules is punished in accordance with the degree of transgression. This is also with an intention of bringing in better work culture. True management and discipline are interrelated. Former cannot achieve much without the active assistance of latter.

DISCIPLINE WHILE GETTING RID OF BASE HABITS

Sometimes we are lured into bad habits such as smoking, drinking, gambling, and other bad habits leading to adversely affecting our health and wellbeing. We have to have maintain constant restrain so as to curb these habits and ultimately leave them for good. This is easily said than done but if strict discipline is exercised there is nothing which cannot be left.

• For cultivating proper attitude, we have to discipline ourselves

• In order to ensure that our mind works in sync with proper order, we have to observe some norms and regulations.

• Discipline in good conduct for maintaining of our character which is important for us all

• Excessive discipline leads to anarchy. In the past we have the example of people turning any people.

• Too much of discipline is enemy of creativity, humour and in turn creates extreme pride and ego in the individual which is obviously very harmful both for the individual and the society.