SIGNIFICANCE OF VALUE SYSTEM

VALUE OF VALUE SYSTEM

For living a life of significance

With all our slip-ups nipped in the bud with full all patients

By aspiring for a code of conduct

With the experiences we get

From the daily routines done presently

And the incidents experienced in the days gone by

Which remain etched in our memory

And keep guiding us

To follow those thoughts and actions

Which are in sync with the norms and obligations

Set by the society for a civilized and orderly living

Some of value systems are transformed by the family we are born

From historical perspectives and socio-cultural traditions

Followed presently for evolution of civilization

Then also by democratic values of  thoughts of liberty of thoughts and expression

Strides in scientific temper and modern values thereto have helped improvisation

And mitigation of masses’ all round condition

By elimination of rampant paradoxes and superstition,

Innovation in transportation and media communication

Has really helped dissemination of information

Globalization has blurred the boundaries internationally

Spiritual values give religious insights into higher values and their application

Of positive thoughts of empathy, righteousness, and compassion

Besides indomitable belief on Supreme Consciousness

Through truthfulness and sincere meditation

This way we stand firm what relationship creations

Has by our Creator.

All mixed together make universal values a living reality

Higher values help maintenance of harmonious relationship a possibility

Helping us for mutual admiration for each others culture and values followed traditionally.

PURSUIT OF VALUE SYSTEM.

In the morning hours, while passing through junior wing of our school, I observed that some decoration pieces had fallen from the stand on which these were placed. The students were going to their respective classes even trampling those decoration pieces. Suddenly, I saw a small girl picking those decoration pieces and putting them at their proper places. She even took the assistance of her friends in the group. I mentioned this to one of the teachers who also appreciated this act of hers. I take this as a value learned from the parents or peer group. In our daily life, we are in tearing hurry to transact our personal business without caring what is happening around us – thinking that it does not concern us! This is travesty of fact, a fact which is considered as lowest in value system rung.   

There are no two opinions that values are man-made and need based too. Values considered good for particular community may not be considered good by the other community. For instance there are the communities who teach their children how to steal from the childhood itself. But stealing is considered as a crime by the land of the land. Then what our soldiers are trained for is another example of particular value – to safeguard the integrity of the country even by making supreme sacrifice. Here too values differ. It goes to show that there are some values which are required to be followed as a member of a particular region or society and there are some values which are considered respected in the country we live besides there are values which have universal appeal.

Whatever we do, we should do that with full consciousness or awareness. In that awareness, we should let love to dwell in us, without worrying about whether our act is according to the set values or not because whatever is done in sound awareness can hardly be wrong. Thus awareness and love are more essential. A practice being followed or learned over a period of time or randomly done gets into our habit or behaviour is value based.

The moral principles and values originated as code of conduct to mould human behaviour as a response to given situation. These have been gleaned from the chapters of history of the past and based on the experiences we formulate new sets of values suiting our timeline. This code of conduct helps us in fulfilling our objectives and help shape our destinies according to present requirements.

HOLY QURAN DECLARES: And the believers, men and women, are friends of another. They enjoined good and forbid evil and observe Prayer and pay the Zakaat and obey ALLAH and HIS Messenger. It is these on whom ALLAH will have mercy. Surely, ALLAH is Mighty and Wise.

Essentially,  for a civilized and organized society, it is important that the people observe some code of conduct brought about during the passage of time along with experiences gained during that period. The moral principles and values observed moulds the human behaviour. Study of historical perspective and ancient philosophies make huge impression on human evolution.

Human values have drawn their inspiration from various sources in the course of history besides spiritualism, philosophy and religion, socio-cultural traditions have been the predominant determinants for formulating the basic human values through different period of evolution of human civilization. Some of these are given as under:-

• HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND ITS AFFECTS ON CULTURAL VALUES.. Historical perspective play a dominant role in ascertaining the norms of behavior and values practiced at particular period of time. Codified history influences the present thinking and affects the societies in general. For example, in the medieval period is known to have associated with Islamic influence and rule in India. It went almost for three centuries including Mughal Empire who first of all invaded India and then adopted India as their own. The culture and value system they brought with them got assimilated in India itself and enriched Indian culture and tradition. Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (Ganga-Yamuna Culture) which is effusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures.
• PHILOSOPHIES PROPOUNDED BY RENOWNED PHILOSOPHERS. Ancient philosophers contributed much for the present times as far as culture, tradition and values are concerned. For example contributions of renowned philosophers like John Loke (father of liberalism), Thomas Aquinas (Advocate of existence of God), Confucius (Advocated natural morality), Descartes (father of modern philosophy), Plato (Believed that there must be some power for the creation of universe),Aristotle (He wrote about abstract or concrete philosophy) etc. All these Western philosophers among others including those oriental Indians philosophies have contributed immensely to the cultural ethos and moral, ethical and cultural values of the world.
• EXPERIENCES GAINED DURING PASSAGE OF TIME FIRM UP CODE OF CONDUCT THUS MOLDING THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE PEOPLE.
• DEMOCRATIC VALUES. Democratic principles of liberty, freedom to elect governments of choice, freedom of expression, revision of incentives for democratization of thoughts are the main determinants of human values which help in evolution of higher values and virtuous life held dear by the people.
• VALUE SYSTEM MAKE HUMANS HUMANE. The distinction between human beings is the richness of value system one possesses among other basic modes of behaviour (ethical, moralistic, spiritualistic etc) which everybody should possess for a sublime and civilized living. A person could have higher value system in one field but could have lower value system in other field of activity. The index of value system is the richness in beliefs, faiths and norms of behaviour being followed by the society.

Lord Jesus modeled this core value when He uttered, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

• POLITICAL VALUE SYSTEM. It has been observed that now-a-days politics is more or less bereft of values systems. The political parties and its leader publish manifestos for their respective parties but when they win the election, they woefully forget the promises made to the people. By their unethical acts they stoop to lower ladder of value system in political arena.
• RELIGIOUS VALUE SYSTEM. By following the religious teachings in various scriptures, the proponents / followers of religions follow these religious preaching and seek god’s connectivity. Those who follow religious philosophies without reservation and without diluting these teachings, get higher values in life. A person with higher religious values is rich in spiritualism with all the positive traits such as empathy, compassion etc which inspire us for meditation which is beneficial for our soul and provides us occasion to have indomitable belief on god. With this value system, we can stand for what we believe in relation to religion and spiritualism. Religious value too stresses maintenance of harmonious relationships with followers of religions other than ones own.

The VEDIC Value system enlightens us  about:  Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Maternal possession), Kama (Desire), Shivam (Supreme Consciousness and goodness),Sundram  (beauty), Satyam (Truthfulness),

• FINANCIAL VALUE SYSTEM. We require money in order to meet our various needs which we call material possessions for a comfortable living. For this, we have to work sincerely. If we earn this finance by adopting sincere and legitimate methods then it falls in the category of economic high value system. If we earn through some corrupt or ulterior means then it is low value system.
• SOCIAL VALUE SYSTEM. Social values are the ones which we learn from our family initially and then friends and environment in which we live. Social etiquette include learning social obligations, to live in harmony with others obeying all the civic rules, obeying social norms held dear by the society for concord and cooperation. Social values learned helps us in imbibing positive relations with fellow beings and shun antisocial and behaviour which is anti-thesis of social norms.
• ETERNAL VALUES ARE ABSOLUTE, REAL, it is pure consciousness, pure perception, pure knowledge, gives pure knowledge (ananda), bliss or everlasting happiness, eternal peace, exalted values and are eternal in nature. These values are like the light of the sun which gives energy to all the objects.

 

ON PROMISES MADE AND FULFILLED

PROMISES MADE AND FULFILLED

It is a proven reality

As stark as a day

Nothing works in isolation indeed

Since with cooperation, we succeed

For that we take others assistance

Sometimes from our nears and dears ones

And other times from rank outsiders

To carry us through

In thick and thin

By fulfilling sincere promises made with others

This way we pay back the way we take from others in sincerity

And make good the promises made earnestly

In the fixed period of time, as undertaken

Thus fructifying the promises made

Thus putting an indelible stamp of our honesty

Which carries us through in whatever venture we put our hands on.

If promises are broken

Then the sacredness of our pledge goes bust

Then main casualty is the trust

Between the parties concerned

And fact remains,trust once broken is never retrieved

Like glass-ware into piece broken

Cannot be united again.

 

ON PROMISES MADE TO BE KEPT

First of all, when we pledge somebody for something, it means we give our genuine word for fructification of that promise with all the sincerity at our command.  The promise given maybe for meeting somebody’s urgent need, here timeline for fulfilling that promise may also be kept in mind. Promise is not only with others but also with individual himself/herself too. It may be for maintaining sound health and well-being by observing cogent and well-meaning health rules as diet control; need for regular exercise to keep our body healthy on daily basis and need for spiritual forward march and principles to be followed on daily basis. For all these to be fructified, we extract a promise from ourselves for all round development; physical, mental and spiritual. In other words, promises could be used in general sense as well.

The need of writing this write up arose when one of my known friends could not pay the money on time as promised resulted in verbal duet firstly, then a permanent friction between the two families finally court case thereafter.

Sometimes I feel dismayed by the behavior of some of known or even rank strangers when it comes to carrying out promises. It may be innocently made promises to friends and well wishers but also well meaning promises impinging / impacting on our lives of many besides affecting emotions on the long run.

BIBLE STRESSES US TO FULFILL PROMISE: If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

PROMISES TO BE MADE WITH OTHERS

We can make promises to be fulfilled so that others trust us and the business of this world as a whole functions. For instance, we take loan from banks or other individuals to meet our emergent needs and for that we promise to repay that loan within a fixed time-frame. If we are unable to comply with these promises, it results in various upshots according to the terms and conditions of the loan formalities. When promises are not made good to pay back, as promised, then we’ve to face the music. This happened in case of business tycoon Vijay Mallya, who duped the Banks and did not pay back the loan to the tune of Rs. 9000  Crores and fled the country.

The need for writing this write up also necessitated when I came to know the truth about reneged promise which can doom the life of a family.

There is a couple in our locality had three sons already besides one daughter but with the birth of fifth issue, it was becoming difficult for the couple to make both ends meet besides meeting expenditure on schooling etc. Also, with no source of income other than income from a small tea stall.

This couple, out of necessity, approached a renowned and venerated priest to help them find a suitable couple who could adopt their son as their own so that somebody from a good family background could bring up their fifth progeny as their own. At the same time, the couple solemnly promised in front of the priest and congregation that they will not have any right on their son after they have lawfully handed over their son to the suitable couple.

Afterwards, a suitable couple was shortlisted by the priest. This couple is honest, very religious, compassionate and known for their broad mindedness besides were not having any issue of their own since their marriage.

It so happened that I had some commitment in one of the sections in our organization, both the employees there, otherwise very good-mannered, dedicated and committed ones, were reluctant to talk to me; leave aside welcoming me to their office. When I insisted about the cause of their predicament, they were reluctant to come out with their elucidation. I imagined that something serious has transpired.

On my persistence about the real reason about their dilemma, one of them informed me that the baby which was legally adopted by other employee has been taken away from him. This has come like a bolt from blue for him and his wife has not recovered from the shock till now. This couple had developed a very good rapport with the small baby with daily routines– feeding, cleaning the baby and other related jobs of a toddler. 

Seemed clearly as though all the worries and disappointments had descended on the doorsteps on this couple lock stock and barrel. It is simply because the other couple had reneged from the promise made amongst the people of the community but also in front of God’s Altar besides legal formalities undertaken. This very cultured and thoughtful couple did not bat even an eye when they were informed that the mother of the baby had not slept for many days since the time legal adoption formalities were completed and may have unpredictable consequences if the child is not handed over to them. The child was returned back!

The above incident proves that we should either not make any promise or if a promise is made it should be kept come what may.

IN BHAGWAD LORD KRISHANA PROMISES TO HELP SUCH PERSONS WHO: Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.

 

PROMISES AMONGST THE MEMBERS OF HOUSEHOLD

While performing our day to day affairs in our home and hearth, although, we do not have written formal statement of intent yet only informal or unwritten understanding, purely on mutual trust and sound passion work naturally between the members of the families. Fulfillment of the unwritten promises is on the top of agenda and is considered as a sacred duty of each of the family member of traditional family life and if it is not done then anybody can hazard a guess the fate of that family! Muck and stink, if any ought to be settled in the family court of family under the supervision of elder in the family to get promises satisfactorily fulfilled.

Guru Gobind Singh gave the instructions: He should not break his vows or any other promise he makes nor commit perjury or treachery.

 

DETENTES OR PROMISES BETWEEN NATIONS

The affairs of the world can only be possible with promises to be made good. Starting from our home turf where we make promises, try fulfilling taking into cognizance the concern they have for their blood wellbeing between relations. When promises are made not due to one reason or another they try out different strategies in order that the rapport and relationship flourish.  For instance, yesterday, I extracted a promise from my grand-daughter to follow some norms of good behavior  like; respect your elders/older members, observe all the principles to be a good citizen, to study regularly not only the books prescribed to pass an examination but also which enhances general awareness. I extracted a firm promise from her that she will fulfill all the promises to the book. If and when some difficulties she will come back to me, she mentioned with a smile. 

Country’s affairs with other country; promises are made and fulfilled.  The lowest point in two countries’ happen when promises made in the form of détente between countries are not acted upon.  A country which breaks international understanding and laws are ostracized  by the countries in the formal institution and nobody trusts that country which does not act as per laid down norms of international behaviour. Even United Nation Organisation too works on the principles of its Charter which all the peoples of the United Nations have to agree viz; to save the generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of the humans etc.

In Holy Quran it has been emphasized: Yea, whoever fulfills his promise and guards (against evil) – then surely Allah loves those who guard (against evil).

 

UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN COMPANIES

It has been said that a promise is an declaration of an individual’s firm intention – doubtlessly simple, a pure and sincere effort. In this sincere effort with full knowledge that a promise is being made to be fructified come what may. If It were no so, then the very idea giving our word defeated. But when intent of fulfilling promises is merely a show then I think that promise is partly due to our ego masquerading as false nobility, I reckon, may not see the light of the day since it is made on flimsy footings.

Then we can promise somebody, sanctified by God’s presence as a vow for fulfillment.

The following points should be kept in mind:-

• Promises once made should be made good.
• Breached promises leads to breach in trust. Trust once lost is difficult to be regained.
• We could be isolated and nobody believes us if we break our promises.
• In our family lives too there is unwritten agreements or understandings between the members of family and ought to be complied for overall health and welfare of the family.
• The business atmosphere is enhanced if we fulfill our promises by paying the dues, as undertaken.
• Vows once made should be obeyed. It is our sacred duty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER (ON 14TH APRIL 2017) GOOD FRIDAY – A SOMBER DAY

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER

(ON 14TH APRIL 2017)

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOMBER DAY

Amongst all Fridays’, the most Holy,
Call it a Good Friday or a Somber Friday,
But one thing can overlooked hardly
It is a day of reckoning for humanity
When our heart is filled with a feeling so empty
Grief is writ large on the faces of gentry
Who truly know about Good Friday.

Prayers and fasting are common features on this day
This Solemn Day is observed as an anniversary
Whence our most revered Jesus Christ
Left his physical body on this planet
To meet the Supreme Spirit
Good Friday’s purity remains in their hearts
Of a commoner or a priest.

A Day which we reminisce,
When our dearly loved Lord Jesus Christ,
Offered himself on the Cross,
Without even a slightest emotional upsurge,
Saintly and most compassionate while in real life’s passage,
And exceptionally serene whilst meeting his end in flesh and blood.
Underwent crucification and ultimate surrender,
On this Day – to our common Creator!
Yet seeking forgiveness for his perpetrators
Sinful ones at the helm responsible for his death!
So merciful even to irreligious ungodly power famished!
With eternal words: ‘Father, forgive them
For they know not what they do’
Such compassionate words are amazing one
It could be with the heart of one who is the dearest Son
Of Omnipotent and Omniscient
Such empathy is a key to Christ Consciousness
Suffering for us – relentless pangs combined with humiliation,
A holy death indeed for our redemption,
His supreme sacrifice is an instrument of compensation,
For the sins of everyone of us on this earth.

AND then followed by a surprise resurrection,
Thus stunning the people at large by this revivification.
Methods may differ in observation,
But the sacredness of Good Friday remains,
Devout kneel with utmost reverence, which they pay,
Before wooden Cross kept in Churches so holy on this day.
Seven last words of Lord Christ are too repeated,
So that HIS utterances remain engraved,
In our memory-lane forever and ever.
A symbolic burial of the Lord too is performed,
Differences may be in the methods,
Yet inner most springing of touching feeling is unparalleled,
For our Beloved Jesus Christ,
Who for Truth’s sake gave His everything,
So that we may be absolved of our sins.

GOOD FRIDAY

History is witness to the fact that the incarnations of our Creator had to endure trials and tribulations in their real life time while living on this earth. People who opposed their ideas and ideals always opposed them tooth and nail because these God’s Incarnations were the messengers of peace and their mission was to spread the ETERNAL TRUTH. They preached ‘Bless them that curse you.’ They presented a living example for us humans to see how best they withstood onslaughts of those who opposed the very ideals which has divergent viewpoints – departure from their pseudo and outdated beliefs.

While reforming the masses and showing them the true path, the messenger of our God Jesus Christ faced several obstacles from those who opposed his idea. The other incarnations like et al Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Prophet Mohammad faced many hurdles at every step but with their foresight and fortitude these Apostles of Peace challenged the old and hackneyed mores of behaviour and came out unscathed ultimately. Surprisingly, after their earthy sojourns they were accepted as the Messengers of God by one and all. This is the tragedy of humans that we do not recognize our God’s Messengers/Incarnations while they were on this planet but when they are no longer with us then we take them as their revered ones and worship them for their preaching!

Lord Jesus Christ is one such example amongst others like Prophet Mohammad, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama who gave new meaning and content to the philosophy of living. These Messengers of Peace fought for the common people and were able to rid the society of the evil doers and challenged the very philosophies of people at the helm of affairs during the periods on this earth. In that process these Sons of God had to face opposition. People who mattered suspected these God’s messengers because their ideals were counter to their (powerful opponents) own and in upholding these they (Sons of God) had to face trials and tribulations. During the life time Jesus Christ did everything to rid the then society of the evils prevalent and wanted to change the outlook of the people.

Jesus anguished and felt sympathy even for his tormentors while he agonized on the cross for us all. We should never forget that He suffered so that we are redeemed of our sins that we as humans do commit. There were disturbances and upheavals after he gave up his spirit.

Crucification of Jesus Christ gave a new meaning of life to us humans to follow. His ideals and preaching are held dear by us all and will remain so till eternity. May this Day remain etched in our memory as the day of redemption of humanity and He remains a beacon of light for all of us on this earth.

It is well said, there is always a light after the darkness. Jesus used to heal the physical ills of masses, he wanted their highest good while he was in flesh and blood like us. But the insensitive people just crucified him! This is also a fact that he had the power to escape being crucified but he did not do so. And in even in agony he said: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ That is why He had to come back again for our happiness and for our purification. This purification is attained only when we’ve conquered our weaknesses in the form of our ego etc.

If crufication was a dark blot on those who crucified Jesus, the Easter is commemorated as a symbol of resurrection. Easter celebration has a historic perspective. It also symbolizes rebirth; a pious day that is why devotees decorate their houses, rejoice, mass prayers are conducted in Churches. It is a celebration in connection with the rising of Christ – the Son of God. Easter also opens door for a holy association with God through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

BAISAKHI – A FESTIVAL NOBODY WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A MISS (ON 13th APRIL 2017). – WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY BAISAKHI

BAISAKHI – A FESTIVAL NOBODY WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A MISS (ON 13^th APRIL 2017). – WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY BAISAKHI

 

Festivals in India are due to a number of substantial reasons. It may be due to change in season, in the memory of certain historical events, cultural and religious events, traditional based principles, fairs at the holy places of peers and saints etc. The well-known amongst several ones are Dussehra, Diwali, Eids, Christmas Day, Gurpurbhs, Lohri, Holi and others having regional and national connotations. In all these festivals, people of different hues celebrate with jovially and religious fervour. Baisakhi is generally celebrated in Northern India on 13th  April every year. It is also a starting of New Year of Vikrami Samvat Calendar.

Baisakhi is generally celebrated in Northern India on 13th April every year. It is also a starting of New Year of Vikrami Samvat Calendar. This is a cultural harvest festival which takes place annually and all people celebrate this day with full zeal and enthusiasm.

In the childhood, our classmate friends  used to wait with huge eagerness for this Baisakhi fair for which we  used to get extra money to spend for various sorts of eatables and fruits available in the fair. The Baisakhi was the meeting place for other relatives and friends.

People start from their houses in the form of congregation from the early hours itself, singing group songs and dancing to the tunes of drums in colourful / holiday finery. A designated holy place of some Peer or Saint or Temple or Gurdwara is well chosen by the populace for this occasion.

Competitions of Gidha or folk dances by women in their colourful and attractive attire and Bhangra by the men-folks also in their best outfits are the major attraction. Besides wrestling bouts (dangal) by the famous wrestlers of the area are also organized. Prizes are distributed to the winners of these events. People get together and meet their friends. This fair affords the participants an opportunity to expand their friends circle.

New meaning to this festival was given in 1699 when Khalsa Path was established by Guru Gobind Singh – the 10th Guru of Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib – a place most venerated by one and all. Khalsa means PURE without any negativity and leading a perfect life besides having courage to lay down their lives for a noble cause.

The festival holds special significance to Sikhs. Many Sikhs choose to be baptized on holy day of Baisakhi. People also come out from their houses in the form of congregations called Nagar Kirtans singing hymns from Shri Guru Granth Sahib. What a day to remember!

 BAISAKHI is celebrated due to the following:- 

• It is celebrated on the occasion of 1^st day of Baisakh month of Bikrami Calendar (Samat). People chalk out different plan of actions for the coming year as per Bikrami Calendar and pray that their sincere thought out plans get fructified.

 

• BAISAKHI is a seasonal festival and it is especially celebrated in Punjab region and in Jammu province; especially after finishing the activities related to crops wheat harvesting and selling their produce in the marketplace  giving the people cause to celebrate with gusto.

 

• After harvesting the wheat crop and ploughing their fields for sowing new crops including some cash crops, the farmers feel joyous and to express their joy they celebrate it by staging Bhangra in different groups, Bhangra competitions are also held and award presented to the one who wins this competition.

 

• This is in the form of fair (mela) wherein people gather in majority and make merry. Different stalls selling wooden crafts and other household earthen wares are sold there at reasonable prices. Then there are the stalls selling the seasonal fruits like water melon and musk melon make brisk sales. All age group people including children enjoy Baisakhi fair.

• Baisakhi also affords an opportunity or an occasion to thank God for bestowing the farmers with bountiful crops besides praying for more crops in future too.

• Baisakhi has special significance for the Sikhs since on this day, Khalsa Panth was established by 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. On this day Sadh Sangat take organise religious congregations and sing prayers and rhymes from Sri Granth Sahib.

• Hindus and Budhists too celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and enthusiasm. Hindus take sacred bath in River Ganges and other rivers. They pray to God for His grace. Even in parts of South India this day is celebrated but with a different name.

 

 

BAISAKHI- A SEASONAL FESTIVAL (13TH APRIL 2017)

 

Baisakhi fair held a new meaning for us as children

We used to wait for very keenly this festival

It marks the ushering in of joyous New Year,

Of Vikrami Samvat  – Calendar,

A lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition of yore,

Falling, surprising on 13th April every year!

When new resolutions are made,

And old ones introspected,

And lessons learned.

A festival known variously in countless regions of India.

Whilst the farmers toil in the fields on months on ends,

Ploughing their fields from early morning till fall of night,

Occasionally forgetting even siesta and meals many times,

Sow seeds and water the crop that grows,

Looking after the crops in the fields,

Observing its growth with huge eagerness,

So that his crop’s yield may grow,,

Like the farmers observe the growth of their dear ones at home.

On this auspicious day the farmers,

Having collected whole of the crop yield so harvested,

Join together in singing, merrymaking with full gusto,

Celebrate Baisakhi with Bhangra and gidha at full throttle,

In their colourful mesmeric folk attires,

Distributing sweets and good wishes to others in delight.

At the holy mazars (monuments) of ‘pirs’ and ‘fakirs’,

Known for their piousness and ocean of wisdom,

Offer prayers for the prosperity all around,

And also for their crop yield to grow, years after years.

The nature too is at its colorful best,

With flowers emitting fragrance,

The blanket of greenery spreading,

Factually so mesmerizing,

Soothing to our eyes that these could survey,

Making the environs invigorating and heady indeed,

Surprisingly without even intoxicating agent!

This day too has a history of its own,

Shri Guru Gobind Singh established Khalsa Panth,

To bestow security to the unfortunate ones,

People too gather in various Gurudwaras,

Shri Golden Temple emanates its splendor, as ever,

Devout take a dip in tank, a holy one,

And pray for well-being of their nears and dears,

Do come to our succor,

O our dearest Creator.

Harbans Khajuria

 

WHERE TO OUR SPIRITUAL DEPRIVATION LEADING US TO HOW BEST CAN WE HAVE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT?

WHERE TO OUR SPIRITUAL DEPRIVATION LEADING US TO HOW BEST CAN WE HAVE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT?

The single minded pursuit of modern man is quest for material possessions. This grand race for material possessions has made our life mechanical thus saying goodbye to spiritual and moral considerations. We want to showcase ourselves in brighter light whereas our main purpose may be something ulterior..Whenever our talk centres around spiritualism or God related issues, some of us question even the existence of God and want tangible proof or experimental proof. Such men actually want proof for anything and everything. This is the prevailing outlook on life that even a child is getting prejudiced. If we want our children to be spiritually awakened, we have to influence them in the childhood itself otherwise they would be swayed by some ulterior perspective.

SPIRITUAL  EDUCATION MISSING IN TODAY’S EDUCATION

Our education system gives stress to bookish knowledge thus gain degrees but very little is stressed on art of living and show to adjust in the society. From the very inception of studies, stress is given as to how to excel materially.  Although it is also not disputed that material possession is important but there ought to be a limit to all this. The spiritual aspect is being ignored resulting in tension at home and workplace.  This results in youth being restless, discouraged and cynical.  The young minds are also adversely affected by the pre-occupation of their parents in the rat race for name and fame. This is the main cause that the tender aged children when losing touch with realities of life, get disillusioned and follow immoral and unethical style of life. They are caught in the whirlpool of vicious circle of ignorance that no logic under the sun can change that. The humane mentality and ethical style of life gets diluted.

CHARACTER BUILDING BY PARENTS’ PARTICIPATION

Character of our children could be transformed from the childhood itself by giving them quality time thus imparting them moral, ethical values apart from spiritual values. But in actual practice, it has been seen that the parents have neither time nor care to take care of their children thereby building the child’s future on the unbalanced foundation. Though impressionable yet directionless mind of the child gets tossed from one thought to another, leaving him more confused. A huge responsibility lies with the parents to set standards not only value based but also spiritually inclined. Parents can have far reaching affect since children stay more with them than with their Gurus/teacher affecting  the child’s life qualitatively and quantitatively.

RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHERS IN CHARACTER BUILDING OF STUDENTS

Next to parents at home, the teachers’ responsibility is also paramount.  There are the teachers who just spoon-feed their so that they qualify the examination. There is no denying the fact that their main task is to teach as per syllabus but teaching cannot be done in a vacuum. It has to be broad based. It should make the students to learn more than 3 Rs (Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic’s). It is also how best to do it; employing proper methodology, with indepth study that which makes the students interested in their studies. This could be possible when teachers establish good rapport with the students. If teachers teach conscientiously and make the study processes easy to understand and make it rather like thoughtful exercise for all round improvement of the students – meaning physiological, psychological and  spiritualistic. I happen to meet one of the teachers, who takes his profession very sincerely and seriously; teaches all the concepts involved in teaching  physics – both theory and practical. He welcomes students even at odd hours for explaining them different concepts involved in Physics, even during recess break which obviously for refreshment. He not only makes the study processes more appealing but also meditative. But when it comes to awarding marks, it is purely based on the performance. He is practical in that too. He hardly cares if more of his students fail due to non-performance while others try to give grace marks which amounts to awarding inefficiency.  Doing one’s duty conscientiously and with utmost dedication is also a spiritual duty. Those who fudge their results award inefficiency, in the long run, they are doing disservice to their students hence falls under  spiritual deprivation.

IGNORANCE AND LACK OF HUMANE TOUCH

The common man is steeped in ignorance, poverty and ill-conceived notions that he has got no time to mend his ways. It has been seen that only very low percentage of people have some vestige of humanness and goodness left in them. Sharing and caring others misfortunes should be our motto in our life. Selfless concern makes difference in our life.

ANCIENT INDIA AND RESPECT FOR GURUS/TEACHERS

 In ancient India there was a great guru shishya prampara (teacher pupil tradition), the small children were sent to Gurukuls for learning various disciplines amongst these getting knowledge with regard to value system (spiritual and moral values). Thus the students could sail through life with equanimity. But now the studies have become purely mechanical based on sense appeasement; more importance is being given to physical aspects The man should live on physical, emotional, intellectual, functional and existential plane.

 IMPERMANACE OF LIFE  

We should never forget that nothing is permanent on this planet. The fortune of ours has ebb and flow. If one day we are on the top, we could be at the rock bottom too the next moment.. We know the example of the grear archer-warier Arjuna (of epic Mahabharta fame)  He made a mark in the battlefield of Kurukshtra and defeated his opponents but after the battle while Kauravas’ lost everything and when Lord Krishana was not with Pandavas, they lost their prowess and had to say good bye to rule and left for their eternal sojourn..

 EGOCENTRIC TENDENCIES OF HUMANS

It can rightly be said that the conceited man who weaves his own set of contradictions, is ego-centric, filled with all sorts of ill-feeling for others and is drunk with heady potion of self-image in relation to material possession and status; an obsession which makes the man forget even the basic purpose of his existence. The perceptible change is shaped in value system and lifestyle of people in general has impacted the lifestyle of people in general. In not so distant past, we used to associate everything that we did with God, but now we extol ourselves for what is done by us. This is ego at its worst. Previously the people were not literate in formal sense but were knowledgeable and knew how best to behave with others. We can get mental peace only through sharing of joys and thank God for everything that we posses.

VICES DUE TO LUST, GREED AND ANGER

According to Bhagwad Gita, almost all vices generate from lust, greed and anger. Unbridled desires lead us astray and at one time be disastrous. These desires give rise to thoughts and actions thereof leading us to the path of spiritual deprivation. It generates greed which may have spiraling effect. When greed takes over us, our power of discrimination goes. We want our desire fulfilled by any means. This may be by force, by deceit or any immoral methods. This could be construed as spiritual deprivation at its lowest.

Third and most vitiating vice is the anger. When we are under its spell, we lose our mental balance and sense of proportion thereby act in such a manner which may tarnish our image for good. I had a practical experience what uncontrolled anger could do. While I was discussing some important matter with my organizational head – a person known for his literary talents, knowledge and balance of mind. During discussions, he received a call from somebody. I do not know what was the call about but it changed this man’s confident composure. He exploded in rage and used unprintable invectives for the person at the top of voice. A person with solid confidence and resolve seemed to be like a brittle glass, fallen on the ground with a bang and its pieces scattered all around the placid room. The impression I was having for the this person who was seething in anger just had a sea change and introspected what a change ANGER can cause to us. Such people are actually in huge pain mentally and they want everyone around them also in pain.

GRUDGES SHOULD BE FORGOTTEN

Those who have sixth sense know fully well that whatever happens, happens for the good of humans and with some sound reason. The injury disappears and the negative affect which an event has created just forgotten. Grudge that is felt should always be erased from the system or otherwise it will have negative effect. The grudge retained will also impact our energy, focus and state of our health.

SELF-AWARENESS  OBLITERATES THE GRUDGES

One of the important policy the man should have is to forget and forgive. Having less or no feeling of resentment helps us to be more aware about ourselves. Whomsoever we counter in our life should be taken with a lot of confidence and brings about joyous feelings. Blaming our own self for anything and everything brings in its wake resentment, depression, stress, addiction and more anger. No grudge is worth holding on to. Nothing should affect our composure. When we grudge, it means either you live in the future or livein the past. In this process, we consume energy which could otherwise could be used for some productive venture. When pre-occupied with grudges, you cannot concentrate on the job at hand.

LIVING SPIRITUALLY MEANS LIVING ETHICALLY AND MORALLY

Spiritual way of living means associating with those who have the track record of doing good and disassociate from persons with ill-conceived notions. Ethical and moral code of conduct should be followed in our life since vices could entice us any time without any invitation and lead us to wrong path.

Following aspects should be kept in mind for removing spiritual deprivation:-

• In our daily life activities, we must have come across people, who though illiterate, have sufficient wisdom and can influence others’ way of living.
• Mindless transient actions will lead us astray. We ought to pursue positive ways of thoughts and actions thereof which help us refine our way of thinking and acting.

• Students should be given quality time in their formative stage of their lives itself for all round development. Here parents and teachers have to play their respective their roles.

• Ego leads to spiritual deprivation and therefore be removed from our lives.

• We should insulate ourselves from three vices; lust, greed and anger for spiritual growth in our.

• Ethical, moral and spiritual values should be imbibed in the children from childhood itself for a healthy growth.

• Material possession is essential but it is not be all and end all should never be forgotten for spiritual living.

 

                                                                           ***************