I have completed 69 years of age to-day ( 29th November).. I am at peace with myself and hence I am happy. I am more than reasonably happy with the way I am placed in life at present and about what I have achieved. There are no regrets, desires and complaints. I do not hate anyone. This is the reason for my happiness. There is a famous Carnatic song " Santhamu lekha, Soukyamu lethu". The English translation would mean that there is no happiness without peace.
Human beings, according to Hindu religion, go through " Dharma" (righteopus conduct), "Artha" (wealth),"Kama" (sensual pleasures) and "Moksha" (Mukhthi). I am now in the last stage. I am trying to seek "Mukthi" (release from human bondage) through "Bhakthi" (devotion). I do not know whether I will achieve "Mukthi" though "Jnana". If you are wondering why I am using all these words, let me tell you I am currently reading English translation of "Deivathin Kural". My son has bought seven volumes of "Voice of God" from his friend. These books should keep me busy till July 2010.
Certain beliefs have guided me through all my life. Here, I want to enumerate them for the beneift of youngsters:
1) First Deserve and then Desire"-
I believe that before aspiring for anything, we must equip ourselves so that we can achieve what we want to.. Without being ready, if we aspire for anything, we may not get that ever at all. Before aspiring, we should examine whether we are ready and if not , then prepare ourselves for fulfilment of that desire.In a fast changing world, there is an imperative need to constantly update your knowledge and skill levels. It is only then that you will be able to compete. When we say that a person is "successful", we refer to his "position" and "wealth". Atleast this should be the goal till you reach sixty years of age. Even sastras say that you should go after wealth -"artha", but in a proper way. This success does not come so easily. It is ninety percent perspiration and ten percent luck.
2)"You become what you think":
I believe in this saying. You should set your goals high.If you have moderate goal, that is what you will achieve. And if you have no goals, you will achieve nothing. I have seen that a person wanting to be an actor becoming an
actorr and a person wanting to become a doctor , actually becoming a doctor. My friend Mr Bhaskaran!s brother-in-law used to express that he would become a doctor right from Class VIII. Believe it or not, he became a doctor, though many believed that, being a Brahmin, he would never get admission into M.B.B.S. He was selected for admisssion into Madras Medical College and to-day he is practising successfully in Mylapore, Chennai. Cultivate this thinking in the children also. You must believe that "Dreams come true" and work towards fulfillment of your dreams.
3) Be Positive:
Always be positive. Feel supremely confident that you will achieve what you have set out to achieve. Negative thoughts diminish your efforts. Besides, negative thoughts also affect your relationship with othersThe recent best example of "Positive Attitude" I can give is that of my brother,Ramani. Though he was sufferring from a dreaded ailment, he was confident he will pull through. Whenvever he talked to me, he always sounded positive. It is his belief that he will get through, that has resulted in his positive recovery. When in difficulty, we must think positive. My brother showed the same determination, grit and positive attitude when he suffered from Hodgins disease in 1993/1994.
IImagine what happened to Apollo 13 when it developed some snags at the last minute. It is just because that those in it believed that they could set right the snags, it landed safely.Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvan has said "Idukkan varumkal nahuka". ((when in difficulty, smile). Do not take the literal translation. The implication is that you should retain your composure when faced with difficulty.
Visiting temples regularly will help in development of Positive Attitude. Temples throb with positive vibrations because of the recitement of mantras by priests.Make it a habit to visit temples. Develp this habit among children. Just look at Muslims and Christian. Muslims pray for five times in a day while Christians go to Chruch every Sunday. I believe in the efficacy of prayers and more so in the efficacy of collective prayer. I subscribe to what John Galsworthy has said "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of"
4) Be humble:
Humility is an important virtue. Do not feel proud when you become eminently successful. I have seen many successful people having a strong ego--- an ego which runs faster than their thoughts. This is bad. You will be more at peace with yourself when you are humble. Chaitanya Maharaj has said "Live life like a blade of grass".
The best example I can give of a very humble person who has achieved great wealth and succees is Mr Shashi Ruia of Essar Group. I had the privilege of working under him for two years. To-day Mr Ruia is within the five richest men of India. According to Forbes, his wealth is around 13 billion dollars. It is his humility that has fostered good relationship with everybody,including Russians, Americans and other people of different nationlities. I can never ever forget Mr Shashi Ruia during my life-time
I would advise you all to save atleast 25 percent of your annual income. If husband and wife are working, then one salary should be saved.
What is my mental state at 69.?. I get up very early and pray for five minutes., I also plan what I should do for the day. I do not think beyond a week. Most surprisingly, I am not afraid of dealth, but I am afraid of pain. I cannot face pain like my wife who has endured enormous pain for one reason or the for the last so many years. Many times, I have felt helpless whenever I have seen her suffer.
Everybody should remain happy. That is my only desire. . I want you all to remain happy wherever you are..Lord Krishna asks in Bhagwad Gita "To the one without peace,how can there be happiness".?. Unless a person is tuned into God, he cannot have peace and without peace, he cannot be happy. I repeat once again the famous lyrics of the Telugu song "Santhamu lekha,Soukyamau lethu"
Love,
V.K.Balasubramanian
29th November 2009
The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage. http://in.yahoo.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment