Nobler than thinking “What can I take?” is the thought “What can I give?” We need to do every task well and with joy. How can we do this? When we put our heads and hearts together, we will reap the right results of an action. Looking after her child is not a tiring task for a mother. But it is laborious for the baby sitter. It is not work per se, but our mental attitude that creates happiness or sorrow.
Usually, we work for our own happiness. However, we should also ensure that our work gives others happiness too. Whenever we perform any task, considering what we can do for others through the task is superior to thinking only about what we can gain from it. Such is karma yoga.
Contentment is the greatest wealth. Even if one is, in material terms, the poorest in the world, he or she is rich if content. Similarly, even if one is rich, he or she remains poor if lacking in contentment. Therefore, we should strive to be contented with what we have.
Two sons were born to a woman. One became a collector; the other, a clerk. Suppose the clerk bemoaned his lot, feeling sad because he was only a clerk; would that help in any way? Instead, if he discharged his duties efficiently, he could get promoted to a more respectable post. If one dwells upon the higher positions, one will only feel sad. There are so many working in subordinate positions. Why can we not think about them instead? If we think with discrimination, we can remain contented under any circumstance. Only then can we live peacefully and evolve.
Once after a wait of many days, a man was invited to attend a job interview. He did not get the job. Disappointed, he went to a solitary location and sat gazing into the distance. At this time, someone tapped him on his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw a boy wearing dark sunglasses. Even though he felt irritated that his solitude had been disturbed, he asked, pol, what the matter was. Handing over a faded flower, the boy said, “Look, what a beautiful flower.” The man felt annoyed, but containing his anger, replied, “Yes, it’s a nice flower.” The child said, yet again, “Hmm, how fragrant this flower is.” The boy’s comments only made the man angrier. “Is he mad? What fragrance is there in this withering, wild bloom?” he thought. To get rid of the boy, the man said, “Yes, you are right, it is fragrant and beautiful.” Hearing this, the boy replied, “I brought it for you. Please accept it. May God bless you.” Saying so, the boy gave him a heart-warming smile. Seeing the smile, the man felt the burden in his mind lessen. He thanked the boy.
Then, he heard a tapping sound and turning around, he saw the boy tapping the ground with a walking stick. The man realised the boy was blind. At that moment, he felt that the flower in his hand was the most beautiful in the world. He ran towards the boy and hugged him. With tears in his eyes, he said, “This is no faded flower, but a blossom from your heart.” Through the flower, the man was able to appreciate the beauty and fragrance of the boy’s innocent heart. The man thought: “I was sad because I could not get that job. Yet this boy is so joyful, even thought he cannot see with either eye. He also makes others happy.”
We should cultivate such an attitude towards others. Compared with the sorrows of others, our sorrows are insignificant. Understanding this, we should try to be happy in whatever situation we are in at the present moment.
The biggest obstacles to experiencing happiness in our lives are the notions we have of ourselves. We should get and take everything—such is our attitude at the present moment. Without removing this selfishness, we cannot experience the joy of life. It is easier to lead a blind person to this state, if he or she has a loving heart. But it is difficult to lead one whose heart is blind to the state of happiness. The blindness borne of the ego will push into darkness. Because of this ignorance, we will be just like those in sleep even when we are awake. When we overcome our egotism, we will become an offering to this world. One who has been afflicted with the cataract of egotism will never be able to appreciate the beauty of the world.
By virtue of birth and the circumstances of life, people may proclaim differences among humanity. However, death claims us all. Yet, the one who has transcended the ego will not die even in death.
The writer is a world-renowned spiritual leader