Friday, April 15, 2011

An eye-opener!


Well, the picture says it all. So it is really not necessary to read through the length, breadth and depth of this post- the picture is a good snap shot of its content.

Now those of you who are willing to endure this likely boring journey- let me first sympathize with you and then congratulate you :) it is so rare to find curious people these days!!!

I wrote a personal constitution to guide my everyday life- sometime in 2008, I guess. I was quite pleased with the results... now that I had a firm foundation to build my life on!!! Then ofcourse, I forgot about it- went on with the silly stuff of everyday existence...

I came across it 2-3 weeks back. Every point I had written down, almost all of them, I failed to live up to. It was a beautiful realization- of human frailty and human strength. Of human stupidity and human rationality. Of human failure and human success.

Here they are, perhaps sharing them will make me more accountable and hopefully humble....


" Thoughts I would like to be guided by:
1) Krishna is the source of All Blessings- He is the one I owe my heart and soul to.
2) I have numerous imperfections- others either overlook them or tolerate them- so don't pride on character.
3) Everyone wishes to be loved, wanted and respected- and they deserve to be. In every living being resides Paramatma, in their heart. It is my duty and privilege to love and serve others.
4) People are how they are ( most of the times) because they perceive it to be efficient for their situations. Don't jump into conclusions, don't be judgmental.
5) Be respectful of others choices- it might be ridiculous to me, but to them it might be the most sensible, most practical thing to do.
6) Never belittle anyone's dream or beliefs.
7) Remember those who helped along the way. Give back to them in gratitude. 
8) Remember those who neglected what they could have done to help- reach out to them- give them in love and gratitude. Surprise them and be the messenger of Lord's unconditional love.
9) Be the best you can be in everything you do- Daughter, Sister, Friend, Disciple, Coworker- most of all, a devotee.
10)Do not hold grudges- it is bad enough for heart and arteries, it is poison for soul.
11)Do not be greedy or selfish for earthly possessions or relations.
12) There is a win/win situation in every opportunity- explore it.
13)Be disciplined. Talents can only do so much. Hard work is our way of expressing gratitude for His gifts.
14) Intelligence is a gift, not a right.
15) Honesty and Truth are essential virtues. But hold only myself responsible to it, as much as possible. Forgive others for their digressions. There are unlimited times I have broken these principles in this life and previous lives.
16) Trust people to be dependable and honest. Most of the time, they live up to it.
17)Pay no heed to slander and gossip- they are waste of time. But be cautious to not give others too much of a reason to gossip or backstab.
18)Do all you can do to help anyone in need. Do not expect them to acknowledge your effort. Forgive when your trust is broken. It is human. See it as an opportunity to practice renunciation.
19)Love with all your heart- do not expect to be loved in return.
20) Earthly relations are ephemeral- Base every relation of the Divine Couple. 
21) Take special care of children, elderly and the sick. Anger, greed, pride, envy are   sicknesses too. 
22) Be patient.
23)You are nothing as people talk about- it is their humility and goodness. Lament that you are not humble.
24) Speak in moderation about material world. It is mostly a waste of time.
25) Don't give your heart to anyone- it is Krishna's property.
26) All praise belong to Lord- so any appreciation you receive, transfer to appropriate authority.
27) Do not whine or complain.
28) Be joyful, grateful, helpful and blissful.
29) Be kind, compassionate and humble.
30) Purity comes from Lord. Loving Him unconditionally and surrendering one's heart to Him makes and keeps one pure.
31) Mercy is unconditional.
32) Do not make anyone feel inferior- do not be conceited.
33) My life belongs to Krishna- All are His children. Dedicate life to serve.
34) I have been given great gifts- family, friends, intelligence, education, a heart to love and care and most importantly association with saintly devotees. I must pass them on.
35) Laziness and lethargy are crimes. You are not showing the appreciation for the gift of human life, gift of time and gift of talents.
36) Pay attention to health. Body might be just a vehicle- but you are stuck in a rut if it breaks down, especially because of your neglect.
37) Be grateful for simple things- sunshine, rain, wind, flowers, butterflies..... the power to love, to smile, to give and receive, to err and repent, to live and to die...
38) Millions of people are suffering every moment- remember to reach out.

Always remember what a gift it is to be alive, to be in company of saintly people... to love and to serve."

Look back at the image.... does it say more than what it said when you first saw it?