Insights Gained from Life's Journey

 

  Insights Gained from Life's Journey

Throughout the course of my life, I've gathered valuable lessons, the most pivotal of which stems from the practical understanding of the adage, "God helps those who help themselves." This insight emerged from contemplation on why I, among many others with greater abilities and experience, became the Chief Justice of India. The conclusion I reached was that an unforeseen force guides the course of events.

In my view, man should conscientiously, diligently, and objectively fulfill his duties to earn the grace of God, recognizing that this grace is continuous. It's essential not to be proud of temporary success but to strive for ongoing success, as eloquently expressed in stanzas 45-46 of Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita. The idea is encapsulated in the aphorism "Work is Worship."

My experience as a judge taught me that perfection is rare in ordinary life; every individual has both good and bad qualities. The judgment of a person as good or bad depends on the balance of these qualities. Reputation and character, though related, can differ. Prosperity or poverty is unrelated to character, as both are found in men with or without character. This realization fostered an objective approach in evaluating those who appeared before me.

Another crucial lesson learned is that while gratitude is the finest human quality, it is increasingly rare in a society immersed in the competitive struggle of life. Recognizing this human weakness early on, I understood that the discharge of duty should not be contingent on expecting gratitude.

 

In essence, I've come to understand that I am not perfect, and neither are others. This realization has provided me with a balanced perspective on life. Regardless of one's position, conscientious, diligent, and objective discharge of duties is paramount. Embracing the imperfections inherent in both oneself and the world avoids arrogance and hero worship, placing individuals on an even playing field.

In the grand tapestry of life, the terms "winning" and "losing," or the dichotomy of triumph and disaster, encapsulate the outcomes we assign to various activities—be it in sports, business, examinations, or any goal-oriented pursuit that stirs expectations in the doer and those connected to the endeavor.

 

Rudyard Kipling's poignant poem "If" articulates the essence of grappling with life's ups and downs. "If you can dream, and not make dreams your master/ If you can think, and not make thoughts your aim/ If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster/ and treat these two imposters just the same…/ Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it…”

 

Life is a perpetual cycle of winning some and losing some, with the immutable law of nature dictating that when one touches rock bottom, the only direction is upward. Guru Nanak's wisdom echoes this sentiment, asserting that for the true spiritual seeker, the gurmukh, there is no such concept as defeat; all is victory. This victory lies in mastering the art of embracing both success and failure, likes and dislikes, good and bad, with equanimity and intuition.

 

The truly victorious individual is one who navigates the dualities of life with an even-minded approach, rising above momentary ups and downs. In contrast, the manmukh, driven solely by material pursuits, succumbs to the fluctuations of ego, easily swayed by transient victories and defeats. The saying, 'Jeeto boodai, haaro tirai,' underscores the potential downfall of the victorious, who, intoxicated by success, may fall prey to ego, while the defeated, driven by resilience, continues to swim across life's challenges.

 

Kipling's insight rings true—both triumph and disaster are mere imposters. The real measure of our strength lies in transcending both, achieving a state of equilibrium that fosters non-judgmental acceptance and inclusivity. Viewing failure not as the antithesis of success but as a prelude to future triumphs becomes a key perspective.

 

The tale of Prince Ram in the Ramayan illustrates this wisdom. Whether destined for kingship or exile, Ram's even-minded acceptance reflects a profound understanding of the ebb and flow of life.

 

In essence, winning and losing are intertwined facets of existence. Embracing this truth brings resilience and a deeper comprehension of life's intricacies, fostering a state of grace and understanding for all.

IF HE EXIST

 

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :in world cup Sami got 7 wk in an inngs