The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

  The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

It is often said that "the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on," symbolizing how great individuals, like elephants, are undeterred by criticism from lesser minds. The analogy highlights that just as elephants ignore the barking of dogs and continue their journey, so too do successful people push forward, paying no attention to the negativity that surrounds them. They are not swayed by the grumbling of petty or mean-spirited individuals who try to bring them down.

 

People of integrity, character, and determination remain steadfast in their goals. They carry out their work with peace and poise, unaffected by distractions. These individuals understand that responding to every negative remark would only divert their energy and delay their progress. Instead, they maintain their focus, knowing that such obstacles are temporary, while their ambitions are long-lasting.

 

For great men and women, once they commit to a path, there is no turning back. Their motto is always to aim higher, to strive for excellence with every step they take. They embrace the journey of progress inch by inch, never allowing small setbacks or criticisms to define their journey. Their persistence and dedication set them apart from those who seek to pull them down.

 

Those with smaller minds may attempt to plant thorns in their path, hoping to slow them down or discourage them. Yet, men and women of resolution and purpose remain unfazed. Their commitment to their goals is unwavering, and they accomplish their tasks with grace and precision, overcoming every obstacle with dignity. They understand that temporary challenges cannot stop them from achieving greatness.

 

These resilient individuals seem to embody the phrase "he came, he conquered, and he vanished." They leave a lasting impact through their achievements and contributions, caring little for the small-minded criticisms that may follow them. Like a caravan moving steadily forward, they continue on their journey, brushing off negativity as they move closer to their goals.

 

In overcoming the hurdles and impediments created by the envious and petty, they prove themselves as heroes. These are the people who inspire others, who are welcomed with open arms and admiration. They leave behind a legacy of courage, strength, and purpose that others seek to emulate.

 

Ultimately, the world erects welcome arches for such individuals. Their perseverance, strength of character, and ability to ignore the noise of naysayers make them worthy of respect and admiration. In the face of adversity, they press on, knowing that their greatness lies not in responding to every challenge, but in staying focused on the journey ahead.

  The Pursuit of True Happiness

Everyone desires happiness, yet the paths we take to achieve it are varied. As Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche pointed out during the ‘Spirit of Tibet’ festival in Delhi, many seek happiness through material consumption, believing that possessions will bring lasting joy. However, this kind of happiness is often fleeting and can lead to a cycle of greed, where temporary joy is followed by sorrow. When happiness is tied to material goods, it risks becoming a source of unhappiness rather than fulfillment.

 

Defining happiness is a complex task, as each individual has their own perception of what it means. At its core, happiness is more about mindset than external circumstances. One can experience physical discomfort or illness, yet maintain a sense of inner peace and contentment. Conversely, a person may be in perfect physical health but feel deeply unhappy due to emotional or mental turmoil. The key to lasting happiness lies in identifying and addressing the root causes of our dissatisfaction.

 

Often, the root cause of unhappiness is ignorance, or "avidya." To achieve inner happiness, one must cultivate wisdom and discipline both in the mind and body. True happiness isn’t simply a set of fleeting emotions but rather the absence of negative emotions. When the mind is free from disturbances and at peace, that is the essence of happiness. Sustainable happiness, according to Buddhist teachings, is found in nirvana—a state that many people do not reach in their lifetime.

 

Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings are fundamentally equal for three reasons: no one desires unhappiness, the basic nature of consciousness is the same in everyone, and each individual has the potential to evolve into their true, enlightened nature. Therefore, the way we approach others should be with a sense of balance and equality. True happiness comes from understanding this equanimity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

 

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche emphasized that negative emotions such as unfulfilled desires, fear, anxiety, jealousy, and anger are significant sources of unhappiness. To counter these emotions, one must not react impulsively but instead seek to understand their root causes. For example, rather than viewing a person consumed by anger as an enemy, we should recognize that the negative emotions, or *kleshas*, are the true enemies.

In essence, we should "hate the sin but love the sinner." The solution to negative emotions is to counter them with their opposites—anger with compassion, and violence with love. Those who are under the influence of negative emotions are often trapped, lacking control over themselves. To address the real problem, we must tackle the root causes of negative emotions, not just their outward expressions.

Finally, Rinpoche encouraged self-awareness and self-control, echoing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. By learning to control one’s desires and emotions, individuals can achieve freedom and a better understanding of their true identity. When people compare themselves to others or believe in the negative perceptions others hold of them, they lose sight of their true selves. The path to happiness begins with freeing the mind and embracing who you are, independent of external validation.

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 :7^th heaven moment of the week India beat Bangladesh by 7 wk in test and first t20 and in epl arsenal no 7 scored a goal