A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER
A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY
FOREVER
“A thing of beauty
is a joy forever; its loveliness increases, it will never pass into
nothingness” - this is a golden quote of John Keats (1795-1821) ranked
along with the world-renowned poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, despite
his departure at a young age of 25.
The Sun, Moon, shining Stars, celestial bodies and
events on the skyline - the rain-bearing clouds Nimbus, thin feathery Cirrus (Cirrocumulous and Cirrostratus), Stratus, Cumulus and some other clouds appearing beautifully like white Cauliflowers, a cloudburst including the initial
dust smell called ‘petrichor’ usually accompanying the rains, and a rare rainbow – chirping birds on
their wings – for that matter all living-beings -
are typical things of beauty in a natural setting. Waves generated
in a sea, lake, reservoir and/or pond are pleasing to look at. Mountainous
and forest ranges with a huge bushy or snow cover are a visual feast, not to speak
of the green pastures, gardens, lush fields, shrubs, and the complete flora and
fauna – all that make for a perfect pitch for nature-gazing. Whatever natural scenic
beauty man enjoys is the Divine dispensation. In fact, Nature is God seen
through nescience. Water, air, and fire are benign nature dispensers and the
discerning minds would feel delighted at their different faces, dimensions and
denominations. Take the example of
A child is a miracle of love, a precious
gift from above. Its lisp is music to ears. Naturally, it is the most
affable character enlivening the proceedings of human-life. A child’s cherubic
innocence, naive appearance, curious look, infectious social smiles,
unadulterated/non-inhibitive laughter, exclaiming mindset, inquisitive
querying, scientific temperament, non-selective mingling, non-discriminatory
interaction, playful attitude, gullible character, never-quenchable knowledge
quest, future dreaming, naughty/brisk dispositions, yearning and craving for
love and affection, and many more and other typical puerile dispositions – are
different dimensions of the intrinsic beauty of a child, sure to evoke more than a
cursory attention by anyone. In fact, it will be an exhilarating experience to
see things through the eyes of a child. Let us rejoice, rediscover, reenact,
and reinvent the child in us. Even animals in general and pets in particular, make the best friends.
Creative arts like painting and sculpture, and soft-skills like music provide us with optical beauty and aural treat respectively. Creativity is all about seeing things with an appreciative mind. Reading good books that can fan the fire of knowledge, flair, and fervour, interacting with intelligent people and/or listening to inspiring speeches, etc., would certainly bring to discerning minds an extension of intellectual personality and enrichment of our spirit and soul with an upgraded finesse to handle any situation. Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers. Proverbs and lovely quotes are, in fact, the products of the thought-processes of individuals and collective experiences of people over centuries that have come to stay.
There is always something for one to
cheer about in this world and if it's not there, you can create one. To be in the service of others gives self-satisfaction and self-joy. Good Samaritans and philanthropists would say, "the greatest joy
lies in giving". The
interactions with erudite scholarly people would make our experiences pleasurable. Even a small but
sweet gesture like friendly smile invokes reciprocal acts of goodwill. Let us also enjoy
others enjoying.
The richness of smallness universally attracts and fascinates all. But still, some clamour or opt for bigger versions.
Diversities of cultures, traditions, languages, etc. are an essential component of the mature civilized human society. They are not to be treated as cutting wedges; rather, they are binding forces that enhance the quality human life. Variety is the spice and charm of life. Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood and every minute thereof enjoyed up to the last breath. A journey to be meaningful ought to have a goal, a clear mission and a vision. Needless to say, success is a joy propellant.
For every exit, there may be a corresponding entry point elsewhere which one has to search for. Every difficulty also unfolds an opportunity. God has
designed the Nature such that succour is an in-built element of comfort even in
adversity. For example, in the parched summer when the scorching Sun inflicts
sweltering heat and related discomforts, we do have rescuers in the form of
certain Nature’s bounties, like watermelons, cucumber, palm-fruits, tender-coconuts,
etc., which are water-rich and thirst quenchers. Nature’s bounties are always a
source of joy.
The two eyes we have together give us only one
sight and do not function at crossroads. Knowledge and wisdom may see different aspects and perspectives
but love and affection have only one objective. Appearances may sometimes be deceptive. Can you see the flowers
of tomorrow now itself in the seeds of today? The phenomenon of evolution has a sequence of formative stages invisibly embedded and remaining encrypt in the seed itself to stir up a plant/sapling from inside at the appropriate time if the seed is planted into the soil, watered and properly nurtured, each phase being unique in its nature and
character. Cracking thunder, glitzy lightning and cyclonic storm, though
awe-striking, are scientific knowledge feeders.
A discerning mind would feel that real joy comes from within
oneself, not from outside. For this to happen, the observer has to
look at the brighter side of everything.
Following words of Swami Vivekananda
are relevant in this context. “Art is representing the beautiful. There must be art
in everything. Enjoyment lies not in physical development, but in the culture
of the mind and the intellect.”
(R.SAMPATH)
17/1/2021
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