THINKING BEYOND SELF

 

From Sampath’s Desk:

THINKING BEYOND SELF

Think beyond yourself and do something in the service of others. This is easier said than done. Do yourself what you wish others to do. Do unto others as you would wish to be done by others. These quotes, though old, are gold. The idea is you step into the shoes of others, think about what you would do if you were in his/her position, and do something good accordingly. And if you can think critically, you will better understand and appreciate the situation and difficulties of others. Here is the starting point for one to think beyond self and go selfless. It is well said, “Don’t ruin others for the sake of your survival and/or advancement.” Being mindful of the feelings and simple requirements of others and doing some service to them is perhaps the first step in the right direction. Even the simplest of help done matters the most to the beneficiary.

 

We have to rid ourselves of selfishness. You need unceasing fire in yourself to extend a helping hand to others. Simple things are enough to start with. However, there is absolutely no limit to play the Good Samaritan role.

 

Take the example of a fruit-giving tree. There is a saying, “While eating a fruit, think of the man who had sown the seed for the tree.” It would have taken many years for it to grow into a full-fledged fruit-bearing tree. Had the person who had sown the seed been selfish, nature’s bounty might not be available to the next generations.

 

The Indian freedom movement is a typical example. It took a very long time and even many generations to fight it out and attain freedom. Innumerable persons would have sacrificed everything of themselves - life, wealth, health, comfort, etc. How many people would have had traumatic experiences due to the ruthless oppression of the alien rulers and how many would have languished in jails for long periods? How many people would have got crippled as a gift by the oppressive alien rule for participating in the freedom movement? Generations had suffered in the freedom struggle and even perished. But, only the generations born after attainment of independence have been enjoying the fruits of freedom. Many freedom fighters would not even have dreamt that they would be alive to see a free India. Had those people been apathetic and/or indolent without caring to take up the cudgels against the alien rule and strive hard for the common cause, freedom would not have seen the light of the day. This selfless service of the freedom fighters deserves adoration and salute by the present generation and the ones to come! Yes, we need to preserve the record of our independence movement events for the posterity.

 

By very nature, God has designed our minds to show compassion and care for others. To be otherwise is only unnatural. Mother’s love for the child is a unique example. It is of course natural for blood relatives to care for each other as do true friends. A true friendship helps unite people for common cause(s). Going to the rescue and succour of the needy other than the relatives and dear/true friends - for the collective public and societal good and even for strangers - upholding the cherished values of humanitarianism, brotherhood, co-existence, goodwill, etc. for the sake of welfare of others and the society at large is an excellent trait.

 

A dedicated and committed social worker is yet another example. In fact, he works towards noble objectives with a humanitarian mission and vision expecting nothing in return. He enjoys serving others. Yes, he enjoys others enjoying.

 

Charity organizations, social and welfare associations besides non-governmental service organizations (NGOs), Old Age Homes, and orphanages, among others, are shining examples. ‘Red Cross’ is a world-renowned organization in the medical care service of people affected by war, natural calamities, etc. anywhere in the world. Going further beyond, the ‘Blue Cross’ organization operates for the well-being of animals.

 

National and revolutionary Tamil bard Subramaniya Bharathi saw the entire humankind as a single race. Far from that, he considered all living-beings such as birds, animals, etc. as being equal to the human race. Tamil spiritual giant Thiru Arutprakasa Valallar Ramalinga Swamigal advocated vegetarianism and preached against violence on any living-being. Such was the depth of his sympathy and compassion towards everyone and everything including plants. To quote him, “I felt displeasure, dismay, and angst whenever I saw a withering plant.”

 

To conclude, it is pertinent to recall the golden quote of Swami Vivekananda, “Live a life of sacrifice, commitment and bliss, forgetting the feverish excitements of the present, anxieties of the future, and regrets of the past. Let us think lofty and have a heart full of compassion.”

 

(R.SAMPATH)