Realize – Two plus Two Is Four So Is Three Plus One. It means there are many ways to truth.
When we are ready to accept and respect multiplicity we
become a complete human being.
The problem of one-sided thinking is universal in its
existence. It is the problem of finding out the underlying truth behind
the multiplicity of expressions, extending into diverse forms of life.
We hold something as true and then fail to understand that
different expressions of the same thing are laid out in different ways and
methods.
And this non-understanding leads to a hardened stand; we
become intolerant and, ultimately, violent.
Fanaticism extends to the way we eat, dress, speak, pray and
what not.
We want everyone to be like us! Setting ourselves as the
standard of the universe!
Being caught in our prejudices and narrow outlooks, we spoil
our lives.
Sympathy and mutual understanding is what is needed to make
us complete human beings. We cannot overnight change the world but a generous
and open heart will make us aware of the task before us and reveal to us the
way to bring change in our and others’ lives. It needs evolving out of our
ego-world of self-righteousness and self-centeredness.
Of course doing good is one of the greatest motive powers
which makes human beings work. It inspires and enthuses people in many ways but
this also leads to a another kind of fanaticism—the idea that we can make the
world free from all evil, pain and wickedness forever! However charming this
ideal may look, it is impractical and just an imagination.
The ideal of Karma is not just doing good but transforming
oneself through what one does. It is not mere work but the attitude behind the
work.
Self-transformation, and through that, world-transformation,
is the goal of Karma Yoga. This is the ideal of Karma Yoga and the more we
understand it, the more effective and non-stressful will our work become. We
will then do our best but remain unaffected by the fruits of action, good or
bad.
Source – Vedanta Kesari August 2014 Editorial