Spirituality does not impose anything on human
beings; still, it has everything to do with human life. It neither rewards, nor
punishes or penalizes. It does not differentiate one life from another. It sets
all human beings free to decide for themselves and live as they want to live.
It
suggests a few qualities that one must develop in him for his own benefit.
Adherence to the truth, compassion, fearlessness, nonviolence, selflessness,
humility, simplicity of the thought, conduct and words, patience, concern for
all animate and inanimate that exists in this universe, gratitude, patience,
ability to suffer and undergo penance, genuineness, sympathy, being just, being
ashamed of one’s mistakes and making efforts to rectify them, forgiveness,
benevolence, respectfulness, utter lack of greed, freedom from hatred, and,
anger and pride, etc. are some qualities suggested by spirituality for enabling
the man to view the things as they must be viewed and living the life as it
must be lived.
We
generally have democratic system of governance all over the world in modern
times. Not only politics, but in most fields, beneficiaries participate in decision
making process. The decision taken by one, even if it is counted as one vote in
favor of some decision or against it, may affect many. The process becomes much
critical when elected representatives of the millions decide and implement
those decisions. Can we afford to have people representing us who are not
truthful, are selfish, greedy, impatient, arrogant, possessing violent minds,
arrogant and much lacking in compassion? Of course, we cannot afford it; but, in
modern times we rarely have leaders and decision makers who are worthy of our
trust.
No
doubt, the problem is not with the democratic system. The problem is that we
have earmarked spirituality for a few who are interested in lofty ideals of
life, exploration of truth or in their personal growth on spiritual path; and
have accepted lifeless and pretentious methodologies for materialistic growth that
do not serve the human race as a whole, but only a few as guiding principles
for the rest of the world. Spirituality need not be linked to religious faiths
of different kinds or considered as some sectarian ideology; it is the right way
of life for all, but at least, for those, who, by virtue of the duty assigned
to them are expected to serve others thereby influencing lives of many.
All
human being, without exception, know that an object elevated above the ground falls;
but, how many of them know about the Newton’s ‘universal law of gravitation’?
Human life is influenced by the practical aspects of theories and ideals. The
things of common knowledge serve us well. All systems, the modern man has bound
himself with, whether political, social, economic, administrative, legal and
educational etc. must serve the man adequately and deliver to him what he is
entitled to. Spirituality is not a
subject matter of interest of saints and enlightened individuals only; it is
for all, especially for those who are expected to serve many. We cannot
separate spirituality from our day to day life.
PROMOD KUMAR SHARMA
[The writer of this blog is also the author of “Mahatma A
Scientist of the Intuitively Obvious” and “In Search of Our Wonderful Words”.]
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