The scriptures suggest, “Offer no advice, unless
sought”. The thought behind this suggestion is that a recipient does not value
a thing he is not in need of. An unwanted thing remains unused, under-used or
is misused. That precisely is the reason why the great thinkers, much concerned
about the needs of the humanity, who have the ability to think about what the
humanity needs and how that need can be fulfilled, almost invariably, fail to
do any good to the humanity in their life time.
It is not difficult to understand and realize
that the man, much fascinated by what he has, very rarely, comes to know well
in time what he does not have. It is not that the great thinkers do not know that
they would not be heard, it is only that they are least concerned about the
fruits of their actions and are aware that the life not only, is very short,
but uncertain also.
The other side of the picture is also confusing.
The man clinging to illusions has little confidence in his own thoughts, words
and actions. He, therefore, is always eager to seek confirmation from others
about his thoughts and deeds. Offering advice to others, even if they seek it,
makes little sense, because they would brush it aside, if it does not suit
them.
After telling that no advice need be offered to
those who do not seek it, the scriptures do not become silent. The scriptures
further say, “Have no interest in knowing how your advice has been received and
refrain from offering further explanation on what you have advised. If a
question is asked, answer it and again become detached,”
Although, it may appear to some that the
scriptures have attempted to offer a ‘practical’ advice, but, in fact, their
intent and meaning is much more profound and deep. If one has the ability to
contemplate over the truth of the things, he must keep his thoughts and words detached
from the world. If the thoughts and words firmly rooted in the truth are
polluted by the influence of those who are not sufficiently able, committed and
honest seekers of the truth, they (the thoughts and the words) would lose the
potential of doing good for the man and his world.
A serious seeker must avoid offering advice
unless sought for.
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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