The narrative depicts a man’s emotional journey from turmoil to tranquility, exploring themes of Life and Karma. He reflects on life’s cyclical nature while sitting on a bench. This reflection is done through the metaphor of changing weather. It highlights the eternal “Aatma” and interconnectedness of all beings, advocating for compassion towards nature and harmonious living. It emphasizes the importance of “Karma,” stressing that actions shape one’s future, while outcomes should not dominate one’s focus. The content calls for mutual respect and care for all living entities. It underscores the significance of prioritizing a balance in living. It points out the importance of contributing positively to the environment. Finally, it fosters a sense of responsibility for future generations.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The narrative explores a man’s emotional journey, emphasizing the themes of Life and Karma through reflections on nature and interconnectedness.
- It highlights the cyclical nature of life, where both positive and negative experiences shape one’s understanding and actions.
- The article draws from Hindu philosophy, discussing concepts like ‘Aatma’ and the significance of performing Karma without attachment to results.
- It emphasizes humanity’s responsibility to protect nature and respect all living beings, promoting a harmonious coexistence.
- In conclusion, aligning with nature and making positive contributions defines the quality of life. It advocates for a better world for future generations.
Stormy mind
With a stormy mind, he was sitting on a bench. The surroundings were calm but for the squealing of joyful children and chirping of birds. The overcast sky and cold winds were making the weather chill. Though in a thick padded jacket, cold winds were trying to penetrate his jacket. An occasional wave of shivering passed through his spine.
Perturbed
Sitting idle, he was not thinking. His mind, though, was not quiet. Every type of thought came gushing from all sides, making his mind higgledy-piggledy, sometimes agitated. He felt pressed and perturbed like a lone tree with its branches shaking violently in the surging wind.
The sun shone
Suddenly, the sun shone amidst the clouds. The wind scattered the clouds. They were now floating like fluffy patches. The cerulean sky emerged from behind them. The bright sun gave a glitter to the environment.
Mood changed to cheerfulness
He lifted his eyes to behold the changed scene. The cosy warmth of the radiating sun provided him with much-needed relief from shivering. The bright shine of the sun changed his mood. He felt cheerful. His restless mind gradually calmed down, and he started enjoying the natural surroundings he was in. A smile floated on his lips. He became visibly more cheerful.
Negative feelings
Often, negative feelings of bewilderment and restlessness take hold. Daunting thoughts of being trapped in a maze loomed. The predominant questions that linger concern the purpose and quality of life and Karma. The whims and fantasies of others, which stealthily infiltrate our lives, even if occasionally necessary, are contemptible and irritating.
Cyclic phases of life
Life is like this. Phases of barren cold and cosy warmth are cyclic and temporary. Harsh weather is necessary before fine and pleasant weather. It allows one to have a comparative sense of harshness versus pleasantness and of happiness versus sorrow. The cyclic nature of matter is universal, as is the cycle of life and death.
The preaching
Lord Krishna was preaching to Arjuna amid a war in the Mahabharata. During this, he spoke at length about the cyclical nature of life. He also discussed the concept of death. There is, though, a continuity in it. Life and death have a connecting link. Our sagacious primogenitors identified the link as Soul (“Aatmaa”), which is eternal. Lord Krishna says it is like changing garments. Like we change our clothes, “Aatmaa” also changes bodies. He emphasised in the Gita to do rightful Karma for a better life. (Hindu Mythology)
Self-consciousness
The Soul or Self-Consciousness is abstract. It is indestructible and eternal. Some see it as a shapeless entity. It acquires the shape of the object it resides in, like water acquiring the shape of the pot. Gita describes “Aatma” as eternal, indestructible, immortal and unthinkable. No fire can burn it, nor any weapon can sever it.
“Karma”
The concept of “Aatma” proposed by ancient philosophers aims to create continuity in life and explain the results of “Karma”. Deeds shape the future. Lord Krishna advises focusing on “Karma” rather than concentrating on its result. The “Karma” is controllable, not the result. “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Maa Phaleshu Kadachanah,” says Krishna.
Cytoplasm never dies
Bioscience tells us that the cytoplasm never dies. Cytoplasm is an important part of animal and plant cells. It is a gelatinous substance within the confines of a cell. The cell is the building block. Several similar cells unite to form tissue, several tissues form an organ, and several organs form a system. Finally, several systems form a body. Cytoplasm remains alive in the form of progenies even if an individual dies and perishes. It passes from parents to their siblings and from generation to generation. It is the “Aatma” that is immortal and continuing.
Mother Nature does everything with a purpose. Each organism and material has its role in running the vast system of the natural world.
The interdependence
“Brahma” is omnipresent but invisible and omnipotent. Ancient thinkers propounded that when His shadow (“Ishwar”) is cast on illusion (“Maayaa”), the world is born. It manifests in Mother Nature, who does everything with a purpose. Each organism and material has its role in running the vast natural world system. From microorganisms to plankton to small and then large animals and plants. They are interdependent and help each other to survive. This interdependence gives rise to a vast, intertwined web of food and energy. This web is vital for life and causes it to run. It is the continuity of life.
The human race
The highest evolved among all organisms are humans. They have the power of reasoning, thinking, and speech. They are prudent and adapt to make the best use of their minds. This enables creation, construction, and rebuilding. The human race is duty-bound to bear the responsibility of being superior.
Balanced mix
Endowed with the noble qualities of compassion and empathy, blended with reasoning power and speech human race stands out. Yet, hoping for an absolute ideal is impractical. A balanced mix of good and bad, compassion and callousness, is ideal.
Live and let live
Live and let live is the basic principle of Nature. It is why nature relies on mutual dependence and cooperation. As is said earlier, humans occupy the highest place in the living world that the Supreme Soul created. Organisms sitting on the lower steps of the ladder deserve more share of care and support from humans. Similarly, intra-community dealings need a considerate and accommodating approach. Humans, with their prudence, can choose Karma to improve life.
Plants are living things
Plants are also included in the living world. The great scientist, JC Bose, established that plants are living beings. They breathe and carry out every task a living organism does. Though animate, they are devoid of senses, sensory organs and the brain. They are sedentary and have no sensation or feelings. They contribute silently to the growth and development of others by giving food, fodder, and shelter. Their insensitive nature towards pain and lack of blood is a boon in disguise for animals, particularly humans. Plants do not cry or feel hurt. It makes it easy for humans to mow them and satiate their pangs of consumption. While leading their life routinely, they give food and shelter to the needy. It wonders as to what they would be thinking and saying about humans had they had the power of expression!
Expression of feelings
The whole animal world has an inherent quality of living in freedom. They do not want to be caged. Any bondage – emotional or physical – is detrimental and crushes the spirit. The animals, being devoid of speech, can’t express their agony when put in heinous conditions. They cry, growl, bellow and groan, but their resentment is unheard. Humans, on the other hand, with cohesive speech and language, can express their feelings well. This is why “Human Rights” are very important. It is the basis of civilised society. What about mute organisms like plants and animals?
People’s engagement
Thankfully, people having empathy with mute animals and plants have come forth and endeavoured to protect Nature as a whole. It is heartening that more people with good Karma are engaging in the cause of Nature for a better life.
Dignified life
Theoretically, everyone must respect the sentiments and privacy of others. Despite legislation, laws and ethics of the modern world, physical, mental and emotional torture is rampant, especially in relationships. In the wake of meeting their end, they wriggle and loathe, crying howling and yelling at each other. Life of this sort is beyond the periphery of dignity.
Handle with care
Struggle and strife are the bottom line. It is fundamental to all animate and inanimate worlds. Non-living things, rocks for example, also have the tendency to collide. Many atoms found in them are in constant motion and collision. The wish for permanency and settlement is intrinsic. A nascent gas is highly reactive. By the same token, the living world strives for survival and betterment. Humans have more wishes for it. Societies and relationships evolved to overcome difficulties and help in easing them out. Relationships give a cosy, congenial atmosphere for optimal growth and problem-solving. They become difficult if not handled properly.
To conclude
Life is precious, and frivolous issues have no place in it. Whether our lives are short or long is not debatable and ultimately irrelevant. While our lifespan is fixed, our priorities are not. We need to adjust our priorities based on the time we have. Achieving harmony with nature and its components is essential and not as difficult as it may seem. It is the Karma that decides the quality of life. The basic principle of LiFE serves as a potential answer. It signifies a lifestyle that supports the environment. People are obligated to humanity and society. It is the duty to pass a better world that one received to the next generation. Contributing positively shall make an impact.
Photograph by Author
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