A common understanding of what can and cannot be done is essential if people are to live harmoniously together
A common understanding of what can and cannot be done is essential if people are to live harmoniously together
a The innate aspect of modern life is the extinct community spirit. Five-six decades ago the situation was different. Society is at the center of a civilized society. Families have always answered the call to come together in groups.
The community is not just one big family. Its strength lies in voluntary cooperation, conscious dedication, effort and care. Presently people completely ignore even their neighbors. The joint family system has ended. The link between the individual, the family and the society has weakened. Why?
The trouble with us is that we are always mired in our own problems – some are imaginary. Theodore Rubin has rightly said: “The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise, and thinking that having problems is a problem.”
Negative thoughts often dominate our mind. Discrimination is one. The abhorrent practice of untouchability is the prohibition of discrimination. Gandhiji considered it a sin. Few realize that discrimination involves enormous economic and social costs. The situation worsened due to the caste system. We are unable to control the feelings of caste. The roots of Tantra are deep.
Little is known about the power of love and service. Love is a symbol of friendship, selflessness, altruism and sacrifice. We should give something unconditionally for the benefit of others. It is rightly observed: “If a man has learned the language, lessons and practices of love, he has probably learned it all.”
Who can forget the services of Mother Teresa? His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV has rightly said: “If you help others and serve others as much as you can, that is the proper way to live a meaningful life.” He also said: “If you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Someone said about Durgabai Deshmukh, the first chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board, that she can get a scope of service even in the desert!
What is needed is a service-oriented mind. Also, team spirit develops when giving is spontaneous. Ruskin wrote: “The only outcome of life is what we do.”
Competent leadership is distinguished by its absence, especially in the political arena. We see leadership crisis in almost all sectors. A leader always moves from self-centred to another universe-centred. Leaders are needed to promote community spirit.
The time has come for us to look at responsibility or lack thereof as a public concern. There should be a re-evaluation of social values. A common understanding of what can and cannot be done is essential if people are to live harmoniously together.
sathyasundaram@yahoo.com