The Power that does not corrupt
Mankind has come a long way in the last two centuries. We have created the means to supplant the light of the sun, especially indoors with advances in lighting. No more are we so dependent on the light of the sun to illuminate our daily lives. But we still seek out sunlight anytime we want to relax and play. There is a certain healing effect that is associated with sunlight especially when it comes to the mind. No wonder, very popular vacation spots are tropical beaches, where one can be enveloped in the warm rays of the sun.
Sunlight holds a great deal of power over us. It controls life on earth. Yet, it never fails to rise on time, there isn’t a sign proclaiming its greatness. We don’t get notices for the debt incurred by us on account of using its energy. Power companies switch off electricity if bills are not paid, but the sun shines as it has been doing so for billions of years. It can never be corrupted or made to shine preferentially in one part of the world.
The power that man has in any form whether economic or social may be compared to light. Money and societal power can easily corrupt. It is contingent on there being a loss elsewhere as we gain in wealth and prestige. This loss may be a direct result of a gain or once there is power backed by money and prestige, the ego can take over and inflict loss and harm on others. This type of power does nothing for the peace and wellbeing of anyone, especially the one who wields it. Like a skilled cook who expertly wields a sharp knife, one must be careful with power that has the potential to corrupt one’s mind. It is a great responsibility.
There is another type of power that comes from within. Just like none can claim the sun as their own, this type of power cannot be stolen by anyone. It sprouts in a peaceful mind. If we water such a mind with hard work, diligence, concentration and a sense of purpose, the fruits will naturally be sweet and useful. Our contribution to the world, big or small is the only power worth holding onto. We don’t have to have any fear of losing it or expending a lot of energy to hold it. It will hold us and sustain us. It will feel as natural as the sun’s light and it will radiate the warmth of peace in our mind in moments of darkness and despair. The more we give and the less we hold onto, the more that comes to us in some shape or form when we desperately need help. Power and peace should coincide and run alongside one another. It can only happen if one is peaceful to begin with.
Sunlight holds a great deal of power over us. It controls life on earth. Yet, it never fails to rise on time, there isn’t a sign proclaiming its greatness. We don’t get notices for the debt incurred by us on account of using its energy. Power companies switch off electricity if bills are not paid, but the sun shines as it has been doing so for billions of years. It can never be corrupted or made to shine preferentially in one part of the world.
The power that man has in any form whether economic or social may be compared to light. Money and societal power can easily corrupt. It is contingent on there being a loss elsewhere as we gain in wealth and prestige. This loss may be a direct result of a gain or once there is power backed by money and prestige, the ego can take over and inflict loss and harm on others. This type of power does nothing for the peace and wellbeing of anyone, especially the one who wields it. Like a skilled cook who expertly wields a sharp knife, one must be careful with power that has the potential to corrupt one’s mind. It is a great responsibility.
There is another type of power that comes from within. Just like none can claim the sun as their own, this type of power cannot be stolen by anyone. It sprouts in a peaceful mind. If we water such a mind with hard work, diligence, concentration and a sense of purpose, the fruits will naturally be sweet and useful. Our contribution to the world, big or small is the only power worth holding onto. We don’t have to have any fear of losing it or expending a lot of energy to hold it. It will hold us and sustain us. It will feel as natural as the sun’s light and it will radiate the warmth of peace in our mind in moments of darkness and despair. The more we give and the less we hold onto, the more that comes to us in some shape or form when we desperately need help. Power and peace should coincide and run alongside one another. It can only happen if one is peaceful to begin with.
