Three virtues
Our lives take shape based on three main factors - hard work, using our innate intelligence and luck. Of the three, luck is the most important factor. It is also something we have no conscious control over. There are many people in the world today who may be extremely hardworking and/or highly intelligent who don’t have the privilege of basking in the limelight for the want of luck. Yet they sincerely persist in their efforts. The greatness of such people lies not just in their efforts but also in their contentment. Not seeking fame and fortune, yet working for the world is a very noble and elevating virtue. Even if you or I don’t take notice, the universe will. Surely, there will be a time when such people are called upon directly or indirectly for a higher cause. This virtue is not based on external factors but on their mindset. The ego likes to shine in the spotlight, not just cast by us but by others through their praise. Those who have subdued their ego are indifferent to praise. This is the first virtue.
A car’s motor is designed to run the vehicle forwards and in reverse. When we are driving forwards, we can travel at great speeds. But the same car when put in reverse cannot travel very fast. Moreover we will have to pay great attention while reversing, more so compared to when we are traveling forwards. If a car cannot travel in reverse it will be difficult to drive it. There will be times when the reverse gear will be essential. Furthermore, there is no car that travels only in reverse gear. Life is similar, sometimes it proceeds in the forward gear and other times it is in reverse gear. Just because our lives may be speeding along smoothly, we cannot underestimate or look down upon those whose lives are going in reverse. Just like a car’s gear can be changed at anytime impacting how and in which direction it travels, life is unpredictable. Life can change direction at any time without warning. Whether our lives are moving forward or in reverse, we ought to use the gift of speech and the tongue wisely. The tongue has to move in a limited space guarded by 32 sharp teeth. One wrong move and the tongue will be bitten. Such should be our guard on what we say and how we say it. If we talk down to people when our lives are smooth sailing, we will likely get the same treatment from others when reverses hit. The power of speech cannot be underestimated. We indirectly undervalue others by the manner and content of our speech. The second virtue is not underestimating anyone and not underestimating the impact of our speech on others.
The law of karma is exacting and it states that it is impossible to experience happiness when we cause pain or trouble to others. Our deeds should match our words. Even saying something and not meaning it or is a form of pain we inflict on the world. It is better to be silent. The world will benefit more from our silence than our words if we don’t mean what we say. There are some people who are tempted into harming others due to their status, power or money. This is a heinous crime in the book of karma. Those who do this are assured of negative results for themselves and their near and dear ones. If we want to harm someone, it is better to be open about it and do it rather than say one thing and do another thing. When we open our mind and our thoughts to the world, the world will act as a mirror and sooner rather than later we will realize our misdeeds in our thoughts and actions. The third virtue is making our speech noble and elevating and ensuring our deeds match our speech.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
A car’s motor is designed to run the vehicle forwards and in reverse. When we are driving forwards, we can travel at great speeds. But the same car when put in reverse cannot travel very fast. Moreover we will have to pay great attention while reversing, more so compared to when we are traveling forwards. If a car cannot travel in reverse it will be difficult to drive it. There will be times when the reverse gear will be essential. Furthermore, there is no car that travels only in reverse gear. Life is similar, sometimes it proceeds in the forward gear and other times it is in reverse gear. Just because our lives may be speeding along smoothly, we cannot underestimate or look down upon those whose lives are going in reverse. Just like a car’s gear can be changed at anytime impacting how and in which direction it travels, life is unpredictable. Life can change direction at any time without warning. Whether our lives are moving forward or in reverse, we ought to use the gift of speech and the tongue wisely. The tongue has to move in a limited space guarded by 32 sharp teeth. One wrong move and the tongue will be bitten. Such should be our guard on what we say and how we say it. If we talk down to people when our lives are smooth sailing, we will likely get the same treatment from others when reverses hit. The power of speech cannot be underestimated. We indirectly undervalue others by the manner and content of our speech. The second virtue is not underestimating anyone and not underestimating the impact of our speech on others.
The law of karma is exacting and it states that it is impossible to experience happiness when we cause pain or trouble to others. Our deeds should match our words. Even saying something and not meaning it or is a form of pain we inflict on the world. It is better to be silent. The world will benefit more from our silence than our words if we don’t mean what we say. There are some people who are tempted into harming others due to their status, power or money. This is a heinous crime in the book of karma. Those who do this are assured of negative results for themselves and their near and dear ones. If we want to harm someone, it is better to be open about it and do it rather than say one thing and do another thing. When we open our mind and our thoughts to the world, the world will act as a mirror and sooner rather than later we will realize our misdeeds in our thoughts and actions. The third virtue is making our speech noble and elevating and ensuring our deeds match our speech.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
