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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Ethical life gives peace of mind

 

CHENNAI, JUNE 12. The scriptures have given guidelines to

organise all aspects of human life. All the aspirations of man

have been envisaged by the four Purusharthas, of which Artha and

Kama pertain to material life. Dharma and Moksha are the ideals

which guide human destiny. Liberation is the ultimate goal of

human birth and has to be realised by one and all; Dharma is the

foundation on which all human activities must be pursued.

 

While scriptural prescriptions are meant to be followed by one

and all, the freedom to do so rests with the individual. Every

individual has to decide for himself whether he wants short-term

gains by compromising values or a peaceful life by leading a

moral life. When Dharma becomes the guiding spirit of a person's

life then he may have to face problems as others who interact

with him may not to his values.

 

Those who desire worldly success often throw caution to the winds

and resort to quick-fix methods to realise their ambitions. But

such people will not have peace of mind though for all purposes

they may be successful. This phenomenon is very common in today's

world. Restlessness, frustration and tensions seem to go hand in

hand with success in the modern world. Is it not necessary to get

back peace of mind which is the birthright of every human being?

What is the use of wealth and power if one loses the soul in the

bargain?

 

In her discourse, Prof. Prema Pandurang said that just as a

person planned his career meticulously he has to plan his

personal life also. The worries and tensions are due to lack of

proper planning. Instead of organising one's life holistically by

allocating time for spiritual pursuit, most of the time and

energy are spent on career-related and on other worldly

activities. The effect of such a lopsided lifestyle is felt only

in a crisis as such a person is ill-equipped to tackle his

problems.

 

The four aspirations envisaged in the scriptures have their

legitimate demands on a person. One of the oft-quoted dictums in

spiritual tradition is that Dharma protects only the person who

advocates it resolutely. It is one's ethical stature which will

stand one in good stead in life and not money and power because

they are fleeting.

 

The entire edifice of Indian philosophy is built on sacrifice.

Rama is an example of an outstanding emperor whose success was

due to his sacrifice of everything including His wife for the

sake of Dharma. Drtarashtra, on the other hand, was a failure as

he was possessive and he clung to what was not rightfully his.

All worldly ambitions must be guided by Dharma if one desires

peace of mind.

 

 

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