UNDERSTANDING ‘GOODNESS IN LIFE’

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UNDERSTANDING `GOODNESS IN LIFE'

 

By Surendra Narayan

 

Goodness reflects the divinity embedded deep within us. Goodness

cannot exist when we think or feel ourselves as separate individuals,

being with selfish desires of our own. We then get limited, sullied

and suffer pain because of unfulfilled desires for money, fame,

position in society and recognition of our supposed importance.

Besides, in trying to fulfill our narrow selfish desires we hurt

others in various ways - physical, emotional and mental and suffer

pain in turn - sooner or later. This is not living in goodness.

 

Goodness is reflected in life in so many ways, even as so many

qualities. Newman in his essay Definition of a Gentleman refers to

some of these qualities or attitudes in life: `He makes light of

favours while he does them. He never speaks of himself except when

compelled. He has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in

imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets

everything for the best. He has too much good sense to be affronted

at insults. He is too indolent to bear malice.'

 

Right relationship with everything and everybody is a basic quality

of goodness in life. It comes from an abiding sense of harmony and

respect for all.Regarding our relationship with human beings, instead

of noticing, appreciating and encouraging the good qualities in

others, we often tend to find fault with them, criticize their

inadequacies and shortcomings and disapprove of their ways of work,

and view ourselves as models of perfection. This is not goodness.

 

The understanding of one's deeper nature comes from self-observation

and watchfulness. Ramana Maharshi used to give a simple piece of

advice – ponder over `who am I'. And watchfulness is important, since

one little slip may ruin a whole life's sadhana. That is why the

exhortation – keep awake, keep always wide-awake. And let it be added

that patience is also required.

 

One may end with a piece of advice given by the Buddha, which

beautifully delineates the nature of a life aspired to be lived in

goodness: No evil words will I send forth/ I will be compassionate of

other's welfare / Of kindly heart, without resentment.

 

Making this our standpoint, we will suffuse the whole world with

loving thoughts, far reaching, wide spreading, boundless, free from

hate, free from ill-will; and so abide.

(The author, a theosophist, was formerly Chairman, Central Board of

Direct Taxes.)

 

prof laxmi narain (prof_narain)

 

Source and courtesy: Sri Ramana Kendram, Hyderabad

This article was published in Sri Ramana Jyothi,

monthly magazine of the Kendram.