Success in Life

[Guest guest]

How to Choose a Profession

 

In deciding upon a profession, you must now take a new look at the

professions and reconsider what professional activity really implies.

It constitutes your service and your contribution to the welfare and

progress of the entire society in which you are living.

 

Professional life is self-giving, is giving of oneself for the service

of and benefit and happiness of all beings. Its income bringing aspect

is secondary and not primary. This must be clearly understood. It must

be subordinated to the basic ideals of self-giving and service.

Otherwise man is not a man. He is but a beast in human form, a wolf in

sheep's clothing.

 

As long as you have a body, you have to work hard for your livelihood.

You have to struggle hard to provide yourself with the necessities of

physical existence -- food, clothing, shelter, medical aid. But your

efforts to earn your livelihood should not be immoral, unethical or

unrighteous. Right conduct should be the basis of your professional or

business activities. Ply a trade, do a business, be a farmer, be a

doctor, it will not come in the way of your attaining supreme success

in life provided you ever adhere to right conduct.

 

Similarly, your social life should not become mere frivolity,

dissipation, extravagant, entertainment and a waste of time, energy

and money in meaningless status keeping. Social life has to be

constructive, creative, ennobled by fellow-feeling, compassion and the

spirit of sharing. It must be gainful in terms of increased happiness,

welfare and benefit to all beings amidst whom Providence has placed you.

 

Be helpful to your brothers and sisters. Desire to serve your own

neighbour. Desire to serve the society, nation, all creatures, even

plants and insects. Desire to be serviceful to all. And do not forget

that great being who gives us life itself -- or Mother Earth. Without

pure water and clear air, thick forests and fertile pastures, life on

Earth cannot continue in a healthy manner. Already so many species

have become extinct due to greed and selfishness. This will be our

fate also unless great effort is put forth to turn the tides. Let your

time be spent in these worthwhile pursuits.