Friday 15 June, 2007

LIVE LIFE BLISSFULLY!!

I’ve heard many of my friends saying that they want happiness. Even for me, it seems like an impossible dream. I sometimes wonder and ask myself the question (as if I were asked by Shahrukh khan in Kal Ho Na Ho movie) that, when was it the last time I was been fully cheerful or say laughed soulfully? By now, I hope that you people might also be questioning yourself the same. Am I right!
Frankly speaking, I’ve totally failed finding a really convincible answer in the pursuit of happiness. Actually, I always break my heads to understand why we people behave foolishly searching for happiness instead knowing that it is with in us. But never dare wasting our valuable time listening to our own inner voices. Thus, we completely ignore it and make our lives complex in spite knowing, “One who wills can hear the inner voice.”
In “Anguthara Nikaya”, Gautama Buddha had stated that, “It is necessary for all, that some day we might become old; or some day we might fall ill; or some day we may die; or the things we love and treasure a lot will leave us alone. And thus, we are the one who stand solely responsible for whatever we do whether good or bad. And it is necessary fact that it happens in every one’s life, whether a day before or a day after but surely happens. No one can exercise his/her control on what is happening around us.” He stated it as a necessary ingredient of life because, if we fear of becoming old, then we tend to sacrifice the pride in youth; By thinking about death and ill-health, we can leave behind us the pride of being alive and staying healthy respectively. Therefore, he pledged us, to sacrifice the feelings of “Ego”. He asked us to remember that,“Nothing is permanent than Change”. Thus, it is the first step towards a blissful life where one leaves his/her ego for being beautiful,charming, handsome, rich,highly educated, or what ever and accept the changes that occur in his/her life.
The founder of “The Art of Living”, Guru Sri Ravi Shanker says, Laughter is the most invaluable property, we, the human beings have inherited. It serves as a good friend and keeps us free from stress. He says, when compared to a child who laughs more than 400 times a day, we laugh only 17 times a day. Thus, we have even restricted ourselves to feel the joy of life. Though we all know that, the problems never come to stay with us forever, still we worry. Remember, for every sunrise there is a sunset and for every sunset there is a sunrise; we too are blessed with a life cycle, which always changes. So, let us not fear about the obstacles that comes our way, because a pleasant smile of yours can reduce all burdens you have and smiling at problems makes us self-confident which in turn leads us to a successful living. Remember, that it is not the load that breaks you; it is the way that you carry it. Always maintain a positive attitude towards life which makes you feel cheerful always. Therefore, it must be noted that, being cheerful keeps up the spirit of the one who possesses it and brings smile to the lips of others. You all know a proverb which says, Smile a lot it costs nothing. So, laugh like a child and always try to be happy and stress-free. This is the second step to live blissfully
Our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi says, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as it you were to live forever”. I believe that, there is no other alternative for this quotation. Because, worrying about future will make us anxious and thinking about past leave us depressed. Thus, in either ways, we may lose the most precious present life we are gifted with. Therefore, one has to live his life as if he/she were to die tomorrow. Live every moment possible to the fullest and promise yourself stay happily. I know saying this is quite easy but believe me, it is not impossible task at all. And of course, learning is an essential part of life, for both updating and secured life-style. In order to avoid redundancy in life, one has to learn from his/her past experiences, mistakes, and spend a lot of time in improving self because, where we come from isn’t nearly as important as where we are going. And believe me, if you understand this concept, then you will not find time to criticize others. If one does not poke his nose into the private issues of others (as we Indians often do) unnecessarily, then he/she will not find a reason to criticize others. If you don’t criticize others that itself means that you are leading a blissful life. And it is sure that you’ve found yourself. This is the third step towards a blissful life.
We consciously ruin our lives comparing it with others. Comparison is that vital ingredient which will never allow us to live happily. Richard J Harol, I believe stated that, “The Richest people are those who are contented with what ever they have.” Contentment and bliss go hand in hand. Both these qualities create a great fascination for you among others. But do we really care? In either ways, we want to be successful but not care for happiness, because we make a false assumption that money brings happiness. And for the sake of money, we are crossing the borders of morality and in one way or the other wanting make big money and become rich and famous overnight. This kind is very particularly seen in the employees of BPO’s and IT sectors. These people though earn a lucrative salary still are highly disturbed and unhappy souls on this planet. Every weekend they party expending the huge amounts but still can’t find satisfaction or say peace. And this all happens due to lack of contentment and of course due to comparison. (Why I said this, ask yourself!) Remember, if we don’t find peace (as peace always begins with a smile) within ourselves, then it is vain to find it somewhere else. If one compares him/herself with others for a better standard of living then there is no harm. But we are behaving like racing horses in the stadium named “Life”. There is no harm competing but it does matter only when we forget those human values and the real essence of life. So, better try not to compare your life with others. Believe in yourself, that you are unique by justifying that no two leaves of the same branch are alike. This is the fourth step to make your life blissful.
And finally, the best way to cheer you up is to try cheering somebody else up. This can be achieved only by serving others whole-heartedly. For instance, Saint Mother Teresa, who lead a blissful life serving the destitute and the poor. Does one have to explain that it was not the money which brought her fame, but it was her love, and caring attitude got her sainthood? It was her healing touch which gave an assurance to people that we belong to each other. Gandhiji said, “the best way to find you is to lose yourself in the service of the others”,as service to human is service to god. But do you think it is happening around us? Are we really feeling considerate about those people who need assistance? The answer is quite vivid. When the power medium of Communication, the Media itself is after making big money, which does really care? I hope it is the media which is the culprit for derailing us from the right track of life because it always tries to showcase the people who are rich and famous viz., politicians and film actors. For instance, is it necessary to telecast/ publicize Abhi-Ash’s marriage or say Rajni’s movie titled Shivaji. It is really a shameful act and thus it is crystal clear fact that, even the media is not interested focusing on the development of the underdeveloped things. Don’t feel I am going out of track, but it does also counts. Serving the needy will definitely make us feel blissful.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, each one of us are blessed with a right to live the way we wish. Follow what ever your heart says. Michael Nolan stated, “There are many things in life that will catch your eye; but only few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” Therefore, stop worrying and start living. And don’t just merely exist but live your life blissfully. As we all are equally gifted to live one life, so try to live it more happily as there is nothing more nourishing than happiness.

Thanks and regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

Thursday 7 June, 2007

HOW TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL FREEDOM

India had attained its independence somewhere 60 years ago. That mean, we the Indians are free people. Perhaps the freer to do anything and everything until except it is illegal or illegitimate. But does, it sound true? Are we free enough to live our own life the way we wish? If you feel so, what exactly does the word “Freedom” means to you?
If you ask me, then I would define “Freedom” as that path which leads to individual satisfaction in life. It can also be termed as “Personal Happiness” (There is nothing more nourishing than happiness) where one does not have to spend an unreasonably large part of life doing things that he/she doesn’t want to do! But are we living a more vivid and effective individual life? No right! So, have you ever tried to find a solution for achieving Personal Freedom?
In my view, we as individuals can be truly free only as we are sufficiently independent, powerful and influential in our own right to become persons to reckon with. But to my surprise, it is always otherwise. We love to live like those caged birds (in the prison named Relationships) who had forgotten to fly high. By this way, we are our own enemies losing the enthusiasm to find the real essence of life. Here, please do not mistake me, because, I am neither criticizing the family system nor preaching the benefits of bachelor hood. This article is quite different. In this, I am just trying to focus on some guidelines applicable to each one of us to attain personal freedom. And here are those Nine Lines of Action for personal Happiness:
1) FIND YOURSELF: Being independent, we are more or less dependant on each other (say, family, friends, relatives, society or what ever). In India, to my knowledge, there are only two stages of life, viz., one where the parents look after their children until they get well-settled in their life and the second stage is that, the latter looking after the former until they die. And surprisingly, we do rotate in this continuous life cycle sacrificing all our choices and wishes for the betterment and happiness of others who are dependant upon us. So, there exists no question about individualistic life where one can think about his/her own happiness. And it is true that, “When we do not find happiness with in ourselves, it is vain to seek it else where”. Therefore, one must find himself/herself first. There is no harm being Selfish. But mind you, it should not effect the relations you have. Each of us is blessed to enjoy the pleasures that life brings to us. We are blessed with the right to live the way we wish. And hence, one must learn how to feel joy (Seneca). Live life blissfully. It is never too late to be who you might have been.
2) BE SELF-RELIANT: To be self-reliant, we should save money. Too many of us think of savings as security for old age. But to me, saving money is one of the key factors that strengthen our personal freedom. Voltaire stated, “When it is the question of money, everybody is of same religion.” If we are financially sound, then there exists no question of begging loans from others. To me the thought of making a loan itself make me feel guilty and stifled. My grandma had taught me, not to make a loan until it is a matter of cut-throat. Because making a loan threatens our self-respect. We our self, give a chance to people to talk ill about us. So, never ever try to risk your self-respect, as it knows no considerations (Mahatma Gandhi). If once, we are self-reliant, then people gather around us, praise us, and seek for help. We become independent for doing anything we wish. Even at Tirumala Tirupathi Temple, the richest people are given the highest priority. Therefore, try to save money for a secure future. And at the same time, also remember, “Save not where you can spend and spare not where you can save”.
3) BUILD YOUR EDUCATION AND SKILLS: Personal freedom can be expanded by education and skills because they open up a wider range of professional opportunities. Knowledge is a tangible asset, quite often the most important tool in the work. The more marketable knowledge you possess the more free you are, for it can’t be taken away from you – it’s a tool you carry around in your head.
This competence, cannot, in fact, be taken away from us except by obsolescence. In today’s world many of us can feel competent, and free, only as we keep abreast of new development in our field. We are definitely going to hear a great deal, in coming years, about the importance of continuing education. (By this statement, I hope many of my friends who always pinch me for still being a student might have got an answer for the reason behind me continuing my education.) Therefore, it becomes necessary to update yourself and share the knowledge in achieving personal freedom and immortality respectively.
4) KEEP YOUR HONOR CLEAN: To maintain freedom, we should reduce personal frailties, for these make us Vulnerable. It is still true that an upright man is more likely to dare to speak the truth. No matter, if you are financially pinched, but, never become a man of dishonor. Believe me, “Penniless is better than honor less”. If you keep your honor clean, you can dare to live the way you wish; say, as a leader or a hero. You can dare to express yourself to the fullest. And of course, as said by Albert Einstein, “Try not to become a person of success, but rather become a person of Value”. This will definitely fetch you freedom.
5) KEEP YOUR PRIVATE LIFE PRIVATE: Privacy is the heart concept of Freedom. It is the first thing to disappear when freedom disappears. And we all know that, in India, we cannot live a private life. These days, Media (Example, TV9) is after exposing the privacy of people to the Public itself. If we can at least preserve the privacy that remains to us, as so many do, giving it away; then, we can be successful in living an individualistic life to a greater extent. Of course, this can never happen, but we can try to preserve our privacy to dream and plan and to discover the reason behind our existence on the planet earth. We can seek an answer for what our life is meant for?
6) KEEP YOUR WORD: Always try to keep your word. If you cannot, then just do not say anything in the first place. For doing this, reach out and share your concerns with others. And by making certain that, they are well-informed and well-balanced; you can build your web of influence. People, who keep their word, always influence others apart from gathering respect, strength and trust. To my belief, those who are well-trusted in the society become the most effective. But for doing this, one must trust him/her self first. And hence, never lose trust as it is like a crystal vase that once it is shattered, it is broken forever. Therefore, remember that it does definitely count in maintaining your personal freedom.
7) TAKE UPON PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The sovereign way to personal freedom is to help determine the forces that determine you. Be active! Take on Responsibility! This means not merely voting, but working for the things, you believe in! If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others to do act. Never allow others to live your life. Be individualistic. Be firmly attached to the decisions you make for yourself. Live your views on the grounds of Self-Confidence and show courage. And if you’re courageous and confident, no one can dare to stop you; you are free to do anything you wish.
8) DON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE TO ONE ORGANIZATION -UNLESS IT IS GIVEN WHOLE-HEARTEDLY: Most of us do not dare to try things which we often wish to do. We feel “Absorbed” and Swallowed up by the organizations where we work of our daily bread. To my observation, when I was working with one such organization a year back, I found that, we do not personally control about what is happening around us. We are not allowed to express our feelings, as it does not matter at all for them. We thus, are supposed to wear the sad spectacles and have the vision through the goals of the organization itself. The many layers of authority surrounding us may leave us feeling insignificant. Here, again do not mistake me, because, I am not asking you all to start up a new business of your own or let yourself in the things that you cannot do; but, please do not give your life to any organization unless it is given whole-heartedly.
If you are in love with the work you do, then there is no problem; but in case, if you feel that you efforts are not recognized and thus make you feel hemmed in or manipulated, then, think for a change if you are a person of talents. And fortunately, there are many opportunities waiting at your own door step. Search for the companies where you can live and not just merely exist. Try searching for the opportunities where you feel contented. Make prior planning and just not drift to make the best from what ever job you get but make sure that you live an individualistic life to the fullest. And since, life is a matter of choices, and freedom consists in making them yourself, try making decisions which improve our lifestyle. All of us should assess the potential for freedom in any important action. Ideally, we should work for the things we believe in.
9) BE PATIENT AND ENTHUSIASTIC: There is a proverb that says, “To lose patience is to lose the battle”. So, try to be patient. Don’t hurry and rush up but rather wait for the gift that life is going to give us for our patience. It is always better to slow down and get there than to never arrive at all. If you believe “Life is Beautiful” then just be as enthusiastic as ever. For Enthusiasm, is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers the production of genius (Isaac Disraeli). Don’t let life discourage you; and don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. Stop day dreaming. If you really want to achieve something seriously then, just look above and beyond the circumstances and never sit back crying for things which you don’t have. Be confident and contented. Realize your potential to the fullest. Every man gets an opportunity to prove himself. We too, will get a chance one day or the other. If we prove our self, then, we are free to do anything we wish.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, it is not only the most difficult to know one self, but the most inconvenient one too. We can try as it is never impossible. But the truth is that there is a great deal that most of us can individually do to increase our freedom. We can combat the forces that would make us tame. We can fortify ourselves with the qualities and conditions that promote individual freedom. In doing so, we will be helping to create a better environment of freedom for all, and thus, motivate the future generations. And finally, I would like to share with you all a wonderful quotation by Norman R Augustie, which reads, “Motivation will almost always beat mere talents”. So, keep motivating others like I, and create a lively society.


Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH CHINTAKINDI,
M.Tech (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.

Friday 1 June, 2007

WHEN EVER WE MAKE MISTAKES....

“To err is human,” says a proverb. I think that, I need not have to expand and explain why we do err? Can any one show me even a single person who had made no mistakes till date? It is highly impossible right. But, do we dare to admit this? No! We never try to admit our mistakes. (“If anyone who claims that he never did a mistake should be considered as a person who never tried anything new”).
The legendary poet of all times, Yogi Vemana (who needs no recognition) in one of his poems stated, “Every one does err. We can find people all over who always try to point at the faults of others but never try to admit their own.” Even I am not an exceptional case for this statement. I do many-a-mistakes and always stand first in pointing out the faults of others. But to my belief, I had never hurt any one when pointing out one’s faults, because, I was aware of the fact that, “If you know what hurts you, you know what hurts others.”
But there are people who blame others. Finding faults may not hurt people that bad but blaming does matter. We must not take it for granted the people who blame us, “Nobody can hurt me without my Permission (Mahatma Gandhi)”. Instead, we must ask them to prove us wrong (If we are genuine). We must not quarrel or argue with these people. As, Willie Jollie in his book, It only takes one minute to change your life, stated that, we should not quarrel with idiots because it is similar to wrestling with a pig. Even we must not blame others without any proof. We must cultivate a habit of “searching others for their Virtues and thyself (Own) for Vices but not vice-versa.” For developing this habit, we must “Observe all men, thyself the most”.
One must build the courage to raise the voice against the wrong. Winston Churchill said, “Courage is the best quality which guarantees all others”. No matter if you are left alone, show the strength that you are there to fight for the Right cause. Henrik Ibsen said, “The strongest man in the world is he, who stands alone.” Never wait for any one to support you. Our Father of Nation, “Mahatma Gandhi” is a classic example to illustrate that how he had fought against the wrong rulers. Remember life is real and you are the one who can play your role better than others. Thus, your courage towards life does matter.
I know that, it gives a kind of happiness (Ego satisfaction) pointing out some one else’s mistakes which itself in turn is an other mistake we make with a conscious state of mind. Yet we ignore. As ignorance is always afraid of change, we do enjoy our unchanged attitude. But one has to remember that, our ignorance leads to exchanging the arguments samely as we see in the case of the knowledge which exchanges discussion. Better discuss with people than to argue. Discussions will help us become a good human being with a better attitude.
According to Paul ‘Bear’ Byrant, whenever we make a mistake, there are only three ways we should ever do about it. The first thing is to “ADMIT IT”. Believe it or not, but I do admit my mistakes without any hesitation. Though it looks like self-drumming, people who knows me better, know that, I am gifted with that Courage which not only helped me to Stand-up and Speak (Whether in admitting my own mistake or pointing out some one else’s) but also to Sit down and Listen (To those who point out my mistakes). Why I am saying this is admitting a mistake needs lots of Strength and Honesty of course. Saying "Sorry" with in itself is an art. An art that strengthen our character. No one (including I, in the world) likes to admit his/her own mistake and take up the responsibility on his or her shoulders, as it is a matter of reputation. We never risk our character for the sake of reputation. Of course, Reputation is precious but at the same time Character is Priceless. Indecision (Here I mean, not admitting mistake) itself can prove to be our worst mistake ever. Believe me, if you admit that you’re wrong, you show the world that you’ve grown a little wiser and if you attend well to your character, the reputation will look out for itself automatically. And you’ll be definitely appreciated for your courage. (Example: the character of Victor played by Jimmy Shergill in the movie Lagey Raho Munna Bhai).
The second thing that we should ever do when we do a mistake is, to “LEARN FROM IT”. Plutarch once said, “To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes, the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.” Though it is not quite simple but it is not impossible too. Zarathustra said, “One who learns nothing from the past will be punished by the future”. Therefore, it becomes a necessity to learn and the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. Others judge us by what we have already done and once if we learn, it takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why we did it wrong. Thus, we can make things set right which seems to be in a hopeless condition.
The third and the most important thing is, “NEVER REPEAT A MISTAKE”. You might be aware that we all do repeat our mistakes again and again constantly due to our love, favoritism or say addiction. (Example: Smoking, Drinking, Drugs, Gambling and what ever that is wrong and unhealthy to both self and society…etc.,). On 1st January every year, each one of us make an oath that we might leave a bad habit for ever, say for instance, drinking but never do it. Beware, we might fool every one else around us but never try fool ownself. Do not try to repeat the mistakes whatever you feel are wrong. List out the bad habits that you’ve cultivated and try to chop them gradually and try to chop them forever. Try to conquer your fears (Bertrand Russell said, “To conquer fear is the beginning of the Wisdom”) and be honest to yourself as an honest individual is satisfied with himself as much as others are satisfied with him and remember that being good to yourself and liking what you do is the first step to success.
For doing all these, you must develop a strong will power. And to my belief, “This world itself is filled with willing people. Some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” If you wish to change yourself then no one will dare to interfere with your work/decision as each one of us are equally busy. You must learn from the mistakes you did in the past and never be afraid of the storms that occur while you learn how to sail your ship in the ocean called “Life”.
Finally, there are some cases where, “Even a mistake may turn out to be the only thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement (Henry Ford)”. These are really exceptional cases, which occurs very less often but yes it happens. Therefore never fear to try something new unless it is bad for both your health and your society.
In conclusion, I would like to share with you a popular quotation of Thomas H Huxley, who said, “The great end of life is not knowledge- but Action”. Therefore, I request you all (applicable to I also) to start working on improving the personality not just by reading these motivational articles but also try to implement with courageous attitude and just go ahead in your life.

Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH.C,
M.TECH (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.