The only common thing between me and Gandhi is that we both were born in the same country. And, the only experience I have had of his life is by Ben Kingsley starred Gandhi, a well known classic movie !
Though, I have read his autobiography - 'My Truth with the Experiments' but I couldn't grab the meaning at that point time. May be I was too small and expected too many photos when someone said 'Book'.
I will be quoting him as Gandhiji, (suffix - 'ji') as respect being elder as moral consciousness. So, Gandhiji has been a public figure and we are all well versed with his life principles, teachings and preaching.
In India, we have 'n' number of roads, crosses, stations, buildings by his name for his contributions. No doubt in that.
His life and actions have always been debacle till now.
But whatever it be, right or wrong I came across wonderful words by Him quoted in my school books. Funny thing was, it being quoted in between the pages carrying note by the editor, the school book authorities, content. So, no one noted it and was never actually included in studies. It was a quote and remained there (at least till the time I completed my school). And, its hard to know did anyone else noticed that quote in CBSE or not !!!
Anyways, coming back to the quote , here it goes :
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Hmmmm. Quite intense. Isn't it ? And, surely gives rise to many questions. One question which will dilute all doubts is - who is the POOR? and who is the WEAK?
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| M. K. Gandhi (Lawyer) |
If a person owning a million money still have no stable relations, he is poor ! If a person is totally indisciplined, damage society, he is morally poor ! If someone though being highly educated and esteemed personnel still shows inhuman behavior is consciously poor ! If a person performs all religious practices, rules, festivals, teachings and what not. Still can't judge between what is right and wrong and what is logical and illogical, is spiritually poor !
And who is weak ! one who is engrossed with fear, hatred, anger, lacks courage, selfishness,greed, bounded by own thoughts.
Okay, intensity level rising. "So, if I am going to buy that Cadbury chocolate , should I buy or not ?"
See, this is something to bring upon notions within you when you are at crossroads of your life. Like milestones. For example, you are loaded with lot of responsibilities. Family, any of the priorities. And, your boss says; okay give me favors (give me hand in some work which is illegal or whatever ). Some might come in dilemma. Its difficult to imagine until we our self are in that situation. And, I wish none experience so. But still such things are happening. We see newspapers and breaking news every day . A guy with his friend killed the girl who refused her proposal.
Friends compelling for drugs. Ask yourself, what will I benefit from it ! What will my parents get from it ! What is society getting from it. It might give you a clear picture.
So, I hope you this post gave a very different perspective about life. Do you think will it actually help ? Or is it just worth to be written in book only ! Or it can actually melt the doubts ! Do give your comments and suggestions.
Have a good day.
Rise and shine.