In our journey towards enlightened citizenship, we often encounter the concept of Karma, derived from the Sanskrit word "Kri," meaning action. In the realm of Karma Yoga, we focus on the essence of work itself, where every action we undertake, whether physical or mental, contributes to our karmic journey.
In this article we shall look at two concepts- a) The cause of our Miseries and b) The impact of Character on our life.
Contrary to the belief that pleasure is the pinnacle of existence, we realize that both pleasure and pain are transient experiences. Instead, it is through the acquisition of knowledge that we find true fulfillment. This understanding shifts our perspective from seeking pleasure to pursuing knowledge, which Eastern philosophy deems as the ultimate goal of mankind.
Also, shaped in our journey of Karma, by a combination of joy and suffering is our Character which reflects the lessons learned along the way.
How does Karma relate to our pursuit of knowledge? Why knowledge should be preferred over pleasure?
The root cause of all miseries in the world lies in the misconception that pleasure is the ultimate goal of human existence. This erroneous belief leads individuals to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term fulfillment. Pleasure, being ephemeral in nature, cannot sustainably satisfy the deeper yearnings of the human spirit. Instead, it often leaves individuals trapped in a cycle of fleeting happiness followed by inevitable disillusionment.
In contrast, knowledge offers a profound and enduring source of fulfillment by empowering individuals to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Pursuing knowledge allows individuals to transcend the limitations of transient pleasures and tap into the infinite potential of the human mind, encouraging individuals to continually expand their horizons, challenge their assumptions, and explore new perspectives and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations.
In summary, while pleasure may provide fleeting moments of happiness, it pales in comparison to the profound fulfillment that comes from the pursuit of knowledge. By embracing knowledge as the ultimate goal of human existence, individuals can transcend the cycle of suffering and find true meaning and purpose in their lives.
Both pleasure and pain serve as valuable teachers in our journey of life, but it is through the power of knowledge which enables us to understand the situations and convert the lessons to the development of one's character.
Why is character development important?
As individuals experience pleasure and pain, they create a mosaic of impressions that shape their character. If you take the character of any man, it really is but the aggregate of tendencies, the sum total of the bent of his mind; you will find that misery and happiness are equal factors in the formation of that character. Good and evil have an equal share in moulding character, and in some instances, misery is a greater teacher than happiness.
Let us consider a verse from the Bhagavad Gita which dwells on the austerity of mind and its connection with our growth and eventually our destiny.
manaḥ-prasādaḥ—serenity of thought; saumyatvam—gentleness; maunam—silence; ātma-vinigrahaḥ—self-control; bhāva-sanśhuddhiḥ—purity of purpose; iti—thus; etat—these; tapaḥ—austerity; mānasam—of the mind; uchyate—are declared as
Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—all these are declared as austerity of the mind.
Austerity of the mind surpasses that of the body and speech, as mastering the mind leads to mastery of the body and speech. The mind is likened to a garden that can be cultivated or left to grow wild. Just as gardeners tend to their plots, we must nurture our minds with positive thoughts while removing negative ones. Thoughts not only shape inner character but also external personality, influencing how others perceive us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson highlighted the transparency of thoughts through expressions and actions. Negative thoughts harm us while positive ones uplift us, as every thought carries consequences. Henry Van Dyke's poem "Thoughts are things" vividly portrays the impact of thoughts on destiny.
The external world is simply the suggestion, the occasion, which sets you to study your own mind, but the object of your study is always your own mind.
Steering the mind away from negativity and focusing on positivity is considered austerity of the mind. Ultimately, our thoughts, our knowledge sculpt our character and determine our path in life.