This post is dedicated to the memory of my late father Lt. Col. Dr. Vilas Kale MD - a man who has been my guiding spirit and my dear Mom Mrs. Nandini Kale...
Thanks Ratnakar... my regular chats with you have reminded me of my Dad n Mom's teachings to me!
I usually have nice chats with Ratnakar over google talk. Yesterday, while discussing a point, I brought up the topic of The Bhagwad Gita . Ratna mentioned he had written on it on MS - and I did look it up. Fab review, Ratnakar. I too have read The Gita - but cant review it. Dont have enough knowledge or perspicacity for that. I appreciate your write - up - more so as your write-up enabled me to make the connection between what my Daddy used to say to me and the teachings of the Gita. I thank you for that, friend!
Dharma and Karma - two faces of the same coins. Both are facets of our life. I dont profess to understand much about either - but I do know one thing. They do lead to internal peace - even in the most trying of situations in life.
As I understand, Dharma leads with what a Human is suppposed to do in a situation, the path he is supposed to take. It determines what your duty is in each situation - wheraeas Karma deals with the actual actions that you undertake.
I have found that this is actually a very practical concept - and is very much applicable in our day-to-day life. I have, with some success, tried to apply it. I haven't always succeeded in it. In fact, I have failed more often than succeeded. BUT, whenever I have succeeded in my endeavour - it has given me great happiness, a clarity of thought and peace of mind.
This I have noted in both situations that are adverse to me as well as favourable to me. I have tried to follow the path of duty these past couple of years, and have found increasing peace of mind with self. Some situations have lead to a either a grevious or a small loss to me in financial terms or social terms, has even lead to my ostracization. Then again, other times I have been rewarded with stunning pleasures, hapiness and success.
Why is it that I am at peace even in an adverse situation? This is a question that has been bothering me off and on. I found a glimmering of an answer to this question. I was earlier was not able to crystallize it into conscious thought - but Ratna reveiw has managed to do that.
It has occurred to me that in situations when I have enjoyed success that is greater than my rightful share - I am extremely tense and worried. This has lead me to put in better efforts subsequently. The results may or may not have come - but the genuiness of the effort has been appreciated!
Similarly, in an adversity, if I know that I have put in my best - then I am at peace simply because I know that I have tried to the best of my ability, and can do no more...
The biggest difficulty is in knowing when you have actually put in your best, for each time you fail there will be a tendency to blame everyone but yourself. I too am pray to it. But every now and then, I have been true to myself - and at that time I have found peace of mind!
I cant put it any better than this. Comments more than welcome!