Monthly Archives: April 2024

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

– Viktor Frankl

 
Kabir – The couplet
बाज़ीगर का बंदर, ऐसा जीव मन के साथ |
नाना नाच दिखाए कर, रखता अपनी बात॥
 
Transliterated:
Baazigar ka bandar, aisa jeev man ke saath |
Nana naach dikhaye kar, rakhta apni baat||
 
Translation:
The mind is a monkey, the companion of, and the pet of, the person|
The tricks and dances it performs are but a representation of its trainer’s commands||
 
My understanding:
In his sage wisdom, Kabir gives us a simple message about controlling our mind and aligning it with spiritual truth instead of allowing the mind to carry away the self with its whims and fancies.

Viktor Frankl, similarly, reflects on the idea that while we cannot control every external event or thought that comes our way, we can choose how we respond to them. This gap between experiencing something and reacting to it is where we exercise control over our minds, similar to how Kabir discusses the importance of controlling the ‘monkey mind’ to adhere to one’s inner truth. Frankl’s perspective emphasizes our autonomy and responsibility in shaping our reactions and, by extension, our lives. 

Frankl highlights the crucial space between stimulus and response, where we can choose our actions, mirroring Kabir’s metaphor of the mind as a monkey that must be mastered. Both suggest that despite external chaos or distractions, true control and freedom come from managing our internal responses and decisions.

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs

The Couplet by Kabir
कर बहियाँ बल आपनी, छोड़ बिरानी आस। 
जाके आँगन नदी बहे, सो कस मरत प्यास॥

Transliterated
Kar bahiyan bal aapani, chhod birani aas |
Jake aangan nadi bahe, so kas marat pyas॥

Translated
Use your own strength, give up hopes from others.
Who has a river flowing in their courtyard, how can they die of thirst?

My Understanding
Both Steve Jobs and Audrey Hepburn, in their way, convey the timeless idea of self-reliance and the power of internal resources in achieving satisfaction, success, and overcoming challenges. They accurately reflect Kabir’s core message. Kabir emphasizes the importance of using one’s capabilities and resources rather than depending on others, highlighting that the means to quench one’s thirst (or solve one’s problems) lies within one’s domain. Hepburn’s quote underscores the idea that what might seem impossible can become achievable once we shift our perspective to see the potential within us, advocating for a mindset where self-belief paves the way for turning possibilities into realities. Similarly, Jobs’ words encourage finding one’s calling and following it passionately, suggesting that true satisfaction and excellence in one’s work come from internal motivation and love for what one does rather than external validations. Together, these reflections teach us the power of inner resources, passion, and the belief in oneself as the foundations for fulfillment and success.

“Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” – Naval Ravikant (contemporary philosopher and entrepreneur)

The Couplet by Kabir
कामी लज्जा न करै, न महें अहिलाद।
नींद न मांगै सांथरा, भूख न मांगे स्वाद॥

Transliterated
kāmī lajjā na karai, na mēṁ ahilād |
nīnd na māṅgai sāntharā, bhūkh na māṅgē svād॥

Translated
The one driven by desire shuns shame, feels no discomfort |
He doesn’t seek a bed for sleep, nor craves taste when hungry ||

My Understanding
The quote by Naval Ravikant, a contemporary philosopher and entrepreneur, succinctly reflects Kabir’s observations. It speaks to the idea that being led by desires—be it for physical pleasures, comfort, or even necessities—places us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. Just like Kabir pointed out that desires make us overlook moral, ethical, or qualitative considerations, Ravikant suggests that desires trap us in unhappiness until they are fulfilled, often disregarding the consequences or sacrifices made along the way. Both thinkers, despite the vast differences in time and context, converge on the wisdom of recognizing and managing our desires to find true contentment.

Resisting the allure of desire in our modern world is a formidable challenge. We’re constantly bombarded with enticing advertisements and social media feeds that insinuate we’re lacking and need more, more. However, there is a beacon of hope! Through my own journey, I’ve discovered a handful of straightforward techniques that can guide you toward genuine satisfaction, not just fleeting pleasure.

First and foremost, let’s delve into the power of mindfulness. It’s akin to pressing the pause button on life. Take a moment to inhale deeply, and truly observe what’s unfolding in the present – the sensation of your feet on the ground, the rhythm of your body as you take a step. It may sound simplistic, but it’s a potent tool to break free from the cycle of incessant craving.

Next, practice gratitude. When you take a minute to appreciate the good things in your life—your cozy bed, a hot cup of coffee, a friend’s laugh—you shift your focus from what you’re missing to what you do have. This little trick can make you feel instantly richer, even if your bank account says otherwise.

Moreover, it’s crucial to establish goals that resonate with your innermost self. Disregard societal norms dictating what you should aspire to – a lavish mansion, a flashy car. Reflect on what truly brings you joy. Perhaps it’s communing with nature, or lending a hand at a local shelter, or mastering a musical instrument. When your aspirations align with your values, they transform into a wellspring of genuine fulfillment, not just fleeting excitement.

Of course, it helps to have healthy habits in place. You know the drill – eat well, move your body, get enough sleep. These might seem obvious, but many ignore them when caught up in desire’s siren song. A little self-care goes a long way in crowding out the space for unhealthy cravings.

Let’s not forget the power of community. We’re social beings. We need a connection to feel whole. Seek out people who lift you up and see you for who you are, not what you have. And don’t underestimate the satisfaction that comes from helping others—it’s a quick way to remember how blessed you are.

Now, here’s the thing – we’re all going to have desires that don’t serve us. That’s just part of being human. The key is learning to be okay with imperfection, even though sometimes we’ll mess up. When you catch yourself chasing after something that’s not making you happy, take a deep breath and ask yourself what you need. It could be a simple thing like a cup of tea or a bigger thing like time alone. Whatever it is, permit yourself to have it, and watch how that shifts your energy.

A little practice, a little focus, and some attention to detail—and suddenly, life is so much more joyous and satisfying!!

“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.” – Leo Buscaglia

The Couplet
जिन खोजा तिन पाइया, गहरे पानी पैठ |
मैं बपुरा बूडन डरा, रहा किनारे बैठ ||

Transliterated
Jin khoja tin paaiya, gahre paani paith |
Main bapura boodan dara, raha kinaare baith ||

Translated
Those who searched, found it, diving deep into the water |
I, the poor one, feared drowning, remained sitting on the shore ||

My Understanding
Leo Buscaglia’s words remind us that life’s true treasures are found when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s like Kabir’s poem: sometimes, we have to dive deep into the unknown to find what we’re looking for.

In our modern world, filled with screens and endless digital distractions, this can be a real challenge. We’re constantly bombarded with information and images that tell us we’re not good enough, that we’re missing out, that we need to buy this or do that to be happy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost.

But remember, the power to change your relationship with technology is in your hands. You can learn to navigate the digital world in a way that not only nourishes your soul but also empowers you. Focus on what truly matters – seek out the gems in a sea of content. Look for things that stimulate your mind, evoke emotions, and inspire you to grow. Remember, it’s always about quality over quantity.
Take a break—your devices aren’t going anywhere. But permit yourself to put them down now and then. Go for a walk, read a book, or have a conversation with a real person. These little breaks will refresh your mind and soul.
Connect, don’t just collect followers. Social media can be a tool for staying in touch, but it should always be the same as real connections. Reach out to friends, family, and new people in real life. Look at them, listen, and share your own. They are what truly enrich our lives. Listen to their stories. Share personal time and moments.
Never stop learning. The world is full of wonders, and you have the chance to discover them. Learn something new every day, whether it’s a new skill or a new way of seeing the world. Curiosity is your best friend on this journey.
Your time and attention are precious. Set boundaries. Decide what deserves them and what doesn’t. Limit mindless scrolling, and make space for the things that truly enrich your life.
Spend some quality time away from the screen. Get offline – ditch the devices, explore nature, pursue a hobby, and spend time with loved ones. These offline experiences will give you a new perspective and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
These practices won’t be easy at first—change never is—but I promise you, the more you commit to seeking depth and meaning in your life, the more you’ll find. You have the courage to dive deep, confront the unknown, and come out the other side stronger and more fulfilled.

So start today. Make a choice to engage with the world in a way that nourishes your soul, not just your screen. You’re worth it, and so is your time. Dive in, and see what you discover.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Kabir – The Couplet
“सकल पत्थर में हीरा भया, कुटिल मूरत हंस पसंद।
कबीरा हंसा चुगै मोती, कौआ चुगै कंकर ||”

Transliterated
“Sakal pathar mein heera bhaya, kutil moorat hans pasand |
Kabira hansa chugai moti, kaua chugai kankar ||”

Translated
“Among all stones, the diamond is precious; a crooked figure is not preferred.
Kabir says the swan picks up pearls, and the crow picks up pebbles.”

My understanding

When I first read Kabir’s beautiful couplet about the swan and the pearls, something inside me sparked. It was as if a wise old friend was speaking directly to me, reminding me of what truly matters. You see, I’ve spent so much of my life (and probably a lot of yours too) obsessed with the surface-level stuff – the way I look, the way others perceive me, the number of likes or comments on my latest post. But Kabir’s words cut through all that noise and point to something much deeper: the value of our inner qualities over outward appearances.

It’s not that looks or achievements don’t matter at all. Of course they do, and we all have moments where we care far too much about them. But what Kabir’s swan teaches us is that true fulfillment and connection come from a place of authenticity and genuine care for others. It’s the same lesson Maya Angelou was getting at with her words about the impact of our actions.

In a world where social media and fake news bombard us with images and information designed to manipulate our emotions and beliefs, these ancient wisdom teachings are a lifeline. They remind us to pause, to look beneath the surface, and to value the depth and substance of who we are and what we share with others.

You see, when we get caught up in the superficial and the deceptive, we lose sight of what makes us truly human. We forget that at our core, we are beings capable of great love, empathy, and connection. And when we forget that, we suffer. We feel empty and disconnected, even in the midst of a thousand likes or followers.

But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Kabir’s swan and Maya Angelou’s words offer us a way out of the shallows and into the depths. They invite us to remember what really matters and to live our lives accordingly. To seek out and nurture the pearls of authenticity in ourselves and others, even amidst a sea of deceptive pebbles.

So, I invite you to take a moment. To pause from the endless scrolling and the constant comparison. To ask yourself, what truly matters to me? What are the pearls I want to cultivate in my life and in my relationships? And how can I start valuing those things more deeply, even in the face of all the noise and distraction around me?

Because when we make that shift, when we choose the depth and substance of our lives over the fleeting allure of superficial success, something amazing happens. We find a sense of peace and fulfillment that is truly unshakeable. We connect with others on a level that is profound and meaningful. And we rediscover the joy of being human, right here in the messy, beautiful, imperfect reality of our lives.

Make today a new beginning – the first day of the rest of our lives. And let us pledge to be always true to ourselves – starting now!!