One’s journey through life is full of desires and wants. The fulfilment of desires gives us happiness. But this happiness is short-lived and is replaced by newer desires.
Why is this so?
This is because the very nature of human life is such that it seeks expansion and keeps longing for more. If our desires are centered only around ourselves, the joy they bring fades away very quickly.
True contentment does not come from accumulation but from ‘Tyaga’ or sacrifice. Real strength is in giving and the culture of ‘Punyabhoomi Bharat’ has always upheld and celebrated the spirit of giving. The country has produced yogis and leaders who have lived for others in every way. It has idolized the selflessness and compassion of king Shibi, who gave away his own flesh to protect a dove from an eagle. The story of Veda Vyaasa, a young boy who was sent to beg food as a part of his Bramhacharya and ended up giving all his food to other children who were very hungry, depicts selflessness and compassion. This spirit of giving reflects in the role he played later in his life in disseminating knowledge for the benefit of all. It is said that Veda Vyaasa’s aashram was never short of food. What one can give, becomes his/her strength.
Does this mean that we should not have desires?
Desires are important because they are the very basis of life and help us hold on to life. But, when it comes to desires, if one starts moving from individuality to universality, he/she can move towards true contentment. As an example, the sensation of hunger is a universal experience and the satisfaction of one’s life lies in feeding others because when you feed others, you feel satiated.
Prabhu Shri Ram truly epitomized this universal aspect of desires every moment of his life. In today’s world, where individualism is getting increasingly prominent, having an element of Shri Ram is of utmost importance to unravel the inner radiance of one’s being and help the country and the society flourish in its true sense.