Self improvement endeavor – need
or waste of time
One can improve oneself amassing
materials. Or one can improve oneself developing spirituality. Out of these two
what we see most people running behind is material development. It seems that
spiritualism is not followed as much as materialism. But are these two the true
self improvement? The person who goes behind materials satisfying the sensual
life forgetting spiritual life could be an extremist. And on the other hand the
person who always pursue spiritualism and behave according its way of life also
could be an extremist. Both these two are needed in moderate amounts for one’s
self improvement. Extremism should be discarded.
What do you think is the purpose
of your life. What does the world, society, and your family expect from you. What are your
responsibilities as a human born to this world, as a citizen of your country,
as a son or daughter or as a parent ? Is it just while away time eating
drinking enjoying spending the fortune inherited to you by your parents
satisfying sensual life or live seclusion thinking impermanence of life Have
you given a thought to these? Your, self
improvement would not be complete if you turn a deaf ear to these.
If you wish self improvement, you
should know the position where you are. For that a comprehensive understanding
of your mind is necessary. Because the essence of self improvement is knowledge
of oneself. If you don’t know your position between the above mentioned two
extremes adjusting yourself in the correct position would be very difficult.
And the exercise of probing deeply into the unknown and confused world is not
only the most difficult thing to acquire but also most inconvenient.
If you want to understand your
mind you want to study your deeds words, feelings and emotions over a considerable period of time. Evaluate
them shedding two extremes truly, honestly and unbiased. See if they are
close to extremes. See weather they are positive or negative. If your mental
power is weak for the evaluation you can refer the matter to a knowledgeable
person that you trust. Once you get to know your position, you can adjust
yourself in the middle path shedding two extremes. Try to avoid pessimism,
optimism and extremism. Follow truth and realism.
When you proceed in the middle
path you will see the change in your life. You
will see the change in the
attitudes of others towards you. The family, society, and the world will trust,
value and follow you. You will get the mental and physical power to do your
part to the world. Good begets good bad begets bad is not merely a saying. We
should not forget that unbelievable,
unknown, great power is hovering over us controlling every thing in the
universe. If you are improved, the god will satisfy that you are fulfilling the
responsibilities that he sent you for.
