Over the last few weeks, I have discussed issues currently
plaguing our society and world at large
and they are bigotry,
corruption,
Inclusive
Development, Good
Governance, Engaging Youth, Innovation
and others. While we need to be earnest and
keen on our approach to find a solution, in today’s discussion I would like
to highlight of power of mind and perseverance – the two aspects at the individual
level, if practiced and acquired, can do wonders in our own lives.
If we look at the below two thoughts from Swami Vivekananda,
amongst his many, where he has harped over and over on cultivating the mind as a
potent weapon, the ideas have nothing to
do with spirituality but are more applicable at the mundane level and directed
for people like you and me. In his theory of Karma yoga where Work is Worship –
the power of mind is an essential ingredient for any success to be achieved to
uplift the downtrodden.
"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it,
dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of
your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is
the way to success. …If we really want to be blessed, and make others blessed,
we must go deeper."
"To succeed, you must have tremendous perseverance, tremendous
will. “I will drink the ocean”, says the persevering soul; “at my will
mountains will crumble up”. Have that sort of energy , that sort of will; work
hard and you will reach the goal."
~ Swami Vivekananda.
While similar thoughts have been promulgated by other Indian
leaders in recent times as well, incidentally I would like
to point out that power of mind is not something discussed only in Indian
literature by Indians. Similar thoughts
are echoed through the below sayings from other world leaders as well from time
to time.
The Bible says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
Quoting Voitaire, “No
problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking”.
Albert Einstein says, “The world we have created is a product of
our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking”.
Personally all of us have experienced the benefits of power
of mind and perseverance at some point or other. It is only fitting that we
extend this practice in all spheres that encompass our lives, in order to reap
rich benefits
