Thoughts and Views - 1

During the last ten years (2001-2010) or so, we can notice there has been an evolutionary change in human thought process and behaviour. People are getting more and more attracted towards material gains. We have forgotten how to appreciate and enjoy a good work of art or a literary classic, or get some joy just by knowing other people, share some common thoughts with them or even share the joys and sorrows.

History as a subject no longer attracts our mind. We are always so much occupied with the present and future. Also we are feeling less and less secure. We get frightened or scared very easily. We are trying to shut every door and window and live in an air-tight compartment, except in cases where there is a possibility of any material or other gain. That is because most gains seem to assure some kind of prosperity. We spend very little of our time doing something for others out of the sheer joy of helping others. Our souls are remaining in a subconscious state.

These are happening possibly because we have lost our faith, our hope in age-old beliefs, customs and traditions. New thoughts are always welcome, but not by discarding universal truths. We fail to realize that misery lies even after getting our heart's desire. We are always trying to justify ourselves in our modest virtues. We have ceased to hope for our neighbour, because we cannot forgive him. We fail to accept our neighbours, our fellow men, with dignity, and thus betray them more effectively than our hatred could. Our moral shortcomings become our real failure in life. We need to understand the holy meaning of forgiveness. Our attitudes and behaviour are affecting our children also. That is the worst thing happening. They are becoming self-centered. Some day all these may ruin our society.

The New Age

This is the new age. Welcome to the new millennium lifestyle. Only we have to remember that material pursuits do not reign supreme. Running after fame, fortune and honour should not be the primary objective.

Starting at the bottom, distinct changes can be seen among kids. They are learning the tricks of survival very rapidly. But wisdom is not developing. We are to blame ourselves for this. Loss of innocence now comes too early, as they are learning many a things of life too early. Childhood has been cut short. Images of soft drinks, fast foods, fancy cars, motorbikes and mobile phones flicker on their minds very prominently. They are growing up singing the tune, "This heart wants more." Enjoyment, and more particularly self-entertainment are at the top of everything.

Aspirations have their positive aspects also. They form the basis upon which all developments and achievements take place. With a reasonably good education, a clear vision and positive thinking, one can fulfill his ambitions.

The cyber revolution has changed people's minds, opened up visions of a world of free communication and interaction. One can now seek information, descriptive or visual, on anything under the sun. Internet now allows every person to reach out to a global audience. But only those with a desire for and the ability to move fast with time will benefit from this. Flexible jobs and flexible working hours are altering people's lives in a significant way.

However, we must never give up our quest for spirituality. We must remember that spiritual upliftment and material pursuits should be mixed in right proportions. Making a life is more important than making a living. Longing and belonging should always move together.

Also read: Spiritualization and Common Man

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