DESIRES

 

DESIRES

Desires are wishes, wants, longings, yearnings, fancies, inclinations, aspirations, appetites, passions and cravings.   

            All desires are not essential. Most of them are undesirable and superfluous. Essential desires like, food, clothing and shelter. They are the necessities of life. Their requisite satisfaction is necessary for survival. Even these necessities should be only as much as are really justified. Overeating is the cause of disease, if not of death. One cannot overload one’s body with clothes and become unable to move. As for shelter, a small cottage can be more peaceful than a big palace.

How much land does a man need is a legitimate  question. And how many goods he needs for keeping his body and soul together is also a very significant question.

When somebody departs from this world, he has no possessions. His body becomes lifeless; but his soul survives.

            Look at words of wisdom about desires:

*The thirst of desire is never filled, nor fully satisfied.

**It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow.

***A wise man will desire no more than he may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly.

**** In moderating, not in satisfying desires, lies peace.

*****We trifle when we assign limits to our desires, since nature has set none.

******However rich or elevated we may be, a nameless something not possessed----implies that our present felicity is not complete.

 

            Too many desires can make us restless, greedy, immoral, selfish, criminal,  and ultimately worried and completely unwell.

 

            Look at this admirable quote: “All people experience desires –the need for meaning, the desire for love, happiness, truth, beauty.  These are deep desires that are never fully satisfied in this life and are so universal that we can even say they are spiritual desires.”

                       

              Finally, this piece of advice: First deserve, then desire.

                                                ***********

G.R.Kanwal

30 November 2024          

             

 

 

 

HEART AND MIND

 

HEART AND MIND

As an organ, the heart sends the blood around one’s body. More than that it is the place where a person has feelings and emotions.

The mind enables a person to be aware of the world and register experiences.

Whereas the heart is emotional, the mind is logical. Moreover, one can exist without the mind but not the heart. The heart is the central organ, the key part of one’s body.

The metaphorical qualities of the heart are: love, affection, sympathy.  kindness, compassion, empathy, pathos, goodwill, fellow-feeling, benevolence, and humanitarianism.  These can be complimented with such qualities as enthusiasm, keenness, eagerness, liveliness, bravery, courage, guts, fortitude, resolution, determination and boldness.

The mind can be cunning, but not the heart. The heart speaks the truth. It preserves its innocence.

The mind can be false and twist the facts. One  can misuse one’s  mind very easily but not the heart.

The mind can be heartless, but the heart cannot be mindless.

The mind is narrow. The heart is large enough to accommodate heaven and earth, all the lands and the seas.

According to the Sufi philosopher Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927): “From a mystical point of view personality is formed around the heart. For a materialist the heart is the piece of flesh hidden in the breast., but for the mystic the heart is the centre of the person round which the personality is formed. Consciously or unconsciously man loves the word ‘heart’, and if we were to ask a poet to leave out that word and write the poems without using it, he would never satisfy himself or others. “

Most of the people come near to each other by way of the heart.  

  The poet-dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616 ) said: “A good heart is worth gold. “ The English novelist Charles Dickens (1812-!870)  found the truest wisdom in a loving heart. The French bishop Jacques  Benigne  Bossuet (1627-1704) felt that the heart has reasons that reason does not understand. The English poet Lord Byron (1788-1824) claimed that there is no instinct like that of the heart.   

The French satirist Antolne Rivarol (1753-1801) said :” Mind is the partial side of man; the heart is everything. “.  

Finally, these two famous quotes: ( i) The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in the world.

 (ii) The heart is an astrologer that always divines the truth.

                                                            *******

G.R.Kanwal

29 November 2024    

 

IDLENESS IS A BANE, NOT A BOON

 

          IDLENESS IS A BANE, NOT A BOON

Idleness is a state of being lazy and unwillingness to work. It is not rest or relaxation. Its antonym is activity. Laziness is a bane because it is disadvantageous. Activity is a boon because it is beneficial.

Man is duty bound to be active and industrious. English orator Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield (1694-1773) said: idleness is only the refuge of weak minds, and the holiday of fools.

According to the American writer Richard Burton (1861-1940): Idleness is the bane of body and mind, the nurse of naughtiness, the chief author of all mischief, one of the seven deadly sins, the cushion upon which the devil chiefly reposes, and a great cause not only of melancholy, but of many other diseases; for the mind is naturally active; and if it be not occupied about some honest business, it rushes into mischief or sinks into melancholy.

 

English author Hannah More (1745-1833) believes that life is a short day; but it is a working day. Activity may lead to evil, but inactivity cannot lead to good.

A Spanish proverb says : The busy man is troubled with but one devil; the idle man by a thousand.

English poet Christopher Smart (1722-1771) advises : Go to the ant, thou sluggard, learn to live, and by her ways , reform thine own.

 

English poet Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) found: Idleness is gate of all harms. An idle man is like a house that hath no walls; the devils may enter on every side.

In “Ulysses” a poem written by the English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-92}, Ulysses says:

All experience is an arch wherethrough

Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades

For ever and for ever when I move.

How dull it is to pause, to make an end

To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!

As though to breathe were life.

Finally, these  words of  former New York Senator Ezra Cornell,  (1807-1874) d : Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.

                                                *******

G.R.Kanwal

28 November 2024

…  

 

 

ANTICIPATION

 

          ANTICIPATION  

“Anticipation” is defined as the fact of seeing that something might happen in the future. It is natural to make an effort to foresee future events, pleasant or unpleasant. The results of what we do are not always immediate. Many a time they occur after the near or distant future. Whether they will be according to our liking is unpredictable. Optimists expect positive turn ups; pessimists, fear unhappy outcomes.

Anticipation is also connected with one’s fate which cannot be foreseen. Future is invisible and therefore its nature cannot be guessed accurately. However, it is desirable that we should hope for the good and avoid anticipating evils.

It is true to  say that the joys we expect are not so bright, nor the troubles so dark as we fancy they will be. But it is also desirable to believe that we always reap that which we sow. We live in a world of cause and effect, action and reaction, goodness and evil, pain and pleasure.  

 The English Writer Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774)  says:  The hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasant than those crowned with fruition. In the first case we cook the dish to our own appetite; in the last it is cooked for us.

The French author Francois de La Rochefoucauld  claims that our desires disappoint us; for though we meet with something that gives us satisfaction, yet it never thoroughly answers our expectation.

 According to the English novelist and poet George Eliot (1819-1880):  Nothing is so good as it seems beforehand.

Is it not surprising that even astrologers, horoscope writers, do not prove right in their predictions.   

The world is a closed book. It is also a mixed bag of success and failure. Therefore, don’t rely on anticipations. Always wait for the results to appear.  

Finally, this saying about anticipation: Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.

                                                ******

G.R.Kanwal

27 November 2024

 

MIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT

 

          MIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT

“Might” is defined as force, power, strength, vigour, energy, stamina and stoutness. These are the desirable qualities of the human body. Even a state cannot hold itself alive without possessing these qualities. Weakness, debility and deficiency are dangerous. Life needs power to sustain itself.

            Might is however mere brute force without morality. Man is not complete if he has a strong body but a weak soul. The power of the soul is eternal. It is imperishable. The Gita says that the body dies but the soul continues to live  in a new form. Being founded on morality it is immortal.

Real might is based on justice and righteousness.  Physical might is another form of violence, hence criminal and unlawful.

Just and moral use of force is legitimate, hence ethically acceptable.

            History tells us that rulers who believe in “might is right” are proud and arrogant and even ignore the fact that there is none mightier than God who has created this world. Such rulers are utterly stupid. Their end is hideous  and detestable. They are an example of utter moral weakness and are unable to stand upright before God.

            According to the Bible the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. This is what Lord Krishna said in the Gita and religious philosophers like Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira  in their teachings.

            The phrase might is not always right means that power or force alone does not justify human actions.Truth. Justice, grace, morality, mercy and forgiveness y are also decisive factors.   

            Finally, here is an admirable quote: “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”

                                                            *************

G.R.Kanwal

26 November 2024

 

MAN, BE NOT PROUD

 

          MAN, BE NOT PROUD

To be proud is not undesirable. It is a part of one’s self-esteem. It expresses one’s confidence in one’s superior talents used in the service of mankind.

But one must remember that every rise has a fall. Decline is the fate of all beings in this world. Nothing, except God, is eternal .  Mortality is a general characteristic of every type of creation.

Those who love to be proud and consider their rivals as inferior and unworthy of even normal respect should read the history of the downfall and decimation of the mighty men of the world .

Humility, rather than pride, is accepted as the solid foundation of all virtues. Look at these famous quotes:

*We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.”

**“True humility is intelligent self-respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves.”

            The English poet Wentworth Dillon (1633-84) said: Pride ,the most dangerous of all faults, proceeds from want of sense, or want of thought.

            According to the English author Francis Quarles (1592-1644) : Pride is the ape of charity, in show not much unlike, but somewhat fuller of action. There are two parallels, never but asunder; charity feeds the poor, so does pride; charity builds a hospital,so does pride. In this they differ; charity gives her glory to God; pride takes her glory from man.  

            And this  is what the English divine Robert South (1634-1716} said: Pride is the common forerunner of a fall. It was the devil’s sin, and the devil’s ruin; and has been, ever since, the devil’s stratagem ,who, like an expert wrestler, usually gives a man a lift before he gives him a throw.

 

            Finally, this fact expressed by the American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) : Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, and supped with infamy.

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

25 November 2024

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON DUTY

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON DUTY

“Duty” is defined as moral or legal responsibility to be performed by an individual or a team of individuals.  Its non-performance is not only negligence but also harmful, even dangerous. It is the duty of a sick man to treat his sickness, otherwise he will endanger his health and die.

There are paid as well as unpaid duties. Both are important. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagvad  Gita  it is everyone’s duty to perform his allotted actions, without expecting any reward, and also by abandoning the ego of being the doer.  When Arjuna hesitates to perform his duty of fighting, he tells him that you are born to fight, so you cannot neglect your guty  because that will be immoral.

Some common synonyms of duty are: responsibility, obligation, loyalty,   function, assignment, job, role, mission, and requirement.

It has been rightly said by someone  that duty performed is a moral tonic; if neglected, the tone and strength of both mind and heart are weakened, and the spiritual health undermined.

The safety and smooth-sailing of every department of life in this world demands performance of duties to whomover they are assigned .

The American theologian Theodore Parker (1810-1860} said: Let us do our duty in our shop or our kitchen; in the market, the street, the office, the school, the home, just as faithfully as if we stood in the front rank of some great battle, and knew that victory for mankind depended on our bravery, strength and skill.---When we do that , the humblest of us will be serving in that great army which achieves the welfare of the world. “

Finally, this thought which was uttered by American minister and activist Martin Luther King Jr.(1929-1968): No work is insignificant. All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

24 November 2024

 

ADAPTABILITY

 

                   ADAPTABILITY

“Adaptability” is one of the self-management skills.

We live in a world of chops and changes. Here, old ways of living and working yield place to new ones and we have to adapt ourselves to them or become unfit to survive.  

            When we move from a village to a city,or from one type of city to that of another, or from a plain to a hill, or from our native country to a foreign one, we have to show our ability to adjust to changing circumstances, conditions, or environments

            The proverb “While in Rome do as the Romans do” has to be demonstrated in practice.

The world is evolutionary, it is changing at very short intervals and is becoming more and more dependent on rapidly changing skills and technologies. To show our adaptability to them is essential for our physical, mental emotional and moral adjustments.

 

            To be adaptable means to be able to change or be changed in order to deal successfully with new situations.

           

            Adaptation is the process of changing  something ,for example one’s behaviour, to suit a new situation. To learn this process one has to be a constant learner from childhood to the last breath one’s life. Novelty rather than tradition, progressiveness rather than orthodoxy should be our latest rule. However, there are some eternal values even in a changing society which we may continue to adhere to.

 

            According to the Canadian-American motivational public speaker Brian Tracy (1944--?) : In an era of rapid change, standing still is the most dangerous course of action.”  And mind it we are living in an era of most rapid changes.    

            Finally, as somebody said: Adaptability includes flexibility, learning new skills, problem-solving, effective communication, embracing change, and multitasking.

                                                            ********               

           

G.R.Kanwal

23 November 2024

ADMIRATION

 

ADMIRATION

“Admiration” is appreciation praise, appreciation, approval, regard, high regard, respect, esteem, veneration, applause, compliment , adoration and idolization.

It is a positive quality. If we admire something we regard it with respect or warm approval.  We find it impressive, attractive and loveable and look at it with pleasure.

An admirable person has in himself some extraordinary quality like knowledge, memory, performing skill, stamina, bravery, courage, endurance, adaptability, respect for others and encouragement.

Admiration is also considered a social emotion which one feels “by observing people of competence, talent, or skill.” It also motivates self-improvement through learning from role-models.  

According to another view “admiration inspires us to learn from excellent models, to become better people, and to praise others and create social bonds.”

The Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle  (1795-1881) says: No nobler feeling than this, of admiration for one higher than himself, dwells in the breast of man.---It is to this hour, and at all hours, the vivifying influence in man’s life.

According to the Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke (1729-1797)  there is a wide difference between admiration and love. The sublime, which is the cause of the former, always dwells on great objects and terrible; the latter on small ones and pleasing; we submit to what we admire, but we love what submits to us: in one case we are forced, in the other we are flattered, into compliance.

Personally, I would like everybody to have admiration for whatever pleasing or beautiful he sees in this world.

Finally, this admirable quote: The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.

G.R.Kanwal

22 November 2024

           

 

 

HELP

 

HELP

“Help” is not an ordinary word. It is extraordinary in the sense that nothing is happening in the world without some sort of help.

Every action needs help. One hand needs the help of the other hand to hold, grab, move, press, break, or make something.

Even for prayer you need to fold both the hands.

One leg needs the help of the other leg to stand or walk or run or jump.

All the parts of the human body help each other. A physical function is a multiple venture.  

The fact is that none is self-dependent in every respect.  We need somebody or something even to open the door of our own home.

Literally speaking   --- to help is to make it easier or possible for someone to do something by offering one’s services or resources.   

God wants everybody to be helpful.

Look at the following help quotes:

*We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

*Only a life lived for others is  a life worthwhile.”

* “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

            I would like to say blessed is the straw that helps a drowning man; blessed is the man or woman who asks at a hospital or any public institution “May I help you”, and also blessed is the free community kitchen that feeds the hungry irrespective of what their economic status or religion is.

               Some common synonyms of help are:  service, assistance, support, aid,  guidance, backing, cooperation, benefit and resource.

            The English novelist Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-73 ) said: When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.”

            The Greek poet Homer (c.750 BCE---?) said: “ Life is the task where many share the toil. “     

          Finally, what the English poet-dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616) said: ‘Tis not enough to help the feeble up, but to support him after. “

                                                            ********

G.R.Kanwal

21 November 2024

 

REMEMBRANCE

 

REMEMBRANCE

“Remembrance” is defined as the capacity for or the act of remembering some past event or situation. Its common synonyms are memory, recollection and reminiscence.

In the world calendar the Sunday nearest to the 11^th November is celebrated as Remembrance Day on which those killed in wars, especially the wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45 are remembered in ceremonies.

Memory is a gift of God. We don’t want to forget everything we see, learn or experience, so we need memory to remember them.

Memory is the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. In old age, human memory does not  remain so strong and rich as in earlier years.

Many people, especially writers, use medical devices to improve their fading memory.

 The English writer Hannah More (1745-1833) said: The world does not require so much to be informed as reminded.”

The Roman historian Marcus Porcius Cato  (95-46 B.C.) said: The greatest comfort of my old age, and that which gives me the highest satisfaction, is the pleasing remembrance of the many benefits and friendly offices I have done to others.“

According to the Scottish poet Robert Pollok (1798-1827)  : “Sorrows remembered sweeten present joy.”

And the English poet-dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616) had this to say: Praising what is lost makes the remembrance dear.

Finally, this unforgettable quote: The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched  -- they must be felt with the heart.

                                    *******

G.R.Kanwal

20 November 2024

 

GOSSIP

 

                   GOSSIP

“Gossip” is defined as informal talk or stories about other people‘s private lives, that may be unkind or not true.

Some of its synonyms are : tattle, tittle-tattle, idle talk, hearsay, smear campaign, whispering campaign and mud-slinging.

            There are lots of people who love gossip because besides venom it has an element of good humour and  entertainment.

 

Newspapers have gossip columnists who write gossip columns which are liked by a large number of readers as entertainment.

            A person who talks eagerly about other people is called a gossiper. Women who talk too much are humourously called chatty.  

 

            Gossip is also classified as (a) positive gossip which leaves us feeling light, informed and connected, and (b) negative gossip  which we feel as a weight on our conscience.

            The English playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816)  who wrote his most famous comedy The School for Scandal said: There is a set of malicious, prating, prudent gossips, both male and female, who murder character to kill time; and will rob a young fellow of his good name before he has years to know the value of it.

This writer also said: Tale bearers are just as bad as tale makers.

           

According to the English novelist and poet George Eliot (1819-1880):  Narrow-minded and ignorant persons talk about persons and not things; hence gossip is the bane and disgrace of so large a portion of society.

 

She further says: As to people saying a few idle words about us, we must not mind that any more than the old church steeple minds the rooks cawing about it.

The American historian  George Bancroft (1800-1891) had this to say: Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbours for all their amusement.

 

Finally, this short but realistic quote: Gossip is what no one claims to like, but everybody enjoys.

                                                            *********

G.R.Kanwal

19 November 2024

 

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON EQUALITY

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON EQUALITY

            It is impossible to give a foolproof definition of equality. Dictionaries define it very briefly in terms of equal rights, status, advantages and opportunities. But in practice, we find many people more equal than others.

            It is right to say that the answer to whether humans are “truly equal” depends on how you define equality. You have economic quality, political equality, legal equality, natural equality, social equality, civil equality, religious equality and even gender equality.

            Businesswise, while socialism advocates production, distribution, and exchange to be owned by the community as a whole, capitalism supports private actors to own and control property in their personal interests with the  sole motive of making profit . As for Communism , it rejects private ownership of land, factories and machinery.

            Inequality is a common feature in the whole world. It is rightly defined as “an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people.” However it is justified on the ground that  talents differ, so do their rewards.

A rustic justification is cited about the unequal five fingers of the human hand and the foot.

Then there is the justification through  Karma theory, fate, destiny,  inheritance, geological locations,  availability of material resources and many other factors.

            The French writer and philosopher M.de Voltaire (1694-1778) said: They who say all men are equal speak an undoubted truth, if they mean all have an equal right to liberty, to their property, and to their protection by the laws. But they are mistaken if they think men are equal in their station and employments, since they are not so by their talents.          

              According to the English clergy Caleb C. Colton (1780-1832) : Kings and their subjects, masters and slaves, find a common level in two places ----at the foot of the cross and in the grave.   

            Finally, this short but interesting quote: Before God, we are all equally wise, and equally foolish.”

                                                                        **********

            G.R.Kanwal

            18 November 2024

 

 

THE FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION

 

          THE FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION

“Religion” is defined as the belief in the existence of a god, and the activities that are connected with His worship.

Whereas the Supreme God is one, there are many other  gods and goddesses who are worshipped for different purposes.

As on today, there are twelve major religions. They are known as : Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Baha’i, Taoism and Zoroastrianism.

 The main purpose of religion is defined as “to achieve the goals of salvation for oneself and others, and (if there is a God) to render due worship and obedience to God. “

I believe that all religions should have at least one common purpose and that is to teach its followers a perfect moral behavior and make them ideal members of society.

Almost every religion condemns sin, viciousness, hatred, greed, gluttony, violence, revenge, destabilization, conflicts, war, blasphemy, adultery, lack of charity, non-compassion and disunity.

Great religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, believe in the oneness of God and the whole world as one family.

Empathy, helpfulness, mercy and justice are the chief attributes of certain religions.

Every religion believes in the existence of a god or a creator of this world. Some spiritual leaders like Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) define God as Truth.  

Religion and science must act together in search of Truth. Without science some religious practices  become a group of superstitions and myths.

Religions should unite not divide society.  One of their chief purpose is relationship between people and a higher power.

English Quaker William Penn (1644-1718) said : Religion is the fear and love of God; its demonstration is good works; and faith in the root of both, for without faith we cannot please God; nor can we fear and love what we do not believe.

   Finally, this short quote on religion: Science has made the world a great neighbourhood, but religion must make it a great brotherhood.

                                                *********

G. R. Kanwal

16 November 024

 

 

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD

 

          SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD

On this auspicious day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, it is perfectly appropriate to express some unforgettable  thoughts about God.

If we go by Wikipedia  Guru Nanak (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539) , also known as Baba Nanak was an Indian spiritual teacher, mystic and poet, who is regarded as the founder of Sikhism and is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.

My personal belief in Guru Nanak’s teachings, especially those  related to his thoughts about God is everlasting.  According to him there is one God, True is His Name, creative His personality and immortal His form. He is without fear, sans enmity, unborn and self-illumined. He is genderless and transcendent. Due to this, He cannot be fully understood by human beings. He dwells within the human heart. All people are equal, regardless of their caste, religion or gender. They are created by His will therefore, deserve to be treated alike and with respect.

 Elsewhere we have the following thoughts about God.

He is a spirit, infinite, eternal, unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

God is one of the names which we give to incomprehensible being, the creator of all things, who preserves and governs everything by His almighty power and wisdom, and who is the only object of our worship.

There is nothing on earth worth being known but God and our own souls.

Finally, this suggestion by the French writer.de Voltaire (1694-1778) : If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent him.

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

15^th November 2024

 

NEHRU ON SECULARISM

 

NEHRU ON SECULARISM

Born on 14 November 1889 at Allahabad (now Prayagraj) , Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru is described as  “an Indian colonial rationalist, secular humanist,, social democrat, author and statesman who served as country’s 1^st Prime Minister.” He died on 27 May 1964. His birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day.

               What follows are Pt. Nehru’s views on secularism expressed by him in the Foreword to the book  Dharam Nirpeksh Raj written by  by Raghunath Singh (1961).

 

Pt, Nehru says: We talk about a secular state in India …..Some people think that it means something opposed to religion. That obviously is not correct.

What it means is that a state which honours all faiths equally and gives them equal opportunities and  that, as a state, it does not allow itself to be attached to one faith or religion, which can become the state religion.

            In a sense, says Pt. Nehru, this is a more or less modern conception. India has a long history of religious tolerance. That is one aspect of a secular state, but it is not the whole of it.

 

In a country like India, which has many faiths and religions, no real nationalism can be built except on the basis of secularity.

           

According to Pt. Nehru any narrower approach must necessarily exclude a section of the population, and then nationalism itself will have a much more restricted meaning then it should possess.

 

            As a result of this approach, he thinks, India would have  to consider Hindu nationalism, Muslim nationalism, Sikh nationalism or Christian nationalism and not Indian nationalism.

           

Pt. Nehru thinks that these narrow religious nationalisms are relics of a past age, no longer relevant today.

                                                ********

G. R. Kanwal

14 November 2024

 

 

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT PAIN

 

          SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT PAIN

“Pain” is defined as “a signal in our nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn or ache. It may be sharp or dull. It may come or go, or may be constant.

There are also types of pain like physical, mental, emotional or neuropathic. They may dull or acute. Some respond to medicines quickly, others continue for long and may even become incurable.

            Almost every person experiences pain in one’s life. There is a famous proverb : ‘No pain, no gain’ which means you need to suffer if you want to achieve something.

Some synonyms of pain are : hurt, sorrow, grief, sadness, unhappiness, distress, misery, wretchedness, anguish, affliction, woe, agony, torment, torture, bother, vexation, worry and irritation. These are the general experiences of life from infancy to old age.

Lord Gautam Buddha  (563 - 483 B.C.) said: Pain is the outcome of sin and suggested an eightfold path to get rid of it.

 According to Arthur Henry Hallam (1811-33), the English subject of Lord Tennyson’s In Memorium : Pain is the deepest thing we have in our nature, and union through pain and suffering has always seemed more real and holy than any other.”

            The English bishop Thomas Bentham (1513-79 ) had this to say  : Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do. On the one hand, the standard of right and wrong; on the other, the chain of causes and effects, are fastened to their throne. “

            Pain is not always the result of some hurt or wrong doing. It is there in a different form at the time of our birth and then in old age  which the English poet  William Shakespeare (1564-1616) calls in his poem The Seven Ages Of Man  :

Last scene of all,

That ends this strange eventful history,

Is second childishness, and mere oblivion,

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.    

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

13 November 2024                           

 

 

 

 

GOD’S ENDLESS MERCIES

 

GOD’S ENDLESS MERCIES

God’s mercies are endless. They are the greatest attributes of heaven. We become entitled to them as soon as we are born and remain so in all the stages of our life. If we also become merciful, we shall become equal to the gods. The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) said: Among the attributes of God, although they are equal, mercy shines with even more brilliance than justice.

            What follows is a very famous poem When all thy mercies, O my God written by the English essayist and poet Joseph Addison (1672-1719). It is in praise of God. The language is so simple and thoughts are so clear that they do not need any interpretation.

“1.When all thy mercies, O my God,

my rising soul surveys,

transported with the view, I’m lost

in wonder, love, and praise.

 

2. Unnumbered comforts to my soul

Thy tender care bestowed,

Before my infant heart conceived

From whom those comforts flowed.

 

3. When the slippery paths of youth

With heedless steps I ran,

Thine arm unseen conveyed me safe,

And led me up to man.

 

4. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts

My daily thanks employ,

And not the least a cheerful heart

Which tastes those gifts with joy.

 

5. Through every period of my life

Thy goodness I’ll pursue,

And after death in distant worlds

The glorious theme renew.

 

6. Through all eternity to thee,

A joyful song I’ll raise;

For O, eternity’s too short

To utter all thy praise. “

                                                                        *******

G.R.Kanwal

12 November 2024