It is often that we turn to famous people who have achieved great success, as sources of inspiration. But it is less common to draw inspiration from everyday instances and ordinary people. I once chanced upon having a conversation with a street urchin who stays in my locality. Unkempt, torn-clothed and soiled; his name is Raju.
Maybe it was the fag I bought him which got him talking, or the cool breeze under the tree which touched our faces, that evening. The things he talked about were novel, things quite different from conventional small-talk. These are the things I learnt:
1. Everyone's selfish: "Every action is for yourself. Even charity and 'mamta'(motherhood) are selfish acts", he says. Right from the time we are born, to the time we die, we are on our own. True, we have family, we have friends, we have loved ones. But it is all to drive off our loneliness. Though charity is with an intent to help the needy, you are the one who is in need. To be at peace within, to forget your sins, to make you feel like a better person. Bottomline; stop relying on others. To solve your problems. To give you happiness. To give you attention. To give you respect. Be a self-made person. "Swawalambhan (self-dependancy), is the key" he states. (a little ironic for a beggar to mention, I must say)
2. Even whores demand respect: "Food, clothing, and shelter are essential. But something more essential than those, is respect. Even whores demand respect", he proclaims. A person who demands respect, has to first learn to give respect. Every being demands compassion. No one is perfect, so one cannot judge anyone on their work or actions. Give respect, no matter who the person is. It can speak volumes about the person that you are inside. It'll make you a respectable person.
3. Begging was once a respectable profession: "In the old days, beggars were respectable people. They were people who would go door-to-door spreading words of wisdom. People would give them 'bheeksha'(charity) in return. But see what we have been reduced to! They all crave for wealth! No one wants wisdom!" he exclaims.
4. Never regret anything: "I don't regret this life. Regret is no good. It cannot change your past. No need to regret anything that has happened in your life" he says, taking a hard drag of the tobacco. Regret does not change the situation, and blaming or whining doesn't help. Instead, ask yourself what you can do now. How you can avoid making the same mistakes again. How you can take care of situations. Accept your mistakes, promise not to repeat them, and move on.
5. Don't let the outside world affect you: "People will always have something to say. Don't let them dictate your life. Only you should decide what you want" he emphasizes. This does not go on to say that you do not care about others. Be concerned about what goes on around you. But don't let it affect your inner peace. Never let people or situations change the person that you are. For outside world is but a reflection of your inner beauty.
6. Make the best of what you have: "I cannot sit and complain about my situation. I have to do what it takes to survive. I am making the best of my situation. I am happy" he smiles. We are all unique in our own way. Comparing ourselves with others will only harm ourselves. We all have problems of our own. Its important to cut our way through. Make the best of what you have, and things will surely work your way. Worry never solved a problem.
7. Dogs are humans, humans are dogs: "All humans have become dogs. We live a dog's life. We are all the pets of our desires. Only dogs have a bit of humanity left" he says. Though cynical, it remains true to much extent. We have all become slaves. To wealth, lifestyle, and false pride. We must start looking beyond tangible benefits. Life's quality must not be quantified. Appreciate the finer things in life.
8. Happiness is free: A good payscale, a fast car, ar a loved one. What makes you happy? Material things make you happy, because you associate them with happiness. Happiness is but a feeling. It truly lies within. If you need reasons to be happy, that happiness is parasitic. Be happy for no reason. True happiness is free of cost.
Maybe it was the fag I bought him which got him talking, or the cool breeze under the tree which touched our faces, that evening. The things he talked about were novel, things quite different from conventional small-talk. These are the things I learnt:
1. Everyone's selfish: "Every action is for yourself. Even charity and 'mamta'(motherhood) are selfish acts", he says. Right from the time we are born, to the time we die, we are on our own. True, we have family, we have friends, we have loved ones. But it is all to drive off our loneliness. Though charity is with an intent to help the needy, you are the one who is in need. To be at peace within, to forget your sins, to make you feel like a better person. Bottomline; stop relying on others. To solve your problems. To give you happiness. To give you attention. To give you respect. Be a self-made person. "Swawalambhan (self-dependancy), is the key" he states. (a little ironic for a beggar to mention, I must say)
2. Even whores demand respect: "Food, clothing, and shelter are essential. But something more essential than those, is respect. Even whores demand respect", he proclaims. A person who demands respect, has to first learn to give respect. Every being demands compassion. No one is perfect, so one cannot judge anyone on their work or actions. Give respect, no matter who the person is. It can speak volumes about the person that you are inside. It'll make you a respectable person.
3. Begging was once a respectable profession: "In the old days, beggars were respectable people. They were people who would go door-to-door spreading words of wisdom. People would give them 'bheeksha'(charity) in return. But see what we have been reduced to! They all crave for wealth! No one wants wisdom!" he exclaims.
4. Never regret anything: "I don't regret this life. Regret is no good. It cannot change your past. No need to regret anything that has happened in your life" he says, taking a hard drag of the tobacco. Regret does not change the situation, and blaming or whining doesn't help. Instead, ask yourself what you can do now. How you can avoid making the same mistakes again. How you can take care of situations. Accept your mistakes, promise not to repeat them, and move on.
5. Don't let the outside world affect you: "People will always have something to say. Don't let them dictate your life. Only you should decide what you want" he emphasizes. This does not go on to say that you do not care about others. Be concerned about what goes on around you. But don't let it affect your inner peace. Never let people or situations change the person that you are. For outside world is but a reflection of your inner beauty.
6. Make the best of what you have: "I cannot sit and complain about my situation. I have to do what it takes to survive. I am making the best of my situation. I am happy" he smiles. We are all unique in our own way. Comparing ourselves with others will only harm ourselves. We all have problems of our own. Its important to cut our way through. Make the best of what you have, and things will surely work your way. Worry never solved a problem.
7. Dogs are humans, humans are dogs: "All humans have become dogs. We live a dog's life. We are all the pets of our desires. Only dogs have a bit of humanity left" he says. Though cynical, it remains true to much extent. We have all become slaves. To wealth, lifestyle, and false pride. We must start looking beyond tangible benefits. Life's quality must not be quantified. Appreciate the finer things in life.
8. Happiness is free: A good payscale, a fast car, ar a loved one. What makes you happy? Material things make you happy, because you associate them with happiness. Happiness is but a feeling. It truly lies within. If you need reasons to be happy, that happiness is parasitic. Be happy for no reason. True happiness is free of cost.
9. First act, then pray: "I see many people coming to temples, to pray for their success. They also give us some money to pray for them. But they don't want to work hard. Whats the use?" he asks concerned. Truly said, actions are primary. Concentrate on your tasks first. Do what is needed to achieve the required success. Then you deserve to pray to God. For God helps those who help themselves.
