A
man’s life is unable to go beyond his sensual experiences. He hears with the aid of
ears; he sees with his eyes. However, his speech is conditioned by his capacity to think.
Any person can have different views, manner and style of speaking. In other words,
comprehension of the same event. However, generally the interpretation accepted by the
majority is considered correct. For example, we do not know when the idiom of 'hearing
from one ear and throw out from the other' came into existence but we know that it is
accepted universally. However, we use this idiom when we imply that due importance is not
given to another’s speech or advice. In this context, a person can take this idiom to
mean that since both ears are parallel to each other and are connected through a common
passage. But reality is different. Our ears are in communication with our brain, which
acts like a tape-recorder. It records every spoken word. Our ears are always opened. We
are forced to hear sounds whether we want to or not. These have both desirable and
undesirable effects on us. Similarly, our brain also works as photographic camera.
Whatever we see with our eyes, an imprint is stored on our mind forever. And whenever a
similar object appears in front of us, our mind is able to recollect the past image and
compare them both. Hence our all our movements and actions are guided by our thinking and
comprehension based upon past experience. If we ponder deeply we shall come to the
conclusion that in any age people’s thinking is guided by the environment in which
they are or were living. Thus we must view the present atmosphere in the same context. The
present environment is suffocating, restless, treacherous, full of envy and hatred. This
condition must be accepted with an open heart and considered the result of unhealthy
environment. But none of us is willing to accept this reality. We waste the entire day in
criticizing others and commenting adversely on the ills and bad conduct of society at
large. If we analyze our day’s activities carefully, we shall be surprised that we
are unnecessarily and mercilessly wasting our time in useless pursuits. We are constantly
wasting our time in useless pursuits. We are constantly filling our mind with dirt. If we
are in office, we waste our time in routinely discussion with our colleagues the news
published in the daily papers. During lunch interval, we waste time in discussing
weaknesses and ill-deeds of our bosses.
We
also habitually discuss how to get goodwill of our bosses to serve our selfish ends. The
same situation exists in the business environment. There we remain busy in discussing
novel ideas of hoodwinking our clients with our business associates. We waste a
considerable period of our life in inventing ways of becoming rich overnight. We try to
create an impression of being totally honest and above board in our neighborhood. However,
in the heart of hearts, we are jealous of neighbors' prosperity
and try to make schemes of bringing down their prestige.
Even though our conduct is not above reproach, but we try to detach ourselves from present unsavory atmosphere and do not accept any responsibility towards its existence. We keep on cursing the ills of society as if we are not a part of it. The existing state of affairs demands an explanation from us and we should think dispassionately about it. We should heed our conscience. We should ignore what others are doing but ponder over our own conduct. After all, man is considered the most superior being on earth due to his intellect and sense of discrimination. The world has never been without good and ideal beings. Their company can be a source of inspiration for leading a good life. If we sincerely decide to lead a thoughtful life and try to move according to dictates of our conscience, we can transform the poisoned and hateful environment and make the world a happy place to live in for ourselves, for our children and set an example for others to emulate.