I am not a reviewer, nor is this a review. But when a blogger friend ignites a thought, even a lazy blogger like me is restless till I post my reflections.
Today I read one of Anand’s musings. It was greatly thought provoking that I just couldn’t easily type out a complete comment and click on ‘post’. It was nothing new, some thought which all of us do have. But such is the power of words that it makes you ponder deep within.
Anand says
One should pursue one’s dreams, no matter what - True
Not to compromise one’s true self for the sake of others – True again
But I wonder how dreams are born – out of passion, of course. But very few are able to really dream and hold on to dreams. Free choice is implied in the power to dream. You need a naked mind for all of these. A mind stripped off the robes of ‘parental value’ based upbringing; the moral science lessons at school showing us the way to be “good girls/boys”; the religious dopes over which one never really get a choice; all of these harnessing you from the vices aside and aligning you in a default mode.
It is a condition precedent for free choice that you install ‘heal-thy’ learning and un-learning is the only software which supports the program. Let originality bloom! But to what extend one should un-learn is a dilemma, or more correctly – to what extend we should let ourselves indoctrinate is the clever line of rationality. Values are indeed to be built in – like, ‘do no harm to others’, ‘be honest’, ‘have compassion for humanity’ and such bare minimum.
The second segment which Anand made me think again is about not compromising one’s true self for others’ sake. This is a skill, one should learn to articulate. A strict adherence to this dictum may make a man a little less than a social animal. Not compromising one’s true self is not to be stretched to the level of intolerance. A balance between tolerance and self –ism is the key to a world of harmonious co existence with people not of your choice, along with magically pursing your dreams and aspirations.
Mind ! Mind is the ‘open sesame’ to happiness and self realization. Make your mind soar in the high skies and seas.. explore, experiment, desire, live, laugh and accomplish… and Mind you! Mind your Mind!
This is truly an excellent post and I enjoyed reading it! Agree with many of the elements :) I like the unique avenue you chose to take by posting your thoughts that were aroused by another blogger's post. I hope Anand sees this wonderful. long 'comment' :))
ReplyDelete"Mind your mind" title brought me back to one book which I have read some time ago...the title was the same..an old page worn little book which I got from a dusty shelf from my mom's home!
ReplyDeleteWe are constantly influenced and conditioned by values and morals which moulds our personality from childhood upbringing...the subconscious sense of "ideology" underlines our value judgement! And so as you said a complete free choice is something very difficult since we cannot be completely individualistic!
Your view on not compromising once true self as "Not compromising one’s true self is not to be stretched to the level of intolerance" just took me to another plain of thinking...the thought you presented on the last para is so profound and much to be discussed.
I am extremely motivated by this post. Your
thinking is acute and it is finely presented with order and coherence from first to last allowing the ideas to bloom in there! Anand has presented the topic with much sharpness and beauty and I am so happy that you pondered on it and made a sincere serious comment as a post! I am sure he will surely like this!
Cheers pygma:-) Great thinking!
A very provocative post Pygma. What can I say? Thanks a ton for extending the thought in such a depth manner and also about the mention here.
ReplyDeleteYes dreams are born out of passion and you need to have mind nudity to imply them. The religious and cultural values surely have a bearing on them. And on the second part, as you mentioned, one should find a balance between the intolerance level and the self-ism. Only then you can find a harmony with others in life.
You spot on true words that mind is an 'open sesame' to happiness and self realization. Yes, when guided and explored in a right direction, it will throw so much of light on the hidden part of life which will give you cues to sheer bliss.
Am truly delighted to read this! Thank you again :-)
And Fiona and Nasnin, yes I read your comments. Thank you to both of you. I feel great to be in a company with both of you :) :)
wow... i read ur post 3 times... thought a lot... then read anand s post... i guess i understood...
ReplyDeletemind heart all complicated stuff....and add to that family as well... quite a kichadi... probably this is LIFE