From the moment we are born we are constantly told that life should unfold in a certain way to attain success and happiness. At every stage we are told to meet certain expectations which are vital for our progress, right from taking our first steps to achieving all the goals society has set for us to obtain the certificate for a perfect life. The bucket list of accomplishments considered worthy to be given this certificate includes social etiquette, education, career, material assets, marriage, children, etc. Consequently everybody strives hard to attain the goal of a perfect life.
However, no matter how hard one tries, sometimes life just doesn't match up to fit the blueprint we create for ourselves. People fail to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect life. Inevitably, unfavorable circumstances occur which compel one to confront the reality of what life actually is - a mixture of both joy and sorrow. In the pursuit of chasing success and happiness, some ardent desires remain unfulfilled, making one feel inadequate, frustrated, trapped and miserable, causing immense pain. This is the time when we introspect to find the root cause of our suffering and turn towards God, seeking answers for all the unresolved queries of life so that we can find the true meaning and purpose of life.
Life Lesson
When God wants all our attention, He creates situations that put us on the path that leads to him. He brings us to the state where our false beliefs shatter and transform our perspective towards life. The concept of a ‘perfect life’ set by society is unrealistic for if life was perfect, nobody would seek the Divine. No one would look beyond the temporary nature of this mortal world. It is the imperfections of life that drive us towards seeking the absolute truth. The unresolved questions about life turn us into seekers and compel us to find Him. We then realize that the ultimate goal of human life is to reach out to the supreme, know him and re-establish our eternal bond with Him. That is the real meaning of liberation and the rightful path that leads us to true perfection.
Like a mother longing for her child’s affection and attention, Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna:
Bg. 9.34
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु । मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: ॥ ३४ ॥
Bg. 9.34
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु । मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: ॥ ३४ ॥
man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru mām evaiṣyasi yuktvaivam ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ
Translation
Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisance to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to me.
Written by : Saraswathi M V
Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari
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