The Legend Within You

Being ignored by the loved ones is supposed to be more painful that denying. Deep within the soul, everyone craves to be recognized by either the family or relatives or friends or colleagues or competitors or society or the world as a whole. It all starts from the very tender age when we would have rolled over the mud road crying hard just to convey our parents the message that “I too am here”. As we grow, this attention seeking too grows with us but prevails in different forms and intensities.

Our life is a combination of a cycle of events that needs constant analysis and fine tunings. If we place ourselves at a neutral point and do the analysis, it will yield optimal results. Most often, blinded by the expected output, we tend to start our analysis one-sided or biased. Also presently, the general mindset of the people is that they are always correct and there is no need for self analysis. The moment the concept of I, Me and Myself creeps into individuals, they feel that they are matured and tuned to match at the highest level, which often is not the truth. This reluctance to understand the truth acts as a key barrier for any sort of progress, both inward as well as outward.

Though the greats visualize each and every life as the “History in Action” and individuals as history makers, most of the people see life as an “Action Movie” where they are the heroes. The inability to draw line between fantasy and reality is making things worse both for individuals, their families, dear ones as well as for the society. All the heroes on screen are projected perfect, flawless and champions by default. They are always in the limelight and forever successful. There is no need for preparation or self analysis. With all these features, everyone bothered only about the final outcome and never cared to look beyond into the efforts that their champions sweat in.

A woman says she is suffering both at home and in the society to keep her family in right shape and move ahead. A man says he is stressed out the most for the welfare of the people associated with him. The students group will say they are always at the wrong end of the world surrounded by intense competition and negatively politicized procedures, and success comes only because of their abundant talent. In an organization each may claim that they ultimately are putting extra effort than the rest or are the smartest of the lot but still not being given the justice. All of us may be doing our role to the best of our ability and these may be the extreme statements to express the efforts being put in, but if the approach is implying the mindset that their efforts are superior to the rest, then that makes it immature and biased.

The fast food nature of life nowadays has taken a lot of time out of everybody’s life and we are running short of time even to accomplish the assigned tasks and satisfy our materialistic wishes. Thus we are surrounded mainly by people who belong to the immature class in one form or another. They themselves are not stabilized to find what gives them ultimate happiness and at what point they will be content about what they have. If we are craving for recognition from such immature individuals, then we are misdirecting ourselves because an immature and biased person will never be able to provide the right recognition, and longing for it will become meaningless.

All great leaders suggest that recognizing yourself is more apt than wishing others to recognize you. In order to recognize oneself, he/she should first “realize” themselves. So self realization, neutrally, is of atmost importance. Knowing ones own value, strengths, areas of improvement, nature, weakness will help to improve and adapt to any situation. A wrong marketing may grab immediate attention but it will not hold for long unless the individuals is determined to support it for long with added lies and wrong doings but such acts will come to light one day or another. Rather than undergoing the pain and strain of strengthening the lies in order to prove it correct, it will be much easier to stick to the truth and follow its path.

Recognition of the society is like the applause a student gets for topping the class. If someone else gets the first position in the next exam, the attention shifts. At the end of the year, a new batch fills the lot and the competition will be among a totally different set of individuals. This scenario of changing focal point goes on and on and on. So if the ultimate aim is to be recognized by a third person, it is like an uncertainty that will change depending on the taste and maturity level of individuals. If we go after that we may finally end up being wounded internally with some personality disorders or complexes. One needs to understand that the right recognizer will have an eagerness to see you grow and hence may provide guidance or the least some positive inputs which is aimed at self realization (directly or indirectly) and never de-motivates or try to prove ones own worthiness.

People who try to realize themselves and graduates in that will be successful in producing the best out of them irrespective of the circumstances and will be able to enjoy it to the maximum, unhindered by the success or failure of their efforts. Their wholehearted effort itself will be a means of pleasure and the learnings to fine tuning themselves will be the greatest gifts for them. Over time, the continuous learning and dedicated performance takes an individual to heights where their life and knowledge will be of immense value to the world. They move beyond the limitations of time, more than mere heroes, and become legends.

If we look around beyond the current “Thamashas”, we can find a lot of things to learn from each and every life around us. Each one of us has a legend within us waiting to be released from the cage of ignorance. The birth and death of that true self depends on whether one is seeking internal recognition or the external one. The world maybe biased and people may be misguiding, so don’t get de-motivated by it, since it is a short lived spike, come out of the fantasies and biased outlook and allow the legend in you to take the shape and help you enjoy each and every second of living with happiness and content.

SATHISH N

The Island of King Trinabh

The sun rose every day just to enjoy the beauty of this small island surrounded three fourth by beautiful scenic hills covered with thick layer of trees, which were hugged and kissed by the clouds that fall to its beauty and marvel. Along with the different species of animals and birds in those forests, the island sheltered a small group of natives whose livelihood was mainly dependant on vegetation. Ruled by, the Simple and Humble, King Trinabh, the island was the love for all those who could realize its value, both within it as well as outsiders.

Along with providing proper climate cycle, the hills rendered the source of water to the island via the rivers that originated from them. Being a small group, the king had clear strategy to his people, whom he saw as members of his own family. The human habitation was over the river banks with properly planned huts and plantations. It was enchanting all around with the entire canvas covered with different shades of green. The flowers and birds were the main dancers and musicians. The running water was so tasty and pure that it gave extra energy and freshness.

Ensuring the greenery of the hills around was the primary hobby of the islanders. This helped the animals to have an undisturbed world of their own. The hills also ensured that the rivers were perennial and never went dry. The people entertained themselves with rhythmic dances and songs. The main sports were wrestling and archery. Being a small group, the entire population was part of both the working group as well as the defense group. Men and women took equal responsibilities in vegetating their island. In the Army, while men formed the power force, women acted as the support staffs. The grown up kids took care of the homes, land and young ones during wartime.

The king believed that nothing is independent and everything was inter-dependent in one way or another. Though the island didn't witness any attack in the recent path, the kind was particular about being always prepared for one. Both the Army and the Agriculture groups were divided into three, the Right Wing, Middle Wing and the Left Wing, each led by an experienced war person who had proved his metal with agriculture too. This helped the king to communicate his ideas on both the battlefield as well as the agri field effectively and efficiently accomplish things in the best possible manner.

There was one wing that communicated directly to the king named the Primary Shield. This group was spread around the border and checks on the intruders. They were constantly trained and had capacity to withstand any sort of attack. This gave enough time for all the wings to group together and come heavily against the enemies.

Enemies who attacked the island were taken back by the sheer power of the islanders. The king's theory of interdependence was the main reason for this. Taking care of the agriculture and the hobby of maintaining forest along the slopes of the hill and entertainment by dancing ensured that everybody is fit and strong. The wrestling and archery helped them to improve their skills. The healthy food and pure water made them disease free and powerful.
Though the king had wide knowledge about the world around and the formats present there on the classes, scales of responsibilities and forms and entertainment, he was not impressed by them. The entertainment formats like Gladiators, drinks, and others had gained momentum but he was strictly against them because he believed that the strength of his people was their unity and power, so classifying them for entertainment will weaken them both mentally and physically as well as bring down the mutual respect. In the current set up, everyone were responsible for everything and there was no entertaining group and viewing group, but there was all participants enjoying and entertaining themselves and others, which ensured all are equally happy and excited.

The island didn't witness any attack for quite some time. Few intruders were there but they were brought on knees by the Primary Shield and imprisoned. There wasn't any search for the missing personnel by their kings, probably they were not cared or were believed to be drowned into the ocean bed.

Using the prisoners for in agriculture was a hot topic of discussion on the king's court. Though the head of the wings, who took care of agri and army, were not happy with the suggestion, the momentum towards it was very strong and it was approved. Few prisoners were released and joined the agriculture group. Being of small headcount, a separate commander was not nominated.

Shaking the balance of the opponent was part of the strategy of attackers. Making the enemies weak, directly or indirectly, was always part of the war plans. Some key enemies had learned the strength of concept of interdependence and wanted to break the link and make the islanders weak. These prisoners found the bill was the right opportunity for the same.

The released prisoners while carrying out their duty as agriculturist started marketing about their so called glorious lands and life style. They were discussing aloud about the separate army group, separate agri group, separate entertainment group, servants and arenas. They also said that the king's logic at the slopes was stupid and he was treating his subjects as animals who are always made to work. The prisoners said that their kings ensured that the authorities’ duty was to keep people happy and entertained, whereas here people are put into so much of hardship without any excitement.

The venom injected had its impact. Few forgot the fact that they were the strength of the country and few believed that since they were the strength of the country, it is dependent on them and should be given extra weightage. The arrested group was smelling success. Their theory was spreading like wild fire. Some immature guys got misguided. Though few had realized the truth, they were not allowed to voice their opinion and fearing agitation few declined to express their viewpoint.

The leader of the different wings came to know about this and in order to make their subjects realize the bigger picture, they summoned for a meeting but that didn't yield good reception. The misguided group claimed that they were treated badly than the prisoners who just need to do the agricultural work whereas they had to perform duty both on the field and during war. The vision of the higher was getting totally blinded. The point that all that were being done was to strengthen the country and people never got sold among them and it was considered as orders. They said that they are smart, talented and capable enough to face any war and win it.

The prisoner group continued to spit poison and the new gen started falling to the imaginative luxury and performing only when there is demand. They said all the time, other than the one that anyone needs work, is for entertainment and there is no need for any preparation. The assumption of being powerful and talented by default grew strong and the preparation phase witnessed lesser involvement. The food output became relatively less. The perennial rivers saw a minor reduction in levels.

Few people who realized the truth continued with their effort and kept on strengthening themselves and their group. They were clear that the things that were assumed now as work were not so but the way of living, which is to be enjoyed and experienced than complained. They continued with the king's plan and didn't lose their focus of the higher and hence could witness the improvement in skills, strength and confidence. All of them felt equally heroes. Since this was happy at the backdrop of agitation, it was not noticed much.

In order to restore things, the king called for a meeting. Everybody assembled and when the discussion was about to commence, a messenger from the Primary Shield came and informed that the island is about to be attacked. Immediate orders were passed for national duty. The troops were readied and moved immediately.

Ahead of the war the king addressed his subjects, "You compared things considering all the kings to be like me and the entire kingdom to be prosperous as ours. We need not depend on others' wealth because we are self sufficient. Others have to because they are not prosperous as we are or all the wealth is being eaten by the royals. Our vision was rich today and tomorrow, both culturally as well as wealth wise. We wanted everyone to enjoy a level playing field. We should remember that we were not working to establish prosperity because our ancestors had already done it and we were only maintaining it. We also should understand that when someone is attacking us investing so much of time and money, it is because they don't possess what we have and want to acquire it by any means."

He continued saying that, "If you feel what the prisoners uttered was true, and their land was better than ours, then why didn't they make even one attempt to flee our island. All that they had said was out of pure frustration of losing their identity and staying away from their dear ones. We don't know how many of us will see tomorrow but let us do what we can do for our motherland that was with us always. When the war is over, our triumph will be declared aloud and we will have more attention, so let's pledge that we will continue with our responsibilities with more vigor and gain strength and be always united and clear with our vision. In the name of our motherland, let's bring the enemies to our feet."

The army reached the border and saw a big group anchoring their ships. Their numbers outnumbered the islanders. Few young guys who were experiencing war for the first time were taken back by the atmosphere itself. The leaders along with the experienced warriors analyzed the enemies. After the analysis, they addressed, "Our skill, power and unity are our strengths. They may look large in count but not in strength. Their nation's pathetic condition is witnessed by the lack of passion and energy among the soldiers. They are a stagnated lot, whose destiny is defeat and steep fall. If we can team up properly, all of us will see tomorrow and be at the lap of our motherland enjoying her warmth and care. They may break the rules of war, so expect the unexpected."

The teams were grouped in different combinations. The war began. Warriors who were not misguided felt that all their efforts were coming handy and were overpowering the attackers with ease. Whereas soldiers who complained and got rusted found they were not as agile and free flowing as they used to be. They felt that they had to give extra effort to match with the strength of their own members. Once they started getting blows from the enemies they realized that they wasted key time and opportunity to enrich themselves to higher levels. They were having a tough time to survive, help themselves and the team. The fight lasted for almost a month. The constant supply of food ensured that all of them were healthy and strong, whereas the enemies were getting exhausted and depleted. The vegetation along with hills made it tough for the enemies to carry out attack from other sides. The islanders won the war with great flamboyance.

All the warriors returned home with very minor injuries and no loss to life, but with a completeness filled with pride. As soon as they reached, they unanimously requested the king not to let lose the prisoners but take them back to the prison as such weeds should not be surfacing the society. The strength and unity of the island along with its richness became well known among all the nations around the globe but none dared to attack them again. The islanders also made sure they never got rusted and took up responsibilities in all constructive things and kept upgrading themselves and all as each and everyone in their group. Though a small group, the island had its flag flying high among the rest of the world.

SATHISH N

Right Person at Right Place - Mindset

“Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu.” I would like to first start with Onam wishes filled with Peace, Prosperity and the blessings of almighty to each and every creations in this world. My Hearty Onashamsagal to all.

Onam is the celebration on the occasion of the homecoming of the Great King Mahabali (Maveli). It is said that during his regime the world witnessed the presence of Heaven on Earth. There is a famous song on it that’s sung over Onam which starts as “maveli nadu vaneedum kalam…” The translation goes thus:

"When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were equal.
And people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Deaths of children were unheard of,
There were no lies,
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no one was false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless races”

We can argue that the aforementioned is just an imagination rather than reality but is it a sample of the statement made by Albert Einstein on Mahatma Gandhi that "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." Whatever is the case, King Mahabali was the first person to ignite the thought of Right Person at Right Place in my mind.

The core of any event on earth trickles down to the individual, their maturity, attitude, and discipline. The CPU of the now robotic life is the mindset, which is directly or indirectly being programmed to float around the materialistic and immaterial pleasures. It doesn’t mean that all are trapped in that “World of Maya” but there is a strong wave moving in that direction that years down the line all of us may be addicted to it where discipline and righteousness will become trademarks of outdated individuals.

Nowadays the wrong things and causes are being the center of attraction that such people are treated as celebrities. Earlier, if a person finds someone to be cunning or dishonest, they will be sidelined and avoided because of losing his/her own identity. Whereas now those deeds are classified as smartness and they are the nucleus of celebration. This attitude is resulting in a gradual shift towards similar mindsets misunderstanding it as the shortcut to happiness and success. The aforementioned is like addiction to drugs that someone who tries to guide the right path is considered villains at the first instance; reason is a premeditated mindset and resistance to accept and follow the right path which needs dedication and systematic approach.

So even though a few argued that the concept of Right Person at Right Place is idealistic and impractical, I felt that if Prevention is Better Than Cure, then this is the best practice to follow. Even striving towards it and getting organized itself should yield good results. The key point one should realize is that only the broadminded and intellect will really understand the value of this concept.

With the current mind getting spoiled by the fantasies, only when the people who stand at the border of ecstasy of shortcuts & sweetness of truth graduates to accept and follow the higher value, we will start seeing the shift in the paradigm. The spoiled may cry foul because they have submerged deep in the imaginative world that coming out of it will need extra effort and forgoing the pleasures will not be that easy. So they may erupt with all sort of counter reactions which will need to be dealt with a neutral analysis and never getting carried away perspective.

The process of weeding off will be successful only if it is removed from the root, else the possibility of recurrence will be high. Unlike surgery, corrective measures involving human mind will need a slow and systematic approach. At the ground level, before initiating the process, what is important is the acceptance and belief that the tool in hand can be a viable solution and an earnest effort to stick to the basics and never get carried away.

We should also understand that any constructive measures will take some time to reap results but destructive things will spread like wild fire and give momentary output. Ignoring a beautiful pond as such and allowing the plants to multiply out of proportion and erasing the pond forever need no effort but maintaining it properly needs some genuine effort, which in turn will come out with widespread goodness to all the direct and indirect dependence of the pond.

Let us not misunderstand knowledge equates to intellect. Anyone who have good retention capacity or can logically grasp the scientific and non-scientific theories can claim to be knowledgeable but being intellect sets a much higher standard than that. An unbiased, neutral, broadminded individual who can perceive things from every angle and then draw the optimal conclusion taking hand of righteousness can be an ideal choice for an intellect.

Since an attitude to shoulder all the stress and strain at the top level and pamper the next gen is spreading at a rapid pace, we are at a situation where however the kid is, the parent should be flexible and tolerant; however the student is, the teacher should be adjusting and soft; however the employee is, the manager should be gentle and acceptive; however the people are, the nation should be progressive. Maybe it is quick fix we found since some empty vessels made too much of noise but what about the long-term when these kids , students, employees, and people need to elevate to become the parents, teachers, managers and represent the world??? In the name of generating retentive atmosphere, are we ending up grooming unmoulded and immature but egoist group to key positions, which may lead to further chain reactions that would shake up the entire stability and balance???

Though the practicality of a becoming a ruler like King Mahabali and establishing a life style of his time may trigger doubt in the minds, realizing a solution but not striving for it will be more grave and inhumane than people who spoiled things by living in a world of immaturity. The primary preparation is to have the right mindset. Let’s prepare ourselves mentally before getting into the act, which is the biggest and strongest investment; the backbone of the long journey ahead. Let the attitude, talent and Aura of Kind Mahabali be filled in each and everyone in this world establishing a prosperous world filled with the truth and righteous around. I wish we start seeing the Right Person in each and every one of us and start decorating the Right
Positions we take with at most precision. Happy Onam!!!

SATHISH N