Pithy write-up from the link :
http://pages.prodigy.net/jmiller.cb/a398.html
------------
The most important things in life
What are the most important things in life? What do the
proverbs, the wise sayings of man through the ages, have to say
on this point? Let us search them. If we did so we would come
up with the following list:
- sufficient food to eat
- a good wife (or mate)
- good health
- a good conscience
- a good name
- wisdom, good sense, spiritual truth, understanding of
life
Now let us ask another question. What things are most commonly
pursued by man? What does the common, ordinary man pursue in
life? We can list them:
- temporary pleasure (gratification of appetites)
- material possessions, wealth
- social position, being "important"
- friendship, friends, acceptance by a group
When we ask the question "What are the important things in
life?" what we really mean is: "What things in life bring the
best happiness?" Both are just different ways of phrasing the
same question.
What a person pursues in life depends on what he values. His
values, basic tastes and preferences, determine his priorities
and the way he occupies himself and spends his time. The most
basic, underlying values of the wise man are Wisdom, Justice,
Goodness, and Virtue. These are his first loves. They are
what drive him, determining his tastes and preferences. The
ordinary man, however, has as his first love pleasure and the
other things we have listed. He occupies himself with the
pursuit of Thrill and Temporary Pleasure. He focuses on the
temporary pleasures available to him through catering to his
base appetites. He spends his time in front of a TV set
watching programs that excite his fantasies and provide him
temporary thrills and erotic pleasure; he finds his pleasure in
eating, sex, gambling, coarse humor, alcohol and drugs. The
wise man, on the other hand, is driven by a different set of
tastes and preferences, likes and dislikes. He is attracted to
that which gives spiritual understanding. He is interested in
the serious questions of life and society. He is interested in
the problems of his fellow man. He is interested in the
dilemmas of life --- spiritual, moral, economic, etc.. He is
interested in spiritual and moral truth. And he tends to
prefer activities that aid him in these interests -- that
provide insight, knowledge, perspective, etc.. He is likely to
be a lover of reflection and also of books.
What are the pitfalls of the pursuits of the common man? The
problem with these pursuits is that that most of them are both
illusory and, at least when taken to excess, self-destructive.
And that they tend to sidetrack his energies and attention from
the thing that is really important in life: the pursuit of
wisdom and spiritual truth.
The truth of the matter is that the path of temporary pleasure
is often filled with snares and traps. Very often it is a very
different one from the one dictated by wisdom and prudence and
one is forced to choose. And the way one chooses shows what
kind of person he is.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
WOS # 20 : The most important thing in life
Great write-up from the link :
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Orbin2.html
--------------------
The most important thing in life.
Probably the most significant question we can ask ourselves is what is the most important thing in life. The question has far reaching implications in that the answers (or lack of them) that we arrive at can determine the course of the rest of our lives.
Many would consider money or financial success as the most important factor in life.The high rate of suicide amongst lottery winners would contradict this. Others would search for fame, yet the list of famous people who have committed suicide or died from an overdose of drugs continues to grow.
Good health would be high on anyones priorities, and the presence of love in ones life is also of major importance.
I would propose that wisdom is the most important thing in life.The best definition of wisdom that I have read is “ the best means to achieve the best ends”.Wisdom is needed to achieve the best results in the myriad decisions we all need to make daily in our personal,financial,family,work,community lives.
Each one of us has a unique mindset or set of beliefs which is continuously changing and which we use to make decisions, each of which has significant roll on effect on how the rest of our lives turn out.These mindsets are determined by the unique environments we have grown up in, our age, our education and the cumulative impact that each life experience has had on us.
Our unique mindset is either working in our favour or working against us in each and every situation that we face.One way that we can test how online our thinking is in a particular situation is to look at the results we achieve as a result of the actions we took. Good results means our governing beliefs were online, bad results means that we need to re-evaluate our beliefs to determine what caused the negative outcome.
I would propose that life is very much like a game and that a comparison between the two is very enlightening.In any game, you need to be fit, possess certain skills and have a good knowledge of the rules in order to participate.In life, we need to have a good knowledge of the rules that apply and to use this knowledge continuously in order to assess and make decisions in every situation that we face.The more intensely we play the game of life,the better our knowledge and application of the rules, the better the results we will achieve, much like a football player who is skilled, trains hard and knows the rules.
During the course of our lives we progress from being dependent on our parents for food and shelter and emotional support, to being independent as we become young adults.We learn to make decisions for ourselves, and as we see the results of our decisions we get feedback and the resultant experience adds wisdom to subsequent decisions.
The next stage is to develop relationships with others,or interdependence, and it is through these relationships that significant personal growth can occur.Many of us however have a low sense of self esteem which holds us back in relating to others.
How then do we make significant progress in our lives, as evidenced by personal growth or an increase in wisdom? We look at the results we have and are achieving in our lives.If our results are unsatisfactory, we reassess our beliefs and make adjustments to our actions.Additional important feedback is our emotions (fear, anger,unhappiness,disappointment etc) which acts as warning signs and which leads us to evaluate either our rules or beliefs, or our actions. Our target is to lead a joy-filled, intense yet balanced life, leading to good life results and continually increasing wisdom.
Author's Bio
Tony Orbin is a chemical engineer with a passion for the field of self improvement. He is in the process of starting to give courses in this field. Tony can be contacted on aorbin@iafrica.com.
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Orbin2.html
--------------------
The most important thing in life.
Probably the most significant question we can ask ourselves is what is the most important thing in life. The question has far reaching implications in that the answers (or lack of them) that we arrive at can determine the course of the rest of our lives.
Many would consider money or financial success as the most important factor in life.The high rate of suicide amongst lottery winners would contradict this. Others would search for fame, yet the list of famous people who have committed suicide or died from an overdose of drugs continues to grow.
Good health would be high on anyones priorities, and the presence of love in ones life is also of major importance.
I would propose that wisdom is the most important thing in life.The best definition of wisdom that I have read is “ the best means to achieve the best ends”.Wisdom is needed to achieve the best results in the myriad decisions we all need to make daily in our personal,financial,family,work,community lives.
Each one of us has a unique mindset or set of beliefs which is continuously changing and which we use to make decisions, each of which has significant roll on effect on how the rest of our lives turn out.These mindsets are determined by the unique environments we have grown up in, our age, our education and the cumulative impact that each life experience has had on us.
Our unique mindset is either working in our favour or working against us in each and every situation that we face.One way that we can test how online our thinking is in a particular situation is to look at the results we achieve as a result of the actions we took. Good results means our governing beliefs were online, bad results means that we need to re-evaluate our beliefs to determine what caused the negative outcome.
I would propose that life is very much like a game and that a comparison between the two is very enlightening.In any game, you need to be fit, possess certain skills and have a good knowledge of the rules in order to participate.In life, we need to have a good knowledge of the rules that apply and to use this knowledge continuously in order to assess and make decisions in every situation that we face.The more intensely we play the game of life,the better our knowledge and application of the rules, the better the results we will achieve, much like a football player who is skilled, trains hard and knows the rules.
During the course of our lives we progress from being dependent on our parents for food and shelter and emotional support, to being independent as we become young adults.We learn to make decisions for ourselves, and as we see the results of our decisions we get feedback and the resultant experience adds wisdom to subsequent decisions.
The next stage is to develop relationships with others,or interdependence, and it is through these relationships that significant personal growth can occur.Many of us however have a low sense of self esteem which holds us back in relating to others.
How then do we make significant progress in our lives, as evidenced by personal growth or an increase in wisdom? We look at the results we have and are achieving in our lives.If our results are unsatisfactory, we reassess our beliefs and make adjustments to our actions.Additional important feedback is our emotions (fear, anger,unhappiness,disappointment etc) which acts as warning signs and which leads us to evaluate either our rules or beliefs, or our actions. Our target is to lead a joy-filled, intense yet balanced life, leading to good life results and continually increasing wisdom.
Author's Bio
Tony Orbin is a chemical engineer with a passion for the field of self improvement. He is in the process of starting to give courses in this field. Tony can be contacted on aorbin@iafrica.com.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
WOS # 19 : Let's talk about Sex.
Great article downloaded from :
https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/9497/1/dreed.doc
https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/9497/1/dreed.doc
What others say! : How to reclaim your self-esteem, by Michelle Casto.
What others say! : How to reclaim your self-esteem, by Michelle Casto
From the link :
http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/8854/self_improvement_and_motivation/10_ways_to_reclaim_your_self_esteem.html
-------------
The way you feel about yourself impacts how and why you do everything in life. If you feel good about who you are, then what you do will be an outside reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings. Contrary to popular belief, self-esteem is not something anyone or any accomplishment can give you. Just because people like you or you receive an award, does not mean that you will love and take care of yourself. Positive self-esteem comes from within and does not change because the scenery or circumstances change. To have esteem for something or someone is to regard highly or favorably. High self-esteem is relatively stable even when the forecast looks foreboding.
Your self-esteem is like a star at night that shines brightest when it is the darkest. It is your inner light that burns brightly and freely no matter what is happening around you. A zen saying reminds us: “What was your original face before you were born?” Self-esteem is perfectly intact when we are born, in fact, it is inherent to us; however, it often diminishes over the course of our childhood. We lose a little of it whenever we fail, make mistakes, misbehave, feel guilty, refuse to forgive, neglect ourselves, and/or do things we are ashamed of. As an adult, we sometimes feel as if our “self” is in pieces--- that we are somehow not whole and complete.
This is not true. We are whole and complete even with our missing pieces and broken parts. We just need to decide to gather up ourselves up and become whole again. I am willing to bet that when you look back over your life, the first thing that comes to mind are the regrets, the sad times in your past. Do you see the pieces of yourself lying along the path of your life? The ones where you didn’t feel good enough, or where you were criticized or blamed by someone else? But have you ever stopped to look at the memories of when you won the prize, felt really great, on top of the world----those moments that prove what a wonderfully amazing human being you are? Try it right now, write down 10 things you are most proud of.
It is your birthright to love and honor yourself. The good news is that you can reclaim that which is yours.
What follows are 10 Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem:
1. Define life success
One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is to define your criteria for life success. This requires reflecting on what the key elements are and the experiences you wish to have.
2. Choose to be happy
Happiness is a state of mind. The Dalai Lama says that the very purpose of life is to seek happiness. He believes that if you train the mind to be happy, you will be. Likewise, you can train yourself for higher self-esteem.
3. Set challenging goals
How much you like yourself is often reflected in the level of goals you will set for yourself. Generally, people who like themselves and feel valuable, set higher and more challenging life goals.
4. Honor your core values
When you live by a clear set of values, it is easier to align your life with what is most important to you. When you honor your core values, (those things you would fight for), you honor your true self.
5. Enhance your energy
People with high self-esteem seem to have a reservoire of energy, and seldom get sick or let life’s set backs keep them down. Their energy and enthusiasm for life encourages them to take care of their body, mind, and spirit.
6. Maintain a positive attitude
Attitude determines your altitude. The more positive your thinking, the more positive your feelings, the more positive the outcome. There is nothing more powerful and creative than your thoughts, so you may as well make them positive and uplifting.
7. Be passionate
Passion takes hold of you and feels like “fire in the belly.” It is a source of power that enables you to get fired about life and make a difference. The more passion and zest you feel, the more alive and brightly lit you are.
8. Live by vision and work with purpose
When you know your life vision and purpose, life has more meaning and direction. Vision and purpose provide a sense that you matter, that you have a part to play, and that you truly belong here.
9. Reward success
Set yourself up for success by breaking big goals into daily action steps and take time to acknowledge and celebrate the small successes. This will feed your need for recognition and provides the extra push to keep you moving forward.
10. Make smart life decisions
When you care about yourself, you make smarter decisions. You take care to choose the right mate, occupation, and lifestyle that support you.
Self-esteem is an inner state that can be nurtured and cultivated. The National Association for Self-Esteem (NASE) defines self-esteem as the experience of being capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness. That definition underlines two key things: going after goals and choosing happiness. Another definition is the level that you respect and value yourself as a loveable, worthwhile human being.
Your self-esteem contributes to your vitality, energy level, persistence, and personal magnetism. It is not to be confused with “self-image,” which is the comparison of those around you. Self-image is about what is on the outside and causes you to judge yourself and others. It changes whenever the wind blows. This fosters competition and fragmentation.
Self-esteem is about what is on the inside, a belief in yourself and your abilities. Positive esteem focuses on acceptance of self and others. It remains constant despite the storm. This fosters cooperation and wholeness.
It is common to have high self-esteem in one area of life, like career, but not in others. The highest form of self-esteem is when you can accept all of yourself---- strengths, weaknesses, best/worst parts, and overall, still feel good about who you are and what you do. Someone with a strong sense of worth will believe in herself, take more risks, say and do nice things for self and others, can let things go, not take everything so personal, forget the bad and focus on the good in life.
How do you feel about yourself right now?
10: perfectly happy with my whole self
to 5: moderately happy with my whole self
to 1: not at all happy with my whole self
If you are less than a 10, commit to using one of these tips today and feel your esteem rise, create a stronger sense of self, and reclaim your inner power. You deserve to feel great!
From the link :
http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/8854/self_improvement_and_motivation/10_ways_to_reclaim_your_self_esteem.html
-------------
The way you feel about yourself impacts how and why you do everything in life. If you feel good about who you are, then what you do will be an outside reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings. Contrary to popular belief, self-esteem is not something anyone or any accomplishment can give you. Just because people like you or you receive an award, does not mean that you will love and take care of yourself. Positive self-esteem comes from within and does not change because the scenery or circumstances change. To have esteem for something or someone is to regard highly or favorably. High self-esteem is relatively stable even when the forecast looks foreboding.
Your self-esteem is like a star at night that shines brightest when it is the darkest. It is your inner light that burns brightly and freely no matter what is happening around you. A zen saying reminds us: “What was your original face before you were born?” Self-esteem is perfectly intact when we are born, in fact, it is inherent to us; however, it often diminishes over the course of our childhood. We lose a little of it whenever we fail, make mistakes, misbehave, feel guilty, refuse to forgive, neglect ourselves, and/or do things we are ashamed of. As an adult, we sometimes feel as if our “self” is in pieces--- that we are somehow not whole and complete.
This is not true. We are whole and complete even with our missing pieces and broken parts. We just need to decide to gather up ourselves up and become whole again. I am willing to bet that when you look back over your life, the first thing that comes to mind are the regrets, the sad times in your past. Do you see the pieces of yourself lying along the path of your life? The ones where you didn’t feel good enough, or where you were criticized or blamed by someone else? But have you ever stopped to look at the memories of when you won the prize, felt really great, on top of the world----those moments that prove what a wonderfully amazing human being you are? Try it right now, write down 10 things you are most proud of.
It is your birthright to love and honor yourself. The good news is that you can reclaim that which is yours.
What follows are 10 Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem:
1. Define life success
One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is to define your criteria for life success. This requires reflecting on what the key elements are and the experiences you wish to have.
2. Choose to be happy
Happiness is a state of mind. The Dalai Lama says that the very purpose of life is to seek happiness. He believes that if you train the mind to be happy, you will be. Likewise, you can train yourself for higher self-esteem.
3. Set challenging goals
How much you like yourself is often reflected in the level of goals you will set for yourself. Generally, people who like themselves and feel valuable, set higher and more challenging life goals.
4. Honor your core values
When you live by a clear set of values, it is easier to align your life with what is most important to you. When you honor your core values, (those things you would fight for), you honor your true self.
5. Enhance your energy
People with high self-esteem seem to have a reservoire of energy, and seldom get sick or let life’s set backs keep them down. Their energy and enthusiasm for life encourages them to take care of their body, mind, and spirit.
6. Maintain a positive attitude
Attitude determines your altitude. The more positive your thinking, the more positive your feelings, the more positive the outcome. There is nothing more powerful and creative than your thoughts, so you may as well make them positive and uplifting.
7. Be passionate
Passion takes hold of you and feels like “fire in the belly.” It is a source of power that enables you to get fired about life and make a difference. The more passion and zest you feel, the more alive and brightly lit you are.
8. Live by vision and work with purpose
When you know your life vision and purpose, life has more meaning and direction. Vision and purpose provide a sense that you matter, that you have a part to play, and that you truly belong here.
9. Reward success
Set yourself up for success by breaking big goals into daily action steps and take time to acknowledge and celebrate the small successes. This will feed your need for recognition and provides the extra push to keep you moving forward.
10. Make smart life decisions
When you care about yourself, you make smarter decisions. You take care to choose the right mate, occupation, and lifestyle that support you.
Self-esteem is an inner state that can be nurtured and cultivated. The National Association for Self-Esteem (NASE) defines self-esteem as the experience of being capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness. That definition underlines two key things: going after goals and choosing happiness. Another definition is the level that you respect and value yourself as a loveable, worthwhile human being.
Your self-esteem contributes to your vitality, energy level, persistence, and personal magnetism. It is not to be confused with “self-image,” which is the comparison of those around you. Self-image is about what is on the outside and causes you to judge yourself and others. It changes whenever the wind blows. This fosters competition and fragmentation.
Self-esteem is about what is on the inside, a belief in yourself and your abilities. Positive esteem focuses on acceptance of self and others. It remains constant despite the storm. This fosters cooperation and wholeness.
It is common to have high self-esteem in one area of life, like career, but not in others. The highest form of self-esteem is when you can accept all of yourself---- strengths, weaknesses, best/worst parts, and overall, still feel good about who you are and what you do. Someone with a strong sense of worth will believe in herself, take more risks, say and do nice things for self and others, can let things go, not take everything so personal, forget the bad and focus on the good in life.
How do you feel about yourself right now?
10: perfectly happy with my whole self
to 5: moderately happy with my whole self
to 1: not at all happy with my whole self
If you are less than a 10, commit to using one of these tips today and feel your esteem rise, create a stronger sense of self, and reclaim your inner power. You deserve to feel great!
Doing good is also an eternal JOY!
A thing of beauty may or not be a joy for ever! especially when it is not inanimate!
however, doing good/being good; practising the nobler aspects of being a human being, can always be an ETERNAL JOY!
My utmost for the highest!
Try it out. you will certainly get greater joy in reaching out and touching people's hearts and souls, rather than just fulfil your heart's bidding or just crave for the 'ever-changing' apparently wondrous objects!
Fulfil the higher desire, and you will be rarely be unhappy! the baser desires will also be fulfilled, and beyond too!
jai hi ho!
nanha munha rahi hoon, des ka sipahi hoon, bolo mere sang, jai hind, jai hind, jai hind, jai hind!
gi.
however, doing good/being good; practising the nobler aspects of being a human being, can always be an ETERNAL JOY!
My utmost for the highest!
Try it out. you will certainly get greater joy in reaching out and touching people's hearts and souls, rather than just fulfil your heart's bidding or just crave for the 'ever-changing' apparently wondrous objects!
Fulfil the higher desire, and you will be rarely be unhappy! the baser desires will also be fulfilled, and beyond too!
jai hi ho!
nanha munha rahi hoon, des ka sipahi hoon, bolo mere sang, jai hind, jai hind, jai hind, jai hind!
gi.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Opium of the classes?!
If cricket was the opium of the masses, in bygone days; then can one safely say, these days, that the following are the virtual opium of the classes/the ever increasing elitist-masses?!! :
a). The Net! (the name says it all! it is a trap! bachke rehna re baba! can't say we weren't warned! it was there in the name itself, right from day-1! the internet exterminates the inner consciousness, if one is not satark, or lets oneself go down the virtual spiral staircase!).
b). Social networking! (which is full on anti-social fellows!).
c). Parties!
d). Fashion events, which are silly at the best and downright obscene, at the worst.
e). Twenty20 cricket matches!
f). Following the debauched life of so-called stars/celebrities! the uninhibited icons, who have it all, flaunt it all, and go to dust, early, burying their intellectual powers, sans any sense of proportion or discretion!!
g). The media flash news!! just get trapped in this chain, and waste a lot of time?! think, think, prani..
h). Advertisements who have stopped going for the jugular, instead head straight for the temporary homes of distressed brains, these days, the crotch!
i). Entertainment! euphemism for anything goes!
j). Gadget ownership/frequent updation!
k). Mobile connectivity / inner disconnectivity and discord!
m). The increasingly seriously silly concept of being a global citizen, and losing one's sense of identity/astitva; and slowly stop being patriotic or true to one's own roots, out of a mistaken sense of getting ahead/modernising/keeping up with the roses and bushes!
n). Debunking parents and all elders; they are always wrong!
o). Mental cruelty to those who are powerless.
p). Hating those who don't belong/dare to be different/dismissing every sensible criticism with the strident cry of moral-policing! (btw, what does that make them? immoral thieves?!!).
q). Objectification of the genders! the mind, soul and the spirit are no longer important?!
r). HEDONISM, complete and full-blown in this increasingly materialistic world!
--------------
phir bhi umeedon ko pal bhar ke liye jeene do!
alak niranjan!
jai ho!
ganesh.
a). The Net! (the name says it all! it is a trap! bachke rehna re baba! can't say we weren't warned! it was there in the name itself, right from day-1! the internet exterminates the inner consciousness, if one is not satark, or lets oneself go down the virtual spiral staircase!).
b). Social networking! (which is full on anti-social fellows!).
c). Parties!
d). Fashion events, which are silly at the best and downright obscene, at the worst.
e). Twenty20 cricket matches!
f). Following the debauched life of so-called stars/celebrities! the uninhibited icons, who have it all, flaunt it all, and go to dust, early, burying their intellectual powers, sans any sense of proportion or discretion!!
g). The media flash news!! just get trapped in this chain, and waste a lot of time?! think, think, prani..
h). Advertisements who have stopped going for the jugular, instead head straight for the temporary homes of distressed brains, these days, the crotch!
i). Entertainment! euphemism for anything goes!
j). Gadget ownership/frequent updation!
k). Mobile connectivity / inner disconnectivity and discord!
m). The increasingly seriously silly concept of being a global citizen, and losing one's sense of identity/astitva; and slowly stop being patriotic or true to one's own roots, out of a mistaken sense of getting ahead/modernising/keeping up with the roses and bushes!
n). Debunking parents and all elders; they are always wrong!
o). Mental cruelty to those who are powerless.
p). Hating those who don't belong/dare to be different/dismissing every sensible criticism with the strident cry of moral-policing! (btw, what does that make them? immoral thieves?!!).
q). Objectification of the genders! the mind, soul and the spirit are no longer important?!
r). HEDONISM, complete and full-blown in this increasingly materialistic world!
--------------
phir bhi umeedon ko pal bhar ke liye jeene do!
alak niranjan!
jai ho!
ganesh.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
What is the point of it all?!
Kabhi sochta hoon, ki main kuch kahun; kabhi sochta hoon, ki main chupp rahun!
Aadmi jo kehta hain, aadmi jo sunta hain, zindagi bhar woh, sadayein picha karti hain!
to main faisla kar hi diya, ki aaj zyada nahin bolunga!
kyonki ham bolenga to bolega ki bolta hain..! wish there was a memsaab around as in that great pran/kishore song! of course, without the other saab, as kabab main haddi!
kabhi sochta hoon : Yeh jeevan : What is the point of it all?!
maybe it is pointless! but full of figures! figure that out! good night.
ganesh.
Aadmi jo kehta hain, aadmi jo sunta hain, zindagi bhar woh, sadayein picha karti hain!
to main faisla kar hi diya, ki aaj zyada nahin bolunga!
kyonki ham bolenga to bolega ki bolta hain..! wish there was a memsaab around as in that great pran/kishore song! of course, without the other saab, as kabab main haddi!
kabhi sochta hoon : Yeh jeevan : What is the point of it all?!
maybe it is pointless! but full of figures! figure that out! good night.
ganesh.
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