The Economy of Human Life

The Economy Of Human Life *

‘a no bhadrah kratavo yantu vishwatah.’ (Rig Veda).
Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Great competence - Nobility

Nobility can reside only in the human heart. Honor is in righteous conduct.

A virtuous mind-heart can make one a worthy person. Even without any titles and past outstanding achievements, such character elevates a person to a higher place in life.

Just as shade does not recede from a thing, so real honor always exists with virtuous character.

Do not say that honor is an offshoot of courageous acts. Also, do not think that the price required to be paid for honor are only calamities overcome in life. Honor comes not out of works done, but by the methods adopted for the purpose.

The craving to become famous is very deep rooted and pressing. To be honored is a very powerful desire. These were conferred to us by god for a great beneficial purpose.

In fact, a person of good character loves good conduct for its own sake. He declines praise and compliments which a craving for fame wants.

Honor and fame run away from him who runs after them. They follow the person who moves ahead of them. When deserving, it will not leave him even if he is hiding.

Sciences and Scholarship

Study of and research in natural sciences show proof of existence ofthe creator and ruler. Proof so found in matter reinforces the desire of one to positively worship with reverence.

When eyes are turned upwards (towards) the sky, doesn’t one find wonders there? Looking down on the earth, doesn’t one notice that even very small living beings (organisms) silently announce that none-else than ‘All-Mighty’ could have created them?

Even if you do not know the full relationship between cause and effect, mango trees, grape-wine creepers and the like are brought to fruition and ripen in proper time—Who else ensures but He?

In the creative construct of the various animal species, great capability and kindness are reflected. Appropriate and tasty food materials for them, justice and fair play are shining in them. They are living in their own set ways not being jealous of each other.

Devotion to god, kindness to other living beings–are they not of utmost right paths? What can give you devotion to god more than scrutinizing, knowing and realizing god’s actions than realizing them? Knowing the conditions and evolution of other living beings dependent on you, what can give you kindness?

Providence: Prosperity and Misfortune

When misfortune strikes, it is difficult to bear. But, where fortune smiles, to act with equanimity (balance) is but greater wisdom.

Notice how effectively even unreal flattery can be sweet, bloat and intoxicate you. Observe how even without your knowledge they greatly reduce your strength and valor.

When involved in serious difficulties, even our enemies show kindness. But victories and trophies cause jealousy even in our friends.

The seeds of welfare are only in confronting difficulties, for they produce and nourish courage and valor. One, who craves for more and more prosperity in excess of desirable moderation, invites downfall.

Truthful and just behavior will bear fruit at all times and provide right means for achievement.

Man feels deserted even by kith and kin when in misfortunes and difficulties.

In times of prosperity, he feels happy and comfortable. He gets intoxicated with the smiles of his friends. He will not notice danger in front. He starts believing others. In the end, some of them deceive him.

One who is capable of just discrimination (between right and wrong) utilizes each situation and development as means for his own good and that of the deserving. Such a person looks with equanimity at the works of nature, the laws and the methods behind it.

That person supports welfare and regulates it and controls what is not good. Such one remains undisturbed in all situations.

Do not become proud in prosperity; nor get disappointed in times of misfortune and difficulties. However, when faced by difficulties, do not run away like a cowardly pig. Reject that which will not stay in you.

Suffering; Illness

Physical illness adversely affects even mental activity. If one part of body is ill, another part of it cannot remain healthy.

You were born to experience pain and to wish to be freed of it unjustly is opposed to the right of nature (‘Prakriti Dharma’). Remain subdued and humble to all the stages of life.

Your body was created to be sub-ordinate to your mind-heart (soul). If physical pain (suffering/restlessness) is allowed to saddle (dishearten) mind-heart, it would amount to your putting body above mind-heart.

A man of discernment will not grieve when a thorn tears one’s clothes. Likewise when body gets wounded, a person capable of forbearance (patient and self-controlled) will not get disturbed, nor sad.

Death

If a person’s life is to be assessed of its worth, examine his life span’s contents. His end is like a crown to the attempts made and work done – in other words the fruition (like dropping of ripe fruit) of all his trials and actions. Where there is no deceit/duplicity, truth takes birth.

Who desires to die with honor will not spend his life un-righteously. One who uses the last lap of his life for a better and higher state will not waste away his life­-time in non-meaningful ways.

If you desire to die nobly, make all efforts to ensure that your vices die earlier. One who has no further use of his life span and does not therefore wish to prolong it, feels happy.

Do no attempt to escape death; that is but weakness of heart and do not be afraid of it. You do not know what it is like. All that you know with certainty about it is that it will put an end to/(complete) your sorrows. Do not think that to live long will be a source of happiness. Only that life which was put to proper use was honorable and happiness yielding.

* The original work in Sanskrit by an unnamed Indian was found in the library of a lama of Tibet centuries ago. The work was translated into Chinese and other world languages. The present translation into English by the author from the Telugu version by Dr. Ratnakara Balaraju of Anantapur, A.P. deals with chapters IV and V of the book.