SUCCESS - A LIFE WELL LIVED

[Guest guest]

SUCCESS - A LIFE WELL LIVED

Success. Arguably the most sought after and least understood prize. Many hunger

for it, and some never realize when they’ve got it. Most of us to be successful

human beings, mates, parents, workers, managers, homemakers, sales-people. To

achieve it, many work their nails bloody logging long hours and packing more

actively into already bloated schedules.

Yes it’s startling to consider that while this effort may yield some of the

usual trappings, many still don’t feel successful. Underneath the satisfaction

of good performance reviews, a bigger house, and committee memberships, many

still feel that success is somewhere out there yet to be snared.

No wonder. Our eyes are bleary from reading business-success tomes and taking

notes at ‘achievement’ seminars. Still, we’re left asking the same questions:

What makes us tick? What makes us sick? Crowded out by the often manic push for

success, simple, reflective inquiry rarely hits anyone’s radar screen.

Many of us are encouraged to train our attention outward, towards such linear

concepts as the latest managerial trend, and towards consuming and producing on

time, on trend, and in step. We’re often so concerned with learning how to

manage others that we’re left with little energy to manage ourselves. Obsessed

with mastering the world around us, we often fail to notice the unexplored

world within. As French author Idouard Schuri writes, "Modern man seeks

pleasure without happiness, happiness without knowledge and knowledge without

wisdom." Meanwhile, the search goes on for the secret to success, as if there

were a single pill that would make all the difference.

There is no magic bullet. Success, however, is forever within reach, personal

and professional growth evolving hand in hand through a winning plan. Success,

like a jewel, has many facets, and it can be easy to focus on two of the most

eye-catching: money and career. Important? Sure, polishing are part of the

plan. Take a look at all the other giants of well-rounded success: loving

relationships, community consciousness, physical and psychological health,

intellectual balance, spiritual connection. An effective life plan polishes

them all. While no single facet defines success, the sum reflects a life

well-lived.

(Author: Tom Gegax in the Times of India, 20-06-2004)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

The work of the world could be undertaken by somebody else but who could look

after one’s emancipation except himself, just as food and medicines have to be

taken by the person himself.

(Amrta Bindu #80)

Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya .....

In the Mahabharata, Bhishma said:

Develop this attitude based on wisdom:

I am alone.

There is no one who is mine; nor do I belong to anyone.

Even this body does not belong to me.

These objects of the world are not mine; nor do they belong to others.

Or, all things belong equally to all beings.

Therefore there is no need for any mind to grieve over these.