Shocked into creative living

Shocked into creative living
27 Aug, 2007, 0253 hrs IST,K VIJAYARAGHAVAN, TNN

The process of “getting tired of being tired”, in a larger context, can also be extended to one’s advantage, through waking up to the shocking realisation that he is drifting and is dissipating his talents and potential. It was rightly noted that even fault finding and impatience can be virtues, provided these are directed upon oneself.

In this manner, the seeker realises his infirmities and limitations — the starting point to laying down a path to emerge into a new world of excellence, right relationships and joie de vivre. This verily is also process of ‘waking up to make one’s dreams come true’.

The immortal Kannada film, Hamsagethe powerfully depicts the progression in the transformation of Venkanna, a gifted singer, who also yearns for moral perfection. In stages, through particular interactions and developments in his life, he overcomes the retarding factors of arrogance, pride, infatuation and overconfidence, which stand in the way of the pursuit of his vision.

Though accomplished and gifted in many ways, he realises that he has miles to go to even comprehend the spark of that divinity, which verily is that power, in all bliss and joy and harmony with all aspects within and without, expressed often as outpourings of true Bhakthi.

The prerequisite, therefore, in many cases, for this awakening, is often that of being shocked into feelings of dissatisfaction, if not disgust, with one’s present state of mind, body, heart and soul. This state within is also reflected in situations, relationships and circumstances which attend upon him. Such wake-up calls, as blessings in disguises, transform, sometimes, even the most ordinary into extraordinary beings, endowed with supreme powers.

The story is often told of a great saint and poet, who once was highly attached to worldly comforts and fiercely infatuated with his newly wedded wife. One day, during the height of his over powering passion, his wife jokingly taunted him, “Why don’t you divert at least a part of this attachment for me to God?” As if instantaneously, the young man experienced a metamorphosis, to realise his mission in life.

Indeed, contentment stays as a virtue, only when applied to material and mundane pursuits. For sublime aspirations, the seeking aspirant should hitch his wagon to the highest star. Only then would he be truly fulfilled and be satisfied in the self by his own self, delighting in himself and be genuinely contended — in the manner conceived of by Bhagawad Gita.