A BLOG ABOUT

FULFILLMENT AND AWAKENING

Discovering the Truth of our Existence

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Gandhi, the Millennium Man!

Was Gandhi “…the greatest human figure of the last nineteen hundred years?” as his most celebrated biographer, Louis Fischer, put it.

When Mahatma Gandhi was in London in 1931 to argue for India’s independence, a small girl started to ask him for his autograph. Then she drew back shyly before this strange little dhoti-clad man with a roughly mended coarse shawl over his shoulders and cheap wire-framed spectacles. She looked up at her mother and asked: “Mummy, is he really great?” ~Cited in Yogesh Chadha, Gandhi: A Life (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1997), 1.

Gandhi’s greatness lies in stirring the conscience of humanity, in demonstrating the power of spirit over material things, in turning his moral searchlight inward, and in extending the gospel of love and peace from personal level to the social arena.

be-the-change-gandhi

If we want to bring about any change in the world, we have to begin with ourselves. We have to be the change that we wish to see in the world. This was Gandhi’s most important discovery and his greatest gift to humankind.

The Sandals that Made History

Jul 23, 2015 |

Here is a sterling example how Gandhi was able to transform his arch opponent, General Smuts, during his time in South Africa. His work there finished, Gandhi left South Africa with his family in July 1914. Before he departed, he sent General Smuts a pair of sandals...

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The Magic of Gandhi

The Magic of Gandhi

Jul 13, 2015 |

Gandhi’s advice to a fellow seeker, given five months before his death: I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may...

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Conversations with a Tree

~ Satinder Dhiman, Ph.D. Ed.D.
January 11, 2013

Today during morning walk, I paused near a wise old tree; It greeted me, as always, gently; Unassumingly with an inviting look!

I have heard it whisper, as I pass by it, everyday: “I produce oxygen; What do you?”

Today, there was urgency in its voice, As if it had lots of questions for me That needed to be addressed; As a matter of life and death!

Still kind in its manner, Gentle in its demeanor; Solemn in its voice, The tree continued….

Rain or sunshine, Extreme cold or hot; I bear my lot, patiently; Without complaining or comparing! Do you?

By way of my own care and concern, I need very little on a daily basis. Always making sure to contribute, More than I consume. Do you?

I offer my gifts of shade and shelter, Anonymously and generously; And my fruits and flowers, To all and sundry, selflessly! Do you?

I am content in being the way I am, Without needing to compare or compete; To outshine or be better than the next tree; In the mindless race called success! How about you?

I abide placidly in the Present; Without brooding over the past, Or pining for the future; Living fully in the Now, authentically! Do you?

On yearly basis at least, I renew myself: Letting go of the old leaves; To make room for the new ones! Do you?

I do not hate my fellow trees, Nor do I destroy my own kind. Merely because they are different, Or hold a different viewpoint! How about you?

My virtues are: Patience, Generosity, Acceptance, Forbearance, Caring, Compassion, Contribution, Usefulness, Selflessness, Sustainability, Self-renewal! What are yours?

With my drab, rough exterior, I stay nimble and pliant inside. Always ready to adapt and to cater: Whatever circumstances transpire! Do you?

I genuinely hold my head high, Upright in my humility and gratitude; Always glorifying my Creator, By serving selflessly Its Creation! Do you?

In life and in death, I stay valuable, making sure that Every part of me is somehow useful, For the sake of others! How about you?

My leaves, my stem, My roots, my bark; All parts of the Divine Exchange, You humans call Eco-System. How about yours?

Even when I die, I am of service to you; As firewood to keep your house warm, And to cook your supreme meal! Do you?

Above all, I have the Virtue of Eternal Silence, And never get bored with my own existence! How about you?

As I listened to this wise old tree, I kept wondering: What have I done to the Garden Entrusted to my care?!

~ Satinder Dhiman, Ph.D.; Ed.D. January 11, 2013.