Give Back to the Nature

The whole universe is functioning in a spirit of selfless service. having originated from the selfless Paramatman Tatva, everything in Nature is selfless. only we human beings, because of our erroneous ways of living, have become self-centred. Consequently, we are facing difficulties, problems, sorrow and suffering. Learn from Creation. Give selflessly. Take the example of plants. They take in water, air and light and in return, give us food, oxygen and shelter. Whatever they take from Creation, they give back in another form. We have received so much from Nature, from this world, from our parents, family and friends; despite that we fail to acknowledge or reciprocate in any meaningful way. We have been given valuable knowledge and expertise from many teachers in the course of our life, but we neglect to share even a fraction of it with others.

Countless people have encouraged, helped and guided us throughout our life. Yet how many have we helped in life’s journey? We must ask these searching questions and honestly reflect on them. If it is not possible to give back to the one who helped you, ‘pay it forward’- help someone else in need. Since we receive continuously, we should be aware of our firm duty to give, reciprocate and not hoard things.

Whenever we receive anything- from Creation, the community, society or the Nation- it is our duty to give back without any expectations. For example, our parents love us unconditionally. in return, it is our duty to love and care for them. In the Bhagwat Gita, Krishna advises us- through Arjuna- to serve those who are ‘above’ us, with an attitude of selflessness (3.11). For example, a teacher is at a higher position than a student. if the student serves the teacher selflessly and reverse him, the teacher will certainly bless and share his knowledge with the student. If each does his duty to the best of his capacity, both will grow together.

Similarly, if parents discharge their duties towards their children and the children in turn perform in their duties generously, the family will grow together. In contrast, Krishna uses a strong and definitive word to describe a person who constantly receives without reciprocating or sharing with others. ‘Such a person’, Krishna categorically states, ‘is a thief’ (3.12). He adds that one who only works for himself and does not think of the extended community incurs heaps of sins. For such people there is no peace and they were always remain distressed (3.13). When we study the scriptures, we realise the Supreme Power that is omniscient and omnipotent is Master of the universe. All of the wealth of the universe belongs to him; there is nothing that is not His! Therefore, what we receive must first be offered to world and the balance used for our maintenance. This is the Srishti Chakra, Wheel of Creation.

thus, to benefit from all our actions, we should perform our duties to the best of our capacity with an attitude of selflessness. There should be neither attachment to the action, nor expectations regarding its result. One should only do one’s best. Adhering to the principles of Karma Yoga, we will be led to shreyas-ultimate good.

Matter referenced:

Swami Prakarshananda, Chinmaya Mission, Times of India, Ahmedabad, Friday, 26th June, 2020.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

Happy to see Reviews, Additions, Suggestions and Comments, further.