Picture this: it's the early 1990s, and you're a fresh-faced student at a bustling Business School. As you make your way to your first class of the day, you can't help but notice the throngs of students huddled outside one particular classroom. You soon learn that this is where the legendary Sharmaji holds court. Despite arriving early, you always find yourself waiting at the doorsteps until the very last minute, eager to soak up every word of his lectures. And even when the bell signals the end of class, Sharmaji has a way of keeping his students rapt with attention, eager to learn more. It's not just his ability to captivate his audience that sets Sharmaji apart, though. You soon realize that his students come from all walks of life and academic backgrounds, yet they all flock to his classes, eager to learn from him.
Determined to get to know this master teacher better, you finally muster the courage to approach him after class one day. To your surprise, he welcomes you with open arms, patiently answering your questions and showing a genuine interest in your thoughts and ideas. As you sit down for a cup of tea with Sharmaji in the nearby canteen, you begin to understand why he's so beloved by his students. Teaching isn't just a job for him - it's a passion that he pours his heart and soul into every day. Even after a grueling 90-minute session, he remains unfailingly patient and dedicated to helping his students understand the material. In short, Sharmaji is a true master of his craft - a teacher who inspires his students to learn, grow, and reach for their full potential. And you feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to learn from him.
Now let me paint a picture for you: it's a typical day at the same bustling Business School cited above, and as you make your way through the campus, you spot the legendary Sharmaji getting out of an auto-rickshaw. As he pays the driver, you notice something remarkable - he's handing over a wad of cash, far more than the fare. The driver looks bewildered, but Sharmaji simply smiles and tells him to keep the change. Intrigued, you begin to follow him more closely, and you soon realize that this is a daily routine for him. Whether it's a rickshaw puller, an auto driver, or a taxi driver, Sharmaji always pays generously, earning their respect and loyalty in return. They wait for him outside his classes, eager to be of service to such a kind-hearted man. You can't help but wonder why he does this - is it simply an act of kindness, or is there a deeper meaning behind it? And so, one day, you gather the courage to ask him. To your surprise, Sharmaji's answer is both simple and profound. "I believe in repaying my debt of gratitude to society and the almighty," he says. "And besides, it brings me joy to give."As you probe further, you learn that Sharmaji has faced his share of challenges in life. His wife expired a few years ago and his only son left for America long ago and never returned, leaving him alone to navigate the ups and downs of life. But rather than wallowing in self-pity or seeking something in return, Sharmaji has chosen to lead a life of sacrifice and service.
Sadly, you eventually lose touch with Sharmaji after leaving the B-School. And when you return after five long years, you're heartbroken to learn that he's no longer with us. But his legacy lives on - at his last rites, hundreds of strangers, students, and well-wishers from all over the neighborhood gathered to pay their respects to a man who touched so many lives with his selflessness and generosity. It's a thought-provoking question, isn't it? Is the joy of living truly in giving, in leading a life of sacrifice and service? Sharmaji certainly believed so, and his legacy is a testament to the power of kindness and selflessness.
The Joy of giving back to Society
Have you ever experienced the sheer joy of giving back to society? It's a feeling like no other! When you give, you feel a sense of purpose and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are making a positive impact on someone's life. It's a win-win situation, where both the giver and the recipient benefit from the act of giving. Think about the last time you donated to a charity or volunteered your time for a cause. Didn't it feel amazing to know that you were doing something good for someone else? That feeling of fulfillment and happiness is something that money can't buy. But giving doesn't have to be limited to money or time. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, giving a compliment, or even just a smile. These small acts of kindness can have a great impact on someone's day and can create a positive chain reaction. And the best part about giving is that it's contagious! When you give, you inspire others to give as well. Your small act of kindness could trigger a wave of generosity that spreads throughout your community, creating a culture of giving that benefits everyone. So, the next time you're wondering how you can make a difference in the world, remember that giving back to society is one of the most powerful things you can do. Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or even just spreading positivity, the joy of giving is a gift that keeps on giving.
Leading life without expecting anything from anyone
Leading a life expecting nothing from others, including your children like Sharmaji is an important aspect of personal growth and development. It is important because it helps us cultivate a sense of detachment from the outcomes of our actions and reduces our dependence on others for our happiness. One of the primary reasons why it is important to lead a life without any expectations is that it reduces the likelihood of disappointment and resentment. When we have expectations from others, we set ourselves up for disappointment if those expectations are not met. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and resentment, which can be harmful to our relationships and mental health. Moreover, leading a life without expectations helps us develop a sense of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. When we don't rely on others for our happiness or well-being, we become more self-sufficient and learn to depend on ourselves for our needs. This can help us develop resilience and the ability to cope with difficult situations without feeling overwhelmed or helpless.
Additionally, it is important to lead a life without expectations because it helps us avoid the trap of entitlement. When we have expectations from others, we may start feeling entitled to their time, attention, or resources. This can lead to a sense of entitlement that can be detrimental to our relationships and our sense of self. Lastly, leading a life without expectations allows us to experience the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. When we give without expecting anything in return, we experience the joy of helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. This can be a powerful source of personal fulfillment and happiness.
What do you learn from the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita also teaches us about leading a life of detachment and selflessness. It encourages us to perform our duties without any attachment to the outcome and to give back to society without expecting anything in return. By following these teachings, one can lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
A life of detachment, the Gita would teach,
No expectation from anyone, not even from the leech.
Giving back to society, the joy it brings,
Serving without seeking anything, like the flight of wings.
Children, they say, are the joy of our life,
But attachment and expectation lead to strife.
Teach them well, and let them fly,
With gratitude in their heart, they'll reach the sky.
The Gita teaches us to let go,
Of desires, of wants, and all our ego.
For the joy of living is in giving,
And detachment leads to true living.
Serve society with all your heart,
Let go of all attachments, and do your part.
For in giving, you receive much more,
Than you ever could by holding on to what you adore.
So lead a life of detachment and joy,
Serving society like a child's toy.
In the end, it's not what we possess,
But what we give back brings true happiness.
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