Characteristics of a Noble Person
By H H Maa Purnananda
“Adveshta Sarvabhootaanaam Maitrah Karun Eva Cha; Nirmamo Nirahankaarah Samadukkhsukhah Kshami.”
“Santushtah Satatam Yogi Yataatma Dridhnishchayah; Mayiarpit Manobuddhih Yo Madbhaktah Sa Mey Priyah.”- (Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta – 12/13&14)
The joyous festivities of the auspicious Navraatri & Dashehra have arrived once again to remind us of the very purpose of the wonderful human life! It all begins with Sree Ganesh Chaturthi indeed; because Sree Ganesh has to be invoked before invoking His Divine Parents, and for that matter, before invoking any other God or Goddess.
Even after several years of Sadhna, it seems difficult to cultivate sufficient virtues due to the animalistic instincts yet lingering in the mind. Again, it is difficult to be steady in Sadhna without being sufficiently virtuous. It is not possible to expect inner progress of transformation from being instinctive and hence reactive, to being intelligently active, without several years of continuous and steady Sadhna.
We do get number of suggestions about the virtues that are essential for self-purification and evolution, given by Sree Bhagwaan Himself in Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta itself. Here, in the given Shlok, Sree Bhagwaan begins with one of the most wonderful and perhaps most difficult virtue that need surely to be cultivated by each and every human being; it is “Adveshta Sarvabhootaanaam”, “having no hatred towards any object or being”! Sounds really difficult! But that He says after the diligent practice of certain specific and systematic Sadhna-s.
So, to begin with, we have to pay attention to the Sadhna-s prescribed thereof, and then practice them for considerable period of time, after which, the seeker might be able to actually cultivate this virtue of foremost requirement on the path of self-improvement. Having said so, we cannot afford to remain indifferent to what Sree Bhagwaan tells further about other virtues that are to be cultivated; till we come to the stage when we really hate or dislike none!
Therefore, as suggested by Sree Bhagwaan, we have to proceed further and find out about other virtues that are also equally important; such as, “Maitrah” “friendliness”, “Karunah” “compassion”, “Nirmamah” “free from my-ness”, “Nirahankaarah” “free from I-ness”, “Samadukkhskhah” “equally steady in pain and pleasure”, “Kshami” “forgiving”……and so on.
Now, as an individual, I have to assess as to which virtue would be possible for me to practice, to start with; though not to neglect or overlook all the other virtues mentioned by Sree Bhagwaan therein. Soon I will find myself to be fully occupied in constant self-introspection, self-analysis and self-improvement. I shall be left with no time to waste in unnecessary arguments and criticism of the people and wasteful engagements in worldly activities that are not falling under the ambit of my ‘obligatory duties’ as prescribed by my Holy Scriptures.
Thus, while cultivating and practicing virtues that are the characteristics of a noble person, the seeker himself proceeds towards nobility and hence, peace and happiness in life.
Observing and celebrating Navraatri, Dushehra and the like, all the year round, one can surely cultivate virtues, if only the festivities are seen and celebrated with proper understanding and Spiritual fervour.
Let us try it out this Navraatri that commences on 11th October this year. Let us start to practice virtues day after day and enjoy life differently! Shubh Navraatri and joyous Dushehra!