Language of love
No words can adequately express the feelings of happiness and harmony one obtains upon hearing Dada J.P. Vaswani, the Indian philosopher, mentor and preacher of peace. He personifies humility, and radiates an abundance of pure love. His twinkling eyes, captivating smile and utter simplicity would make us totally energized from within, restoring our self-confidence that with all the trials and tribulations, life is, after all, worth living for one self and for others.
Dada Vaswani delivered a lecture at Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta, recently, on the topic of Change your attitude: Change your life. For those who couldn't attend this meeting, may I share a synopsis of his speech?
Do you want to change your life? There's a way -- all that you have to do is change your attitude. Attitude is a tremendous power. According to William James, a great U.S. philosopher, "The greatest discovery of this generation is that by changing our thoughts, we can change our life".
Attitudes are more important than facts. Different people placed in similar circumstances react differently. Attitude is a choice. We can't control what happens to us, but we can choose to react in a positive way or a negative way. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says: "Man is his own friend, man is his own foe". A man with a friendly, constructive and positive attitude would not dwell on the negative side of life. Despite the difficulties, he would always hope for the best.
Dada Vaswani offered seven practical suggestions as to how we could change our attitudes. 1. Be careful of your thoughts. You get that which you expect. Don't let any undesirable or evil thoughts enter your mind. Don't think of disease and death. Think of solutions. Our thoughts have a magnetic power. Why not expect success and victory? As Benjamin Franklin said: "Never worry about things which may not happen". Thoughts are the focus building blocks of life. Man makes his own destiny. Thoughts constantly held in mind will drive you to action. Actions repeated become habits. Habits ultimately become character. That man is the happiest who thinks happy thoughts. 2. Never criticize or find faults with others. If, in a person, there are nine vices and one virtue, remember only the virtue. Focus on the ounce of gold, among tons of dirt. 3. Always count your blessings. Let your heart be filled with gratitude. Find reasons for being grateful to God. Go on looking for opportunities. We can learn from Thomas Alva Edison, who, in a fire accident, lost over two million dollars worth of equipment and his record of twenty years of work. Seeing the leaping flames, he quickly said: "There is one good thing in disaster. It burns away all our mistakes". 4. Cultivate a singing heart in all conditions and circumstances of life. Let there be a smile on you always. A smile bridges miles. 5. Maintain faith in the goodness and caring power of God. There's a meaning of God's mercy in everything that happens. 6. Develop a healthy sense of humor. A happy laughter is a mental tonic. Ensure that you laugh with others, not at others. 7. "Did you meet him on the road? Did you help him with the load?" (Dada J.P. Vaswani recalled the words of his revered spiritual Guru, Sadhu Vaswani). Do not leave those whom you meet, with the loads that they are carrying on their shoulders. Lighten their loads. By helping others, your attitude changes in a mysterious way, and you will be amply blessed and rewarded.
Isn't it that Dada Vaswani communicates through the language of heart?
D. CHANDRAMOULI
Jakarta