"Modernism" in the guise of progressivism is no less than a mockery!! It is one of the two extremes of human life, the other one being "asceticism." India is the cradle of ancient civlisation. The land has nurtured Buddhism and Jainism to full fledged form. In history, manifestations of ascetic life is evident from the Buddhist philosophy of "Ashtangika Marg" and practice of intense penance in Jainism. But how far is it relevant in the present topsy-turvy world where modernism is a buzzword and asceticism has turned obsolete.
Today, human being is residing on the edge where rationalism has been stifled by the hands of materialism. The narrow pursuit of modernism has led to erosion of ethics. Modernisation implies a positive transformation in physical and mental well-being. And this is a matter of choice. Unfortunately, we take pride in having embraced the former one. The dawn of 21st century has blown the trumpet of digitisation which echoes in every nook and corner of the world. Under the perfidious clutch of westernisation we are cloistered in virtual walls of modernity devoid of any radical change in mental outlook. Each individual is imitating others. Thus, deepening the ethical niche.
But, is the archaic concept of asceticism a panacea to curb this malady? Certainly not. Then is the "middle path" as propounded by Lord Buddha a solution? No. The reason being nobody is magnanimous enough to renounce his belongings as the incessant lust for money has gripped us in a complex web of desires. Then what asceticism calls for?? Well, my take is slightly different from its definition in oxford dictionary. When we delve deeper into the virtues of an "ascetic", we would find that "simplicity of thoughts" is the path to eternal bliss. By simplicity, I mean a mind free from evil thoughts. A mind brimming with optimism. A mind that lays emphasis on introspection rather than blaming existing circumstances or others. A mind that harbours robust hope and infuses renewed vigour and vitality into others. A mind which never looks down upon others out of superiority complex or humiliates others. A mind full of reverence for all. A mind which maintains its stability amidst vicissitudes of life. A calm and composed mind imparting serenity to the soul. A mind which eschews exaggeration and remains natural. A mind which is not tarnished by avarice. A mind capable of moulding an individual's character into brightest form possible. A mind which is directed towards achievement of cherished goals.It is worth mentioning that above characteristics of mind is the most ideal which has potential to take an individual to zenith of glory.
To sum up, asceticism is not a shallow concept of getting converted into a monk or a sage, rather, it is the enlightment of soul. The path is certainly not a cakewalk but has potential to help human beings overcome the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Human life can regain its lustre which is presently corroded by grief and agony. It is upto us which "path" we choose- the easy one or the right one and that will differentiate us from others. The following excerpt from poem "The Road not taken" by Robert Frost exemplifies this fact:
"Two roads diverged in yellow wood,
and I took the path less travelled by
and that has made all the difference."
Today, human being is residing on the edge where rationalism has been stifled by the hands of materialism. The narrow pursuit of modernism has led to erosion of ethics. Modernisation implies a positive transformation in physical and mental well-being. And this is a matter of choice. Unfortunately, we take pride in having embraced the former one. The dawn of 21st century has blown the trumpet of digitisation which echoes in every nook and corner of the world. Under the perfidious clutch of westernisation we are cloistered in virtual walls of modernity devoid of any radical change in mental outlook. Each individual is imitating others. Thus, deepening the ethical niche.
But, is the archaic concept of asceticism a panacea to curb this malady? Certainly not. Then is the "middle path" as propounded by Lord Buddha a solution? No. The reason being nobody is magnanimous enough to renounce his belongings as the incessant lust for money has gripped us in a complex web of desires. Then what asceticism calls for?? Well, my take is slightly different from its definition in oxford dictionary. When we delve deeper into the virtues of an "ascetic", we would find that "simplicity of thoughts" is the path to eternal bliss. By simplicity, I mean a mind free from evil thoughts. A mind brimming with optimism. A mind that lays emphasis on introspection rather than blaming existing circumstances or others. A mind that harbours robust hope and infuses renewed vigour and vitality into others. A mind which never looks down upon others out of superiority complex or humiliates others. A mind full of reverence for all. A mind which maintains its stability amidst vicissitudes of life. A calm and composed mind imparting serenity to the soul. A mind which eschews exaggeration and remains natural. A mind which is not tarnished by avarice. A mind capable of moulding an individual's character into brightest form possible. A mind which is directed towards achievement of cherished goals.It is worth mentioning that above characteristics of mind is the most ideal which has potential to take an individual to zenith of glory.
To sum up, asceticism is not a shallow concept of getting converted into a monk or a sage, rather, it is the enlightment of soul. The path is certainly not a cakewalk but has potential to help human beings overcome the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Human life can regain its lustre which is presently corroded by grief and agony. It is upto us which "path" we choose- the easy one or the right one and that will differentiate us from others. The following excerpt from poem "The Road not taken" by Robert Frost exemplifies this fact:
"Two roads diverged in yellow wood,
and I took the path less travelled by
and that has made all the difference."
No comments:
Post a Comment