Everyone should perform their duties whether chosen or assigned. This way one can utilise the precious human birth well, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Whether we like it or not, we can and do small roles only. We, being minute souls, can only do part roles, being parts of the whole — God. (Gita 15.15) This fact cannot be changed no matter what we may feel, ie we are the centre of the universe; the whole world revolves around us; we are most important; etc. But we are small and will eternally be small only. Then what will give us satisfaction if we are deprived of the feeling of being very importantIJ There is a way: We can do great duties, for which we have to be highly trained, be very knowledgeable about them, etc. This is truly privileged and best possible.
You will agree when you go through the following examples. I start with Bill Gates. He owns a big company. Is he the only person working in the companyIJ No. He may have a crucial role but there are thousands who contribute to the success of the company. I began with his example because of his generosity. There are many others, who are similarly placed as far as success in business goes. But in creating charitable trusts, he is par excellence. Again, his role in this is also limited; so many work for his charities. Going on with classical examples of persons placed in superior positions doing important duties, which influence the lives of many, my next example is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar — the spiritualist. Thousands work for his organisation — Art of living — to make a success of it. What is this person’s roleIJ It is to lead his followers. Is he not limited physically and time-wise. How much can he do by himselfIJ
The third example is of Baba Ramdev. He began as a yoga teacher and achieved great success. He trained many followers, who fanned out far and wide to make yoga practices popular again — the almost forgotten activity. However, more remarkable, like in the case of Bill Gates, is his business empire. In a few years, Ramdev’s company, Patanjali, has made a big mark in the consumable industry. Is Baba Ramdev really qualified to run a business empire of this kindIJ No, he has a very competent team of professionals working for him. He just encourages them by giving a free hand to develop new products of high quality made from herbs, etc.
The last example is of those who are actively engaged in protecting our environment. They are making a lot of personal sacrifices to promote the safety of our climate. Their efforts bore fruit with the signing of the Paris Accord. Yes, the US has officially pulled out of it but in spirit the Americans are for it. The great thing these activists have achieved is spreading awareness amongst the masses that we need to do something about our climate because it is for our own good. This is a great example of many contributing their small efforts to make a big effect.
Ultimately, everyone is or should be doing his or her duties whether chosen or assigned. Because doing so brings many benefits. One progresses materially or spiritually or both ways. One gets support of many as well as one utilises the precious human birth well. One gains self-respect. One is given responsibility and gains trust of many. One is useful and gets a lot of attention, which is highly satisfying.
Who gets to do higher dutiesIJ One has to qualify for more prized duties. Still, the roles will be small only. However, doing such duties fills one with the right kind of pride. Such duties places one in the higher echelons of one’s society, nation and in the world. And if these duties relate to spiritual activities, especially disseminating God’s messages, one is really benefited and advances spiritually.
The takeaway from the article is to make a resolve to do one’s duties well and feel highly satisfied. By doing so, there is no harm now or ever. However, when we begin thinking how important we are, we get into trouble, because such a feeling gives rise to ego, ie “I am the doer”, and consequently, bodily conscious as different from soul consciousness. In short, we can never be important; our duties can be. They can even be great if we qualify. This should satisfy and will not hurt, which ego does. We should be very careful in avoiding the trap of ego if we love ourselves.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com