Very often, we come across the expression
‘That person is a very good person’. What actually are we referring to? Is it
any physical characteristic? Does the expression refer to his looks, his
height, his weight, or anything specific about his personal appearance? No, the
expression refers to his good thoughts and his good thinking.
How does one cultivate ‘good’ thinking or
thinking correctly? There is no scientific way, but a very good solution is to
constantly bring in an attitude of positivity, helpfulness and consideration
for others at all times and in all circumstances. ‘This life is for others’ is
a good maxim to begin with. If we can gather all our thoughts around this one
thought, our thinking will automatically correct itself for the better. For
example, amongst aging people one common prayer to God is ‘Please give me
strength to look after myself if my son does not look after me when I have
grown old’. However, consider another prayer, ‘Please give me strength to be
able to look after all those whose sons have deserted them’. If God can grant
the first prayer, he can also grant the second one. In the first case the
person will appear to God as a self-centred person thinking only about himself,
whereas the second prayer will appear to Him as one that has been made by a
considerate, helpful and positive person. While the first prayer is not wrong,
the second prayer symbolises good thinking.
Right from a subordinate to the less
privileged people around us, like drivers, liftmen, janitors, etc., even if we
give them a smile, or an occasional chocolate, or a kind word, such acts can
ensure unbelievable good vibes and divine energy around us which has to be experienced
to be believed. However, the real challenge to thinking correctly is during
adverse circumstances.
A jamaai (son-in-law) was visiting
his in-laws and one of the brothers-in-law teased him and even requested him to
take the garbage out. The natural reaction expected in such circumstances would
have been disastrous. The jamaai would feel hurt and insulted, he would
sulk and would probably fight with his wife and his in-laws. In extreme cases,
his future relationship with his in-laws, his wife, children and others around
him would possibly be severely impacted.
However, consider a case where a jamaai
reverses the situation by willingly doing what is asked of him – and even
more. He readily removes the garbage and smilingly even offers to help his
in-laws with things like ironing their clothes. What is really important is his
cheerful attitude when he does this. The good natured act would win over all
the in-laws and they would be full of admiration. Initially, they might have
imagined him to be a ‘stuck-up’ jamaai, but now he becomes very dear to
them; most importantly, his wife is overjoyed and their marriage becomes very
successful and he lives a happy life.
In any situation in life, even if one has
been insulted and treated badly, returning the act with good-natured behaviour
can reverse the situation and such an attitude fosters good thinking. Once good
thinking is regularly practised, thoughts of jealousy, hatred and negative
feelings will reduce to a point where they will automatically be repelled.
Though this is not easy, it comes with practice and with a single theme in your
life: ‘Everyone around me is God’s creation and whether they like me or not, I
have nothing against them and I will gladly help them in every way’.
Once such good thinking is started, friends,
I guarantee you that life will be immensely happy and enjoyable. This attitude
of thinking positively for others also has a miraculous effect of changing the
world around us. It is the key to real success in life and the world will then
become a much better place to live in.
