Acharya Tulsi
The atmosphere in the country today is such that most people are living in despair. They feel that the possibilities of widespread destruction are becoming stronger. In their view, the situation in the present day world would become more complicated. My thinking in this matter is different. The conditions, whatever they may be, cannot be rejected. This is how the world is. Ups and downs come in it. What would the world be like without them? Let us observe with open eyes whatever is happening. Let us critically analyse it. Let us understand our responsibility and try to carry it out with an alert mind.
Darkness prevails over the world at night. The sun rises every day, it dispels the darkness. From the unknown point of Time, it has been constantly endeavouring. But has it completely swallowed the darkness. Does it not get dark at night? Night is linked with day. But the sun never despairs. Then why should the mist of despair cast a shadow on the human mind?
We have before us the illustrious examples of Rama, Krishna, Mahavira and Gandhi. Each of those great men tried to bring light into their times. Similarly, we have the examples of Ravana, Kansa, Goshalaka and Godse. They not only rested content by trying to eclipse that light, they also tried to sling mud at great men. Adversaries have existed in every age. Let our thinking have a positive basis. Why should we get involved in the situations that are bent upon making man miserable, inferior and weak?
Compassion and humaneness are the most excellent symbols of human behaviour. Man has eternal relation with them. When that relation breaks down, man becomes averse to humanity. This alone is the greatest problem of today. The young generation of this age is entering the world of crime to find a new way to fulfil its frustrated ambitions. Before starting in that direction, the young people do not know which way they are going. They do not even discuss such issues with their elders who can give them some guidance. The responsibility of looking after the generation going astray lies with those who aspire for its bright future.
It is a reality that the problems in the world are increasing. The overwhelming pressure of those problems would not be minimised by closingour eye to them. We have to accept whatever situations obtain and we have to find their solutions too much to imagine that the solutions would be found the moment one begins the search. Even after engaging in the search for solutions, we shall have to be prepared to struggle against those problems.
A frog fallen in a pot of curds continues to move its legs for a long time. The result is that the curds get churned and butter comes out. It is most likely to get drowned in the curds, but unbothered, it perches itself on the butter. The frog finds with its own effort the solution to the problem which is a fatal danger to its existence.
Man's mind is much more developed than the mind of the frog. If he becomes despondent in the face of problems, if he continuously complains about them, then the problems are likely to tighten their grip on him. It is man's responsibility to go to the roots of the problems and constantly strive to find their solutions and maintain his equipoise in all situations. Only that way he would be able to light the lamps of hope around him.
