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Let a relaxed mind travel extensively over human affairs, from his own troubles to international issues he will find that the problems are inextricably interwoven. It will become immediately clear that the remedies which are being applied from different angles are really of no avail. A clear of view of the panorama of human misery as a living process will evoke genuine concern. The ways of degradation will then be perceived with a fresh sense of responsibility and one will not casually reinforce these through his own participation. Such individuals will set in motion a new trend. They will pave the way for an altogether different culture.
The crux of the matter is the individuals own involvement in deep and wide-ranging perception. One can find the right response only when one is passionately concerned about it. In clarity one is no longer part of the prevailing culture. With clarity of perception a person can see things as they actually are. He can see the total picture. When one realizes the value of clarity one naturally shares with others.
The ultimate source of our problems is in thought. Our thinking determines our actions and our actions determine the quality of our relationship with each other. Society is the result of relationships. Problems arising out of human relationship appear to be intractable. There is conflict at all levels of human relationship. There is conflict between husband and wife, between parent and child, between one group and another, between nations, religions and within the same political and religious organizations. There is enormous confusion, violence, brutalities, the wars, terrorism and endless division of religion and nationality. Roots of disorder lie in the state of human mind.
Unfortunately we use the same thinking ability to find solutions to the numerous complex and intricate problems that thought has created. Past history clearly demonstrates that despite all the knowledge and experience accumulated through centuries man has not been able to produce a harmonious and healthy society. We do make some improvements here and there but the overall situation remains grim. The momentum at which the problems are being created is quite overwhelming. It is obvious that there must be a serious flaw in the way we think.
It is amazing that two distinct systems of thought operate within the framework of human consciousness, one that creates the problem and the other that tries to find solution to the problem. Both arise out of the same source. That source is self-centeredness. Thinking arising out of self-interest, self-concern creates numerous problems. Problems like greed, jealousy, anxiety, anger, hate and violence arise out of the conditioned state of mind. Any problem that arises in the mind poses a challenge and there is an automatic response to meet the challenge. This response generates thought process that has no clue as to how the problem got created.
It is extremely important that we should understand the nature of the self because most of our actions spring from this center. Our perceptions and responses to the challenges of life and our basic urges, desires and demands are determined by the nature of the self. Human relationship is based on the operation of thought that is self-centered. Only a profound understanding of the nature of the self can bring about inward revolution.
To be continued. Your comments and questions are most welcome.
Sardar Singh
