IN ALL EARNESTNESS



I have always loved the phrase – ‘In all earnestness’!

It is such an empowering phrase… very enriching!


Being earnest is the fountainhead of all wisdom… and all  achievements in Life.

As humans, we neither have the answers for all our questions, nor the road-maps for all our destinations…

So, all that is needed from us is our quests and endeavors  in all earnestness… That alone can safe guard us, help us find our answers… and our destinations.

Shri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa would always emphasize on pursuing everything in Life, in all earnestness… whether the pursuit was material or spiritual. He would teach this important lesson to his followers through one of his popular parables.

Once, a pilgrim set out on his journey to the Jagannath temple in Puri. He was very earnest in his goal and was ready to travel all the way to the revered shrine… and was prepared to give what it took… any sacrifice, any dedication.

However, instead of traveling Eastward, this pilgrim started Westward… and, so, he lost his way! But, because the man was earnest in his quest, he kept asking for the right direction with the people he met on his way. They began to show him which one was the wrong path… and which one was the right.

The earnest pilgrim humbly took the good counsel of well-intended people… and, made necessary changes in the course of his journey…

Finally, the Pilgrim reached the destination his heart had setout for: Lord Jagannath of Puri!


It is such a simple parable!


But, that’s how Shri Paramahamsa 

would teach his disciples 

all the complicated lessons of Life!


This evening, I just marvel at the power of our pursuits – any pursuits – which our hearts undertake… yes, in all our earnestness!


GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Ashok Ahuja

Comments

Anonymous said…
The complicated lessons of life are taught in simple ways by Mahatmas. And God is simplest of the simple. We have made Him complicated. Thanks sir for this inspiring post. Keep writing.
December 9, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Gerald D'Cunha said…
Thanks Priya... U always encourage. Love. Sir
December 11, 2012 at 2:33 PM
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