Cultivating Human Values

We are in many ways similar to animals considering the fact that we sleep, eat food, fear and procreate. But what sets us apart is our ability to think. Einstein said that he was startled by two things the most: 1.Starry heaven 2. Human mind. What is important in our thinking is to incorporate moral values in us. For example consider a set of zeros, there is no value to it even if we have hundreds of zeros , but nay digit put before the zero adds value to it. We are sets of zeros and our moral values adds values to us.

Values are to be pondered upon seriously. Many a times we neglect things considering it to be of no value. A perfect example of this can be cited as : consider that there is a dead buffalo , it may be of no value to us but a tanner knows its value. He gets the leather and sells it in market to make money . The purchaser in turn sells it to a factory. The factory makes out chappals from it and these are put at display in showrooms. In the whole process there is a value addition. So is the case with man ,moral values adds value to his personality.

Martin Luther King had said " Along with education there should be ethics." It is so important that even N.C.E.R.T. is introducing value education all through out the new curriculum.Values in education is something very fundamental. During the second world war there were doctors who used to inject poison to millions of Jews.Chemistry does not teach to make bombs.A revolver in a soldiers hand is of value but imagine a dacoit carrying a revolver.Moral values are much about perspective. In order to make it clear let's consider this : Two ladies are chatting
First " My son is so unlucky. His wife is so lazy and he has to do all the work in home."
Second " what about your daughter? "
First " Oh! she is so lucky , his husband is good he does all the work in house."

Punctuality is a value, honesty is a value and even manual work is a value. But there are many values which are very important in our lives.

Integrity of character: It is about being reliable,truthful and consistent. Sri Rama Krishna has said " Truthfulness is the austerity of the sage." A truthful person will be careful about his promises.

Humility

Shanti: Shanti comes from forgiveness.A weak person cannot forgive because it is the act of the brave.

Non- Violence: It is of three types
1. Krita- Do yourself
2. Karita- Make someone do it.
3. Anumodita- Approve someone who has done it.
Violence and non-violence should be seen in a flexible manner. Sometimes violence is non- violence.Even Mahatma Gandhi injected poison to his calf so that it may be relieved from pain. Even Geeta states " Ahimsa Parmodharma." Mental non-violence (absence of jealousy ) is a real test of non-violence.

Love: It is considered highest among the values.But love implies love towards God and not self centered love.Love is of three types:
1. 2 people love each other as they both gain from it.
2. You love me I love you.
3. I love you even if you dont.
When you love God it is selfless love.

Purity of Life: Brahmacharya , respect for others, restrict our desires, sense of seeking pleasure. As per Sanatan Dharma sexual craving should be controlled and there should be purity of conduct and mind.

To conclude a short story: A guru once asked his disciples " When do you know the sun has Risen?"
1> I identify an animal and if i can distinguish whether it is cow or goat.
2> I see various plants and if i can distinguish mango tree from a neem.
3> I seek a person who i know and see whether I can recognize him.
The Guru replied" When you look at any man an realize he is your brother, when you look at any woman and realize she is your sister ,Sun has risen.

Note : Compiled from today's lecture at VSC(Vivekananda Study Circle).