Reflection, realisation and resolution are the three steps to transform oneself for the good and in turn, a larger part of the society as well, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji
The great history of mankind gives to us a panoramic view of the past events and also presents before us a parade of similar and dissimilar but significant events that occurred in succession, giving a running commentary on the persons. These accounts of events were handed down to posterity in the form of oral tradition, pictography, edicts, coins and written words. But from a study of the form in which these narratives were handed to the successive generations, the drawn conclusion is that the history is a record of change that occurred in civilisations, nations, cities, states and human settlements or even nomadic tribes. It is a continuous story of rise and fall of certain men and women and also of communities, nations and groups who were led by them during a particular period.
These chronicles of change show that certain men and women had a great transformation in their lives by reflecting deeply on the futility of their acts. It was always the trio of deep reflections, realisation and resolve that enabled them to rise to great moral and spiritual heights. This transformation that began with them, later transformed large sections of mankind. A few of those people are Saint Valmiki, Gautam Buddha, King Ashoka, Tulsidas and Mahatma Gandhi.
Saint Valmiki used to rob passengers that passed his way towards the deep forest. One day, he made an attempt to rob some Sadhus or mendicants. They told him that he was earning his livelihood in a sinful way and none of his family members, for whom he would rob, would save him from the punishment for his sins. Valmiki realised this and he made a firm resolve to not rob anyone in future. This led him to his inner transformation and in turn, awakened many of his good qualities. He was now a deeply compassionate man and his mind became highly moved to write about the victory of virtue over vice in the form of the great epic, Ramayana. Similarly, when Buddha saw people ailing and dying, he realised that there was a lot of suffering in the world and that he should try to identify their cause so as to liberate himself and others from them. This brought in him a great transformation, which later led to the transformation of many others. Similarly, Ashoka reflected over the great sufferings caused to people as a result of the Kalinga war. Realising the futility of wars, he resolved to give up on war forever.
The great poet Tulsidas reflected on the remarks of his wife when one midnight he visited her at his in-laws house without their invitation. He realised that sexual lust was an abject form of dependence on women and it would be better to love God. When Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi’s baggage was thrown out of a moving train, he too was pushed out. Reflecting on this sad and humiliating event, he realised how degrading it was to be the citizen of a country that was under the yoke of a foreign rule. His self-respect awakened and he vowed that he would spend the rest of his life for the political freedom of his country. This is how his own transformation made the dream of free India a reality.
Such examples clearly indicate how inner transformation in men occurred after deep reflection, realisation and setting a resolve. These three steps changed sinners into saints, ordinary men into great leaders and men of clay into higher-souled persons. These awakened their potential to do good. Those who were involved in destructive acts initially, now became constructive and creative. The change in individuals thus resulted in societal transformation.
However, is it that easy a task to transform oneself? Experiences have shown that the greatest difficulty in this process of change is man’s own resistance, non-co-operation or a lack of will or intention to change. But, in present day situation, when man doesn't have constant happiness, is unhealthy, has sorrows and sufferings or when the clouds of destruction are looming large in the form of nuclear weapons, there should not be any agitation in thoughtful people to transform their lifestyles into a kind that does not bring suffering to other humans. Once the process of transformation begins, then it will automatically catch other people’s attention. We must ask — is there anybody who does not like a smiling rose? None. Well, who wouldn’t like a cool morning breeze in sunny summer days? Who would resist its refreshing and energising effect? Similarly, if there is a person who always wears a smile on his/her face and speaks words which are refreshing, energising and sweet as the nightingale’s melody, then no one will be able to resist the temptation of being like fellow. Does the innocence of a child not attract and impress all? Is there anyone who has never been nourished by milk?
Archemedes had said, ‘Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I shall move the world.’ Similarly, the Almighty Supreme says, if you change individually, you will be able to change a larger part of the world. On your shoulder, rests the responsibility of transformation of the whole world.
