Philosophy of Life.

Philosophy Of Life. M.V.Ruparelia.

What is Life? Life is nothing but series of experiences to each one of us. On the basis of our experiences, we form habits, thinking process and our perceptions. We see the world as per our perceptions. As we see, so is our world to us. ``Dristi aisee Shrusti``(Put in Devnagri instead of English, if possible-all quotes below also). As experiences are different to different persons, their perceptions are different and they see things and world differently! After retirement, say after 60 or so, one should be able to understand and realize this process of experiences, habits and perceptions clearly. As our perceptions are based on experiences, which we got in the then prevailing circumstances, we should be able to change/modify our perceptions with efforts, looking to the present circumstances, which are definitely different than those prevailing earlier. Every thing and any thing is not ``THIS`` or ``THAT`` (Neti-Neti) but it is as you believe and accept and for you and not for others! This maturity of thoughts and understanding of perceptions should make us analyze and accept all situations and people, as they are and we should not feel bad about anything or anybody’s bad behavior with us! This philosophy of understanding shall keep us happy and we shall lead life peacefully and usefully.

It is only the Individual on whom depends his happiness or unhappiness and how he wants to live. We have to help ourselves! Our Scriptures also say-
`` Udharet Atmanatmanam Natmanam Avsadyet,
Atmaiv Hi Atmno Bandhuh Atmaiv Ripuh Atmanah``
It is we, who have to help ourselves for our welfare, we are our friend and we are our enemy. It depends on us as to what we want and it is we only who can achieve, what we want.

Who are we? What is this Atma? Have you seen It? Can you see It? Can you see who you are? Can you see God? All these questions remain unanswered for Universal Acceptance. Whether you believe in God or not, the fact remains that some thing is there, which runs the Universe. Sankaracharya`s contention for Self/Atma is worth contemplating, which can be applied to Self, Atma and God also.
Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakar Rupo, Vibhu Vyapta Sarvatra Sarvendriyam,
Sada Me Samatvam Na Muktih Na Bandhanh, Chidanand Rupo Shivo Aham Shivo Aham.
We all- our Atma, Our God- are unique as well as same, without any physical structure but pervading the whole World & Omnipresent every where and in every one and every thing, we must see equality every where and in every one and everything! Once you accept every living being as same as your self, there will be no problem! This is the secret of philosophy of life and who so ever accepts and follows this remains eternally happy.

As regards, material happiness, God/Nature has created every thing in this World for all and in plenty. Every one must enjoy all things with a spirit that it is God’s Gift (Prasad ) to us and not try to be greedy and acquire in more than required quantity by depriving others of their portion. Our Scriptures say-
Sarva Khalu Idam Brahma Na Ih Nanasti Kinchan,
Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam Yet Kinch Jagatyam Jagat,
Ten Tyakten Bhunjitha Ma Grudhah Kasya Swid Dhanam.

Next to wealth is Social Interaction, very much necessary for Senior Citizens. We need not interfere in day to day affairs of our children or others but surely we must give benefit of our experience, knowledge, organizing capacity etc to our family as well as society. We must stroke, when necessary, whether positive or negative, as the situation demands. Do not accept any unjust thing lying down, point out to the doer, authority, write, represent relentlessly. Have no inertia but speak up, as necessary. It is not necessary that we should get everything/everybody changed by our stroking/action but our aim should be to do our Best in the arising situations. You observe bad roads, bad treatment to others, lethargy in implementing good orders etc, you must not sit tight doing nothing. We must take up various social issues properly and promptly with proper authorities and get what best can be got done.

We must not stop developing ourselves and others and learn new things, adopt all latest gadgets, as necessary and affordable for us and encourage others to do same. Instead of brooding over the past, we must live in the present. Just as physical exercise is necessary for maintaining good health, using our brain properly and usefully is necessary for our mental health. We should try our Best to help others and do social work, keeping us usefully busy.

Every one of us has tremendous energy but most of us, we use hardly 10% or less. This energy does not get reduced on ageing, as believed by some Senior Citizens, who prefer to relax after retirement doing nothing useful for others. All of us must utilize our energy, experience, organizing capacity etc with which we are blessed, for benefit of Society from which we have taken lot of advantages, facilities etc. We must remember that we have we have enough energy at present also and remember the principle- ``Use it or loose it``. We must utilize our energy, knowledge, experience, wealth and whatever, we have got, for helping others in whatever way, we can.