Action and Meditation

(Published in Banking Services Chronicle March 2007)

Have you ever thought why we sleep? Some do so because they have nothing better to do. An inactive life induces sleep, at times followed by nap extensions. Such people do not enjoy sleep, however. Thankfully, these people are in a minority. Majority of the people sleep because they have the urge to do so and love the cosy comfort of their beds. But the few successful people sleep in order to refresh themselves for a day full of action.

If you wish to join the select club of the successful, you must know the supremacy of action. As Thomas Gaines said: “Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier.” The hero of a play or a movie is generally the one who believes in action. It is for this reason that when, in the Mahabharata, Arjuna sinks into despondency at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the Lord Krishna goads him into action. And to this day we remember Arjuna as the prototype of a Karmayogi.

Having said that, let me make it clear that it does not mean we don’t have to think. In fact, thought and action are complementary to each other. Jawaharlal Nehru said: “Thought without action is abortion/Action without thought is folly.” The role of thought is like that of the choice exercised in electing your representatives. However, once the voter has elected a candidate, it is necessary that both the representatives as well as the voters plunge into action.

Our politicians have great role models before them even in the present. President APJ Abdul Kalam is a karmayogi in the true sense of the word. He dons whatever role is demanded of him. The apostle of peace did not hesitate in becoming Major General Prithviraj — his codename at Pokhran II — when India decided to go nuclear.

Let me also point out that if action is important, even more so is devotion to it. And true devotion to action comes when you are detached from the rest of the world. This may happen in two ways. One, if you are really in love with your work. Which is the hallmark of a genius. And in which case you don’t need to read this piece. Two, if you practise meditation — this is what most of us ordinary people need.

Take time out for meditation. The world will soon be a better place.