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Insight is a channel for people on the path of self exploration to share
their experiences.
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Ganoba
What is it to be human ? This question has been with me for a long time.
I have so far not found an answer that will help me to live like one
with complete satisfaction. Everyone has some notions about being human.
These are , however , applied to others. For example , being gentle ,
soft spoken , helpful , accommodating , caring , etc to the point of
sacrificing and neglecting ones' own well being . While others are
expected to be patient , ones' own anger is justified. When someone else
is fighting , he is behaving like an animal When I fight , it is to
right an injustice. When someone else defends his position , he is
being obstinate, a dog in the manger. When I do it , I am being
persistent and persevering in a good cause. All of us can compile a big
list of such dual standards.
This is a list of behaviours evaluated not by the person himself but by
someone outside. The intention behind the behaviour is not taken into
account. It is a limited , fragmented and superficial judgement. It
also does not take into account the context in which the behaviour has
taken place. MOst popular opinions , which is the basis of common sense
, are of this kind. We have condemned plants and animals on this basis .
All the plants that are not directly useful to the human being are
declared as useless, to be removed from the face of the earth. Urban
populations which have moved away from nature find most plants , shrubs
, algae and trees as useless to be destroyed in the name of development.
Animals are declared as wild , ferocious , cunning , a threat to human
beings , and so forth. It then follows that they have to be either tamed
or killed. We may , in our graciousness (!!) allow them to live in some
reserves or zoos according to our rules and at our mercy. Most are not
bothered to find out that the behaviour of animals in their natural
habitat is very different from that in captivity and continue to hold
distorted notions about them. This is true also of out notions about
nature.
We created organizations based on these distorted notions . For example
, we believe that human beings left to themselves will do nothing. They
will sleep or laze around aimlessly. At best they will take care of
their own survival. Towards this end , they will be cruel , ruthless,
shortsighted , and destructive. Left to themselves , they will go to
dogs , meaning deteriorate. Miraculously , a few humans are made out of
a different mould. They are committed to growth and development. They
are very clear about their goals and have the necessary energy and
motivation to achieve their goals . They are far sighted visionaries.
They are kind and creative. Naturally it becomes their existential duty
to organise the flock , guide them towards the goals, supervise and
control them and tame their wild tendencies etc. To keep this machine
oiled , rewards are offered or withheld . This basis of dividing human
beings into two classes is blatantly arbitrary. It is surprising that we
have accepted this anachronism and built all our organizations ,
starting from the family to large nations on this basis. This applies in
all fields of human endeavour whether business , or academic , or sports
etc.
The designers expect all these organisations to function smoothly and
precisely like a clock work. That they work like badly designed machines
is a fact that is passed on to those who are suppose to run the
machine. Thus the original hypothesis about human beings is proved.
GRounds are now established for further restrictions and control. In the
circumstances most of us behave like trapped animals , fighting for our
freedom. I hope we realise that the soft called civilized code of conduct
is a trap designed and laid by the vested few to perpetuate their
priviledged position. I hope that more of us start to speak up , raise
their voices if necessary , and bring out skeletons in the cupboard. Let
truth come out in the open so that it can shine in all its glory. Let
the facades be dropped to that the public and private places and faces
will be congruent.
To understand what it is to be human , we have to look not at behaviour,
but at the intent. Human beings have left the struggle for survival far
behind. Long ago they have stepped on to the spiral of evolution. It is
shocking that so many of us are still preoccupied with survival. Even
the affluent and the well to do are caught up in earning a living. This
is the curse of our humanness. Most of our suffering is because of this
insult and neglect of our essential humanness. I personally experience a
pain deep inside me on this count.
Evolution has brought us to a point where we have to actively participate
in the process of evolution , not only off ourselves and our species but
of all evolution. As a first step we have to actively develop out
faculties - physical , intellectual , emotional , intuitive , spiritual
and so on ; in a balanced and holistic manner. In each area there are
many details that will need paying attention to . For example , in the
physical field we need to look at our posture. Evolution made humans to
be upright in their stance. however , we have allowed ourselves to be
hunched , slouched , bent , twisted , locked in in the way we stand ,
sit or move. As a result we are trapped into many habits that inhibit or
block our potential. These habits are responsible for many of our
ailments. However, since we have got used to these habits and these now
appear comfortable , it is very difficult to change these.
The same difficulties are applicable to other areas too. Let us realise
that we are born to join the creator in the evolutionary process. We
have been yoked like tame animals to some mundane tasks to the benefit
of a few. This is a trap from which we have to free ourselves. This is
our primary mission. Everything else is secondary. This trap , in
practise , is reinforced by material rewards. While we fall for these
and start enjoying these , the effect on us is to produce passivity and
negativity. Together these create the following script.
1. " I am fine . I have no problems ." The masters like to hear this.
This is asserted even though everyone can see through the facade. If we
succeed in our facade , we complain that friends do not care. If they had
cared , they will have known and helped.
2. "I have problems , but what is the point in sharing these with others
? It will unnecessarily burden them." If friends do not share their
problems with us we feel offended. We are not being treated as friends.
3." I have problems which have been caused by others . They have to do
something about it. I am the victim. "
4." I have problems , so has everybody. It is natural to have problems.
I have to bear it ."
5." I have problems but I am better off than others . I must be
thankful for all small mercies."
6." I an a small person . What change can I bring about ? It should
begin from the top to bottom."
7." It is my stars. It is my destiny . It is heredity."
Explanations , justifications , rationalizations , passing the buck are
all abused of our inherent humanness. Let us take steps to be fully
human. Let us join hands with others who are on this mission.
(
geocities.com/hotsprings)