How to become an invaluable character:

Points to ponder

D C L Galhena

Building up of character is the key for any individuals success. For this, one definitely needs to be very courageous. He should be ready to face the realities of life. And above all ready and willing to learn, gather knowledge, acquire skills and utilize every opportunity he encounters in life for the betterment of his life and that of others around as well.

Learning is a process, every single individual on animal stars accomplishing from or even before birth, both aware and unaware. One is simply a collection of what he has learnt and how far he incorporates them to his character. This can be life skills, knowledge, behaviour, social interactions, attitudes, motivation, spiritual enhancement on vision in life.

We simply cannot learn each and every skill and come to this world and neither can we learn all skills and gather all knowledge in the world during our relatively lives. What is important is to embrace what each and every moment and event brings our way with a modest and steady mind. Every moment has its own accord the rhythm. If we try to understand that and enjoy each moment ultimately we would become successful in everything we do.

We would become a light to ourselves and also others at the same time. Also another very important issue we have to keep in mind is that one does not need to be “good” all the time and be a jewel of a human being.

There have been instances where human mind repels so called good and nice and is attracted to what generally not acceptable. Therefore, the best way is to present ourselves in our original form to society - but within a frame of guidance. Forcefully trying to be somebody else is one of the most strenuous tasks people undertake and it is never rewarding or sustainable. With all the learnt skills and acquired knowledge, a person has a right to lead a life in his own accord and rhythm.

The social pressures should not be allowed to interfere too much. Another major aspect that has to be looked into is whether we praise and reward ourselves enough? We probably rarely stop for it in this hectic run of day-to-day busy schedules. Instead we expect the rewards and praise from others and simply get disappointed, which would definitely lower our capabilities.

Therefore, we must treat ourselves with genuine consideration and love. This sort of attitude will enable us to kindly advise ourselves, encourage ourselves in disaster which is an inevitable phenomenon in life however much we dislike and warmly praise and reward ourselves in some form, in victory. Ourselves, treated in this manner would certainly seek the opportunities to “show our colours” and at the same time we will learn under the prevailing circumstances. Few more basic principles we should inculcate in ourselves are: Do you best and leave the rest. One adhering to this concept would always try to do whatever he gets to do with all his heart and soul and at the same time learn not to be bothered by the outcome.

Do what you like and like what you do. In the modern society this concept is highly applicable. People suffer most because they do not stop in the race and sharpen their axes before resuming the action of cutting trees - day-to-day and office activities. A monotony breaker and a stimulant is very badly needed if one is to succeed in the long run. For example one may like to ride a bicycle in the garden path feeling the fresh air on his ski after he comes home after a heavy load of work at office.

Systematic arrangement is yet another issue we have to deal with if we are to achieve success. Every action, work and behaviour has a natural rhythm in it and it should not get confused. Being systematic is strongly related to cleanliness. Even Buddhism and many other religious talk very highly of physical and internal cleanliness.

Light heartedness is a very critical factor in healthy living. When one gets burdened with thousand and one fancies and wants he is unable to distinguish priorities and therefore would never become a dutiful son of whom the nation can be proud of. He would merely become a citizen in a crazy, unending race.

Director vision is vital for any individual if he is to thrive in society. As there are so many influences in our society, one has to have the personality to identify what to accept and what to deny and also very importantly how to deny without much conflict.

Under whatever circumstances one should try to radiate love and benevolence towards others.

In Buddhism it is compared to the never ceasing love of a mother towards her sole offspring. She would care for her son as her own life. Here the great characteristic of forgivingness is also included.

If one is interested in putting these simple but invaluable issues into practices he would definitely succeed economically, socially and also spiritually without any doubt and become an asset to everybody around.