Friends, every day you use electricity, the internet, and mobile phones. Have you ever wondered how and where they are made or how they reach you? What technology is involved? Perhaps you have never felt the need to ponder these questions because these and many other material technologies or objects have become integral to your life. We have entered an era where new inventions and technologies emerge daily, compelling us to abandon the old and embrace the new. As we continuously use these advancements, we are becoming dependent on them. Our thoughts and actions are becoming increasingly materialistic, and our thinking has nearly come to a standstill.
The state of our relationships today owes much to this materialistic outlook. We have started treating love and relationships as though they were material objects or technologies. We now rely on the mind to think and act in all matters, but relationships thrive on the heart, not the mind. This is why cracks in relationships are deepening, our thinking has become constrained, and we struggle to discern right from wrong. Materialism and technology have isolated us, and our connections are heading toward superficiality—mere “time-pass” relationships devoid of substance.
Let us move forward. Many people feel uneasy when sitting alone. They suddenly find themselves revisiting past memories and lamenting the mistakes they made or the wrongs they endured. Often, they curse themselves for their actions or inactions. These thoughts may also project into the future, leading to tears and a heavy heart. Perhaps you, too, have experienced something similar.
When one reflects on the pace of life and envisions the road ahead, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Everyone has dreams and goals. When these remain unfulfilled—whether sacrificed for family, dashed by betrayal, or crushed under the weight of circumstances—grief ensues. Some feel unappreciated by their loved ones, others despair despite their repeated efforts to succeed, and many are troubled by illness, familial issues, or the relentless passage of time. For some, it is the frustration of wanting to act but being constrained by circumstances. For others, it is the disappointment of not receiving support, even from their closest ones.
In all these situations, one common factor emerges: we are troubled by the past or the future. Yet, in doing so, we overlook the present moment. The past cannot return, and the future remains uncertain. A stark reminder of this truth can be seen in the sudden arrival of global crises, such as the recent pandemic. It brought life to a standstill in ways no one could have anticipated.
The breath you are taking right now is the present; the next breath belongs to the future. Who knows if the next breath will even come? Each step forward is also a step into the future. We think of a day or night as the present, yet we cannot guarantee the next moment. While planning for the future and taking steps toward it is a positive approach, the outcome is never assured. Therefore, act without attachment to the results and strive to live joyfully in the present. Do not allow worries about the future to rob you of today’s peace.
Another cause of suffering is ego. Whenever our ego is bruised, it causes inner turmoil. When we are unable to respond appropriately, our inner self rebels, and the mind begins to suggest ways to soothe or retaliate. These suggestions may provide temporary calm on the surface but leave us internally restless, constantly searching for an opportunity to act. This restlessness transforms into tears when we feel utterly powerless to act.
You may wonder if we should have no ego at all. Your thought is correct. Ego, in this context, is not true self-esteem but an illusion created by the mind—the belief that we must protect our “honor.” If others respect you, it is well and good; if not, it should make no difference. When you have complete faith in yourself and truly know who you are, why would you need validation from others? If you are confident in your actions and choices, you need no external certificate of approval. Ego arises when we lack self-confidence and depend on others for validation. When someone challenges our ego—our actions, our thoughts—it feels like a personal attack, and we break down.
Whenever a new invention or discovery is made, does the inventor seek certificates from others? They do not. Initially, such pioneers are often rejected, but their unwavering self-confidence eventually earns acceptance. Everyday life, though not an invention, is no less significant. It presents new challenges daily, demanding self-confidence and resilience. Learn to find contentment in your work and within yourself. No one else can truly make you happy. You do not need external support; you need your own. Stop listening to the whims of the mind and heed the voice of the soul. It has always been with you and will remain so until the end of time.
