Four Values that matter to me

 

I participated in the daily writing challenge of Blogchatter wherein I used the opportunity to write for a future book. However, on a couple of days,  I wrote on the prompts suggested . This is one of them.

Presently, we live in a period referred to as ‘Kaliyuga’ which according to the Hindu scriptures is the last of the four yugas (cyclic time spans). During this period values take a beating and reaches its lowest ebb marked by conflict and sin. A fresh cycle of a new Mahayuga then starts with the arrival of Satyuga wherein dharma, truth, honesty and other values are reestablished.

It is no wonder then that in our country and all over the world there has been a decline in righteousness as also in the practice and upholding of values. There is so much of greed in society with everyone seemingly asking “What is in it for me?” . The aim is to get what you want any which way, even at the expense and damage to others. Cases of fence eating the crop is on the rise with the younger generation not having good role models to emulate.

At this stage of our discussion, I feel it apt to disclose the first of the key values that is important or matter to me. (1) Authenticity: I value the quality of "words matching one's actions"- Practicing what you preach. Let us take the case of an executive who frequently speaks about punctuality but is himself late most of the time. Mismatch happens when you praise the importance of teamwork but reward individual brilliance even when the person is known to sabotage teamworking.

(2) Happiness: It is an important value to be pursued so long as you do not infringe on the rights or happiness of others. Many people do not do the things that make them happy because their spouse does not like it or the job is too demanding. As for example 'Hiking' or 'travelling' may be the activity that gives you a lot of happiness but you have not engaged in it in for ages since bachelor days because spouse doesn't like it. For others it could be 'Dancing' or 'Singing' that they have given up due to external pressures or commitments.

(3) Balance : A balance in what ever one does is an important value for me. Let us take the example of the various roles we may play in life. We are employees at a company while at the same time a spouse/parent/ friend/sibling/ Son or daughter. Doing very well in any one area at the expense of all other areas cannot be termed "Success". We have heard of workaholics who are hardly available to their families. On the other hand, a politician blinded by the 'Love' for his offspring focuses not on serving the society that reposed trust in him but on the interests of his family and resorting to corrupt practices cannot in the long run be held a 'Success'. A balance between work and play and taking adequate care of your physical, mental, social and spiritual self is an important value for me.

(4) Humility: I tend to be put off by people who are boastful by nature. 'Dropping names' frequently of one's proximity to "who's who' is to me equally abhorrent behaviour. I have always felt that no matter how high your achievements, your head should be "on your shoulders" and legs firmly on the ground. Children learn from their parents and citizens from their leaders at work or in public service. Sadly, we have poor role models today. Humility was highly valued in Indian ethos and society. Self - aggrandizement seems to be the norm these days. What once repulsed people, is now applauded and glorified as 'intelligent' behaviour. After all, we live in the Kaliyuga and mankind is destined to see even more terrible times before the new dawn.

Meanwhile, in order to survive in difficult times, readers are exhorted to hold tight to values that matter to them. It may be the only beacon of light in a world that is crumbling under its own weight of unethical ways.