When not handled properly, our wrong thoughts lead to a defective vision of the world and a very chaotic relatioship with it. As a result we have false expectations and disappointments at every step. If we can only improve our thinking, we can mend our homes and make the world a better place to live in. But alas! Many choose to suffer rather than to think ! They get caught up in the mesh of wrong thinking, often coloured by prejudices and narrow mindedness.

THINK BIG

That which is needed foremost from the modern youth is right thinking, leading to a clear vision of life. We should remove all barriers of pettiness and THINK BIG ! Big things are achieved in the world, first, by daring to conceive them in our mind. Man dared to think that he could fly like a bird - and the first flying machine was invented ! He dared to think that he could reach the moon, and lo ! Man landed on the far away moon ! Nothing is impossible for the one who thinks. Our thoughts alone bind us and make us small, and thoughts alone can free us. Break this bondage of narrow limiting thoughts and THINK BIG !

To think big means not only to think as an individual but as a nation as well. Think what will be benificial to the nation, what will bring about national good. When Pujya Gurudev learned the scriptures from His Teacher, He thought as to how He could pass on this man making Knowledge to the people of the nation and to the entire world. This is called 'Thinking Big ' Swami Vivekananda used to spend restless nights in America thinking of the welfare of India and the entire world. Even as a child, Samartha Ramdas Swami was thinking of universal good.

ACT WISELY

After 'thinking big' through proper vision, one should then strive to ACT WISELY ! As Pujya Gurudev said, 'Plan out your work and work out your plan'. To act wisely is to act with proper understanding and good attitude.

This is presented very beautifully in the following famous prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr: 'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'

For example, Shri Ram knew which situation to accept as it was and which to take action against. Without complaint or mental agitation he accepted his exile in the forest for fourteen years as the call of Dharma, but when Sitaji; his wife, was kidnapped by the wicked king, Ravana, Ram put forth efforts to collect an army and attack Ravana in order to get her back.

SHOW RESULTS

Keeping the head calm and balanced, one should act efficiently, to SHOW RESULTS ! Let the results be seen in the transformation of our personality. We should strive to become better human beings. Our purity, efficiency and wisdom should steadily grow. The result of our work should also be seen in our environment. The team of people with whom we work should become integrated and happy. The work should lead to harmony, beauty, and prosperity in the society.

This convention will give an opportunity to the youth of the country to harness their inner potential. Here is an oppotrtunity to learn to break all barriers in our thinking process. THINK BIG ! This is an opportunity to learn the secret of right action. ACT WISELY. Finally, this is an opportunity to get inspired and achieve greatess in the world within and without.

Return To Articles By Swami Tejomayananda