Character Building – Positive Reflection Of The Week
Character Building- The Future To A Great Life! (Part 1) – Submitted by Shahwana
We pick a lot from our childhood, from our parents, teachers, and siblings, thus our life is highly based on what we saw and what we practice. Now, as we interact, there are qualities in us, we recognize as not at their best behaviour & this happens when fingers are pointed at us. We actually realize the behaviour pattern is not accepted in society. So education on self, is a good head start.
One of the most essential aspects of spiritual practice in any religion or spiritual school is Character Building – the practice of virtues. Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds have been the essence of ancient religions such as Zoroastrianism and have been emphasized in almost all religions throughout history. However, we read about it, but it is a difficult task to follow. For some of us it may be a case where we are unable to understand what to do, or why, because the guidelines are not clear. How about we share a road map that can help us follow the changes with ease? Educate ourselves on how to practice the Education of Character Building?
Now let us discuss some of the powers that can be gained through practising character building.
Loving-Kindness & Non-Injury
Love brings protection! Just as the negative result of being injurious to others in thoughts, words, and deeds is harm and injury – be it physical, emotional, or mental – abstaining from injuring others, offers protection from being injured ourselves.
There are many mythical stories in traditional literature of many cultures referring to the truth that a person with the karma of zero injuries can pass through a bonfire and come out without any harm. One such story is the story of Siyavash in Shahnameh written by Ferdowsi between 977–1010 CE.
“Siyavash, the heir to the throne of Iran, rejected the seductive behaviour of one of his father’s wives. Furious, she accused him of rape and causing her to miscarry twins. Although the king doubted her word, he was unable to deny her demand that Siyavash undergoes a trial by fire. A great pyre was built and soaked with pitch; when torched, flames shot into the sky and the heat scorched the earth. Crowds that had gathered… wept to see the prince, who came alone. On a black horse before his father’s throne; His helmet was of gold, and his clothes were white And camphor-strewn, according to the rite That’s used in the preparation of a shroud. … Siyavash drove his horse into the fire, and soon both disappeared in the flames. Suddenly, the crowd roared, “The young prince has escaped the fire!” He emerged unscathed, proof of his innocence.” Shahnameh by Ferdowsi
Therefore, the gift of practising and mastering the virtue of Loving-Kindness and Non-Injury is immunity from harm and danger.
So, by being aware of the Virtue, we can actually offset a lot of pain.
• Love & Kindness in Thoughts
• Love & Kindness in Words
• Love & Kindness in Action
These are some starting steps we can take, the law of karma says ‘what you give, you receive’ so by planting the right speech, and actions, what do you think the harvest will be?
Generate one good thought a day about a person you do not like. When you have love, you see people like children; they cannot help themselves, so you feel more compassionate. – Extract from The Golden Lotus Sutras, Compassionate Objectivity. GMCKS
Of course, being kind is pretty self-explanatory, but there are a variety of ways that you can express it. Whether it is opening a door for someone or delivering a bouquet of flowers, kindness can have a greater impact than you think. It is one of the greatest attributes that someone can have.
• “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
• “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
• “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
• “I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” – Lady Gaga
• “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Henry James
What we want is what we need to share, which sounds simple, however, it is a difficult task to maintain, and because of that, we end up with many relationship problems, at home, and at work. If only really gave this perspective a thought and placed it in action, how sweet would life be? Take baby steps…
-An Article by Prana World
Shahwana Khanam – Pranic Healer