Is it possible for us to build a delusion-free, joyful world? Yes, we can. BATURAM NAYAK tells us how we can do it
An intriguing set of questions often prick the mind: What is reality? How difficult is it to live in my existential reality? Is there a practical way to optimise my life and living? How do my choices in life make any difference to me and to the world?
These are basic questions that influence a man’s life and living in the world. If one can honestly address these basic questions, one can hopefully strike a healthy equation with oneself and also with the world.
It then follows that sanity of perception and purity of action is the real call — to live a friction free life at the subjective level and also at the social and extended worldly sphere.
Thus, all seems well. But wait a second. For, it is exactly here that delusion comes into play, distracts us and estranges us from reaching our highest potential.
As evolved beings, we ought to know that the reality ‘as we think’ exists, does not consist of merely our view of the outer world. Equally important for our progress physically, emotionally, and spiritually is our understanding of the inner world. Hence, it has been said: reach in to reach out.
Undoubtedly, a higher degree of self-esteem is good at the personal level. But very often this runs the risk of overlooking the reality around us, clouding our mind and preventing us from making the right judgement. On the other hand, lower self-esteem cripples our ability to draw from the world our legitimate worth.
But the danger of having a high degree of self-importance or self-esteem is the trap of looking down upon others. This is a clear deviation from a healthy approach to life which is the beginning of trouble.
It’s big trouble. For the seeds of delusion have been sowed in us, with the ugly prospect of growing beyond control!
Psychologists label this syndrome as the delusion of grandeur, which is dangerous for the self as well as society itself. No doubt, self-esteem is good but too much of it can prove to be costly, with the negatives outweighing the positives.
But once one succeeds in overcoming this delusion, we grow both individually and collectively, in society, as well. Then one becomes complete and capable of serving people, putting us on the road to growth individually and socially. One becomes everyone then, and one’s maturation becomes complete.
However, the fact is, man is a highly individualistic animal. Each has his idiosyncratic approach to life. Each spins a philosophy of his own, nurtures a dream and paints a world of his own. Each carries a wish-fulfilling vision primarily of himself and about the world. And in that definite sense, each is a universe in himself, living in a make-believe world!
But the real test of what makes sense to me lies in how it makes sense to the world. All great reformers know this basic truth and work upon it. They understand that the world is much more than themselves only.
This basic flair of insight builds in them a living-faith, a guiding principle, which makes them fully functioning human beings and active agents of change in their world. Gandhiji strongly believed in this living-faith and called it as “Truth in Action.”
When this basic realisation dawns upon a being there is no stopping of progress —subjective intuition, gains enough momentum to take the shape of collective action. This means stepping beyond mere intellectualisation to the actualisation of a thought in a real-life situation.
Quite magically, as this very subtle individual process gains momentum, verily, in the same breath and spirit, delusion gives way to sanity of perception and purity of action.
This as such is the story of a man’s resurgence — his resurrection.
This as such is the story of a deluded person’s rebirth from a make-believe-world to the real-world — right into a delusion-free, joyful world.
Baturam Nayak, a postgraduate in economics, joined the banking sector in 1983 and retired in June 2020. He is a firm believer in simplicity and minimalism. “My faith is Oneness, एकत्वम्; that’s the way I would express myself and live in harmony with everything,” he says.
Images Courtesy: Pixabay
The writer contemplates, and delves deep into his own inner world.
Evaluates his external situations and tries hard to find ways to stay away from delusion, engaging with inner joy.
As i understand the words, remaining engaged with existence around you, it is so difficult to stay away from distractions!!
Only quiet detachment, chosen silence staying non-judgmental & steadfast profound internal exploration takes one to the lake of joy.
Yes if you choose not to get engaged yourself with your surroundings, consciously, there is a beautiful possibility to build your joyful Now.
After a brief pause we could able to read an intense write up of Baturam babu. Specially on this day, his birthday. That was the real joy.
Lot of good wishes & a Happy Birthday Baturam babu.❤
Nice reflective post.
Thanks a lot Oswald ji for reconnecting us with our thinker brother.
Abhar.🙏🏼