Harshita Chari: Dr. A.N. Khosla D.A.V. Public School, Rourkela (Orissa)
Essay extract: The dysfunctional lives that we are leading right now deny us the privilege of having a clear conversation with our heart. Our mechanical lives have deprived us of contemplating on our thoughts and spiritually connecting with the soul.
"Vasudaiva Kutumbakam" is a simple Sanskrit phrase of two words, but it signifies the essence of our lives which should stand beyond all the names we call ourselves and the roles we play in life. It asks us to open our hearts and subsequently our minds, to the entire ecosystem and then respect the diversity that exists. A free mind that follows the inner soul leads to openness and intelligence that enables us to see the sufferings of others and spontaneously move to help them.
...the judging mind congests the heart. We need to appreciate uniqueness of all the beings. This will subsequently lead to the development of a grounded, mature (Mind) and the power to develop ideas and exercise free will. Unfortunately, too often these ideas die as a seed and people use free will to close their mind to opportunities.
Your external reality is a manifestation of your mental and spiritual self. So, a corrupt mind and a polluted heart can neither help you to prepare yourself to be a good teacher, nor a good learner to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.
