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Character building Exercises for man
Just because man possesses faith in God, he should not be idle. If the God has indicated that he has long life, that does not mean that he can lie down in the middle of the road. He has to take his own precautions, apply his rational mind to the particular facts with judicial view.In this connection, man has to shape his character for placing himself in a matured and cultured manner.The Character building Exercises relate to the following aspects. .
(1)Be flexible and accommodative. Never be too rigid.
Example story from Mythology
Rishi Viswamitra and Rishi Vasishta were extremely powerful but both were always at loggerheads. There was always tug of war between them. Rishi Viswamitra was proudly called a RajaRishi by everyone except Rishi Vasishta.When asked for the reason, Rishi Vasishta told that the Rishi Viswamithra is not eligible to hold the title 'RajaRishi' since he is not fully refined. While such being the facts, one day Rishi Viswamitra saw a small boy playing with a cub and chasing it in the forest and was astonished. He understood that the child could not be an ordinary one and so saying, he traced the parents of the child. He was shocked to see the mother of the child because, the mother is none other than his own daughter. He asked her how, when and whom she married. She told him that the prince married her as per "kandarva method" and after giving birth to a boychild,the prince said she was not at all known to him. On hearing this from his beloved daughter, he was enraged and was furious. At this, the entire world was shivering. Rishi Viswamitra entered the palace and asked the Prince who was this girl? The Prince worshipped the rishi with due respects and politely told him that he did not know. Still enraged at this reply, Rishi Viswamitra demanded apology and asked him to mend the ways hereafter but the prince never relented. Now for the first time in his life, he could not get a thing done and he could not achieve a matter that too from a young Prince. He was so anguished on seeing his daughter and her child who strongly believed that her father was a RajaRishi and that he can do wonders. Unable to bear the sight, he politely kneeled down and politely requested the Prince to reconsider his decision and to admit the facts and to accept his daughter as his wife. Now appeared on the scene was Rishi Vasishta and he applauded for the kind and polite gesture of Rishi Viswamitra and wholeheartedly conferred the title 'RajaRishi'on Rishi Viswamitra. Rishi viswamitra was surprised to hear the words from Rishi Vasishta and the conferring of title on him at a time when he was politely requesting the prince. Rishi Vasishta said,"Yes,You have kneeled down and are requesting more politely to a prince which you never did in your life for anything" and continued, "this act of yours today have completed the eligibility criteria for conferring the title "RajaRishi" and so saying, he withdraw his curse against the Prince. Immediately the Prince identified his wife, the daughter of Rishi Viswamitra and the child and rightfully took her by his side and fell down on the feet of Rishi Viswamitra for apologizing him. Everything was a surprise. Rishi Vasishta told that one day the Prince neglected to give respect to him since he was thinking somebody and so failed to notice his coming. Enraged at this, Rishi Vasishta cursed that the sweet thinking that made the Prince forget the coming of Rishi, should go out of his mind at once. Due to this curse, the Prince was unable to recollect his wife and child.
(2)Shun Anger
Example story from Kribananda Variar Swamigal
There was a poor man. He is very short-tempered. He was used to get angry swiftly even on very small matters. He was financially weak and was suffering. One day, when he was making prayers, he fervently made an appeal to God to bestow him with enough money. God appeared before him and gave him one stick saying whenever he wanted money, he can strike the stick on the ground and he will get Rs.1,000/-everytime he hits. He was very happy and fell at the feet of God. But the God put one condition. After the receipt of this stick, he should not get angry at any point of time and if he gets angry even once, the boon will be cancelled and the stick will not work. The man agreed to the condition, First of all, he wanted to test the boon. He strokes the stick and a sum of Rs.1, 000/-was available. So,he returned home very happily. On the way, one man asked him why he was carrying a stick. He told him that when the stick was stroke on the ground, a sum of Rs.1, 000/-will be available. The man was surprised." Is it so?" he asked. The poor man replied "yes"." So you are saying that this stick gives you Rs.1, 000/-"the man asked again. The poor man replied "yes" "You mean a wooden stick fetches you Rs.1, 000/=?"The man asked. The poor man replied, "yes" "You mean, every time it gives Rs.1, 000/-"asked the man. The poor man replied "yes" "You mean you can use the stick as many times as you like?" asked the man. The poor man replied "yes". "You mean the stick will give money without any time limit?" asked the man. The poor man replied "yes" "Are you sure that this stick will give money any number of times?" asked the man. Now the poor man was enraged and lost his temper.He shouted loudly," You idiot, How many times I have been telling you and you are still putting me more and more questions! Be sure, this stick will give money!money!money!" and thus he stroke the stick. The stick did not work because he forgot the condition that he should not get angry.
(3)Do not be hasty in taking vital decisions
Example story(Real Incident)
Robert Clive's army was much smaller than the Indian. On 9th February, 1757.Clive entered into an agreement with the Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula whereby the English were restored to their former position, allowed to fortify Calcutta and issue their own coinage.The Commander-in-Chief Mir Jafar (who belonged to Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula) was anxious to become the Nawab.The British East India Company entered into a treaty with this traitor agreeing to make him the Nawab in return for some territories in Bengal. live then wrote to Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula accusing of plotting with the French against the English. He then marched against the Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula who had a large army at Palasi or Plassey.Clive's men hardly numbered 3,200 while the Emperor had a huge force of 50,000 infantry and 18,000 cavalry. When the two armies met, the Muslim forces turned traitor and the Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula was bewildered at the desertion of his Commander-in-Chief. This victory brought Bengal under the control of English. Mughal Emperor Siraj-ud-daula was executed and Mir Jafar was proclaimed the Nawab of Bengal.
(4)Do not yearn for others property
Example story from Hindu Epic "RAMAYANA"
King Ravana was ruler of Srilanka.He was a Pious man. He is a devotee of Lord Shiva. He was a Philosopher. He was a good Samaritan. He was very sympathetic towards his country people. While such being the conduct and characters of King Ravana,he was attracted by Sita,the wife of Lord Rama.Eventhough he knew very well that this conduct was against all laws of Ethics and against the principles of dharma, he could not give up his lust for Sita.Therefore,Ravana abducted sita by adopting trickery and kept her in the custody of some women who were persuading Sita to yield to the desire of King Ravana. King Ravana wanted to approach her only if she permitted for the same and was quietly waiting. but all his efforts were fruitless.Sita was intact,her conscience was crystal clear, her mind was perfect and was concentrating only on Lord Rama and on his arrival and she remained pure in the eyes of everyone. In spite of possessing good qualities, king Ravana ruined himself by aspiring for another's wife. This was lesson to one and all that anyone aspiring for another's wife or property shall face destruction.
(5)Respect elders
Example Story
A King died unexpectedly and so, his son was enthroned as King. This new King was very young and did not respect elders. He ordered the killing of all old people who were burden to their children. A farmer who had very much affection on his aged father, dugged an underground in his house and kept him inside. No one knew this. After some time, there was a big famine.The young king was unable to manage. Many people died without food. At last, the King announced that those who forwarded useful suggestions will be rewarded.The farmer's father told his son that if the lands where the paddy was transported from the paddy field to the houses or godowns,were ploughed and toiled, the grains fallen there by slippage shall begin to grow in the ensuing rainy season. The farmer exactly related the matter to the king and the king ordered everyone to do so.As soon as the rain started, very shortly the grains started to grow. The King was very happy and asked the farmer who mooted this novel idea what reward he wanted and he was ready to give whatever thing he asked for. The farmer then told the king that it was his father who gave this idea whom he has kept underground and he requested the King to respect the elders and seek their suggestions in times of difficulties. The king readily agreed to his request and repented for his mistake.
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