When you walk alone

Jul 25, 2010, 12.00am IST
Radha Kumar.

When large scale copying of ideas and lifestyles is the norm, it is unusual for one to embark on an unexplored path out of conviction.


On uncharted territory every decision taken is a unique one as it has no precedence; so it's a challenge. To do so requires tremendous courage, conviction and faith in one's own capability. Taking a known path is safer, as one would know what to expect or what turn events might take. When you walk alone, there is the danger of giving in to self-doubt or feeling vulnerable at being ridiculed for having taken a "brave decision." Some might call it arrogance.

When frustration sets in it is important to replay situations that propelled us to take the unbeaten path. When in conflict, go and relive the decision. That would help clarify your purpose and motivation. When that is sorted, out, the next step is to analyse the present situation. You would perhaps conclude that conflicts in the mind arise when there is a gap between what was expected and what is currently occurring. It is when these conflicts occur that depressing doubts begin. Stress, anxiety and other psychosomatic problems begin to emerge causing health problems.

What is the way out? Gautama Buddha's Second Noble Truth -- Patticasamuppada or Dukkha samuddaya -- focuses on 12 parameters. These interconnecting links help to deal with challenging situations that might confuse and confound. Buddha's process of deduction provides a logical perspective.

We doubt because the sense object contact inevitably brings forth various emotions, according to Buddha. But the turmoil that occurs inevitably is because we identify our emotions with what is occurring around so completely that all rational thinking is lost. Clinging to emotions that arise due to occurrences should be avoided.

Buddha's aim was to provide a logical solution which manifested in the four Arya Satyas. Because of its innate simplicity Buddha's teachings attract the common man and help him to overcome self doubt and dissatisfaction. In order to apply his practical notion to our day-to-day life we would have to comprehend the following: Firstly, nothing is permanent, so accept where we are now and not cling to the effects that are thrown our way. We should be pragmatic and clinically study why we are in a state of turmoil or take it one notch higher and introspect to see if we are really in a state of dissatisfaction. On dispassionate analysis we will see that every situation that we are in is because of the way or the manner in which we have handled or perceived the occurrences around us.

Walking alone is not a problem but to stay on course, understand and face challenges therein is the true test. It would help then to look at achievers who have reached the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields. Are they not people like you and me who have broken the set stereotype and gone beyond the paradigm? Have they not set an example that is beyond the ordinary? The difference is that, though they walked alone, they did so with conviction, confidence and commitment like the Paccheka Buddha of early Buddhist philosophy who was an individual in pursuit of a way out of the daily trammels of living, but charting his own course.

(The writer teaches ancient Indian culture at St Xaviers College, Mumbai.)

radhakkiyer@yahoo.com