Dr.K.VEERAMANI
Human mind is like a parachute. It functions only when it is opened. A Buddhist Zen once said.- “Keep your mind open. It would give you everlasting peace
and happiness in life.” He had implied that being free, frank and plain, speaking our mind honestly and living like an open book would make our life
meaningful. All of us at times need a shoulder to lean upon and weep. We need people to share not only our pleasure but also our pain. Avoid living like
an island; like a lone-wolf. Seeking help from others is not a matter of shame. Accept it with an open mind when you are in distress. Extend
your helping hand to others when they are in trouble. Be grateful to people who helped you in time. Never be ungrateful to the aged, especially
your parents, who struggled to raise you enduring inexplicable sufferings.
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Pressure of work at office, harassment of some executives and various other problems may cause stress and strain. Some people around us are sure
to be a pain in the neck. It is better to tell about it to someone who can give a patient hearing. With an open mind, find out an outlet to let out your
grief. We do need unswerving patience to tolerate sufferings. But there should be a breaking point. We should train even our little children to mingle
jovially with others and keep an open mind.
An erudite scholar and ‘Thirukkural expert’ V.Munusamy once narrated an amusing incident in his life. A friend of his proudly said that his
son would go to his office, return home straight away, have his dinner quietly and would go to bed without talking to any one. Munusamy, who
was my boyhood friend in Cuddalore, ridiculed that father and asked what diffence there was
between his son and a cat or a dog which just eats and sleeps doing nothing. My friend ‘ Thirukkural’ Munusamy was quite right. Man is a social animal. He should not live like an animal without the sixth sense. He has to interact with people, talk to them, laugh with them, cry with them and co-exist.
A friend in need- is a friend indeed. We must earn good friends and also be one. Earning the trust and good will of others is also an income
and savings- not merely cash and coins and bank balance. With the introduction of digital currency we may not even touch currency notes
and coins anymore. Why not earn and save people instead?
There are people who smile at us but stab at the back. We do need caution in choosing friends. Use discretion like a touchstone while
choosing. Treasure worthy friends with an open mind. Appearances are deceptive. In a real jungle we can identify harmful animals and
harmless animals. But the world is a concrete jungle. Here it is difficult to find out the real face of a person. Never judge people hastily.
And do not betray people who trust you. Be with an open mind at all times. That would certainly make your life lovable
