IN any endeavor, we must learn to put aside our selfish tendencies and work toward a common goal. For example, some of my friends are volunteers in a humanitarian foundation. They are putting together a conservation project for endangered animals that will also benefit man and his environment.
Potential
In the beginning, nobody wanted to help them, but when people realized the potential of their project, government officials, politicians and other influential persons began claiming ownership of the project to make themselves look good!
Such self-centered arrogance points to their lack of inner happiness and spiritual understanding, which can only lead to misery. Learning to act without self-interest for a cause bigger than ourselves leads us to a deeper form of happiness. Some thoughts from Indian writer, Chanakya Pandit, to reflect on:
Once you start working on something, don’t be afraid of failure, and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.
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A man’s greatness isn’t measured by birth but by deed.
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Jealousy is another name for failure.
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Happiness and peace experienced by those satisfied by the nectar of spiritual tranquility aren’t attained by restless greed.