Better Than the Best

Have you ever wondered how great people continue to be great? Have you thought about why the learned continue to wish to learn? Have you reflected on why those who offer the most service to society don’t ever feel like they have done enough? Or why a Master like Swami Chinmayananda continued to teach and serve mankind even when his body was ailing and failing?‘When you reach the top, keep climbing.’ – Zen proverbThe great are defined by their spirit of dedication to continued excellence. They don’t see any obstacles or limitations. They only know love, service and compassion. They don’t act just for the sake of the label of good, better and best, which is why they are always better than the best.It is said that one should read about the lives of great men and women (and in today’s world one can watch too). This serves as a reminder that we too can be great and we too can discover the beautiful depths of our personality. What’s fascinating is that great biographies and biopics never just focus on the good days that came later. How one gets there is so very important.One thing that’s common in all inspiring people is that they don’t believe in taking shortcuts, and they have no ego in following the prescribed way, tried and tested by many before them, for they too had their inspirations and ideals. Undergoing difficulties to gain something greater is what marks the journey of many an icon..Sacrificing Our WeaknessesWe have to be willing to let go of what’s holding us back, rather than imagining it to be a source of comfort and strength. Detaching from one state allows us to embrace what’s better. In particular, we should be aware of our weaknesses and be willing to give them up immediately, even if they make us feel good and look good. No pain, no gain. Giving More Than What We TakeGiving is an expression of joy and fullness. We express the best within us when we give. It is said that we should love people and use things and not use people and love things, which is what often ends up happening. When we truly love, then we will want to give. We should serve from joy and not because we feel obliged to. We should never serve from a place of authority, nor should we feel like we are lowering ourselves to reach others. We should want to uplift ourselves and others to reach the greatest heights..I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore.Master LifeWhen one diligently and sincerely practices sacrifice, service and commitment to something greater than oneself; a cause bigger than oneself—then there is no looking back. One loses sight of all difficulties on the path, and sees them for what they are—temporary situations that can do nothing to one who is focused on one’s goal. The repeated practice of living in this way is all it takes to master one’s mind and thereby one’s life.