Reflections of Wisdom: Embracing Life’s Lessons at 84 by D. R. Kaarthikeyan
At the age of 84, I would like to share my state of thinking and attitude that gives me comfort and peace of mind.
1) After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself-taking care of my own health of body, mind and spirit-more of yoga, walking, swimming, meditation and prayer.
2) I have already visited nearly 150 countries-some countries like Australia and Italy many times. Just realised that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3) I have stopped bargaining with vendors of things. After all, a few Rupees more is not going to burn a hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellows save for their daughter’s school fees.
4) I pay liberally the taxi driver or porter or helper in airports/hotels. The extra money might bring a smile on his face. After all he is toiling much harder for a living than me.
5) I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. After all, the story makes them walk down the memory lane & relive the past. Perhaps I may also be doing the same with people close to me.
6) I have learnt not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. After all, the onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7) I give compliments freely & generously. After all it’s a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me.
8) I have learnt not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. After all, personality speaks louder than appearances.
9) I care for people who care for me. But I do not hate anyone, but try keep minimum distance from those whose values and attitudes do not agree with that of mine.
10) I remain cool when someone plays tricks/dirty politics to outrun me in the rat race. After all, I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.
11) I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. After all, it’s my emotions that make me human.
12) I have learnt that it is better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. After
all, my ego will keep me aloof whereas with relationships I will never be alone.
13) I have always worked for welfare of farmers as well as for Environment and Afforestation. I continue to plant trees-three years back planted 3,500 trees in my ancestral farm in my native village-DRK Vanam. In various official positions during my 40 years of service, I am responsible for getting planted and raised over 1-lakh trees in many places. They may not be of any use to me personally. But they will considerably help improving the health of planet earth-our only home.
14) I am still working towards recognition and encouragement of Integrated Medicine – to ensure Health for All. Allopathy is too expensive and unaffordable for many even now. Hence the need for promoting all systems of Medicine/healing that have proved to be effective and affordable by everyone.
I am pursuing this project at the highest levels in the government and the response is encouraging.
15) Having realised the importance of Meditation to ensure Health of the Body, Mind and Spirit, I have been promoting Meditation-beyond and above religious divisions. Meditation is Miraculous. Only the simple technology of Meditation (of various systems) can imbibe right values and right attitudes in individuals, family, society and nations resulting in a world without war and creating health, harmony, justice and prosperity everywhere.
16) I have learnt to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last day of my life-anybody’s life. So let us not postpone taking care of our health, that of body, mind and spirit or doing good to others or environment.
17) I am doing what makes me happy and healthy. After all, I am responsible for my happiness and health. I owe it to me and the society, whose service is my goal, joy and responsibility.
18) It is never too late to imbibe right values and right attitudes. Let us start our better life even today!
D R Kaarthikeyan
By D.R.Kaarthikeyan, IPS (R)
Padma Shri Awardee
Former :
Director, Central Bureau of Investigation
Director General, National Human Rights Commission
Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force
