Page 13 - TheJoyOfOneness_Demo
P. 13

The  modern  approach  to  living  is  about  replacing  a
              traditional,  collective  society  with  an  individualistic
              society. On account of this transition, family systems and
              local  communities  are  under  threat.  Competition  and
              comparison have taken precedence over cooperation and
              collaboration.  These  have  major  repercussions  in  our
              approach to life and our place in society.

              Being  comfortable  with  differences  among  family
              members, communities, and workplaces is our way of life.
              However,  of  late,  there  is  a  tendency  to  reject  counter-
              opinions. In workplaces, employees are being bullied for
              having  a  different  opinion.  Societies  are  now  grappling
              with multiple mental health disorders, loneliness being an
              important reason. Connections are being compromised for
              the sake of ideologies.

              In  an  increasingly  competitive  world,  there  is  a  risk  of
              missing  the  essence  of  life  and  not  focusing  on  the
              quintessential  nature  of  ourselves.  We  are  witnessing
              more  divisive  approaches  to  dealing  with  society  and
              employees  in  an  organisation.  In  this  context,  the  ideas
              presented in Manīṣā Pañcakam provide a wonderful basis
              to address problems arising out of the current scenario. It
              comes as a soothing balm to cure some of the ills of society.

              Embracing this idea of Oneness is equivalent to perceiving
              the World with a new set of glasses. It gives us more clarity,
              peace, and guidance in our spiritual journey. It is high time
              that we understand the importance of unifying ourselves.
              If we discover the common thread among us, we will be
              able  to  live  in  a  world,  that  is  more  tolerant  and
              accommodative  of  alternative  views,  people,  and
              perspectives.  Furthermore,  we  would  learn  to  co-exist
              with other living and non-living entities sustainably.



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