A closer
look changed my views.
I just
returned from attending a Ram Katha organized in a middle-eastern country.
Besides the natural beauty of that place, what I experienced first hand was the
conservative dressing of the women-folk. Of course, in a way, it’s not new for
me, being an Indian. I have seen it in my own country.
Worldwide,
women have to behave in a particular manner, with restrain. In India China
and Japan Middle East is an example, of extreme.
I’m using
the word restrain for a specific reason. I am not judging, neither criticizing
nor putting a label of right or wrong. Just observing !
Now the word
‘Restrain‘, is seen in almost all the religions of our times. Restrain on
speech, restrain on food and restrain on sensual pleasures and behavior. I will
expand this a little further:
A man is
supposed to behave with restrain towards his elders and his superiors.
Like
wise-
A student
towards his teacher.
A child towards
his parents.
An
employee towards his boss.
A
disciple towards his Guru.
What I’m
trying to get at is; restrain is not something forced and levied only on females.
It’s a way of behavior applied to all human beings in one department or the
other. If we look close enough, restrain is a good practice, a Sadhana;
discipline of sorts.
The
middle-path of Buddha is precisely this: speak, dress and behave with restrain.
We appreciate a man of few words rather than the one who babbles endlessly. Personal
garb kept with the surroundings looks more appropriate and appealing. The way a
man behaves, his actions speak a lot about his over all maturity and character.
Now, the
more evolved a person, more freedom s/he has. However, watch closely, it’s
incredible, how a evolved man has a high level of self-restrain; his behavior
is strictly confined and guarded.
All
spiritual Masters are a testimony of this. They weigh every word and movement
before execution. Is it any surprise that whatever they say or do become
sacred, it becomes immortal! Mind you, they are the very people who are free
from any bonds or rules. They are true giants flying in the open skies.
M. k.
Gandhi says, “The highest level of freedom comes with the greatest degree of
discipline and humility.”
Self-restrain
is a virtue to be developed and needs practice.
Restrain
teaches: if you have it, do not flaunt it. Instead, know it to be a blessing
from above and use for good of all. If one has more money, spend it on charity.
If one is blessed with high intellect, use it for the good of society, at large.
If one is showerd with above average beauty, make use of it to uplift the
spirits, to higher realms of truth.
A closer
inspection and introspection often leads to better understanding and foresight.
Suddenly, the word restrain doesn’t seem so appalling after all.
