Dharma Kshetra

To the person who has controlled his mind, it becomes his ally. To the person who has no control over his mind, it becomes his enemy. (The Bhagavad Gita 6-6)

Meaningful accomplishments demand perseverance and hard work, usually in the face of unexpected delays and disappointments. One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat. Most people are guilty of this mistake at one time or another. One of the main weaknesses of mankind is the average man's familiarity with the word "impossible." He knows all the methods which will not work and all the things which cannot be done.

Gandhiji too failed many times during his experiments in personal life and freedom struggle. He saw himself as an integral part of the universe and hence if anybody wrongs, he used to punish himself by way of fasting. He also conducted experiments in celibacy because to control the followers one has to achieve self-control first. But they became a source of misunderstandings and criticisms. His support for Khilafat movement did not result in the much hoped alliance between the two religions. His non-violent campaigns turned violent in places such as Chouri choura and had to be called off, citing that people are not yet ready for such campaigns. His idea of Ramrajya (kingdom of Rama) as an ideal state met with strong opposition from various sections of the society.

He repeatedly refused when people insisted on giving him the reverential title of 'Mahatma (Great Soul)'. He publicly confessed his mistakes but kept learning from them and did not give up his goal of indepdence totally.

He once said "a small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. If I have the belief that I can do it, I can surely acquire the capacity to do it even though I might not have it in the beginning”.

Another weakness of man is the habit of measuring everything, and everyone, by his own beliefs and standards. Their thought habits have been so steeped in ignorance, superstitions, defeat etc that they refuse to believe anything which they do not understand. They foolishly believe that their own limitations are the proper measure of limitations for everybody.

A historian who later became Gandhiji's co-worker couldn't accept the idea that nonviolent fight could bring independence. He said "Mr. Gandhiji, you may know all about the Bhagavad Gita, but you know nothing at all about history. Never has a nation been able to free itself without violence”.

Gandhiji smiled and corrected him gently. "The first thing you have to learn about history is that because something has not taken place in the past that does not mean it cannot take place in the future.”

The below is an account of historic events in Gandhiji's life.

• 1888-91 - Got Barrister-at-Law degree in London.
• 1893 - Moved to South Africa and started campaign against racial oppression of Indian immigrants.
• 1915 - Returned to India.
• 1919 - Amritsar massacre where General Dyer killed countless peaceful protesters and Gandhiji launched non-cooperation movement.
• 1922 - Sentenced to six years in prison on charges of sedition.
• 1930 - Led thousands in Salt March at Dandi breaking salt tax laws.
• 1931 - Attended London Conference and demanded Indian self-rule.
• 1942 - Launched Quit India movement.
• 1947 August 15 - India obtained independence followed by partition and communal violence.

10.1948 January 30 - Gandhiji was assassinated

It can be observed that after returning from South Africa he spent thirty long years in Indian freedom struggle. So the road to success is a long one and requires persistence and commitment.

When Gandhiji came back to India from his student years in London, fully cultured and acutely conscious of his "legitimate rights," the first person he tried to impress was his wife. However, Kasturba was a woman with a will of her own. When Gandhiji began to demand his rights Kasturba, naturally, started to do the same — at the same time. Often their disagreements became so fierce that Kasturba was reduced to tears, which only irritated Gandhiji more.

Once, exasperated, he shouted at her: "I will not tolerate this nonsense in my house!"

Kasturba retarded, "Then keep your house to yourself and let me go!"

In a rage Gandhiji grabbed her arm and pushed her out of the house and closed the door.

"Have you no sense of shame?" she cried. "Where can I go? I have no family in this country to take me in. Because I am your wife, do you think I have to put up with your abuse? For heaven's sake behave yourself and open the door. Let us not be caught in front of others making such a scene!"

At that time Gandhiji thought it was his right as a husband to impose his opinions on his wife. But as the years passed and the storms between them continued, he began to realize what anguish he was causing her by his rigid beliefs. At last it occurred to him that rather than exercising his "rights," he could fulfill his duties.

Immediately, instead of forcing Kasturba's obedience to his newfound beliefs and values, Gandhiji began to try to win her over by his own example. It was a long, painful process, and often he had to ignore his cherished likes and dislikes to see things from her point of view rather than his own. But gradually he began to see that there was no friction between them except what he had imposed, and that Kasturba had always been trying to win him over by love.

By her personal example, Kasturba showed the way to root out the anger and competition eroding their marriage: not by retaliating and inflaming the situation more, but by constantly trying to support him and bear with him through his outbursts and mistakes. She kept her eyes always on what was good in him and encouraging him silently to live up to her respect.

It was one of the most radical discoveries he was to make in a lifetime of experiments: in order to transform others, you first have to transform yourself.

Gradually Gandhiji began to see that she was practicing every day what he himself had been admiring as a theoretical ideal. He learned Kasturba's patience and inspired her with his own fiery enthusiasm in return. She started treating untouchables with love and respect. Each became the other's teacher.

It was a long, arduous exacting discipline, which he used to say required the patience of a man trying to empty the ocean with a cup. But every time they overcame a barrier between them, they found they were not only able to love each other more, they had more love and patience for everyone else as well. By the time Gandhiji had learned to bring this love to bear even on his opponents, Kasturba too was in prison, gathering other women to her leadership.

After you have begun putting the concepts of this book into practice, you may notice difference in your interaction with the people around you. You may begin to realize that some of the significant people in your life, both inside and outside your home, don't seem to like the changes in you - even if the old you was a total disaster! Just when you expect cheerleaders dancing all around you and encouraging your development, you may find yourself faced with firing squads.

The reason is that people around you have become accustomed to interacting with you in a certain way. When that familiar pattern of interaction is disturbed, there can be upset of varying degrees. Even when you understand it, this upset can be very disturbing and impede your progress. Another reason is that your well-wishers wish your safety and are afraid if you venture from the known world to the unknown. They may sincerely worry about your state of mind. Another reason is that family members naturally worry that you may neglect household responsibilities.

Some of the symptoms of transformation you may notice after using the principles of this book:

• Sudden increase in hunger for knowledge
• Disregard for time and absence of mind
• Becoming more generous and loving
• Rejection of previous norms and limitations
• Childlike sense of wonder and joy, and so on.

The symptoms are not important and should not be pursued. They serve as indicators that all these things are normal in transformation from 'old you? to

?new you'.

When we make a resolve to live based on certain principles, the life won't be a cake walk but often a road filled with thorns. It is important to remember that other people may not be at the same level of maturity to understand your experiences. Trying to covert others only causes friction and fights. So instead of trying to impress others about your 'discoveries' or force your beliefs on them, you may consider sharing this book with your friends and

family members. By helping others to improve, you will help yourself, by creating a better world to live in. It is very essential to be associated with other aspirants with similar goals as yours (satsanga) so that you won't be discouraged by your old associates.

Success comes to those who become success-conscious. Failure comes to those who allow themselves to become failure-conscious. Your subconscious mind works continuously, while you are awake, and while you are asleep. Spasmodic or occasional effort to apply the rules will be of no value to you. You must apply all of the rules until their application becomes a fixed habit with you.

Symptoms of lack of persistence:

• Failure to recognize and to clearly define exactly what one wants.
• Procrastination, with or without cause (usually backed up with excuses).
• Lack of interest in acquiring required knowledge.
• Searching for short-cuts, trying to get something without giving a fair equivalent in return (gambling, lotteries, theft etc).
• Fear of criticism, failure to create plans and to put them into action, because of what other people will think or say.

Many people believe that success is the result of favourable "breaks." But those depending entirely upon luck, are nearly always disappointed, because they fail to acknowledge that 'luck' is a point where 'opportunity' meets

'preparation'.

Don't be discouraged! Persistence is a state of mind, and it can be cultivated. There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of 'persistence'. They require no great amount of intelligence but little time and effort. If we want to climb Mount Everest our every step should be towards Mount Everest.

The necessary steps are:-

• A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through actions
• A definite and written purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment
• A definite plan expressed in continuous action
• A mind closed tightly against all negative influences - self-made and that of outsiders

Gandhiji said "be the change you want to see in the world. First people will ignore you, then they will ridicule you, then they will fight you, and then you win.”