I was travelling by local train in Mumbai today, insignificant amidst the magnitude of the crowds which throng these trains daily. You have to experience this first hand to really understand what I am talking about! Gazing at the faces of my fellow travellers, a thought struck me. Here we were, jam packed together like sardines in a can. Each one of the faces before me has a story to tell, a life gone past and a future dream in their heart. The faces might seem different, the people diverse and the unfamiliarity of each, distinct. Yet there exists a unity which is shared by each one of these travellers, in fact with each human on our planet.
Even though we seem so different to each other, we all have share the same basic flow of life. We share the same day, live similar lives and hold similar thoughts and dreams within us. You might be wondering how can a beggar live a similar life to that of a millionaire? I am not talking about the quality of life, rather the essence or nature of human existence and life per se. Does not the beggar share the same 'life' as the millionaire? Don't they both think similar thoughts and share similar dreams. When they die, don't both want to be remembered and surrounded by loved ones? Do both not think of being happy? Yes, the magnitudes might vary, the creature comforts enormously different, yet in essence they both have a lot in common. That's what's called being human and living a life on this planet of ours.
We are each connected with our parents, our spouse our children, our friends and family. This comprises our own personal 'circle'. This gives us a secure sense of belonging in this world. Yet, is this 'circle' not shared by everyone? Each of the faces before me have their own circles which are so distinct, yet so similar in nature. The relation of parents, children, family, friends and foe are shared by each human being, irrespective of who they are or what their religion or country. For example take two individual yet very different sets of parents. No matter how different they might be, seeing their children excel in something or happy is sure to make each parent proud. This unites us in ways in which we can never imagine. This is the bond which will always bind us as humans.
Every face shares a past, a present and a future. Each of us share failures, happiness, joy, ecstasies, sorrow, defeat, success in their own way. Distinct yet absolutely similar in essence. If you are a father, you have hopes of raising happy, content and successful children. You dream of providing with everything you had and more importantly, did not have when you were a child. You go to work to provide a good living for yourself and your family. We all come back home to the same relations, which are common to all.
Each one of us has a desire to be happy, to be content and to be able to sleep in peace. We all strive to be financially sound so that we can take care of our self and our family. We have our passions, our desires and our dreams. So distinct yet so similar again.
The little joys of life, makes each one of us more happy than winning a lottery. These little moments are the moments we treasure in our hearts forever. I still remember the moment, when I first laid eyes on my newborn son. That moment is permanently etched in my heart and probably the happiest moment of my life. Its these moments which unite us.
Next time you are amidst a group of people, look around and try to see beneath the exterior. You'll be amazed by what you see and feel a sense of oneness which cannot be explained.
Oneness with the ultimate source of all energy and life on our planet.
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