"MY COUNTRY IS ALSO GREAT"
ONE THOUGHT THAT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD...
By Sirshree
We differentiate between people on the basis of religion, race, gender, creed, society, sect and nation. Why do people discriminate no the basis of nationalism or race? The root thought that promotes this discrimination is, 'My country is great' or 'My race is superior'. There is nothing wrong feeling great about your country. But along with the thought, 'My country is great', another thought that is seeded and indirectly implies, 'Your country is not'. Hence a new thought is suggested - 'My country is also great'.
The root thought that, 'Only my country is great', implies that other countries are inferior. With this root thought, people and nations indulge in actions that only widen the rift of differences between countries. There is a need to bring in new perspective of looking at ourselves as a 'World Citizen' along with identifying as an Indian or Italian or German, etc. Only then will we be able to say that 'My country is also great'. The word 'also' communicates that we recognize the uniqueness of each and every country. Just like every living being is different and unique - be it a swan or the sparrow or a butterfly - people belonging to different countries are also unique and individual. We are human beings first and only then someone else. We are humans first and only then a Hindu or Muslim or Christian or Buddhist or Jain or Jew or Indian or American or rich or poor or black or white and etc. Learning to see ourselves as human first eliminates all discrimination.
World As One Family
Within a country, though there are differences among two regions or states, people during both states unite during the eventuality of any war with a neighboring country. This happens because they identify themselves with their nation. Similarly nations across the globe will be able to unite, think, feel and act like one Global community if we also identify ourselves as World Citizens.
Only then will we be able to gather the immense strength and make concerted efforts required to face by world today. Every human action is mostly driven by the beliefs that one carries. Every individuals action is mostly driven by the beliefs he harbors about himself, the people around and the world. If he sees himself belonging to a separate religion, race, country or caste, his actions are driven by this separation. But when he realizes his true identity as the Self - the existential consciousness beyond the limited confines of various beliefs and bodies, his perspective of seeing others also changes. He does not see the other person as someone separate, but a part of his being. Some of us have known of an ideology - 'Living for others because there is no other.'
When you see the same consciousness in every person - then you will be able to see the world as one family. The Upanishads call this phenomenon as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. One who understands what Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is one who sees the entire world as his family inclusive of human, plant and animal kingdom. He recognizes being part of one creation and living like a family sharing everything a world has to offer and caring about others. Seeing the world as a family also signifies being ready to work towards any problem the world is facing. A World Citizen is one who sees no boundaries of religion, race, gender, creed, society, sect, and nation. He will care about every human life on this earth equally and is ready to share everything nature offers. But how will one become a World Citizen? By increasing the level of our consciousness by understanding Oneness, by developing a global perspective and living an impersonal life we can strive towards becoming a global citizen.
More Information at: http://www.happythoughts.in/ (For World Peace Movement at Tej Gyan Foundation led by Sirshree)
More Information at: http://www.happythoughts.in/ (For World Peace Movement at Tej Gyan Foundation led by Sirshree)