[Neparastā absolvēšanas runa saņem ovācijas: 2012. gada bakalaura lektors Pensilvānijas Universitātē bija netradicionāla izvēle Ivy League skolai. Lai uzrunātu savus jaunizveidotos absolventus, kuri tiecās pēc žilbinošas karjeras, viņi izvēlējās vīrieti, kurš nekad savā pieaugušo dzīvē nav pieteicies darbam. Cilvēks, kurš gandrīz desmit gadus nav strādājis algotu darbu un kura misija ir vienkārši "radīt pasaulei smaidu un klusumu manā sirdī". Šis ārpusradara runātājs sāka savu uzrunu ar pārsteidzošu padomu. Tālāk sniegtas četras galvenās atziņas, kas gūtas no radikālā 1000 km garā svētceļojuma pa Indijas ciemiem. Kad viņš noslēdza savu unikālo Absolvēšanas dienas runu, studentu jūra ar cepurēm un tērpiem piecēlās kājās, izsaucot ovācijas. Tālāk ir sniegts pilns Nipuna Mehtas runas stenogramma. --DailyGood Editors]
Paldies maniem cienījamiem draugiem prezidentei Eimijai Gūtmanei, prāvestam Vincentam Praisam un māceklim Čārlzam Hovardam par uzaicinājumu dalīties pārdomās par šo priecīgo notikumu. Man ir tas gods un privilēģija apsveikt jūs — UPenn 2012. gada klasi.
Šobrīd katrs no jums sēž uz dzīves skrejceļa, gatavs pacelšanās brīdim. Jūs esat daži no pasaules apdāvinātākajiem, elitārākajiem un motivētākajiem koledžas absolventiem – un nenoliedzami esat gatavs lidot. Tāpēc tas, ko es teikšu tālāk, var izklausīties mazliet traki. Es gribu jūs mudināt nevis lidot, bet gan staigāt . Pirms četriem gadiem jūs ienācāt šajā brīnišķīgajā augstākās izglītības laboratorijā. Šodien, paceltām galvām, jūs ejat, lai saņemtu diplomus. Rīt jūs ieiesiet bezgalīgu iespēju pasaulē.
Bet staigāšana mūsu ātrgaitas pasaulē diemžēl ir zaudējusi labvēlību. Pats vārds “gājējs” tiek lietots, lai aprakstītu kaut ko parastu un ikdienišķu. Tomēr staigāšanai ar nodomu ir dziļas saknes. Austrālijas aborigēnu jaunieši dodas pastaigās kā pārejas rituāls; Indiāņu ciltis tuksnesī veic redzes meklējumus; Eiropā gadsimtiem ilgi cilvēki ir staigājuši pa Camino de Santiago, kas aptver Spānijas plašumu. Šādi svētceļnieki stingri noliek vienu kāju otrai priekšā, lai iekristu kopsolī ar Visuma ritmiem un savu sirds ritmu.
2005. gadā, sešus mēnešus pēc mūsu laulības, mēs ar sievu nolēmām paši “pakāpināt” un doties svētceļojumā ar kājām. Strādājot ar ServiceSpace , mēs domājām, vai mēs spējam atstāt malā savus pasaulīgos panākumus un meklēt augstākas patiesības. Vai esat kādreiz par kaut ko domājis un tikai tad uzzinājis, ka tam ir jānotiek? Tā bija viena no tām lietām. Tāpēc mēs pārdevām visas savas galvenās mantas un nopirkām biļeti vienā virzienā uz Indiju. Mūsu plāns bija doties uz Mahatmas Gandija ašramu, jo viņš mums vienmēr ir bijis iedvesmas avots, un tad doties uz dienvidiem. Mēs abi esam ieplānojuši vienu dolāru dienā, galvenokārt nejaušiem izdevumiem, kas nozīmēja, ka mūsu izdzīvošanai bija pilnībā jāpaļaujas uz svešinieku laipnību. Mēs ēdām visu, ko piedāvāja, un gulējām visur, kur tika piedāvāta vieta.
Tagad man jāsaka, ka šādas idejas nāk ar brīdinājumu: nemēģiniet to mājās, jo jūsu partneris, iespējams, neuzņems šādu medusmēnesi. :-)
Mums šī pastaiga bija svētceļojums, un mūsu mērķis bija vienkārši atrasties telpā, kas ir lielāka par mūsu ego, un ļaut šai līdzjūtībai vadīt mūs neaprakstītos kalpošanas darbos. Vai mēs, pilnībā atbrīvojoties no savas komforta zonas un pieradušajām identitātēm, varētu “turēt to īstu”? Tas bija mūsu izaicinājums.
Mēs nogājām 1000 kilometrus trīs mēnešu laikā. Šajā periodā mēs sastapāmies ar pašu labāko un pašu sliktāko cilvēka dabu — ne tikai citos, bet arī sevī .
Drīz pēc tam, kad mēs pabeidzām svētceļojumu, mans tēvocis nejauši uzmeta miljonu dolāru jautājumu pie vakariņu galda: "Tātad, Nipun, ko tu iemācījies no šīs pastaigas?" Es nezināju, ar ko sākt. Taču pavisam spontāni prātā ienāca akronīms WALK , kas ietvēra galvenās atziņas , ko esam guvuši un turpinām mācīties no jauna, pat līdz šai dienai. Uzsākot savu ceļojuma nākamo posmu, es vēlos dalīties šajos tīrradņos ar cerību, ka tas varētu arī kaut kādā veidā izgaismot jūsu ceļu.
W WALK nozīmē Witness. Ejot, jūs burtiski redzat vairāk. Jūsu redzamības lauks ir gandrīz 180 grādi, salīdzinot ar 40 grādiem, kad ceļojat ar ātrumu 62 jūdzes stundā. Lielāks ātrums izsmērē mūsu perifēro redzi, turpretim staigāšana faktiski paplašina jūsu audeklu un dramatiski novirza jūsu uzmanības objektus. Piemēram, svētceļojumā mēs katru dienu pamanījām saullēktu un to, kā putni saulrietā pulcējās uz nelielu ballīti. Tā vietā, lai pievienotu Facebook draugus tiešsaistē, mēs patiesībā sadraudzējāmies klātienē, bieži vien pie karstas “chai” tases. Dzīve ap mums atdzīvojās jaunā veidā.
Iešanas temps ir kopienas ātrums. Ja liels ātrums atvieglo atdalīšanu, lēnāks temps dod mums iespēju komunicēt.
Kad mēs šķērsojām Indijas laukus ar ātrumu pāris jūdzes stundā, kļuva skaidrs, cik daudz mēs varam iemācīties, vienkārši liecinot par ciema iedzīvotāju dzīvesveidu. Viss viņu garīgais modelis ir atšķirīgs – vēlmju pavairošana tiek aizstāta ar cilvēka pamatvajadzību apmierināšanu. Kad jūs vairs neesat aizņemts ar prasīšanu pēc arvien vairāk un vairāk; tad vienkārši ņem to, ko dod, un dod to, ko ņem. Dzīve atkal ir vienkārša. Kāds zemnieks mums to paskaidroja šādi: "Nevar likt mākoņiem līt vairāk, nevar likt mazāk spīdēt saulei. Tās ir tikai dabas veltes — ņem vai atstāj."
Kad lietas, kas tev apkārt, tiek uzskatītas par dāvanām, tās vairs nav līdzeklis mērķa sasniegšanai; tie ir līdzeklis un mērķis. Un līdz ar to govju gans savus dzīvniekus kops ar tēva līdzjūtību, ciema sieviete bez dusmām gaidīs 3 stundas aizkavētu autobusu, bērns neskaitāmas stundas pavadīs, aizraujoties ar zvaigznēm galaktikā un atrodot savu vietu plašajā kosmosā.
Tāpēc, izmantojot šodienas modernizētos rīkus, kas ir jūsu rīcībā, neļaujiet sev aizmirstībā tuvināt no punkta A uz punktu B uz dzīves lielceļiem; mēģiniet staigāt pa pasaules aizmuguri, kur jūs būsit liecinieks dziļai nesaraujamai saiknei ar visu dzīvo.
A WALK nozīmē pieņemt. Ejot šādā veidā, jūs novietojat sevi Visuma plaukstā un saskaraties ar tā realitāti. Mēs gājām pašā vasaras kulminācijā, nežēlīgā temperatūrā, kas turējās virs 120 grādiem. Dažreiz mēs bijām izsalkuši, izsmelti un pat neapmierināti. Mūsu ķermeņi sāpēja tikai pēc šī papildu ūdens dzēriena, vēl dažiem mirkļiem ēnā vai tikai pēc cilvēciskās laipnības dzirksts. Daudzas reizes mēs saņēmām šo papildu daļu, un mūsu sirdis pārplūda no pateicības. Bet dažreiz mums pēkšņi atteica, un mums bija jāattīsta spēja pieņemt dāvanas, kas paslēptas pat visgrūtākajos brīžos.
Atceros vienu tādu dienu, kad pa neauglīgu šoseju tuvojāmies atpūtas namam. Kad garām brauca smagas kravas automašīnas, mēs ieraudzījām zīmi, kas vēstīja, ka viesi tiek uzņemti bez maksas. "Ak, mūsu laimīgā diena," mēs sajūsmā nodomājām. Es dedzīgi iegāju iekšā. Vīrietis aiz rakstāmgalda paskatījās uz augšu un asi jautāja: "Vai jūs esat šeit, lai apskatītu templi?" Vienkāršs jā no manām lūpām būtu uzreiz piešķīris mums pilnvērtīgu maltīti un istabu nakšņošanai. Bet tā nebūtu bijusi patiesība. Tā vietā es teicu: "Nu, tehniski, nē, kungs. Mēs esam svētceļojumā, lai kļūtu labāki cilvēki. Bet mēs labprāt apmeklētu templi." Diezgan pēkšņi viņš atbildēja: "Am, atvainojiet, mēs nevaram jūs uzņemt." Kaut kas no viņa šaurās augstprātības izraisīja virkni negatīvu emociju. Es gribēju pretī izteikt viltīgu piezīmi un, izejot ārā, aizcirtu durvis. Tā vietā es kontrolēju savu nikno ego. Šajā fiziskā un garīgā izsīkuma stāvoklī tas šķita kā Herkules uzdevums, taču caur iekšējiem satricinājumiem sevī atskanēja balss, kas lika man pieņemt šī brīža realitāti.
Manī notika klusa metamorfoze. Es pazemīgi atlaidu savu aizsardzību, samierinājos ar savu likteni tajā dienā un pagriezos, lai dotos prom bez kurnēšanas. Varbūt vīrietis aiz letes sajuta šīs izmaiņas manī, jo tieši tobrīd viņš kliedza: "Ko tad jūs atkal darāt?" Pēc mana īsa paskaidrojuma viņš teica: "Redzi, es nevaru jūs pabarot vai uzņemt, jo noteikumi ir noteikumi. Bet aizmugurē ir tualetes. Jūs varētu gulēt ārpus vīriešu tualetes, un jūsu sieva var gulēt ārpus sieviešu tualetes." Lai gan viņš bija laipns, viņa piedāvājums manās brūcēs bija kā sāls. Mums neatlika nekas cits kā pieņemt.
Todien mēs gavējām un tajā naktī gulējām pie vannas istabām. Nelieli meli mums būtu varējuši nopirkt jauninājumu, taču tas nebūtu bijis svētceļojums. Kad es gāju gulēt ar sienu, kas šķīra mani no manas sievas, man radās skaista, nepiespiesta vīzija par pāri, kas uzkāpj kalna virsotnē no divām dažādām pusēm. Pusceļā šim grūtajam kāpumam, vīrietim domājot par padoties, garām aizlidoja mazs zvirbulēns ar šādu padomu: "Nepamet tagad, draugs. Tava sieva ļoti vēlas tevi redzēt virsotnē." Viņš turpināja kāpt. Dažas dienas vēlāk, kad sieva atradās uz atteikšanās robežas, mazais zvirbulēns parādījās ar tādu pašu ziņu. Soli pa solim viņu mīlestība uzturēja viņu ceļojumu līdz kalna virsotnei. Šīs vīzijas savlaicīgas žēlastības apciemots, es nobiru dažas pateicīgas asaras — un šis stāsts kļuva par pārbaudes akmeni ne tikai mūsu attiecībās, bet arī daudzās citās cēlās draudzībās.
Tāpēc es aicinu jūs izkopt līdzsvarotību un pieņemt visu, ko dzīve iemet jūsu klēpī — kad jūs to darīsit, jūs tiksit svētīts ar iekšējās transformācijas ieskatu, kas jums ir jāsaglabā visu laiku.
L burts WALK nozīmē Mīlestība. Jo vairāk mēs mācījāmies no dabas un veidojām sava veida iekšējo noturību pret ārējiem apstākļiem, jo vairāk mēs nokļuvām savā dabiskajā stāvoklī – būt mīlošam. Mūsu dominējošajā paradigmā Holivuda ir mānīgi izvēlējusies šo vārdu, taču mīlestība, par kuru es runāju, ir tāda mīlestība, kas zina tikai vienu — dot bez jebkādām stīgām. Tīri. Pašaizliedzīgi.
Lielākā daļa no mums uzskata, ka, lai dotu, mums vispirms ir kaut kas, ko dot. Problēma ir tāda, ka, izvērtējot to, kas mums ir, mēs gandrīz vienmēr pieļaujam grāmatvedības kļūdas. Oskars Vailds reiz ironizēja: "Mūsdienās cilvēki zina visa cenu, bet nekā vērtību." Mēs esam aizmirsuši, kā novērtēt lietas bez cenu zīmes. Tāpēc, nonākot pie visbagātākajām dāvanām, piemēram, uzmanības, ieskata, līdzjūtības, mēs sajaucam to vērtību, jo tās ir nenovērtējamas.
Ejot svētceļojumā, mēs pamanījām, ka tie, kuriem bija vismazāk, bija visvieglāk sagatavoti, lai godinātu nenovērtējamos. Pilsētās cilvēki, ar kuriem mēs sastapāmies, sākās ar neizteiktu piesardzību: "Kāpēc jūs to darāt? Ko jūs vēlaties no manis?" Savukārt laukos ciema iedzīvotāji mūs gandrīz vienmēr sagaidīja ar atvērtu ziņkāri, kas sākās tieši ar: "Ei, draugs, tu neizskaties vietējais. Kāds ir tavs stāsts?"
Ciematos tavu vērtību nenovērtēja pēc tavas vizītkartes, profesionālā tīkla vai algas. Šī iedzimtā vienkāršība ļāva viņiem mīlēt dzīvi un lolot visas tās saites.
Ārkārtīgi nabadzīgie ciema iedzīvotāji, kuri nevarēja atļauties pat paši ēst, bieži vien aizņēmās pārtiku no kaimiņiem, lai mūs pabarotu. Kad mēs mēģinājām atteikties, viņi vienkārši paskaidroja: "Mums viesis ir Dievs. Tas ir mūsu piedāvājums dievišķajam tevī, kas mūs savieno viens ar otru." Tagad, kā gan varētu no tā atteikties? Ielu tirgotāji bieži mums dāvināja dārzeņus; ļoti aizkustinošā brīdī kāda augļu pārdevēja bez rokām reiz uzstāja, lai iedotu mums arbūza šķēli. Ikviens, neatkarīgi no tā, cik vecs, būtu ļoti priecīgs, ja dotu mums norādījumus, pat ja viņi nebūtu par tiem pilnībā pārliecināti. :) Un es joprojām atceros sievieti, kura mums dāsni deva ūdeni, kad bijām ļoti izslāpuši, lai vēlāk atklātu, ka pulksten 4:00 viņai bija jāiet 10 kilometri, lai iegūtu šo vienu spaini ūdens. Šie cilvēki zināja, kā dot, nevis tāpēc, ka viņiem bija daudz, bet tāpēc, ka viņi zināja, kā mīlēt dzīvi. Viņiem nebija vajadzīgs kredīts vai garantija, ka jūs kādreiz atgriezīsities, lai viņiem atmaksātu. Drīzāk viņi vienkārši uzticējās dāvināšanas lokam.
Kad jūs atdzīvosities šādā veidā, jūs sapratīsit, ka patiesa dāsnums sākas nevis tad, kad jums ir kaut kas, ko dot, bet gan tad, kad tevī nav nekā, kas mēģinātu paņemt. Tāpēc es ceru, ka jūs visus savus vērtīgos mirkļus padarīsit par mīlestības pilnās dzīves izpausmi.
Visbeidzot, K burts WALK nozīmē Know Thyself.
Gudrie mūs jau sen ir informējuši, ka tad, kad mēs bez nosacījumiem kalpojam citiem, mēs pārejam no “es-mēs” un ciešāk savienojamies ar otru. Šī savstarpējo savienojumu matrica nodrošina dziļu garīgās klusuma kvalitāti. Tāpat kā kluss ezers, ko netraucē viļņi vai viļņi, mēs varam skaidri redzēt, kas mēs esam un kā mēs varam dzīvot dziļā harmonijā ar apkārtējo vidi.
Kad viena kāja iet, otra atpūšas. Darīšanai un būšanai ir jābūt līdzsvarā.
Mūsu racionālais prāts vēlas pamatoti nodrošināt progresu, bet mūsu intuitīvajam prātam ir nepieciešama arī telpa, lai rastos jaunais, nezināmais un neplānotais. Darīšana noteikti ir svarīga, taču, ja mēs neapzināmies savu iekšējo ekosistēmu, mēs esam tik ļoti pakļauti saviem plāniem un darbībām, ka nepamanām garīgo atlieku uzkrāšanos. Laika gaitā šis neapzinātais iekšējais troksnis sāk piesārņot mūsu motivāciju, ētiku un garu. Tāpēc ir ļoti svarīgi nomierināt prātu. Galu galā melodiju var radīt tikai ar klusumu starp notīm.
Kad mēs staigājām — redzējām, pieņēmām, mīlējām — mūsu pasaules redzējums patiešām kļuva skaidrāks. Šī skaidrība, paradoksālā kārtā, izplūdināja mūsu iepriekšējās atšķirības starp mani un mēs, iekšējo transformāciju pret ārējo ietekmi un savtīgumu pret nesavtību. Viņi bija nesaraujami saistīti. Kad nabaga zemnieks man uzdāvināja tomātu, asarām ritot acīs, vai es saņēmu vai dodu? Ja stundām ilgi sēdēju klusā meditācijā, vai ieguvums bija tikai mans, vai arī tas izplatīsies pasaulē? Kad es nocēlu siena kaudzi no veca vīra galvas un nesa to kilometru, vai es kalpoju viņam vai kalpoju sev?
Tas nozīmē, ne tikai iet cauri dzīvei - aug caur dzīvi. Jums būs viegli un vilinoši iegūt refleksīvas atbildes, taču tā vietā ņemiet vērā noslēpumu un apsveiciet bagātīgus jautājumus ... jautājumus, kas mudina jūs labāk izprast šo pasauli un savu vietu tajā.
Tā ir staigāšana. Un šodien, šajā nozīmīgajā savas dzīves pavērsiena punktā, jūs ienācāt ejot un iziesit ejot. Ejot tālāk pasaulē, kuras mērķis arvien vairāk ir domas ātrums, es ceru, ka jūs katrs atcerēsities, cik svarīgi ir ceļot pārdomāšanas ātrumā. Es ceru, ka jums būs vajadzīgs laiks, lai redzētu mūsu lieliskos savstarpējos sakarus. Ka tu pieņemsi skaistās dzīves dāvanas pat tad, kad tās nav skaistas, ka tu praktizēsi nesavtīgu mīlestību un centīsies izzināt savu dziļāko būtību.
Es vēlos nobeigt ar stāstu par savu vecvectēvu. Viņš bija mazturīgs cilvēks, kurš joprojām spēja atdot katru savas dzīves dienu. Katru rītu viņam bija rituāls doties pastaigā — un, ejot, viņš cītīgi baroja savā takā esošos skudru kalnus ar nelielām kviešu miltu šķipsniņām. Tagad tas ir tik mazs mikrodāsnuma akts, ka Visuma lielajā shēmā tas varētu šķist pavisam nenozīmīgs. Kā tas ir svarīgi? Tam ir nozīme ar to, ka tas viņu iekšēji mainīja. Un mana vecvectēva labestība veidoja manu vecvecāku pasaules uzskatu, kas savukārt ietekmēja viņu bērnu — manu vecāku — pasaules uzskatu. Šodien tās skudras un skudru kalni ir pazuduši, bet mana vecvectēva gars ir ļoti iesakņojies visās manās darbībās un to turpmākajos viļņos. Tieši šīs mazās, bieži vien neredzamās iekšējās transformācijas darbības veido mūsu būtību un saliek mūsu kopīgā likteņa loku.
Tavā pastaigā šodien un vienmēr novēlu, lai acis saskatītu skudru pūzņus un sirds tos baro ar prieku.
Lai tu esi svētīts. Mainiet sevi - mainiet pasauli.
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Thank you for sharing this. May God bless you both.
Wow, amazing, simply amazing talk...you just kept me glued to this narrative as though I was hearing you live, Nipun. Your name is befitting you. It is always about how you can decipher a thought in simple yet effective way so that the recipient of the thought could not only grasp but also transmit it forward. You did that to me. I will never forget the expansion and meaning of the acronym W-A-L-K and would always get reminded whenever I walk. Wishing you all the best in your WALK of life. God bless.
Beautiful article, it was worth reading
Amazing article... When one foot walks, the other rests.I`ll take this forever!
Amazing story. Reminds me of Nanak ji. Sat naam wage guru. We need crazy people like you in this world to make it better, loving and acceptable.
This was a true gift today. An affirmation of thoughts I was pondering just this morning. On my way into work (driving, sadly rather than walking - but at a leisurely pace through a parkway, foregoing the freeway) I was thinking about walking and those that walk for a purpose such as Nipun and his wife, although at the time I was thinking of another walker's story I had just read. I thought of all the books I've read about others' pilgrimages and how my little hikes reveal to me in small ways what others learn on their longer journeys. It came to my mind that if I had the opportunity and time to walk one of these long walks, the Camino, the APT, the PCT, and IAT, I wouldn't be doing it to write a book or to change the world, but I could expect it to change my world vision. If we change our vision, such as Nipun requests, we do change the world, though, don't we?
Amazing speech nipun. It has been amazing knowing about you. It is really shaking selfish and insecure person in me and temping me to start giving - in whatever small way until it becomes a habit. Thanks for showing new way of living.
This is the most insightful and inspirational speech about the adventure of their pilgrimage in India and the lessons learned during this journey. Thank you very much for sharing with all of us.
I will always remember these four key words - Witness, Accept, Love and Know thyself. These four words are like mantra to me to remember and practice all through our day to remind myself about Nipun's insights.
Thank you.
very inspiring and thought provoking article, feel pleaure to read this .:)
Truly inspirational. However, temper your kindness with pragmatism. Feeding wheat flour to ants may be an act of micro kindness but don't try that with snakes. When bit by a cobra, most you can do is to follow the 'A' in the WALK model before turning blue.
Thanks to Nepun Mehta for enlivining each of our life's and sharing your thought with us..........it has greatly moved me and changed my life.....
i was lead here again by the new grad speech .. one of my favorite reads ever still HUGS
I feel myself blessed to read this beautiful article. Though i have read it a lot of times, each time i read it , i learn something new. Thank You :) Its one of the most amazing blogs i have read.
Thanks a lot for sharing.:)
Awe-inspiring and awesome article!!!
Thank you I will carry these thoughts on my daily walks
Nothing new in this article or speech. Its like remaking the older version of a film BUDHA back. Its becoming a fashion for the so called elite saying, " I'm also experienced the suffers". The speaker doesn't know what the real life means so its make him some difference. In B.C Gowtham Budha changed himself from a 4(WALK) incidents.
Modern education system doesn't teach for the mind growing process its only teaching for the industrial market driven process.
Nipun, Both of you are doing greatest job and very few people are devotee like both of you. Both of you have started your journey of SEVA at very young age. Thank you very much for explaining very true meaning of WALK. May God bless you for your long journey for betterment of the people around the globe.
Very productive
Day after day I become more and more certain that there is already enough wisdom out there to make us live a fulfilled and immensely happy life! :) It always boils down to the same: Be mindful, be grateful... Truly BE! And then, when you have yourself sorted out completelly, you realise that it is not about you anymore.
If you analyse the article, or any other inspiring one, you will find that all the takeaway points
can be pretty much fitted in 3-4 categories on the sorts of "mindfulness" "gratitude (take everything as a gift)" etc.). There are lots written about this (From philosophy (I am quite stoic myself :P), to modern works like the book "Flow"... Endless quotes and frameworks (Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues) etc.) Anyway, my point? We have the information! Please let's DO something about all this! There is NO justification for any of us not being fulfilled and happy. :) Let me leave you with a powerful quote on a new comment to illustrate gratitude. Don't be scared about the religious feeling it has... ignore that if you please... just take the main point, the one of gratitude:
Heaven is available to the Muslim and Jew, even to Catholic… heaven is even available to atheist… but often the atheist does not find heaven because the atheist is full of conflict, full of
pushing away. Religions are important… religions are beliefs systems that get people to faith, but faith, faith is trust in life... trust in that anything life brings you is a gift... even when it seems like it is a pile of crap. If you can trust that everything life brings you is a gift, even when it seems as though is darkness and adversity, then you will trust that even death is a gift, because after all... what does life bring everybody eventually but death... and if you can trust that even death is a gift... then surely... you will go to heaven. If you can trust that everything life brings you is a gift... if you can really chose to have faith... then you remove your heart from anxiety, from stress, form conflict... and you replace it with peace, creativity and acceptance... then you have found heaven on earth. (Brother David Steindl Rast )
Compare with a quote from your article "When the things around you are seen as gifts, they are no longer a means to an end; they are the means and the end"
Similar right? We have it sorted! Let’s do something about it!
Antonio
[Hide Full Comment]@antoniogbo
still Re-reading. Kudos Nipun for enlivening others.
GREAT........INSPIRING........ my husband introduced this to me and what....enjoyed getting shaken up.....very thought provoking.
Respected Sir,
I wish I could walk like Budhaa,Shankaracharya, SRI Gandhiji, SWAMI Vivekanandji , ACHARYA Tulsidasji or like you with an empty hand.
A courageous advanture for a person like uou.
WITH REGARDS-gdshah
Some people are brave ~ courageous ~ blissful. Nipun is among those and they pull others and show the way that generosity is possible and not linked to the wealth you own.
Really blessed after reading it and wish many will get blessed and not just inspired.
Thanks ...Gopal
This highlights the depth of simplicity. We have things so backwards.
This has been in my mind for over a month and finally I blogged on it. http://everydaygeeta.blogsp....
Thoughtful and inspiring are the words that come to mind. Thank You.
I loved this piece very true especially when he says
make it a point, instead, to acknowledge mystery and welcome rich questions ... questions that nudge you towards a greater understanding of this world and your place in it.
many of us do not know our place in this universe feeling that we are minute hence dont care less
brilliant and thoughtprovoking even at my seventies. This is what our ancestors did walking from Kanyakumari to badrinath in the himalayas and had this ennobling experience
narasimhan
Very beautiful speech that reminded me to take life easy and embrace it. I received clarity on my confusion regarding, "Accepting what is given vs Need to grow" Thank you for that. My eyes welled up in tears for the act of giving water by the lady who walked for 10 KMs to fetch water. The importance of silence was beautifully expressed in the line: "A melody, after all, can onle created with the silence in between the notes.
Am blessed to know you, Nipun, and call you a friend. Many bows...Marsha
Such profound advice can only come from a heart and mind of one who has experienced the richness of life way beyond the rat race and aggressiveness found in this materialistic world! I hope the Class of 2012 of UPENN are indeed moved to follow it!!
It is simple yet soo deep! Thank you for motivationg the future generations!
Truly inspiring. A fantastic piece, every single word coming out of deep experiences.
It tells us again the the real India lives in our villages. It reminds all of us that we can be happy by simply loving, giving, being kind, accepting life as it unfolds, and always look within.
The best line was perhaps, do not go through life, grow through life.
Hats off to Nipun and his wife.
We pray to our beloved AMMA to shower Her blessings to both of them, and pray for all success in all their endeavours.
It is absolutely beautiful, had tears of 'love' in my eyes-----
Veena Kapoor
Truly inspiring..
thanks i wont fly i will walk
Amazing article!!an eye opener to most of us who have have not realised the art of submitting,giving,receiving,unconditionally.
Just a couple of questions (without malice)...did Mr Mehta wing his way back to the safety and comfort of the US after his walk? Second, he has not written his wife's name or how she reacted to the walk. (or, are we supposed to know her only as his wife, and nothing else)?
very inspiring indeed . an eye opener for me . thanks for sharing your thoughts & experiences
Excellent work Nipun,
It proves your name............one who is Nipun in enjoying life. May God bless you to inspire people.
( Nipun can be translated as Kushal............but not very exact)
One word sums it up - Brilliant. You are a true change agent Nipun and the world desperately needs people like you to bring about spiritual transformation and peace. What a touching and inspiring experience and so beautifully articulated. I sincerely hope and pray that our politicians draw a leaf from your chapter.(wishful thinking perhaps but nonetheless)... Kudos and a big thank you for this wonderful article...
This is so enlightening
Nipun what an amazing and an inspiring message to the young generation,it has deeply touched me.
As a speech, it is touching ! However is it suitable to the audience- I would say- NO.
The young graduates who has spent their hard earned saving to be graduate - and we are teaching them not to be ambitious but be contented , not aggressive but considerate, not game changer but game player- this sounds alright after you have lived life, understood and experienced its invincibility-but not to the young graduate whom we need to encourage to go and conquer the world...
While I salute Nipuns' selflessness, his sagely advice, I strongly disagree to his teaching these to the young guys and sucking out their enthusiasm for the life yet to start.
Truly inspiring. Realised what enormous wealth I have -my mind and the ability to walk. It is absolutely fantastic that a person can have such a clear thinking while delivering a speech! Blessed are those who had the opportunity to hear / read these wonderful thoughts.
CK Chandrasekharan
What a beautiful speech! My friend Asheesh shared this with me, and I am so glad I read it. Truly an inspiration for me in my life. I recently had the honor of delivering the student keynote speech at my own MBA graduation from the Penn State Smeal College of Business, and it was centered on a story of walking as well. (If you are interested, here is the link: http://slidesha.re/KQzLRl)
You have shown the wisdom and beauty of accepting the only pace that you can take for a journey that cannot be run. Thank you!
Feed the ants. Don't just go thru life, Grow thru life. W.A.L.K. Thank you for sharing this meditation.
Amazing.....its most important to be "grounded"......bravo !
It is highly motivating. This made to ponder the inner and come out with peaceful state of mind.
Ajayakumar.P
Wow, I like the way speaker's experience is brought out. An encouraging speech!!!
wonderful!
There is much to be learned by merely breathing into the Spirit we all have within our hearts and asking to be lead. Of ourselves we can accomplish nothing. But, letting go of past and future and following that inner voice's words, directions, and feelings will lead you to insights that our hard to believe. Try it. Breath deeply within the heart and say: Of myself I can do nothing. Please guide me, give me your words, thoughts and feelings. Then without trying of thinking, just listen and follow the guidance. It seems to be leading you nowhere but trust and you will find what seems impossible.
That was an amazing speech Nipun! I always love hearing tidbits about your pilgrimmage and the wisdom in your words helps me to remember that I need to stop and enjoy my surroundings. Hope you and the wife are doing well :)
I agree that this is a fantastic article, would love to have been there to hear it in person.
I think everyone can be guilty sometimes of not taking time out to appreciate the wonderful things that fill our world, and more often or not the most simplest of things.
If we all change the way we treat ourselves and the world, eventually every person on this planet would become the happy and content person they seek to be.
Very ennobling speech. One is reminded of the Venerable Sage of Kanchi (Paramacharya) who followed the illustrious path of Adi Sankara in a walkng pilgrimage across India. He too wished to witness the nobility of the people of our countryside, who have so much to teach us. He in turn also blessed them with his compassion to help them face the harsh realities of life.
Very inspiring... Very Touching..
It is very inspiring and thought provoking.....You are truly blessed to experience thing that you only read in books. Your stupendous desire to experience the greatness of simple things in life this way is truly amazing.
That was really amazing talk. Took me a while to read it line by line but really mind blowing and inspiring.
Another comment disappeared before I replied. Well, I can't say what hurt the feelings of the Asian Culture is true or directed to them. It was meant for a short time punishments to the woman, thief and money launderer in a swift way as words and sentences would tell authorities---what?
Second reason, was to return the money to the needy beneficiaries or to the careless donors.
That is why I sympathize for looking someone who demonize a certain community who had no stakes with me. I was fool for that.
Hats off to you, Mr. Mehta! The article is simply Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing.
Beautiful. Mt Gandhi discovered. True india is found. Wish our Political leaders in India read and learn to WALK.
Thank you too.
This has come at an intersection in my life, today is the beginning of a new walk for me. Thank you
That was so beautiful. In this world when goodness is viewed sceptically ( read secret agenda), this was an endorsement on being human.
Heartwarming!! Thank you for sharing the joy and spreading the message.
W-A-L-K= witness always, like a kid
Let us walk and even own it...just need how-easiest way of making it heaven.
Fantastic article , written with utmost sincerity and honesty; two items which are becoming rarer and rarer every day in the rat race for materialistic progress and so called achievements!! An open look in to the broader throbbing world and trying to live in it with true participation can make us all Walk Taller literally and make this earth itself a heaven. Humility, compassion, optimism and belief in self and utmost modesty ; all these shine like gems in this article. I am made aware now, that I lack these and I bow my head and thank you immensely for firing my imagination with this spark to help me become a humble human being with a better heart and to lead a purposeful life. Thanks once again
Very inspiring article. Next time i take my morning walk i will remember what walk means.
I am delighted to have read the passage on W-A-L-K. I am deeply touched
Humbling !!!
Thank you too. truth is only thing I can offer...name a topic you would like.
Thank you for sharing......the world's desperate for the truth!
AMAZING !! INSPIRATIONAL !! SIMPLY GREAT !!
Well, projects are as many as stars. If people looking innocent don't appreciate then there they are. Because the work is about compassion and grounded is nature
Truly humbling and intensely inspirational!
You have epitomized the essence of our ethos and underpinned the importance of staying sanely and steadily grounded.
Thank you for shared wisdom
Thank you for sharing your story, experience and learning.
wish i had heard this talk when i graduated!! in deep gratitude for this talk...
Awesome
,it sums up what it is to be a loving christen.It is simply Christ's teachings no matter what your faith is. this should always be a reminder what life is meant to be,should we at times forget.
I walked many times and enjoyed travels but mine were planned unlike the couple.
I remember visiting my brother who is legsless and back the bus punctured one of its legs. I and two others went into the forest to see what it hosts. We came back to only find the bus left us. We walked about 4 hours in Masaai highlands and unlike other other communities, Masaai have a strict culture. We needed water badly and it already got dark. Only costume and leaves on my head and thighs, I got close to where they were celebrating on firewoods. Their leader who held a flame on his hand was impressed and I called my friends who were nearby. We were given water and milk. I don't costumes but my need of water forced me. So I learned cultures are very different where ties on some cultures are disguised. I also learned if one lives in slums he should look a slumdog like I am now. I can tomorrow be an urban dog. My experience on different cultures strengthened my ability of Human Engineering.
Though I believe I mastered Africans' way of life, I tried to see how westerners can be comforted. Some town tourists didn't return greetings as as they kept distance looking wary, so I thought I was discomforting them. I still feel that it would be great to meet one and impress. And Change is worked out. One student I once influenced his education promised me something very great 2days ago. So, I can tell priceless tags are sometimes greater than priced items. Though my facial outwards are not very interesting for first time am really honest. When I saw most people corrupted, crimed, harmful and non-punished I thought resorting and later re-correcting. Resorting for important celestial and earth change should not damage my name to open websites, social pages, create awareness against terrorism and improve social understandings which will lead religion and culture tolerance among all. Best known to adults or wise people am not doing all these things to clean my name from previous cases or because of way out of poverty. I may have made some statements telling people "here is the cash key" I may say that because of many reasons for:
1. Some people get motivations only when money involves.
2.Some people only respect when money is talked.
3.People's attentions can be gained
4.people will be productive and supportive.
Well, for me and my NGO which is the core of the changes need funds as the only way of achieving simplest change to set off. Imagine pals, I am to build a website from my store and countless people spread rumors against me saying I am an agent of Non-muslims where these accusations alone can be not only deadly but also assassinations. Still even didn't receive a penny and fewer people who would back me in case are to disbelieve me. You can then see how brave I am to disregard them and move forward. I need backings and change is here sirs and madams. This is Noor saying some truth out to wise men and women.
[Hide Full Comment]Very inspiring speech, with a great vision , the facts were simple yet thought provoking,
Hope to meet this lovely couple sometime in my life
Chandra Natarajan
Thanks
what a gift to the graduates! Bless you both.
Thank you. It is beautiful.
I've not read something as amazing as this in a long long time...u've deeply touched my heart & my sensibilities & given me new eyes with which to see the world....i salute u for having the courage to do what u wanted to & not give in to the monotony & average-ness of this materialistic world which frowns on everything new...but ur convictions have given me new hope that life can be lead from the heart....thankx again
Nipun. It is with the humble-est spirit, to thank you for your joy in sharing all that binds us together. Peace.
Dear Nipun
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Nipun, for continuing to be an inspiration, for truly making a difference in the world one step at a time, one being at a time, and in the ripples who knows how many are touched. My heart is full with gratitude at knowing you and Guri -
"It is precisely these small, often invisible, acts of inner transformation that mold the stuff of our being, and bend the arc of our shared destiny." What a beautiful commencement address. Thank you :)
thank you my friend. i'm glad to be at "one".
Thank you for sharing, inspiring and being the change. :) beautiful and touching to the soul.
Absolutely marvellous!Sets you thinking and change direction.
Deeply moving!
Very beautiful. Namaste--Peace, Love, Connection to All.
Nippun, thank you so much for posting this and sharing your journey. The Daily Good keeps me grounded, like a kite with a steady hand guiding it through the air.
Blessings, Nipun.
In 1970-71 my husband and I took a trip from Spain to India. Although we did not walk we travelled slowly getting to know the people and we were regularly invited and treated well by almost everyone. The experience changed my entire world view as I saw how some people could uncomplainingly make something out of nothing; in contrast to the attitudes of my fellow countrymen (US).
Wow.. It takes lot of courage to WALK, but the love that has filled in you couple is so true and pure.
I wish Both of you keep growing with your years together.
Thank You for being so true and kind...)
Every word is so grounded and so beautiful.