Today I visited an Ashram in a small village near Gondal and some days ago I visited an Ashram in a village near Morbi. What I felt was so magical and mysterious. I can’t express myself in words yet I want to share my experience and observation about the understanding of the human race that we all are in..and I think this story can explain it in a better way than my experience.

STORY

Once upon a time in a small village in India, there were two childhood friends named Raj and Arjun. Raj was a happy and healthy farmer, content with his simple life, while Arjun had become a successful and wealthy businessman.

Raj lived in a modest house surrounded by lush green fields. He woke up every morning with the rising sun, tending to his crops with love and dedication. He found joy in the rhythm of nature, nurturing the soil and watching his plants grow. Raj’s days were filled with hard work, but he found solace in the simplicity of his life. He had a close-knit community, and his family and friends were always there to support him.

Arjun, on the other hand, lived in a luxurious mansion in the city. He had built a vast empire through his business ventures, accumulating wealth and material possessions. His days were filled with meetings, negotiations, and constant pursuit of financial success. Arjun had all the comforts money could buy, but he often felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness. He had become disconnected from his roots and had little time for personal relationships.

As time went by, Raj and Arjun met after many years. They shared stories of their lives, and Raj spoke passionately about the fulfillment he found in his work, the joy of being close to nature, and the happiness he derived from his relationships. Arjun, on the other hand, spoke of the stress, constant pressure, and the void he felt despite his wealth.

Curious, Raj asked Arjun, “You have achieved so much success, but are you truly happy and healthy?”

Arjun paused for a moment, reflecting on his life. He realized that while he had achieved financial success, he had neglected his well-being and the simple pleasures of life. He admitted that he often felt stressed, exhausted, and unfulfilled.

Raj smiled and said, “My friend, happiness, and health are not solely measured by wealth and material possessions. True happiness lies in finding contentment in the present moment, nurturing relationships, and living a life aligned with one’s values.”

Arjun realized the wisdom in Raj’s words. He decided to make a change in his life, to reconnect with his roots, and prioritize his well-being. He started spending more time with loved ones, engaging in activities that brought him joy, and finding a balance between work and personal life.

As time passed, Arjun’s perspective shifted, and he began to experience a newfound sense of happiness and health. He realized that true success was not just about financial achievements but also about leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Certainly! The story of Raj and Arjun can be connected to the movie “Swades,” which beautifully explores similar themes of happiness, fulfillment, and the human race’s pursuit of a meaningful life.

In the movie “Swades,” the protagonist, Mohan Bhargava, is a successful NASA scientist who returns to his homeland, India, to find his childhood nanny, Kaveri Amma. Mohan, like Arjun, has achieved great success in his career but feels a sense of emptiness and disconnect from his roots.

Upon his return, Mohan witnesses the struggles and challenges faced by the villagers in a remote village. He meets Geeta, a young woman who is dedicated to improving the lives of her fellow villagers through education and empowerment. Through his interactions with Geeta and the villagers, Mohan begins to question his own definition of success and happiness.

Similar to Raj’s character, Geeta and the villagers find contentment and joy in their simple lives. They derive happiness from their close-knit community, their connection to nature, and their efforts to uplift each other. Mohan realizes that true happiness lies not in material wealth or external achievements but in making a positive impact on the lives of others and finding fulfillment in the service of others.

As Mohan immerses himself in village life, he starts to experience a transformation. He finds a sense of purpose and belonging that he had been missing in his successful but disconnected life abroad. Mohan’s journey in “Swades” mirrors Arjun’s realization in the previous story, where he understands that true success and happiness come from living a life aligned with one’s values, nurturing relationships, and finding contentment in the present moment.

“Swades” and the story of Raj and Arjun both emphasize the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots, finding fulfillment in simplicity, and prioritizing personal well-being and meaningful relationships over material success. They remind us that the human race’s pursuit of happiness and fulfillment is not solely defined by external achievements but by our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others and find contentment in the present moment.

SUMMARY

This story reflects the human race’s pursuit of happiness and well-being. It highlights the importance of finding a balance between material success and personal well-being. The story suggests that true happiness and health come from living a life aligned with one’s values, nurturing relationships, and finding contentment in the present moment. It reminds us that the human race is not solely defined by external achievements but by the quality of our relationships, our connection to nature, and our ability to find joy and fulfillment in the simple things in life.