Take One Step At A Time Towards Holistic Living

Walking through a forest, a man chanced to meet four beautiful women. Greeting them, he introduced himself. The tall and slim woman said: “My name is buddhi (intellect), I live in man’s head”. The woman with kohllined eyes said: “I am Lajja, I live in the eyes of man as modesty and present myself as decorum in behaviour”. The third lady had a well-toned body. “I am Himmat”, she said. “I live in man’s  heart. I give him the courage to live”. The fourth lady had rosy cheeks and radiated freshness. “My name is Tandurusti (health). I live in man’s stomach”, she said.

As the traveler went ahead, his thoughts went back to the four women he had met. At the end of the forest, he met four young men. “I am Krodh (anger)”, said the first man who was handsome but for his brows, which were always knitted. “Where do you live”, the traveler asked. “I live in man’s head”, said Krodh. The traveler said this was not possible. He had just met Buddhi and she lived in the head. Krodh said “Till I enter, Buddhi remains. Once I enter, she runs away”. Krodh had strong muscles and a forceful personality. The second man was Laalach (greed). “I live in people’s eyes”, he said. Once again the traveler interjected to say “Only Lajja lives there”. Just place a bag of gold coins and see how Lajja runs away from people’s eyes. Or offer a position of power. Desire does not believe in modesty, shame or decorum. It is an expression of greed”.

Who would the third man be? “I am Bhay (fear)”, the sickly-looking man was saying. “I live in people’s hearts”. “Is it not the residence of Himmat?” The traveler asked. “When people do not obey their conscience, they are always afraid. They do wrong and so are full of fear of being caught. That is why Himmat wanders homeless while I reside comfortably in people’s hearts. Sometimes when I dominate, people say they have a heart attack and go to the doctor. They give me even more space when and if they come back”.

“My name is Rog (disease)”,  said the fourth man. He looked healthy, “I live in people’s stomachs. They are forever downing intoxicants that goes into their stomach, feeding me. I know you will wonder where Tandurusti went. She does not stand a chance. Everybody wants her but it is me they feed when they drink, smoke and partake of other such substances”.

A healthy and happy life seems to be within reach. But so are problems. If we invite problems, is it fair to blame it all on fate? Can we make small resolves that will make some space for Buddhi, Lajja, Himmat and Tandurusti within us? Small resolves like: “Today. I will limit my possessions. I will not give in to temptations that lead me to ill health”. Small vows or anuvrats are firm stepping stones to a happier and healthier life.

All it takes to be able to live a holistic life is to resist temptation, taking one step at a time. Health, happiness and peace will be within reach.