Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Why do we need Self-development?

It is said that we, human beings, are the most developed species that have trodden the face of the Earth. And yet we need assistance for self-development. Why? Isn’t it funny?

Well, the reason is that nothing in this Universe, other than nature, is full and complete in every respect. Even though we are more developed in our skills and abilities, and are blessed with the power of thought, we also lack some of the aspects that we should have, for example, in our character, belief system and behavior, than other forms of life. Animals, however, as we know, are driven by instinct, two instincts to be precise – the instinct of hunger and the instinct of reproducing. Humankind, however, has one unique gift – the mind - which enables it to urge for more comfort and look for it wherever possible.

This urge for a better life, developed from very early in the process of evolution. This led to the realization that extra qualities were needed to progress to higher levels of civilization. The result was, on one hand, the innumerable discoveries and inventions that continue to provide us with outer comfort. However, humankind has remained dissatisfied, reflected by their perpetual struggle for inner comfort.

The self-development programs are therefore here to assist us in finding that inner comfort. Ideas and ideologies have been poured into the consciousness of human knowledge through eons of careful thought. Starting with the ancient Egyptians, the Indus Valley people, the Mesopotamians and other successive civilizations, self-development continues to occupy the minds of great thinkers. In the same way as diversities in geography have given rise to diversities in culture, so diversities in thought and belief systems have given rise to diversified outlook about our existence on this planet as well as the existence of our universe. After all, that is the core question we continue to ask. It has four parts: Who are we? Where have we come from? What are our purposes? What is our destination? The answers to these basic questions, is the true comfort we seek for our inner self.

Even though we may be born with these answers within us, they do not immediately become known to us. Our childhood days are the time that these answers either flash before us or get lost in oblivion, and for most of us, forever.

‘Environment makes a man what he is’ is not just a proverb, it is a fact. Environment does more to us than our genes. And it is this right environment that produces people like Krishna, the Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mohamed the prophet, and a lot more, in every field of human endeavor. And by right environment, I mean, parents with a positive attitude, proper education that develops wisdom, and a community with ‘healthy habits.’ This ideal environment can be created by altering our views of life. When we are able to achieve that, our self-development will start.

One of the primary steps that one can take to alter one’s environment for self development is by reading books. So start by reading books and begin right now. Reading unlocks the blinkered mind. It energizes dead brain cells. It banishes all negative thoughts and emotions. It transfers you to another sphere of reality. So find your way to achieving your full potential and start reading now. Then follow the footsteps of the great masters. Attain your self-development.

OPEN YOUR THIRD EYE to bring greater meaning to your life.

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