Rev Fr Dr P S Varghese
Principal, MGM College
“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.”
Often our own fears tell the most untruthful stories. Rudyard Kipling (1895-1936) was an innovative writer who was a journalist, a poet, and a novelist popular in Britain in the early 20th century. In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
There is no enemy more powerful than fear. These lines were written by Kipling from his own experiences. Having been born in Mumbai under Imperial rule, he was taken to the United Kingdom with his sister when he was five years old. It was their home for many years, along with other couples.
As teachers, our primary goal is to help every child overcome their fears. However, teach them that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov:9:10)
Furthermore, St. Paul reminds us: don’t become weary in doing well, because at the right time a harvest will be reaped: “As you teach, don't become weary in doing well, for, at the proper time, you will reap a harvest.” (Galatians 6:9).
There are some teachers who are more concerned about the grades and results of their students. The purpose of education isn't just to earn grades but to change lives. It is the role of mentors to help each child develop a global perspective.
To help every child confront reality without fear, we should help him get out of the grips of fear. As mentors, it is important to encourage your children to face the truth with sufficient confidence. By having such confidence in them, they can overcome even the bitterest reality, and they will never be led by success mantras instead of following their true nature.
Kurukshetra was the scene of the battle. Arjuna the warrior was puzzled when he saw his own people on the other side of the battlefield. He even gets down from the chariot out of fear. Krishna is the greatest guru, and his supreme words have helped him overcome his fears.
“Yada yada hi dharmasya
glaanirbhavati bhaarat
Abhyutthaanam adharmasya
tadaatmaanam srijaamyaham.
Paritranaay saadhunaam
vinaashaay cha dushkritaam
Dharm sansthaapanaarthaay
sambhavaami yuge yuge.”
(Bhagavatgita IV:7- 8)
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and a rise in unrighteousness, O Bharata, then I send myself forth. From age to age, I come into being for the protection of the good, the destruction of the wicked, and the establishment of righteousness.”
The purpose of incarnation goes beyond simply upholding the world order, but also enhancing the nature of humanity. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan gives a meaningful interpretation to this portion in his book ‘The Bhagavad Gita’.
Almighty is created whenever righteousness wanes, and unrighteousness increases. Furthermore, he elucidates; when a serious conflict arises in life when all-pervasive materialism begins to invade the souls of people, a manifestation of wisdom and righteousness is imperative to maintain the equilibrium. Despite being unborn and undying, the Supreme becomes manifest in human form to subdue ignorance and selfishness. The purpose of Avatar is to inaugurate a new world. It is to raise the status of humans to a higher status. God descends when man rises.
There is a decisive difference between right and wrong. It is God who works on the right. The power of love and mercy ultimately triumphs over hatred and cruelty. It is the truth that will ultimately triumph over falsehood. It is the Reality of Being, Intelligence, and Bliss that will overthrow the powers of death, disease, and sin.
Dharma literally means 'mode of being'. In essence, a being's mode of behavior is determined by its essential nature. God does not stand aside when we abuse our freedom and cause disequilibrium. It is not simply Him who windup the world, but rather his loving hand that steers it continuously.
According to Rig Veda, 'Ritas' represent the moral and cosmic order. Every human being is a vital part of this cosmic order because 'rita' is embodied in the human body (The Bhagavad Gita, 1993. Harper Collins. New Delhi. P. 154-155):
According to this interpretation, it affirms that fear must be overcome by reality. We will all become free if we understand the truth. The clutches of ignorance will disperse, and thereby bring an end to the darkness.
To be a responsible mentor, dear colleagues, let us first be empowered by words of wisdom. The wisdom of the ages speaks in many ways. All its essence must be embraced. It will involve reading, writing, listening, as well as a collaborative study with elders, parents, and gurus. Fear has been conquered by it in a magnificent way. Fear will result in death, first for a person's sensory system, then their vitality.
During this pandemic, fear encrypts every human being regardless of social status and gender. Children and parents are often concerned about their education, future, meeting both ends of the life spectrum, phobias, mental stress, and so on. The list goes on and on.
Mindfulness has a lot of relevance and significance for everyone right now. We can find joy, happiness, and meaning in life even in adverse situations when we do this. The love, care, empathy, and sympathy a mentor offers are worth a million dollars. We must therefore continue this teaching as a mission entrusted by Almighty to continue His teaching ministry in this world. As teachers, our primary goal is to help every student overcome their fears.
