Loss of livelihoods is bad enough, compounded by illness and loss of some near and dear to many people. Humanity now lives under a pall of great fear as the pandemic stalks the land.
No amount of sympathy and condolence can fill the void of sorrow. But life will go on irrespective of how we feel.
I am reminded of the loss of my father Sardar Man Singh ji, his life and the great lessons he provided us.
Six years ago, on the 1st day of Sept with a gurgle and a cough my father left this world just as he arrived into it.
I was inconsolable, because my mindless heart could not stop crying.
I was unduly brave, because my heartless mind refused to let me grieve.
Some said it was an auspicious day to die.
How can any day be a good day to lose someone you love?
Fate was both kind and cruel to our father, Sardar Man Singh ji (1928 -2014). In spite of his many failings his life was crowned with great success and accomplishments. In spite of his kind, brilliant, hardworking, witty and charming nature he encountered numerous misfortunes. Yet he never lost his balance nor his zest for life.
On the contrary he transformed setbacks into success and taught us, his friends and colleagues so much by sharing through stories his own experiences and learning. He thus enriched the lives of whoever he touched.
Father was old but in good health, yet he knew that his time was near. He thanked everyone in his life and sought forgiveness from them for any offence he may have caused them. He devoted the last decade of his life time and effort to helping whoever and whenever he could. The critical and aggressive nature so essential for achievement was replaced by understanding and compassion.
As the Guru taught, life is uncertain, for we are owners only of this moment this breath, for we know not whether the next moment, the next breath may come or not.
So use this moment and do what is important, to meditate and understand the insignificance of man and the infiniteness of Creation/Creator in the general scheme of existence.
As I noticed with my father a transformation took place. We begin to view everyone as good at heart and some as merely misguided. The heart overflows with love and compassion, respect and contentment for whatever life doles out. A friendly nature emerges not out of cowardice but fearlessness.
As I witnessed with our father, such an awakening enables us to confront all sorts of challenges, to unflinchingly cope with the most difficult situation, possess the sagacity to accept the outcome and the courage to embrace the inevitable.
Such a being, a warrior knows, one can fight and yet lose or one can pass on with dignity and grace and yet win.That is why they give life the best they can.