“The twentieth century was a century of war and peace, a century of politics and economics. The dawning twenty-first century holds the promise, however, to be a century of humanity and culture, a century of science and religion. I hope all of you will advance on this wonderful new path of humanism with pride and confidence, as gallant philosophers of action.”
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
What a wish for the 21st century! It’s time for humanity, and I love it!
Today, is one of my favorite days of the year. It marks the birthday of the man who is the reason behind my drive, my thoughts, my positivity, and my passion to want to live a truly spiritual life, Rev. Shri Pandurang Shashtri Athavale, Dadaji.
But more than the celebration of this MahaPurush, this great man that myself and thousands of other were fortunate to be blessed with, it is the celebration of being human–today is Human Dignity Day, Manusha Gaurav Din!
You are a human. You are not a helpless being merely going through the motions of life. We have been graced with intellect and rationality. So why do we fall victim to instincts and acting blindly?
To be human is to be grateful. This is one of the strongest statements that I have ever heard. We have the ability to show our gratefulness to the Supreme for all He has given us. Nothing we do, think, feel, sense is solely because of us. But, why are we so reluctant to show our gratefulness, krutagnata, to the Creator?
”We are not mere helpless creatures or puppets in the hands of the supernatural being. We are participants in Gods divine and creative play.” -Pandurang Shashtri Athavale, Dadaji
Tu maanas che! You are a Human! If we realize that God is with us and within us, if we realize that not only are we the children of God, but we are a part of God then how can we live like every other animal that walks the planet. We are something special. Arise! Embrace all that you are.
Tat Tvam Asi. That thou art. (That “THAT” being the Absolute, the Supreme, the Ultimate)
HAPPY MANUSHA GAURAV DIN
“Intellect will play a very important role in the coming age. By intellect I mean refined wisdom, clear reasoning, profound philosophy and broad-ranging knowledge. We are entering an age when people will develop their intelligence and wisdom, infusing society with their new outlook.” –Daisaku Ikeda
I particularly like this daily encouragement because it shows the importance of what kind of education we need. We’ve become victims of specialized knowledge, learning things that will benefit us monetarily, and allow us to live a nice life. But, there is a need for “life knowledge” which will allow us to live a happy life filled with personal growth and fulfillment so that we are able to reach the Ultimate.
*taken from sgi.org
thoughts and experiences 