We brought no material thing into the world and we will not take anything with us when we depart. But our whole life revolves around acquisition of wealth and material things. And we also seek fame, recognition, high status and sensory pleasures. Let us imagine that we are at the end of life. What will then seem to be important for us?
If we examine the issue properly, we would become aware that we came with our karmas. Or as Kabir Saheb said, “pahile prarabdh [karma] bani, paachhe bani sharir. “We are born according to our previous karmas.” When we depart only our karmas will go with us and will determine our future birth. Why then do we not pay attention to what we brought with us, and that we will take with us? Kabir Saheb said, “पानी बारहो नाव में घर में बारहो दाम, दोनों हाथ उलीचिये यही सयानो काम.” This is a metaphor for our life. When water gets into our boat, we bail it out. Just so, when our material possessions increase, we need to share it and unburden ourselves. This is the mark of a wise person. There is a saying, “If you have nothing, you have nothing to worry about.” So let us live lightly and live happily.
