Productivity & Power

Topic for today is Productivity! Yes, it is our ability to contribute, to give, to earn, to support, to care, to be of utility value - that is being spoken about today. 

Life has various stages. 

It is said that in childhood, we have no money, no power, but enough time. 

In youth, we have no money, no time, but enough power. 

In middle age, we have no power, no time, but enough money. 

In old age, we have neither money, nor time, nor power!!

Funny as it may sound, fact is that productivity and power are deeply inter-related. When I am productive and can contribute in someway, I am wanted, loved, respected, listened to, accepted. But when I have nothing to give back, when age or circumstances incapacitate me, even the best of sons can come and spend a few hours with me as a duty, but I am not any more as powerful as I used to be. 

And this is one of the greatest causes of age-related depressive disorders. People go through terrible bouts of depression and even suicidal tendencies when they are rendered non-productive and thus powerless. No longer is everyone listening to us, no longer do I have control of any kind. All my loved ones are slowly coming to accept my powerlessness and moving on - but I can’t move on, I feel miserable that the same people who loved spending time with me are not around any more. What happened? 

Bhaja Govindam says: Don’t be shocked! THIS IS LIFE. 

Bhaja Govindam is not condemning the ways of the world. Shankara is only making us aware that these are not issues of any particular person, or generation, or nation. These are universal facts. People finally can care for us only so far as we are productive. Nature does snatch away our ability to contribute some time. Even if one works on after-retirement, how long? Shankara says, don’t bother. Do your best, knowing clearly that all the power, pleasure and prestige that has surrounded you is only for your ability to contribute & remain productive. The day i lose this capacity, I am useless for the society, even for the family!! They may care for me, nurse me, love me - but the power ends. 

I am no longer taken as seriously. I am no longer obeyed explicitly. Slowly I am no longer even asked for my opinions. I am no longer so powerful. So, don’t be too overwhelmed by what you have, how popular or loved you are, or how productive you are. Know that this too will pass. It will. 

Know that old age will come and snatch everything away, if on the way some mishap or disease or accident hasn't managed to do it yet! Be wise. Know this. Let them all go. Don't be disilusioned when the world kicks and rejects. Even the best of people have suffered from this. The world worships only the rising Sun, never the setting sun. Know this. Don't be surprised, or sad. Smile and say, Ï knew it! 

But work on... 

One asks, what is the use of it then? Shouldn't I stop doing my duties then? Shouldn't I stop earning, achieving, succeeding because it is all temporary? 

If the world won't value me later, if the children may move on when I am useless, why should I serve or love any one? Is there a need to take care and sacrifice so much for this world, this community? 

Yes! Not so that they will value me later, but because I am born strong! Remember, every bird leaves its nest and flies away into unknown skies some day. But, never does a mother bird weep over the fact that she has nobody to support her in her old-age! Live free! Live strong! But be aware of facts & stay focussed on the Higher! (Seek Divine - Bhaja Govindam) 

Gurudev says it best: 

“No doubt, let all the young men/women seek success in life. Let them strive, struggle, and adventure forth. Let everyone earn, save, give, and thus serve as many as possible around in the community and nation. But these are to be considered only as hobbies; the main occupation of life should be the art of self-purification, the craftsmanship of seeking Perfection. The real achievement is to be gained in one’s own personal inner contemplation, so that even long before the world comes to reject you, you can reject the world of activities and retire into a richer world of serener contemplation and more intense self-engagements." 

Practice: 

At least once a year, for minimum 5-7 days, just go and live in an ashram like a SANNYASI - without much to do with the world of activities. No phone, no email, no newspaper, no TV, no radio, no people. Just 5-7 days....Experience rejection!!