It has been 14 days since my last blogging activity and I share some insights here to take you beyond the realm of
Hell,
Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity and Rapture. I must confess I was trying hard to spend most of my time moving between these six conditions of life, from Hell to Rapture, totally governed by my reactions to external influences and therefore highly vulnerable to changing circumstances. Inspired by the travelogue of the Ten Worlds that were undertaken by this beautiful “Golden Glow” that adorns the vestibule at MDI, Gurgaon, I discovered the great revolution of character epitomized in just a single man from yesteryears.
Words of wisdom from the MDI valedictory podium during “
Valedictory Hazir Hai” had a striking resemblance to the remaining four higher worlds – the ‘Four Noble Paths’ – characterizing the fact that one needs to make effort to reveal them from within one’s life. I share the echoes of February 16th 2006 with those who seek an insight to the Ten Worlds. The ten potential conditions of life which everyone possesses, and through which we all pass from
moment to moment. Assuredly, the first six (known collectively as the ‘six lower worlds’) as listed above are characterized by the fact that they arise automatically from within our lives in response to external factors in our surroundings. The other three that add up to make a noble count of nine are undoubtedly
learning, realization and Bodhisattva.
While bidding adieu to the Armed Forces Class of 2005 Dr Pritam Singh, Director MDI, Gurgaon once again charged his audience with positive, value-creating activity of
Buddhahood, the tenth
condition. A condition that increases the ability to transform the environment – the family, circle of friends and work-place into a vibrant, happy and harmonious one. He emphasised that each of the Ten Worlds, possesses all Ten Worlds and each has the potential to reveal any of the others at any moment. It was a well served reminder for graduating managers at all levels that we have the capacity to reveal our Buddhahood from the first moment, whatever our life condition or past experience to that time; to practice and make Buddhahood the dominant state of our lives, so it acts as a filter, revealing the positive aspects of the other nine worlds from Hell to Bodhisattva.
As I stepped out of MDI and returned home that fateful evening, I paid my obeisance to the “Golden Glow”. I just had to look once and realised that experiencing an evolution through the Ten Worlds is needed to bring about understanding for a contagious change. A condition of pure, indestructible happiness which is not dependent on one’s circumstances. A condition of perfect and absolute freedom, characterized by boundless wisdom, courage, compassion and life force. I also realised how unforgettable and indelible these imprints become in the sands of time, if one chooses to leave them. I am glad I decided to come by for 24 weeks at MDI and journeyed with the Armed Forces Class of 2005 through the Ten Worlds to address my transition training for the corporate world. I take heart and pride in thanking the faculties for their unstinted effort in sharing their learnings, their realisations, their Bodhisattva and their Buddhahood.