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Reflections-By Dr Rajan Philips The Joy of Sharing ( This motivational article was published in Oman Observer , one of the leading Newspapers in Oman. The article is reproduced with the permission of the author ) |
Dr.Rajan Philips:
Quite often, newspaper headlines make grim reading, pointing to horrendous
natural and man-made calamities around the world. But last week there was a
refreshingly heartening piece of news. Forty American billionaires led by
Warren Buffet and Bill Gates (who share a net worth of $90 billion between
them) signed a declaration pledging half their wealth for charity! Their
gesture, hopefully, will spur many more to share their wealth with the poor.
With the holy month of Ramadhan round the corner, we are also stepping into
a period of time and frame of mind where sharing with the less privileged is
an obligatory as well as a blessed endeavour. It is thus quite apt that we
spare a few moments to reflect over the theme of giving that is prompted by
an impulse of caring and sharing.
While the billionaires in the news story have promised to give away what
they have accumulated in abundance, most of us do not have the means to be
so philanthropic. But let us take heart from the fact it is not the quantum
of money we give but the noble thought that inspires us to reach out, that
really matters.
In fact it is a wrong notion that monetary or material well-being is a
prerequisite for sharing. We are blessed with many other assets that we can
readily share with others.
One of the finest gifts we can share with others is knowledge.
Interestingly, education is a unique treasure. The more we share, the more
we gain. A truly win-win situation. The other day I had the opportunity to
conduct a language workshop for a group of teachers. I hope they gained
something out of it. But I can tell you that I did learn a lot in the
process of preparing for the session and interacting with the enthusiastic
teachers.
In today’s fast paced life, time has become a precious commodity. We have no
time for ourselves, leave alone for others. And yet, if we can find some
time for people who pass through emotional or mental turmoil and feel
depressed and lonely, we would be providing them a lifeline to pull
themselves out of a sinking boat. No amount of money can accomplish this.
Finding time to visit a hospital to bring comfort and cheer to the sick that
have no relatives or friends around, is also a great gesture.
Donating blood or organs like kidneys or pledging one’s eyes for others can
rank among the finest acts of caring towards our fellow men. These are acts
that save lives or spread sunshine.
Some might win social acclaim and fame by their well publicised charitable
acts. No harm, I believe, since the net outcome is beneficial to many.
However, when the donor remains anonymous, without expecting reward or
recognition, it is a sublime gesture indeed.
Human history is replete with lives of great souls like Mother Teresa who
epitomised love and caring. Such persons transformed the lives of the
destitute by alleviating their pain and misery.
Giving that stems from the genuine impulse of caring for and sharing with
others is an ennobling experience that makes life truly meaningful and
beautiful. Let us strive to experience this edifying state of mind in the
days ahead.
A few quotes:
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man’s
greed. — Gandhi
The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have. — Leonard Nimoy
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. — Anon
- Oman Observer http://main.omanobserver.om