30 April 2026
Thursday
A whetstone is used for sharpening the razor and not for making the stone smoother. Similarly, good qualities have to be fostered for refining one’s nature. These qualities are essential, like the different limbs in a body, for its well-being as a whole. People should realise that human birth has been given to them to lead ideal lives. Good qualities enable one to lead a good life. But, even for the good life, a price has to be paid. That price is good conduct. This means that you derive the happiness that results from a good life only when you discharge your duties. Pleasures are of two kinds: temporary and lasting. Permanent happiness can be obtained only by performing your duties. First do your duty and then enjoy the fruits. Today, people do not discharge their duties but wish to enjoy the fruits thereof. This cannot give them happiness. Everyone should realise that he is born to discharge various obligations and not to enjoy rewards for unrendered services. Man should realise that he has no claim to rights. His role is to carry out his duties. When he performs his duties, he will reap the rewards in due course.
A whetstone is used for sharpening the razor and not for making the stone smoother. Similarly, good qualities have to be fostered for refining one’s nature. These qualities are essential, like the different limbs in a body, for its well-being as a whole. People should realise that human birth has been given to them to lead ideal lives. Good qualities enable one to lead a good life. But, even for the good life, a price has to be paid. That price is good conduct. This means that you derive the happiness that results from a good life only when you discharge your duties. Pleasures are of two kinds: temporary and lasting. Permanent happiness can be obtained only by performing your duties. First do your duty and then enjoy the fruits. Today, people do not discharge their duties but wish to enjoy the fruits thereof. This cannot give them happiness. Everyone should realise that he is born to discharge various obligations and not to enjoy rewards for unrendered services. Man should realise that he has no claim to rights. His role is to carry out his duties. When he performs his duties, he will reap the rewards in due course.