ariellalisan.org – Homeward Bound

HAD I been born in a different circumstance, I would have been a monk.

My experiences in life have taught me that happiness comes to one who?has learned to control his desires, or, in a deeper sense, practice self-abnegation.

I have thought about it as many times as I have been in?very long?queues. Imagine, if you lose control of yourself while waiting for your turn, would you be able to get what you want?? That might just be simple logic but it has a significant impact in the lives of every man.

Unsurprisingly, different world religions are teaching principles of disciplining oneself.

We learn from our history classes that Buddha experienced enlightenment after days of sacrifice and?realized that Nirvana “the highest happiness” can be attained after following the eight-fold path that requires one to shake off worldly desires. Buddhism further teaches that this world is naturally filled with sufferings and that we can only be saved from these sufferings by gaining control over our desires.

In the Christendom, there is what is called the seven deadly sins: extravagance, later lust, gluttony, greed,?sloth, anger, envy, and pride. Added to that, the Bible also tells Christians to abhor adultery, uncleaness, fornication, lasciviousness, etc. If one is able to follow?what the Bible says, he?will inherit the Kingdom of God.?So one has to posess these?virtues, among others: chastity, abstinence, temperance, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility, which all require self-denial.

Muslims, too, believe that self-control is?important as evidently stated in the quote: The strong man is not the good wrestler; the strong man is only he who controls himself when he is angry.

Sikhs believe in the adage, With the conquest of my mind, I have conquered the whole world. Adherents of Jainism has this saying, Fight with yourself; why fight with external foes?? He who conquers himself through himself will obtain happiness. For Hindus, That man is disciplined and happy who can prevail over the turmoil That springs from desire and anger, here on earth, before he leaves his body.

My point is I have to be strong, remain steadfast, until I achieve what God has prepared for me in this world. For example, I have to wait until my first salary comes. Haha. I should not give in to my desire of looking for new employment. I have to accept that it’s just like this in the government.?(I migh be able to?perform my mission here?when the right time comes.)?I need to stretch my patience and endure all the challenges I am facing now because I know that something better is waiting for me. I should hang on.

But it’s very difficult to convince myself.