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On a road we see only the wheels of the vehicles in motion whereas their source of power lies in the combustion of fuel within the engine which is not visible externally. The battery and dynamic parts of machinery have their own role in the motion. They function collectively and make the vehicle run. Human ‘entity’ is also like a car. His apparent activities are performed through the medium of hands, feet, head, torso, eyes, mouth, etc. Beneath the skin lies the ‘dynamic system’ comprising internal organs, circulating flow of blood through heart, contraction and expansion of muscles, exhalations and inhalations of respiratory unit, etc. Auto-regulated functioning of this system generates energy through which every component of the body performs its (natural) tasks.

The source of this energy, the ‘epicenter’ of this vital force, and the (biochemical and bioelectrical) energy of still subtler parts (at cellular and molecular levels), lies still deeper in extrasensory core in the central ‘processor’ of the brain. This core is referred in the yogic science as the brahmrandhra. This focal source too is incapable of generating energy independently. It derives the necessary power from the supreme energy (Maha Urja) of eternal Consciousness Force that pervades through the entire cosmos and sublime domains of Nature. All the physical and mental potentials and talents, and capability of development of humankind, are nurtured by this very force (consciousness-energy) dwelling in the inner self. Thus the seeds of pratibha 1 also exist in every one, but whether and how these would sprout and blossom depends upon one’s awareness and ability to righteously use this inherent source.

Most often, only a tiny fraction of this energy is used — mostly in ordinary day to day activities, satisfying the physical and mental desires and aspirations. If left in idle state for long, the natural activity and defence mechanism of the body would weaken and fall prey to the attacks of bacteria and viruses. The same holds true about the brain (and mind). The faculties which remain unutilized tend to become dull, dormant and wane out over time. On the contrary, if awakened and deployed prudently, the inherent immense power and capability hidden in one’s own self could bestow riddhi and siddhi (paranormal potentials and supramental talents).

Here it is meaningless to talk about those whose interests are confined to fulfillment of carnal cravings and who do not think it necessary to rise above their base instincts of personal greed, attachments and ego. On the contrary, those who aspire to achieve something significant in life, find alternatives in endeavors for activation of these dormant nuclei of consciousness-energy and strengthen hem by constant practice to a level at which they become capable of undertaking big tasks and achieving higher goals. One should make it a point to be least dependent on others. Exuberance of competence and industry makes the seed of talents inherent in a person bloom like a flower which naturally makes butterflies (of brilliant success) hover around and bees (people around) sing in its praise.

For generation of heat (thermal energy), friction is required. Movement or progress too is dependent on it in one form or the other. Similar process is needed for awakening of talents. Who can ever become a gymnast without practicing hard in gymnasium? Soldiers are subjected to rigorous exercises and drills regularly. In order to flow forward, a river has to remove obstacles and break through many rocks on its path. For success on a war-front one has to exhibit valor as well as strategic experience. Only that boatman is given the honor of efficiency who exhibits the courage to negotiate the boat fast across the rapids in a river. On every front of life, devout endeavors and prudent endurance are essential for attaining expertise in any chosen discipline.

Prepare to Identify & Utilize Inherent Talents:

When “have-nots’ face problems one hardly gets surprised but one feels bewildered in finding people who own grand resources, yet they appear lost and confused because of ignorance of appropriate know-how for fruitful utilization of what they possess. Unfortunately, most of the so-called well-off people fall in this deplorable category of ignorance.

There is a tale about some layman selling a piece of diamond inherited from his father ignorantly as a piece of glass; as a consequence of which he spends his entire life in poverty. An ignorant person always remains unaware of his full potential. It is said that the musk deer continues to wander here and there in search of the aroma which emanates from the musk located in its navel itself. There is another tale about a man dying with cold in the midst of heaps of dry grass, as it did not occur to him that he could produce heat by lighting it with the match box in his own pocket. It is often amazing, amusing, and also painful to see that ignorant of the treasure buried in his own house, a man spends hisentire life in abject poverty.

Ignorance always brings unhappiness and misery. In unknown terrains, nomads would wander away from their destination during the night on losing sense of direction. In absence of knowledge of proper direction, people are known to have died in wilderness after getting lost, exhausting their potential of thinking in a state of hurry, confusion and apprehension. One often quotes example of herds of deer dying in deserts by endlessly running after mirage of water pools. There is a tale about a cub of a tiger that had somehow lost its way and joined a flock of sheep. It began to behave like a lamb, till it came to know its identity on rejoining the tigers. While asleep, people usually experience meaningless dreams; under the influence of narcotic drugs also man begins to think of things far from reality.

Such instances show that inadequacy or lack of proper knowledge misleads a person and also brings him unhappiness and misery. There is nothing so surprising if we come across some stray incidences of ignorance, but it does appear shocking that most people in this world spend not only a part but almost the entire life in thralldom of incongruous ignorance and illusion. Everyone seems to have his specific load of confusions, obstacles, problems, worries and commitments, always looking for someone to help in unloading this burden. Occasionally one might get some help from some odd quarters, but who can undertake the responsibilities of someone else for long and how much help one can extend to others? That too, when every other person is caught in complexities and challenges of his own problems!

Apart from ignorance, most people also have a characteristic drawback of extrovert hunt for other’s faults. One hardly ever makes an attempt to look for one’s own shortcomings. One of the most self-convincing delusions man has is in assessing the happiness and prosperity of one’s neighbor which appear more magnified in comparison to one’s own possessions. The grass on the other side of the fence always appears greener.

Everyone knows in his heart that a perfect flawless person probably cannot exist in this world. Still, one hardly likes to think of his own mistakes, since it casts a shadow on self- professed complacence and self-esteem and scares one of failure, losing face, and apparent degradation in society. Hence a simple formula for disowning one’s own responsibilities of failures, mistakes or mismanagement is found in putting the blame on some other person. To avoid confrontation with an apparently powerful fellow, a scapegoat is found in some innocent weak person, who does not have any courage or competence to counter the charge. There are also many, who continue to find abstract reasons for their failures such as inauspicious periods of destiny, unfavorable circumstances, adverse planetary configurations, will of God etc. Since such excuses are based on unilateral reasoning, which is not refutable by facts, the person looking for such excuses does not find it difficult to develop a firm conviction in his reasoning.

In addition to general weakness of finding faults with others for own failures, people are also found suffering from another degrading tendency in which they find it difficult to carry out a self-appraisal. Many, even otherwise healthy and capable people, are found firmly convinced about their ‘insurmountable’ limitations and do not think that much can be done to increase their competence. They continue to believe that in the past best of personal endeavor was made under the then existing circumstances and nothing better could have been done. Entangled in such rigmaroles, people lose all opportunities of self-appraisal, self-improvement, self- reformation and self-development. Finding no way out to stop recurring failures they become helplessly irritated, stressed, troubled, complaining, anxious, and worried. It is quite easy to become mentally strained by harboring apprehensions. Most people in today’s competitive world are found prone to this negative trait.

The foregoing traits of human decadence have become so pervasive that they have assumed the dimensions of an epidemic. In the prevailing environment an individual hardly gets an opportunity to appreciate that the powers within his own inner-self are so potent that if energized and activated from their state of dormancy, they are capable of converting a person of average capacity into a superman. There is no myth or miracle in this possibility. Thorough study of ancient and modern history would show numerous examples testifying to extraordinary feats performed by ordinary people who meticulously charted the course of their progress with self- confidence and profound courage and created better and better opportunities successively. The ultimate level of achievement of these persons was so high and surprising, that it appeared nothing short of a ‘divine boon’. On the contrary, there have also been many such disgraceful and unfortunate incidences, when, in spite of possessing abundant resources and unusual opportunities, men became victims of self- worthlessness and gradually fell deeper into abyss of decadence.

Overcome the Familiar Obstacles:

We know that our planet which appears static is, in fact, continuously revolving around its axis and at the same time moving in its orbit around the sun. The same holds true about human life. It is not static. It is full of possibilities of progress and evolution. The only obstacle in progress is one’s ignorance and deep-rooted negativities in one’s mind. Generally, man is so much obsessed with self- pity and helplessness that he begins to believe in what he considers his limitations, without realizing the immense potential for excellence lying dormant in his inner-self.

Even if a relatively more aware person makes an effort to extricate himself from the mistaken concepts and illusions, his attempts are often nullified by the influence of the prevailing social ambience.

For example, the power of money is ubiquitous in this world today and so is the glamour of creature comforts which can be acquired by it. Bodily charm and external beauty seem to have become more important than character. No doubt, there is no dearth of successful businessmen, artists, scientists, and others with distinct expertise. But amongst them we see very few who have also enlightened the path of progress of mankind after overcoming hurdles by their courage and valor, who have lifted the downtrodden, gave support to the infirm, provided motivation to the energetic and enthusiastic, and helped in enhancing the efficiency of others. There is nothing notable if one is capable of looking after one’s own interests. Commendable are those who also make many others move forward on the path of progress. This is what would make a talent worth glorifying.

It is pitiable that in spite of having enormous power and capability hidden within us for self-improvement and for motivating many others, we are unable to utilize it because of our ignorance and apathy. Ignorance of self is a bane which one knowingly or unknowingly carries throughout life as an unwelcome burden. In spite of distinguished skill or ability, this would amount to sheer absence of talent (pratibh3). Surprisingly, at times even the most robust wrestlers are found lacking self-confidence of their internal strength, or lacking in moral strength of character. But then, their wrestling skills and grand success would be no better than exhibition of physical strength and swift and clever movements, which could be exhibited even in the locked- horn fight between animals.

Even rogues, terrorists, sadists and immoral persons are found exercising their skilled power with impunity. What is the worth of such brilliance and strength? Should they be hailed as ‘talented’? The same is true about the power of mind, intellectual faculties, and physical resources like wealth. Their misutilization too brings self-reproach and numerous problems for others. Creativity too has often been used for obscenity, disdainful designs, exploitation, or evil effects. Debasing instincts of physical exhibitionism, carnal lust, sensual passions and immorality have often been encouraged by music, art and literature. Should we honor and expand such creative faculties, which attract and influence many and are also remunerative but directly or implicitly generate powerful but debauching effects, negative psychological influence and lead to decline of the society?

We must note that an achievement is not an end in itself. It must be assessed whether an achievement is accomplished righteously? Whether grand possessions or celebrity status have contributed anything for the welfare of humanity? This can be the only yardstick for applauding one’s talents. Nature has endowed us with abundant support and opportunity to make prudent use of our inherent abilities and develop and refine our talents. We should also remember that — unless we use them towards fruitful objective worth the grace of Nature and its Creator, our powers, our talents, would be no better than the beautiful horns of an antler, or attractive artifacts in a showcase, which are good to look at but are of no practical use.

Notes:

1. Pratibha Distinguished skill or ability with a brilliant, brave, and virtuous character. (Unless otherwise mentioned, in this article “pratibha” is referred as talent).

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