H.H. Shrimad Namchaitanya Bhanudas                                                            View Previous Article
Published on: 11 November 2008                                                                        View Next Article
Courtesy: Marathi Daily, Mumbai Sakaal(Article No 11)                                   View: Current Article in Marathi (PDF)

                                                                                               

      Similar to the different pieces in a game of chess, each person who meets and interacts with us has a different nature and behaves differently. There is no remedy to another person’s nature but if we change our outlook to life we can alter our nature and behaviour. Instead of troubling ourselves by the question as to why others behave the way they do, it is better to assume that they will always behave in their usual manner and guard our peace of mind as the king protects himself in a game of chess.

     If the occasion so demands, the pawns, knights, bishops, rooks and sometimes even the queen are ready to sacrifice themselves in order to guard the king. Doesn’t this mean that the king has endeared himself very much to them? We should love everyone unconditionally, that is, without any expectation. We will then not have the anguish of disappointments.

      Now let us consider the king’s position from a different viewpoint. Each person believes that he or she thinks and behaves appropriately but who is to really decide this? For this purpose, self-analysis in a neutral, non-partisan manner is very essential. While doing so, you must assume yourself to be a third party say, ‘X’ and then consider the appropriateness or otherwise of such third party’s manner of thinking and behaving. Such analysis helps in making appropriate choices and taking correct decisions in life whenever necessary. We can learn this from the behaviour of a king on a chess board.

      Each of you is like the king who behaves in such a non-partisan manner. The king conceives of and puts into effect the formation or array of his pieces or ‘army’. To defeat his adversary, he deploys his pawns, knights, bishops, rooks and, if necessary, even his queen. As a matter of fact, it is only the king who ‘fights the war’ in a non-partisan manner. As a result of fighting the war in a non-partisan manner, he doesn’t become a victim of emotions irrespective of the extent of depletion of his army. He may, perhaps, feel a little sad on losing any of his ‘soldiers’ but he remains free from mental anguish. Consequently, he never panics and always moves in a calm and quiet manner, just one square at a time.

      Consider yourself to be like the king in a game of chess and perform your household and vocational duties in a non-partisan manner. Do get involved in some activity but don’t get attached or entangled. You will then easily have peace of mind.