My successes came as I pressed to improve my person and my work. At every success, I looked for things I might improve the next time.
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Depression is real. And it is treatable and manageable. At three junctures I started my life over again. When life-as-I-knew-it ended, I started life anew essentially with few resources. Each time, I found a new life filled with purpose and meaning and happiness I never considered available to me.
Yep. My life began to change for the better after I made a change in my priorities in life. I am not "less than" anyone. Wellness became my top priority. And my successes follow every decision I made from the still and silent place inside me.
I wonder about how different our world might be if society adopted many of the principles of Jainism.
Wiki: Jainism (/ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/[1] or /ˈdʒaɪnɪzəm/[2]), traditionally known as Jain dharma,[3] is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the śramaṇatradition. The central tenet is non-violence and love towards all living beings. Parasparopagraho Jivanam ("the function of souls is to help one another") is the motto of Jainism. The three main principles of Jainism are ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Followers of Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (not lying), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya(chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Jain monks and nuns observe these vows absolutely whereas householders (śrāvakas) observe them within their practical limitations. Self-discipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of Jainism. Notably, Mahatma Gandhiwas greatly influenced by Jainism and adopted many Jain principles in his life.The word "Jain" derives from the Sanskrit word jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all inner passions like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. is called Jina. Followers of the path practiced and preached by the jinas are known as Jains.[3][4][5][6][7] Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four teachers and revivers of the Jain path known as tirthankars. In the current era, this started with Rishabhdev and concluded with Mahavir. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal and while it may be forgotten, it will be revived from time to time. The majority of Jains reside in India. With 4–6 million followers, Jainism is smaller than many other major world religions. Outside of India, some of the largest Jain communities are found in the United States, Europe, Kenya, and Canada. Contemporary Jainism is divided into two major sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara. Namokar Mantra is the basic and most common prayer in Jainism. Major Jain festivals include Paryushana and Daslakshana, Mahavir Jayanti, and Diwali. In writing about personal success, one came to me from loosing most everything. From such a place, it is easy to value the small things in one's life and in the lives of others. The loss of an over-inflated ego is liberating, and defeating the addiction to competition is truly a valuable success! In telling my story, I relay how on four separate occasions life set me back to where I lost most everything. Basically, I built a new life from the ground up each time. I was able to come back against the odds because I believed I could and significant others in my life believed I could. My spiritual life played the central role to my rising out of the ashes to a new and better life. Namaste' |
AuthorS.L. Brannon, B.A., M.Ed., D.Div. You can learn more about me (Steve Brannon) on facebook and linkedin. ArchivesMarch 2018 CategoriesAll  RSS Feed
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