STRESS AND SUCCESS: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The implicit implication of the question; “How are you?” is; whether we have succeeded in conquering the struggle of life (stress); or not!
We usually answer “fine” or “OK”; and get rid of the question; as there is nothing exciting or depression; to talk about! But; in case we have earned excess of money, fame, popularity and power; we say boast of being; on top of the world; and if not; then we narrate our agonies and expect sympathy!
The content of the word “success”; however; varies according to age and situations! Thus; for a new born baby the first breath is the greatest success as it makes difference between life and death. Similarly; getting few drops of water can be a great success; for a farmer in famine.
But in general; the success can be comprehended holistically; in following manner! All these six steps apply to every individual; irrespective of age, sex, occupation, caste, creed, religion, race and nationality. Every step may involve years or even decades!
The first step to success is to understand that there is a problem (stress) at individual and global levels; and that; it can be managed. The second step is to get holistic solutions to it. The third step is to be able to crystallize and articulate and/or apply them. The fourth step to success; is to understand the scope and limitations of the solutions; in a given individual, situation, time frame, and on an individual or global canvas. The fifth step to success; is surrendering the endeavors, which we thought as “ours” to the source from where they spring! The sixth step is surrendering ourselves; to; and merging with our own immortal source!
The understanding, appreciation and accomplishment of these steps; depend on age, constitution, cultural background and several other factors. It is for us; to judge where we stand!
In traditional semantics; BRAHMA is the immortal source of holistic solutions to individual and global stress. BRAHMA is also called NAMA by a number of spiritual traditions.
NAMASMARAN (JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SUMIRAN, SIMARAN i.e. remembering true self); is one of the processes that embodies recognition and comprehension of stress, exploration, crystallization, articulations and application of holistic solutions, acceptance of the results, and finally; the return along with the whole endeavor to NAMA gratefully; and being immortal!