Problems and Solutions

Real time problems need real time solutions which answers are not so easy to find in books.

All the theory we may have learnt at school and college may not come in handy most times.

There is neither a right way nor a wrong way with problem solving.

The most successful way of solving a problem which I know of from experience, is to sound out very trusted and close ones for their opinion.
Their way of looking at the same problem may differ. They could offer a third dimension.
A via media solution could then be worked out after hearing them out patiently.
80% of opinions may not work out, yet when opinions are sought the sense of participation itself is the reward (and a learning experience). This is the first step.

When a solution is actioned, one has to wait for the results to show. This is the second step.
With time everyone settles down to hear and being heard.
The best solution may not work out in practical terms.
The leader among the group invariably emerges. He or she may be young or old. It's the problem solving ability which has to be respected.

We get to read about such instances in our ancient texts where rishis and yogis engage in 'tarka' (holding healthy arguments or discussions with mutual respect, to arrive at the right answer). All these wise men have been known to respect each others' opinions or views even though they may prefer to strongly, but respectfully, disagree with each other! What an ideal situation!!

Cut back to the modern age where one hears more often than not, "Tarkam pannade. Naan solratha kel", (meaning, don't argue, just do as I say). Lot depends on who is saying this.
If the person who says this, happens to be a wise and an experienced one, its better to follow his advice.

Most times, experience has won hands down over knowledge of theory, combined with little or no practical experience. Perhaps because 'experience' has tread the path long time back and knows which pitfalls to avoid and how best to safeguard 'or' because of learning through other people's 'experience'!

Mahalakshmi.

Exchange of Greetings

Living in a civil society we are expected to behave in a certain way.
When we meet a person we know, we usually greet him/her with a hello, good morning, namaste, hi, according to our own position vis-a-vis that person's.

Even animals greet each other in their own ways. Reminds me of the chimps Jane Goodall studied in the jungles of Africa many decades ago and how chimps would shake hands just like humans when they met for the first time of the day.

I recall an incident from my teens. I had got home my new friend, Krishnaveni. My father was busy with his work so I pointed out to him and told her that he was my father.
She immediately said, 'Namaste uncle' but my father being too busy with work din't hear/notice it, hence din't greet her back which was very unusual for him. I knew he was such a loving soul and would never ignore another human at all anytime and that he may not have heard or seen her.
My friend moved on from there but I could see how upset she was. So I drew his attention by whispering to him that my friend had greeted him and he had not responded.
For his age, he could have just looked blankly or better still ignored me and my friend.
Instead he put aside his work, got up and immediately went up to her and said, 'Sorry, I missed greeting you back as I din't hear you, so what's your name ...'. That was enough to put my new friend at ease.
Seeing him behave in such a humble manner sure made an impact in my mind. To this day I remember to respond to anyone greeting me anywhere. I see no person as high or lowly. A gardener wishing me deserves to be wished back is all I know and acknowledge it with a 'Good morning, how are you?'

I see all around me so much of contrite behaviour. People ignoring others even when they greet them! It is as if they mean to say, 'I consider your greeting not fit enough to acknowledge'!

I have also noticed how the higher a person gets on the ladder of success, he is a natural at greeting others back without a second thought.
It is mostly those people who are not confident about themselves or in some way feel they are too superior to acknowledge ordinary mortals' greetings who see-through others as if they din't exist at all!! I find this behavior so very funny.
Those who have such attitude never ever rise to the very top. They stagnate at one level until they free their restrictive minds from such misconceived notions of superiority and inferiority.

After all everyone of us are humans first and then only the titles or the post we hold in our public lives. It sure is important to be dignified when one holds a high post yet one need not ignore others totally especially when one is being greeted.

To be humble is really very difficult. It has to be cultivated as a habit. It is the same case as that of a young tree which will be upright for many years. When it has weathered many a storm or drought does it bend benignly as though with wisdom.
Remember the one who is sincerely humble reaches the top so very easily due to the goodwill and blessings of one's superiors.

May we be remembered more for our humility and culture than for our riches or position in life. After all to dust, we shall all return one day without exception.

Cheers!
Mahalakshmi.