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कुछ अच्छा करने से परिवार का नाम खराब होता हो तो || आचार्य प्रशांत (2020)
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5 years ago
Family Reputation
Right Action
Spirituality
Attachment
Love
Self-inquiry
Sattva
Internal Conflict
Description

A young man from a prosperous family asks Acharya Prashant how to find the strength to think and act independently, setting aside the family's name and reputation. The questioner feels that his interest in spirituality might be seen as a hindrance by his family, as no one has pursued such a path before, and it could tarnish their reputation. Acharya Prashant responds by questioning the premise: why would the family's name be tarnished by a new work initiated by you? He asks if the work is something very wrong or of a low grade. When the questioner clarifies that the work is related to spirituality, Acharya Prashant points out the contradiction. If the family's reputation is such that it gets stained by a good deed, then what kind of reputation is it? He asserts that a reputation threatened by a good act is itself a flawed thing, and it is a blessing that such a reputation is in danger. He says that such a thing should be destroyed, and one should thank God for it. Acharya Prashant explains that the questioner's internal conflict is a reflection of his family's nature. Since he comes from that family, he carries its traits. The family's reputation is not established on clean and true foundations, which is why the questioner is also divided internally. One part of him wants to do something true and good, while the other is attached to the family and its flawed reputation. This internal conflict is natural because the family itself is not spiritually inclined. The disease of the family is also present within the questioner. He advises that if the work is truly auspicious, it will benefit everyone, including those who oppose it. The impact of a spiritual person extends far and wide, benefiting even their opponents. He gives an example: even if you go to a sage with the intent to harm, you will still benefit from their presence. Therefore, if you are doing something auspicious, it will benefit everyone, including your family, even if they oppose it. The first step is to be fully assured that the work you are doing is right. This requires deep self-inquiry. Once you are certain, you should not hesitate. Do not worry about opponents or critics. In fact, for their own benefit, you must neglect their opposition. To love them is to go against them. True love is tested in such situations. Superficial love is just agreeing with everything to maintain a relationship. If a family's reputation is Sattvic (pure), it would only be enhanced by a member's good deeds. If it is threatened, it must be a Rajasic or Tamasic (impure, ignorant) reputation.