Sister Shivani, a Brahmakumari, one of the best motivational speakers, and a spiritual teacher, is a woman many people look upto. Her voice, her actions, the anecdotes she shares along with her speeches and advice, and the lessons she shares with people in those speeches are loved by all and have inspired countless people to change their lives for the better and build a better future for themselves.
And one thing common to Sister Shivani’s lessons and talks is her experience and belief in people, their ways, how they can better their lives, and what the most important things in life are to grow and live wisely and peacefully. And in a video shared on her social media accounts, Sister Shivani can be heard sharing with the audience a simple advice about the two most important things in life, and why it is important to hold on to them.
The two important things
Sister Shivani starts by explaining that the two most important things in life are – 1. Sanskar, which can be translated to values, ethics, culture, tradition, or something similar, and 2. Karma, our actions on Earth.
Sister Shivani explains that while it is important to think about acquiring new things in life, be it a car, a house, more property, or anything, it is important to not get engulfed into the mindset of excess materialism. She shared that while these things are important, one should make sure to not get over their head and maintain their Sanskars and Karma.
What is ‘Sanskar’?
Now, why are these two the most important things? Well, Sanskar can be described as the deep-rooted values and habits that shape our behaviour and decisions. These Sanskars are taught to us, we inherit them, we learn them as we grow up in life, and we learn and emulate them as time goes on. The simplest act of touching someone’s feet is Sanskar, and even not arguing back with elders and people of respect is Sanskar.
Why is being ‘Sanskari’ important?
As Indians, and even as people of the world, our ‘sanskar’ are a part of our identity. What values we have, what traits we have learned, what forms our ethics, it also impacts what we think of others, how we react to situations, and how we simply interact with people. In India, the basic human values of honesty, humility, empathy, and patience are also a part of the ‘Sanskar’ we are taught as we grow up. And thus, a ‘Sanskari’ person is trusted, respected, and loved in society.
How being ‘Sanskari’ helps us and the next man
Now, being Sanskari is not just about us and our peace of mind, it also impacts and helps the next man from us. It could be our immediate family, our colleagues, friends, or anyone we regularly talk to and spend time with. Our values and actions attract the same kind of energy, and the same energy is then forwarded to others as well. When we are true to our learning and our values, we stay true to ourselves, and this in turn encourages the next person, someone who looks at us or upto us to live a better life.
What is Karma?
The second thing Sister Shivani termed important was ‘Karma’, which are our actions. Whatever we do, good or bad, is a part of our Karma and affects our overall life and well-being, just like our values (Sanskar) do. And karma has a very simple law – you will attract what you will give out. Your Karma, be it physical, verbal, or mental, creates an energy that influences your present and future too.
Why is good Karma important?
Well, doing good karma is like planting seeds that will continue to grow and benefit you not just in this life, but also the next. And as Hindus believe that their karma helps them have a seat in heaven and even attain Moksha, the better the actions, the better their benefits. When we do good deeds, be it through kindness, generosity, or honesty, there is a sense of joy and a sense of fulfillment inside us. It could be something as simple as donating 50 rupees, or as huge as donating a part of your liver to someone in need, the actions (Karma) you send around in the Universe, find their way back to you when you need them.
How to develop good Sanskar and Karma?
There isn’t any sure-shot road to good Karma or Sanskar, and neither is there a rule or guidebook to take you to the perfect spot. The only way to accumulate good Karma and develop good Sanskar is by doing the right things at the right points in life.
Good karma can be accumulated by being selfless, by helping others, by giving back to society, and of course, by being faithful to yourself. And good Sanskar can be learnt and emulated by looking up to your elders, by being respectful and mindful of your surroundings, and of course, with good Sanskar, also come good actions.