Inculcating the Spirit of Volunteerism
For those who are wondering about my latest tweets; I am in Nepal working amongst Youth here. We have started a campaign here called Volunteer For A Prosperous Nepal (VFAPN) to instill feeling of volunteerism for their Nation and I have been writing inspiring tweets for the Youth in Nepal. Few days back I had an interactive session with the Youth and Art of Living Family Nepal, wherein they came up with interesting questions. Presenting below is short gist of our interaction;
Q1 what is volunteerism?
A: The culture of giving, sharing and caring is called volunteerism.
Q2 Why be a volunteer or why volunteerism?
A: The overall prosperity, be it socio, political or cultural, of any Nation depends upon the spirit of volunteerism in its citizens. Taking social responsibility is an inherent quality which is inborn and we do feel a natural inclination to act on it. Further, doing something good/meaningful for society and nation in a selfless manner can boost sense of self-worth. Moreover it can also instill a sense of accomplishment in life and give a broad purpose/vision in life. The spirit of volunteerism takes one out from confined and limited thinking or mind-set.
Q3 what is the source of volunteerism?
A: The basis or source of the sense of volunteerism is the institution of joint family and sense of patriotism. Since, the institution of joint family has declined over the years so one needs to kindle the spirit or sense of patriotism. Emphasizing things that make you proud of your Nation also fosters this spirit of patriotism. The seed of volunteerism can be sowed early on in kids.
Q4. Can Art of Living do this?
A: Certainly. In fact Art of living is already doing this world over through different workshops and programs amongst different sections of society. The Art of living programs enhance self -esteem and cultivate and kindle natural talents in an individual. Also through spiritual techniques (Pranayam, Meditation and Sudarshan Kriya) taught in Art of Living workshops, we experience the harmony with the Self. Since harmony with individual, society and nature depends on harmony with the Self. Through Spiritual awakening one can achieve this. See a stress free mind always communicate positively n responsibly. Thus we are reviving volunteerism through “spiritual awakening”.
Q5 Could you please elaborate on spiritual awakening?
A: Being aware of the impermanence of life is the source of spiritual awakening. Attachment brings sorrow and misery. It’s silly to say “this is mine” it’s mere an illusion. Spirituality takes you beyond negative emotions like lust, greed, cravings, anger, and brings up positive emotions and divine qualities like kindness, love, compassion, and cooperation in an individual. See, sanatan tradition (dharma) is co-operative not competitive. And spirituality revives these values and one not only enriches oneself but also starts contributing towards society and that is “spiritual awakening”.
Q6 But then how exactly this spiritual awakening will be implemented?
A: Before that we need to examine why this sense of volunteerism declined in our country, which inculcated and promoted the feeling of one world family, As I said earlier also the model of development adopted by us led to decline and disintegration of the institution of joint-family. The very institution of joint family which provided or served as training ground of co-operation, compassion. Right communication (all this is very core of volunteerism.)
Another institution which used to or could have fostered volunteerism are our educational institutions. But unfortunately our curriculum has been dominated with poverty in the country, illiteracy, and eulogized English and anything western. If we are going to teach kids all that is ill about our country and not teach them to be proud of their country how we can expect they will have any feeling of being a volunteer.
Having sense of inferiority regarding country/nation has affected a sense of entrepreneurship in people. And we all know that self-esteem and entrepreneurship are inter-related and inter-dependent. And spirituality can create high self-esteem. Today our greatest challenge has been to change the attitude and the mindset of the individual. To manage mind and emotions can be a tricky job. Through spirituality and value education one can transform this phenomenon.
Q7 what should be the first step or where to start from?
A: let’s begin by creating violence free and stress free society. Again, violence is of many types but the most significant kind of violence is “structural violence” and this can be eliminated only through spirituality and spiritual awakening of the people and society.
Q8 what do you have to say about the political culture in south Asia?
A: Not much, just this that our political leaders are suffering from “vision deficiency syndrome”. This is preventing them from rising above their personal interests. Vision can only be broadened through the practice of meditation which brings contentment in life. If we want to change the political culture again spirituality is the answer.
Bhaiya, its really brings me zeal and passion and even energizes me with this post from my each and every cell within me and from my heart itself. I am so glad that i am with you and graced with Guruji’s presence.
I love my Nepal
Great. I want each youth of Nepal to feel so. Lets reach out to others.
each youth should hav the feeling of responsibility….
Wow. Now I am clear. I am ready to volunteer for my country.
I,m also ready for volunteer
Mind Blowing post . This is the need for everyone of us to get active to build the prosperous nation.
Indeed so glad to know the essence of volunteerism is the culture of giving, sharing and caring.
Lets spread it. And also participate in google hangout with Gurudev on 26th Jan
…as a true aspiring Nepali citizen, i was left with mixed feelings; feeling of joy, feeling of responsibility & feeling of shame
Joy, because my thoughts, as i felt, had now got a momentum and a path through which they could be translated to worthy actions.
Responsibility, because so called politicians are just soliciting the country and aint utilizing its resources. I feel that its us who would step up now and make a difference.
and,
Ashamed, of the fact that such a beautiful country is not capitalizing on its resources rather focusing on petty issues that are just downgrading the state of the nation…
I want to be proud being a Nepali citizen!!!
Its so inspiring and we are very lucky to learn sooo much from you
Dear Bishwash…lets reach out to as many as we can and do something. Beacuse of lack of vision of few people we cannot let things be.
Volunteerism, Spirituality and Prosperity…… Amazing
I like it. It should have been the title…
Arey wah badhiya hey bhaiya
This surely is an important piece of information for a person willing to volunteer for the nation and in fact clear herself or himself regarding volunteering. Thank you bhaiya for this precious information
we can discuss on this forum and encourage others also to discuss what is their idea of volunteerism..
Hats off for this enlightening article
great..with spiritual awakening we can definitely make our country prosperous one.. !!
great…with spiritual awakening we can definitely make Nepal a prosperous country!!
Arey wah badhiya hey
My country My Pride. Thank you for making us aware with the culture of Volunteerism. Spirituality is indeed an only answer to bring change in the country. With Art of Living everything is possible.
certainly….as i wrote earlier we all can discuss what is our idea of volunteerism…
It’s osom idea
Reblogged this on Aashish's Blog…...
Wow! Being a volunteer for the nation, world gives so much of satisfaction.
volunteering for the country to make the country violence free ,which is major problem of our country is the best way to serve our mother land , that we youth n the Nepalese volunteers can give to our mother land .
Now, I have a clearer picture of what volunteerism actually is. Moreover, it’s inspires more and now it will be helpful for me in ways to inspire others as well.
Inspiring one…. My energy is boosted through this article
its really so good and qiute lucky to learn more from you
Great post Sanjay bhaiya. You have given us a clear vision for volunteering for our country.
amazing post and it clarified my thought towards different topic
its glad to have you here bhaiya . And i also want to do something for my country
I am ready for my Nepal
)
Thats what I call Spirit….
The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.
clearing doubts in a simplofied manner … proud to be Volunteer..!!!
Everyone must read this article..Mindblowing bhaiya..
Really a right meaning of volunteerism.
Want to be a part of this …….. can any one refer me for Volunteer …………………
We are really looking forward for your new post and we really admire your hard work….
Inspiring one..! I love my country and i will do for this !
Bhaiya, Really motivating article..
Great post bhaiya,really inspiring
I love my Mother land and i am going to save it…Thank you sir for your inspiration ..My soul is truly honoured…
grt vaiyaa…i am so inspired n will be totally committed to my nation..Jai Nepal!!!
its really awesome bhaiya…thanks a lot for inspiring us n creating awareness for our country…thank u so much..M ready for my country…yeah we will create a prosperous Nepal
jgd
grt vaiyaa…i am so inspired n will be totally committed to my nation Jay GuruDev:):)
Reblogged this on sinchitaa.
Thought provoking q & a Sanjay ji !best wishes for a prosperous vibrant nepal !what has been expressed by you is relevant not merely for nepal but the world over ..decline of joint family has seen a decline in human values ,encouraged one to fend for himself alone .what AOL has done is it has broadened the vision ,the MASTER ,the KNOWLEDGE,practices and people like you who walk the talk . JGD
Everyone should work together as volunteer for better nepal
Wow!!! Now M committed
JGD
Thank you Bhaiya for sharing with us the ABC of volunteerism – I feel so blessed that I have got tools (Paranayam, Sudarshan Kriya, Padma Sadhna) to de-stress my system and now I understand that a stress free mind communicate positively and takes responsibility. and YES I am a true Volunteer for my Mother Land.
Alok
AachryaJi (Sanjay Bhaiya)
Blessed to have you in my life. Clarity of thoughts comes so naturally. Thanks for making us aware about true meaning of volunteer. JGD..
Very inspiring. We really require volunteers to build up our country. Its a movement, & proud to be the part of this movement.
Jai Gurudev bhaiya, now I can understand the real sense of volunteer. It is not a insignificant thing. Volunteers can do anything. a nation can build up by their volunteers.
It’s osom to celebrate republic day and we shd also work for the development of our country
Great post…lets volunteer for better India and build a happier society.