Mahadeep Singh Jamwal
As a freelance theorist when we talk of traits in a living human creature, we can consider that no one is deprived of generosity and always carries some kindness somewhere in his soul. According to the bulk of the scientific evidence, most people are instinctively kind. We need to perceive that the best element bestowed by the almighty to every soul is kindness. Each one of us has something to give to the world; we just need to recognize what it is?
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. William Arthur describes ‘A warm smile is the universal language of kindnesses’. So one of the most significant life lessons we can pass on is the value of kindness. Even we find that kindness is one of the universal principles that all religious traditions adhere to. A traverse in different religions faith brings us to a point of commonality that kindness is the ‘best way to live.’ “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness” – The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader. ‘The world endures because of three activities: study of Torah, divine worship, and deeds of loving-kindness’ – Judaism. ‘Five things ‘Gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness’ constitutes perfect virtue’ – Confucianism. ‘Dignity, kindness, courage, and a benevolent, loving heart – these are the qualities of men born with divine traits’ – The Bhagavad Gita. ‘A spiritual person cannot be complete without kindness. Kindness is a most excellent way of life’, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) informs the Sikhs of the importance of kindness, a virtue which he puts on an equal footing with truth and contentment.
We feel that kindness in people has shrieked owing to tension and conflict in society that seems to care more about winning an argument than caring for peoples’ hearts. The world is full of kind people, but if you cannot find one, be one, this we have to understand and to react accordingly. Kindness implies a deep-seated characteristic shown by considerate behavior as Kind, gracious, kind hearted, implying a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. There are a lot of people who want to reach out to others in the smallest of ways, make someone else smile. Psychological studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. We may appreciate a person’s beauty, strength, wealth, knowledge, or fame, but if a person is not kind it stands out like a huge blemish.
Why do we need to be Kind? When we ponder on this query, we need to reflect on what’s important in life and in our relationships with others and I am sure, ultimately we will conclude that kindness is high on the list of what’s important in our life. Kindness is caring for others, even when they may not care for you. Kindness has been defined as ‘the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate’. It is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful. We can club kindness as a helpful or considerate act. Kindness in words creates confidence. The world would become a much better place, if people are kind to each other. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. A person with a pleasant disposition and a concern for others is said to be kind. By being kind to other people, we do not only help them and light a smile on their face but also feel good at a deeper level. It gives a sense of satisfaction. Showing kindness towards others does not necessarily mean doing something big for them. It can be something as small as being polite and offering emotional support to someone. Kindness is must for humanity and humanity has no existence without kindness. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem. Beautiful saying that constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. It is futile to judge a kind deed by its motives. Every choice of kindness raises our collective consciousness and manifests itself as a kinder humanity whether we, personally, see the result or not. Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind. Being kind had a profoundly positive effect on happiness. When we reflect upon the prevailing scenario of kindness that is in rarity, we must focus on fostering kindness in our students and in ourselves, a habit we can practice every day of the year.
Summing up with the words of Albert Einstein, ‘The ideals which have lighted my way and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty, and truth’. Kindness is always rewarded.
Being kind had a profoundly positive effect on happiness. True kindness should not be selective. All people with whom we have dealings should be the recipients of it. It should not be reserved for those in the higher positions in life.
To direct its use in such a selective manner would be to remove it from its heart-quality source of which it should be. Even the humblest servant should be afforded the opportunity to profit from it. It isn’t so much what one says in life that counts, but the manner in which he says it. Even the word “no” can be said in a kind spirit which can be pleasing to the ears of a listener. Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind and third is to be kind.
