SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING

SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING The Art of Living SIMPLE living, high thinking is a well-known formula. But it is very rare to find someone who sincerely follows it in letter and in spirit. Although it seems to be very simple, why is it that people fail to follow it? The reason is that this seemingly—simple formula requires great sacrifice—possibly the greatest sacrifice. Most people are not ready to make this sacrifice. And so, they do not follow, although it is the greatest—actually, the only—secret of success. What is simple living? Simple living is need-based living. We all have some needs, and we seek to fulfill them. Our needs are limited. The problem arises when one doesn’t remain satisfied with one’s needs being fulfilled, and, instead, gets caught up in greed. Unlike need, greed has no limit. If one starts chasing unlimited greed, one will never be content. Simple living means living according to limited needs, and not according to unlimited greed. Simple living is a safeguard from all kinds of distractions. It results in saving of time, energy, money and other resources, which can be put to optimum use, for one’s development. Distractions lead to destruction of life. Today, people are surrounded with distractions— shopping, outings, movies, reading useless novels and everything else that is part of the entertainment culture. Most people are wasting their lives in this way. Intellectually, they are dwarfs. One cannot discuss any serious subject with them. They know only about their desires, their fantasies, the things that give them pleasure, their comforts and luxuries. They have great knowledge about these things, but not about serious subjects of life and death. Everything that is more than a need gives some temporary pleasure or comfort. But in the long run, it leads to deviation from the right path. It distracts one from the goal. Hence, it is very important that only needs Unlike need, greed has no limit. If one starts chasing one's unlimited greed, one will never be content.