The desire for success resides in everyone's heart. Every individual yearns for a successful life, a soaring flight, and the ability to overcome every obstacle. But what does a successful life truly mean? Is it merely reaching the highest peak, or is there something more profound? A compelling story from the Mahabharata offers insights into this profound understanding of life, continuing to guide us even today. Let's explore the true meaning of a successful life through this narrative.
The Disciple's Question: What Constitutes a Successful Life?
Once, a disciple asked his Guru, "Gurudev, what constitutes a successful life?" Upon hearing this question, the Guru began to contemplate deeply. He desired to provide a simple and understandable answer to his disciple. Therefore, he took his disciple to an open field and said, "Fly a kite." The disciple obeyed his Guru and began to fly the kite. As the kite ascended higher into the air, the disciple realized he needed more string to keep it aloft. He requested more string from the Guru, which the Guru provided. The kite gradually soared higher.
The disciple felt that the kite's flight was limited by the string. He began to think that if the string were not there, the kite could fly freely anywhere. But the Guru cut the string. The kite suddenly ascended to a greater height, but soon lost its balance and plummeted to the ground. Seeing this, the disciple was astonished. Then the Guru explained that in life, constraints and discipline are similar safeguards. Without these constraints, we become unstable, just as a kite falls without its string. This is the fundamental principle of a successful life.
The String Ends, But the Kite Doesn't Stop
The string had ended, yet the kite did not stop. The disciple observed that the kite still desired to ascend further, but even after the string's end, it couldn't move far. The disciple thought, 'This string is hindering the kite's flight. If we cut it, the kite will be completely free and will be able to fly to greater heights.' He conveyed this to his Guru.
The Guru listened to his disciple and cut the string. The kite immediately soared upwards, but soon lost its balance and fell. Seeing this, the disciple was very surprised and asked the Guru, "Gurudev, we freed the kite, yet it fell, why?" The Guru smilingly explained that some constraints in life protect us. These constraints give us strength; without them, we become unstable, just as a kite falls without a string.
The Guru Explains Life's True Lesson
The Guru lovingly explained to his disciple, 'Often in life, we feel that certain constraints hinder our progress. We think that if we are freed from these constraints, we will be able to soar and succeed completely. But in reality, these constraints are the rules, relationships, and disciplines of our lives, which make us b and stable. These constraints help keep us grounded at great heights.'
The Guru further explained, 'Just as a kite becomes unstable and falls when it flies without a string, so too does a person who tries to fly alone without the constraints of discipline, family, guru, or society become unstable. Without these constraints, their life begins to falter, and they fall. Therefore, understanding and respecting constraints is essential for a successful life.'
The Importance of Discipline and Responsibility in Life
The Guru explained that constraints like home, family, parents, guru, and society are the strings of our lives that prevent us from falling. These constraints make us aware of our responsibilities, show us the right direction, and strengthen our character. It is because of these constraints that we reach our destination safely and firmly. If these constraints were not present, no matter how high we reach, we would not remain stable and ultimately fall. Therefore, discipline and responsibility are very important in life.
Example from the Mahabharata: The Position of Bhishma Pitamah
The Guru, using the example of the Mahabharata war, said to the disciple, 'When Bhishma Pitamah was the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army, the army was completely safe and b. Bhishma's discipline, his leadership, and everyone's respect for him were like a b string that held the entire army together. His presence instilled confidence in the army, and everyone fought together unitedly.'
He further explained, 'But when Duryodhana insisted on removing Bhishma Pitamah from the post of commander-in-chief, that b string broke. This caused instability in the army, and the war situation changed. This incident teaches us that leadership, discipline, and constraints are very important in life; they keep us stable and b. Without them, success becomes temporary and unstable.'
What is the Real Meaning of Success?
The real meaning of success is not just reaching the heights, but also staying firmly at those heights. Like a kite tied to a string, it flies in the right direction in the air and avoids falling. If the kite's string breaks, it may fly to a greater height, but it will soon become unstable and fall down. Similarly, in life, the constraints that prevent us from falling give us stability and security. Breaking the constraints and flying seems easy, but that flight is not long or b.
A successful person is one who fulfills their dreams by understanding discipline, duty, and social responsibilities. They should consider their family, guru, and societal bonds not weak but b. These bonds strengthen their flight and make the path to success in life easier. Therefore, true success is what is achieved in conjunction with discipline and responsibility.
The Disciple's Learning and Future Journey
The disciple listened attentively to his Guru and accepted his words wholeheartedly. He bowed his head at his Guru's feet and understood that discipline, family, guru, and society are very important for achieving a successful life. These bonds make us b and support us in life's difficulties. Understanding this profound lesson, the disciple resolved never to abandon these things in his life and would always respect these bonds. He sought his Guru's blessings and vowed to move resolutely towards his goal with discipline. Success in life can be achieved with such wisdom and patience.
This inspiring story teaches us that stability is also essential along with success in life. Discipline, constraints, and responsibilities are what keep us grounded at the heights of life. The story of the Mahabharata and the example of the kite have made it clear that merely flying is not success; rather, the flight should be safe and stable—this is the hallmark of a successful life.
Therefore, whenever you try to touch the heights in your life, never forget your bonds, your discipline, and your relationships. Because these are the strings that keep your flight successful and continuous.
