Examine Your Contribution

In a recent episode of KBC Kaun Banega Crorepati Dr Neeraj holding prize money of 6lakhs forty thousand and still having life lines chooses to voluntarily quit. He wanted to give chance to other younger contestants to play before the close of that episode. He said "What I have gained is enough"…. “Jo Prapt kiya woh Paryapt hai”. The next participant Soniya a young girl managed to earn three lakhs twenty. Struggling in life with her mother and sisters, living in an ashram abandoned by the father being girl child. The prize money winnings meant a lot for Soniya's family and it was thanks to Dr Verma's act of unheard contribution in over 23 years of KBC that contributed to it.

Strange are ways of the Divine to influence a contributor and reach out His blessings to a recipient. Only those who learn the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy and true fulfilment. If one delays or fails to understand contribution it fails to contribute to the ultimate result of one’s own life, worse drains resources.

Understanding the key principle to Contribution is with Guru Nanak's verse that encapsulates this core teaching: (Ghaal khaae kichh hathahu deae…… "He who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has—O Nanak, he knows the Path". SGGS Ang1245

Scriptures across religions reflect philosophy of universal brotherhood and equality. Contributing to the welfare of others regardless of their background is the way of recognizing and affirming Oneness.

The best contribution to humanity is to improve oneself, our life is then about growth and contribution and not perfection. Adopt goals being a contributor encouraging others as they realize their dreams. Vision comes alive when everyone sees where his or her contribution makes a difference.

Life is not about accumulation it is about contribution. In the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord. People in many religions practice contribute one-tenth of their earnings through various means and resources in the community. It builds a conscious, working relationship between the individual and the Divine. Set out to build a company and make a contribution, not an empire and fortune.   

When one moves focus from competition to contribution life becomes a celebration. Never try to defeat people, win their heart. It takes a lot of people to make a winning team, everybody’s contribution is important. Contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise. When the opportunity by working hard is mixed well with meaningful contribution “I am grateful” is the feeling and expression towards Divine.

Gurbani emphasizes that charity should be given with wisdom and without ego. Performing acts of giving to show off, or with an expectation of a thousand-fold return, is rejected. Service must be performed without personal motive or pride (haumai). A person who does seva selflessly is cleansed of vices and gains peace of mind. Being a contributor, one is serving as a social and physical link to the Guru and the community.

Knowing the Divine early in life and constantly examining your status of contribution with the Divine helps bringing appropriate changes in one self. Counting other people sins does not make one a saint, so distant the self in contributing any kind of falsehood and build ups on selfish desires. Every individual in the world has a unique contribution to make with the self, family, at work, in society for the nation, all humanity and all creations.  

Upholding sanity is simple beginnings on the path of contribution which helps one reach out well to all. Participate in the advancement of human knowledge values, ethics, morals, peace and harmony. Each one’s contribution big or small makes the world a better place.