‘Samay baraa balvaan’- Time is most powerful’.
From a Hindu perspective, the concept of time is seen to be essential to everything that takes place in the scheme of things. It is an aspect of this illusory world and it exists as long as we are subject to the process of change. This ‘kaal’ or time is cyclical in nature and continues its rotation eternally and ceaselessly. Nothing stops the never-ending spin of this chakra of time. Neither can anything compare to the power wielded by its rotation.
The popular saying that everything happens in time is demonstrated daily in countless events around us. The sun rises and sets in time. In time the moon waxes and wanes. Within a split second, a pauper can become a king and vice-versa. Flowers bloom and fruits grow in their time. Indeed, there is a time for everything under the sun. Recently the great power of time was clearly manifest when, within the short space of just a few months, change of vast magnitude swept across the political landscape of this nation. Although huge sections of the population were clamouring for change a long time ago, could the average citizen of this country ever perceive that the tables would have turned that quickly? Clearly, the writing was on the wall. Scripted, it says that in time everything happens. However, once we are on the path of dharma, we automatically become aligned with the bounties that come with every passing second, minute or hour. Everything that happens at its appointed time, redounds to our benefit.
As we move through the corridors of life, we never cease to realise the necessity of this apparent marvel of time and, with the wheels of our chariot directed by the shakti or powers of ‘ichhaa’-will, gyaan’ wisdom and ‘kriyaa’-activity as well as ‘shraddha’-faith in the Divine, ought we not warmly greet Master Time? At the same time should we not happily welcome and embrace the winds of change that come our way? Not only do they blow away the clutter of agyaan (ignorance), inaction and ennuie but they also create wafts of fresh fragrance that catalyses the process of spiritual evolution. When we become imbued with the will and wisdom that guide us to engage in nitya, naimittik and kaamya activities, we perceive the significance of time. Without a doubt, it is factored in to everything that comprises our world.
Recognising, therefore, the role of time in our lives, it may be an appropriate juncture to reflect on some ways to effect the change we seek. Here are just a few:
1. Now is the time for the emergence of renewed faith and revival in the words of our scriptures.
2. Now is the time for each one of us to subscribe to the ethos of harmony in diversity, thereby manifesting the unity that lies in diversity.
3. Now is the time to realise the great awareness of our purpose here.
4. Now is the time to re-energise all sectors of our personal lives.
5. Now is the time to strengthen our inner resolve to become more God-conscious and to seek the Divine with greater earnestness.
6. Now is the time to be more pro-active.
7. Now is the time to effectively and efficiently implement standards in our lives that will create the transformational change that we want for ourselves.
8. Now is the time for creating hope for our inner selves.
Indeed, time is powerful but it should be managed well!
