Art of Dying Art of Dying_Volume III_joomag | Page 26

Feature Every person in the world knows more than us in some respect. And their knowledge can help us, only if we’re open to it. 5. FIND BEAUTY IN SIMPLE THINGS understood via this life lesson. He admits that life would Mukti Bhawan three times a day. “Most people pause and differently, based on their caste, creed, colour, and social Soulful bhajans and devotional songs are played in admire the beauty of of the instruments as though they have never heard them before,” Shukla says. “But that’s not true of everyone,” he adds. “People who are critical or proud cannot find joy in small things because their minds are preoccupied with “seemingly” more important concerns.” 6. ACCEPTANCE IS LIBERATION Most people shirk away from accepting what they have been difficult if he treated people in Mukti Bhawan or economic status. Categorisation leads to complication and one ends up serving no one well. “The day you treat everyone the same is the day you breathe lightly and worry less about who might feel offended. It makes your job easier,” he says.  8. IF/WHEN YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT To have awareness about one’s calling is great, but only are going through. Shukla believes that indifference, if you do something about it. other highly dangerous emotions. Only once you accept don’t do anything about making it come to life. Simply Without acceptance, you are always in the grey space.  place.” avoidance, and denial of certain truth breed anxiety and your situation are you free to decide what to do about it. Acceptance will liberate you and empower you. 7. ACCEPTING EVERYONE AS THE SAME MAKES SERVICE EASIER The secret to Shukla’s unfazed dedication and determination towards his demanding job can be 26 | ART OF DYING “A lot of people,” Shukla says, “ know their purpose but sitting on it is worse than not having a calling in the first Having a perspective towards your purpose will help you measure the time and effort you need to dedicate to it. Take action on what truly matters. 9. HABITS BECOME VALUES Shukla recommends cultivating good habits to