Adaptability, A Means To Peace
Adaptability is a virtue or
noble quality by which one adapts or fits himself with others, whatever their
nature may be. The man of adaptability accommodates himself with others,
whatever their temperament may be. This is a most desirable quality for success
in life. This has to be developed slowly. The vast majority of persons do not
know how to adjust themselves with others. Adaptability is a peculiar knack or
pluck to win the hearts of others by a little bending.
The clerk does not know how to
adapt himself with his boss or superior. He quarrels with the superior and gets
an immediate sack. The disciple does not know how to adapt himself with his
Guru. He misbehaves, and leaves the Guru. The businessman does not know how to
adapt himself with the customers and loses his customers and business. The
Diwan does not know how to adapt himself with the Maharajah. He has to leave
the State Service. The world runs on adaptability. He who knows this art or
science of adaptability pulls on quite well in this world and is always happy
under any conditions of life.
The man must be pliable if he
wants to adapt himself. It does not need much wisdom or ingenuity for
developing adaptability. If the clerk understands well the ways and habits and
temperament of his superior and adjusts himself nicely to suit his ways, his
superior becomes a slave of the clerk. You will have to use some kind, sweet
words. Speak gently and sweetly. Carry out his orders to the very letter. Never
retort him. "Obedience is greater than sacrifice." Remember this
maxim at all times. The superior wants a little respect. Say, Hanjhi, Hanjhi.
Ji huzur, very well Sir." It costs you nothing. Then your superior becomes
your slave. He has for you a soft corner in his heart. You become his pet. He will
do whatever you want. He will excuse your mistakes. Humility and obedience are
necessary for developing adaptability. An egoistic, proud man finds it very
difficult to adapt himself. He is always in trouble. He always fails in his
attempts. Egoism and pride are two important obstacles in the way of developing
adaptability.
When one student does not know
how to adapt himself with his fellow-mate who is living in the same room,
friction comes in and their friendship is broken immediately. Adaptability makes
friendship last for a long time. Students fight for little things. One student
says, "I gave Mr. X tea for several days. I took him to cinema on my own
account for several days. I asked him to lend me the book "Boswell’s Life
of Johnson" for reading. He has bluntly refused now. What sort of friend
he is? I do not like him." The friendship is broken now. A simple thing
upsets the mind. Adaptability is a strong catgut ligature that links people in
unbroken love and friendship. A man of adaptability can pull on with anybody in
any part of the world. People unconsciously love a man of adaptability.
Adaptability gives immense strength and profound joy. Adaptability develops
will.
A man of adaptability has to
make some sacrifice. Adaptability develops the spirit of sacrifice. It kills
selfishness. A man of adaptability has to share what he has with others. He has
to bear insult and harsh words. A man of adaptability develops the feeling of
unity or oneness of life. For Vedantic Sadhana it is of great help. He who
practises adaptability has to destroy the feelings of Ghrina and contempt and
the idea of superiority. He has to mix with all. He has to embrace all.
Adaptability develops universal love and kills the feeling of hatred.
A man of adaptability has to
put up with the unkind words and harsh treatment of his friends. He has to
develop patience and endurance. These virtues develop by themselves
unconsciously when he tries to adapt himself with others. A man of adaptability
can live in a cool place. He can bear the heat of Benares or Africa. He
develops balance of mind. He can bear extreme heat and cold. Adaptability
brings eventually Atma-Jnana. He who has this noble virtue is a great man in
this world. He is always happy and successful.
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