Creativity from being oneself

Creativity from being oneself
10 Sep, 2007, 0548 hrs IST,K VIJAYARAGHAVAN, TNN

In a song sung by Mohammed Rafi for the film Izzat, released in 1968 (Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi), the message of authenticity is brought out in the lines, Kya miliye aise logon se, jinki fithrath chupi rahe; nakli chehera samne aaye, asli surath chupi rahe (what can be obtained from such people whose nature lies hidden, where only the false face is in view and the real face stays hidden?). This song further expatiates powerfully on the ways of such pretentious persons in this world of make believe and sham.
Many indeed are far removed from their normal selves, influenced as they are by feelings of insecurity and anxieties or in consequence of their greed for money, power and fame. While some openly and brazenly cast off all scruples and goodness in their feverish pursuits, some continue to talk of and preach honesty and integrity, though unable to bring themselves to lead a life of clarity and real substance.

They thus display a dichotomy in character, which also finally manifests, to an intelligent observer, in their conflicting words and acts. While many are helpless tools of situations, some also can cause serious harm through their glib talk and convincing exterior. Such wolves in sheep’s clothing are verily walking examples of split personalities, whose cliché laden and sugar-coated words would extend to swearing and making promises, adroitly stage managed to bowl many over.

In an incisive article, “The Awesome Power to be Ourselves”, (Reader’s Digest, July 1983) Ardis Whitman rightly terms the power to be oneself as the greatest power — the power which could touch the destiny and trends of situations and peoples. Citing specific examples of great personalities, who possessed this power of integrity and authenticity, Whitman also points out how, on the contrary, the “loss of power” on the part of the soul, could also result in unexplained fatigue and various psychosomatic diseases.

While specific mental and spiritual exercises could help one to obtain authenticity and clarity within, being in solitude once in a while, reflecting on things within and without is also a powerful tool in this journey. This verily is the application of the exhortation, ‘Know Thyself’, the concept of Sage Patanjali (Yoga Sutra: 1,3) of being established in one’s true self (swarupa) and the injunctions in the Bhagawad Gita (2,45; 5,3 and 5,25) to become freed of conflicts and dualities within.