Elevate Yourself with Enthusiasm
Table of Contents
The Philosopher and the Taxi Driver
There is an incident that actually happened. A philosopher was going out for some work, so he boarded a taxi. After sitting in the taxi, seeing the sad face of the taxi driver, the philosopher asked—”Why brother, are you sick?” Hearing this, the taxi driver said, “Sir, are you a doctor?” The philosopher replied, “No, in fact, your face says that you are tired and sick.”
At this, the taxi driver sighed deeply and said, “Yes, nowadays I have back pain.” When asked his age, he said, “Thirty years.” To this, the philosopher said, “Back pain at such a young age? This can be cured without medicine just through exercise.”
The Lesson on Enthusiasm
After this, the philosopher asked a second question, “Why brother, is business slow nowadays?” The taxi driver said with surprise, “Sir, how did you know? Are you an astrologer?” The philosopher smiled and said, “Brother, I am nothing, anyone will tell you this. Oh! When you welcome passengers with a gloomy face all the time, who would want to sit in your taxi? Your income is bound to be low! Enthusiasm is necessary for success in life.”
Hearing this, the taxi driver felt as if he had awakened from a deep sleep and said, “Sir, today you made me realize my mistake, thank you very much for this.”
The Reunion
Then after three or four years, one day a gentleman placed his hand on the philosopher’s back, smiled, and asked, “Sir! How are you?” The philosopher said, “I am fine, son. But I didn’t recognize you.” At this, the gentleman said, “Sir, I am the same taxi driver to whom you taught the lesson of enthusiasm. Today, because of your teachings, my twelve taxis are running on rent. And the business is flourishing, and there is happiness in the family too. Now I also advise every sad and disappointed person to work with enthusiasm and a smile.”
The philosopher said, “It is very essential to elevate yourself with enthusiasm.” Then that gentleman bowed down to the philosopher, touched his feet, took his blessings, and promised to meet again with joy and happiness.
The Meaning of Action and Self-Reflection
“The world is driven by actions; whatever one does, so shall they reap.” Meaning, our problems are created by ourselves, and we have to bear their consequences. But if there is enthusiasm in life, all problems get solved on their own.
We often stay worried about our problems and forget how merciful the Creator is to us, and the day we understand this grace, life will be drenched in joy. It is natural that when you feel good, you smile, but when you smile, you feel good, and inner joy manifests. For inner joy to remain forever, having enthusiasm in life is necessary. To gain this enthusiasm, one should know ‘self’ and engage in ‘self-reflection’. To elevate yourself, know and recognize yourself.
Finding Lasting Joy and Inspiration
If you sow the seeds of enthusiasm in your mind, enthusiasm will grow, and if we sow the seeds of despair, there will only be despair. Saints and sages always say—always live in your own joy, meditate on your Creator, and fulfill all duties of the world properly.
Instead of worrying about all the anxiety and problems, one should adopt ways to solve them and reflect on the ‘self’. “The world is driven by actions; whatever one does, so shall they reap,” meaning our problems are created by ourselves and we have to bear their consequences, but if there is enthusiasm in life, all problems solve themselves and despair finds no place.
Behaving with love towards everyone, having discipline in life, creating good thoughts and noble deeds instills enthusiasm in life. Understanding the importance of enthusiasm, elevate yourself, and live life in prosperity so that others also get inspiration.
