30 January 2015 - QA 3

Gurudev, you have said, “Excitement of achievement can make us loose our centeredness”. Obviously, you would not want us to underachieve. What is the way to be an achiever and be centered?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

That you have to figure out.

I would say 3 C’s would help.
1. Context to life. When you see your life in a bigger context, you will be so amazed that things will shift naturally inside you. In this huge universe with billions of stars, there is one little solar system which is not even like a dot. And in this, there is a little planet called Earth with 7 billion people. You are one among all of them, and you are so insignificant in this place.
When your vision expands you feel you are nothing; you are like a grain of sand or not even that. When you realize your insignificance in this planet; a shift happens within you. This context will keep you so centered that a little bit of achievement here and there will not excite you, or throw you off balance.

2. Compassion. There are so many people who have contributed towards your achievements. When you are grateful towards them, then also you remain centered.
If one person has to win the race then there is indirect cooperation by many around. This is important.

3. Commitment. When your commitment is very strong then your achievement does not excite you or throw you off balance. You will see it as one stepping stone in your path.