Tuesday, April 14, 2009

An anecdote from the life of Rabindranath Tagore

The secret to success is to stick to your goal through rain or shine, through smooth or rough waters.

Even people who attained worldly goals in the fields of sports, the sciences, or the arts have accomplished wonders through their commitment.

Once, Mahatma Gandhi was visiting him there; he had gone there to give a public talk. Afterwards, he spent time with Tagore, discussing topics of interest to them both. Following lunch, Gandhi went to take rest when some of the ashram workers, followers of Tagore, approached him.

"Can you help us, Gandhiji? they asked. "What is it?" asked the Mahatma. "We are worried about the health of Rabindranath Tagore," they explained. "He is not keeping good health. The doctors advised him to take rest, but he refuses. After lunch, he immediately goes back to work and does not take a moment's rest. We do not want his health to fail." Gandhi asked, "Why do you want me to tell him to rest?" They replied, "We know he will not go against your advice."

After Gandhi had rested awhile, he went to Tagore's residence and saw that he was deeply immersed in his work. When Tagore looked up and saw Gandhi standing there he asked him, "Are you not comfortable that you have come out from your rest so soon?"

Gandhi replied: "I have come to ask you to take rest after your lunch so your health does not fail. You are not keeping fit these days."

Tagore replied: "How can I do that? I must tell you the truth so that you will understand. When I was 12 I took a vow never to rest at any time during the day for any reason. Up to now I have kept that vow. How many more years do I have to live? Why would I break that vow now?"

Tagore's firm determination and commitment to his promise moved Gandhi. For 67 years Tagore had never rested during the day. Gandhi was impressed by his commitment to his goal and told him, "Now I know the secret of your success!"


Discourse: Rajinder Singh Ji
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Honour-commitment-you-make-to-yourself/articleshow/4400401.cms

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

this is perfect