Develop a positive outlook in life

CHENNAI, DEC. 14. Success can be achieved in any enterprise only when one has a positive outlook in life. Even before undertaking a task if an individual feels doubtful about the outcome, then his whole attitude does not bode well for achieving success. This should not be construed to mean that anyone can attempt any task and achieve success in it. Other factors like whether one is equipped for undertaking it is also important. When one has all the prerequisites then a positive approach will go a long way in ensuring success in the task undertaken.

``The power of positive thinking'' is a much-bandied about cliche in modern management, but this is not a new idea in the Vedic tradition. Most of the scriptural texts touch upon this important aspect of human psychology, and in the Ramayana, Hanuman is portrayed as a personification of success. The manner in which he accomplished the mission of locating Sita is a case in point. He was unanimously chosen for the job when Sugriva conferred with one and all about who should be entrusted with this difficult task, as he had all the necessary attributes to carry out that mission.

In his discourse on the Ramayana, Sri B. Sundar Kumar said that before embarking on his journey Hanuman prayed to all gods for success. This underscores the importance of eliciting divine grace before starting any work to ward off obstacles which one may not be able to overcome by one's skill. Then he climbed to the top of the mount Mahendra to take a leap across the ocean to reach Lanka.

Summoning all his energy to spring with all his might he addressed his fellow monkeys who had assembled to watch and wish him good speed, ``As an arrow discharged by Sri Rama would fly with the speed of the wind, I too would likewise course to Lanka guarded by Ravana. If I do not find Sita, the daughter of Janaka, in Lanka, I shall certainly proceed with the same speed to heaven. If I do not find Sita there even after exerting myself so much, I shall bring Ravana, the ruler of ogres, in chains. At all events I shall return successful with Sita. Or else I shall bring Lanka with Ravana after uprooting it.''

Needless to say, it was Hanuman's whole attitude to the task entrusted to him which enabled him to come out successful in finding Sita eventually though he met with many impediments on the way. The Champu Ramayana co-authored by Kalidasa and King Bhoja, which was composed when the king had little time left to die, eulogises Hanuman's prowess and skills which enabled him to succeed in the mission of locating Sita.

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