Have you ever wondered what your real purpose is as a human being? Have you ever questioned the direction of your life or whether or not you have found your true calling? Have you abruptly surrendered one pursuit to pursue another with complete abandon? Have you come face to face with that elusive moment where suddenly, beyond a shadow of a doubt, nothing else you have ever done mattered and found yourself instead understanding the meaning of your existence?
I thought I had, until now.
I’ve watched this video at least 20 times since Monday and each time, I cry. I marvel at this man’s fortitude, commitment, perseverance, love, generosity, kindness and spirit. I sit here with tears steaming down my face and a swelling in my heart, not because of how inspiring an individual Narayana Krishnan is, but because I recognize how far I must travel to become this kind of an extraordinary human being who knows that he can and must do what few will.
I want to evolve into this person who digs deeper and goes from seeing a video and feeling the impact to recognizing that there is nothing more important, more worthy or noble than to be of service to mankind. I aspire to be able to leave a little bit of humanity better off than when I arrived.
And then, I want to find the courage, strength and determination not only to figure out how I can go about accomplishing this, but to embrace the fact that not doing it is not an option.
Not anymore. Not for me.
Haunted by my own ineptitude, I am left to question more than my purpose in life and how I've conducted it thus far. I now open my heart and mind to the concept of living my life with purpose instead of just on purpose.
It is one thing to be moved. It is another to be moved to action. The distance between my desire and this man’s determination to make a difference is vast. It leaves me speechless.
I am left searching my soul.
I have a very long way to go to becoming a better person.
We’re all in this thing together.
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Andrea Higbie
Carolyn Jung
tr ig
Jeff Sawyer
Colleen Claes
Stephen Fraser
Salon.com
Comments
It is not about what we have or who we know. I learned that years ago. Had it all , gave it away and regained what I was forgetting. That we are one and the same.
Yes.
You are a good person already, cartouche.~r
`R
If I attempted to walk in his golden shoes, I'd make it about a block, twist my ankle and limp into the closest watering hole.
I'll sleep content that my special purpose was grilled deep within years back by some Jerk.
With your talents as a writer and in the kitchen, there are undoubtedly several organizations who could use your help, if that's what you're aiming for.
Krishnan sets the bar too high for most of us, but I don't believe for a minute that any and all of us could not do more than we do to help the less fortunate. I would love to look into the eyes of the robber barons while they viewed this video. I wonder if they would even twitch?
I used to do a lot of volunteering in prisons and give money to causes FTTT. I still do some 'ministry' work - but most of my time and energy I put into my own life, such as it is - I'm *retired* now.
We can't solve many of mankind's problems if people aren't fed and clothed and if we can't keep them healthy. What Mr. Krishnan is doing so nobly is ensuring their basic needs so they can begin addressing their long-term needs. What he accomplishes should humble us.
[quote]
The group's operations cost about $327 a day, but sponsored donations only cover 22 days a month. Krishnan subsidizes the shortfall with $88 he receives in monthly rent from a home his grandfather gave him.
Krishnan sleeps in Akshaya's modest kitchen with his few co-workers. Since investing his entire savings of $2,500 in 2002, he has taken no salary and subsists with the help of his once-unsupportive parents.
"They had a lot of pain because they had spent a lot on my education," he said. "I asked my mother, 'Please come with me, see what I am doing.' After coming back home, my mother said, 'You feed all those people, the rest of the lifetime I am there, I will feed you.'
[unquote]
That's when I cried... he sets the bar high, indeed.
Thanks for this.
r.
Cartouche you always put the bar high as a person and inspire many of us with your writing. You are already on the path. I thank you for sharing this.
This man's gift is not just what he does everyday, but how he inspires the rest of us to be. I know a man like this. His name is Dr. Ariyaratne and he founded the "development organization" Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka. I worked for them on and off for years. What they give me, by giving to them, is hope. I would have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning if he and they didn't exist.
Denise, the rich in our country are too busy giving to the Republican Party and working against anything that has anything to do with giving to the poor.
Lezlie
Rated.
Thanks for sharing it. When writers illuminate good in the world, they -- I do believe -- are also doing some good by using their/our talents to support such people.