Don't Write Off a Person Because of His Failure
Times of India
-- Roli Srivastava
March 2001
People think and speak only about their achievements. But, for
the achievements to be long lasting one should pay more attention
to failures, observe Mata Amritandamayi, the spiritual leader from
Kerala who has a huge following. She will be in the city from March
17th to the 21st.
"Amma," as she is popularly known, explains that while
people tend to take credit for their achievements, and blame others
for failures. This reflects their wrong attitude in dealing with
failure, she notes. Moreover, when a person fails it only proves
that he or she is adventurous enough to take up the challenge. "Success
and failure are like shadows that follow any task undertaken by
a person," she notes. "However, the greatest failure in
life is to expect victory in every single situation," she says.
To be scared of failure is certainly wrong, she feels, as the world
belongs to both-the victor and the loser. "If we are afraid
we will never be able to succeed and eventually never gain anything
out of life," she elucidates, adding that "after all,
life is meant for those who are courageous enough to take up the
challenges that it poses."
However, what is equally important is tolerance towards those who
failed. "We should always support and encourage losers in order
to inspire them and remove their fear of failure," she says.
She firmly believes in the effect of forbearance and compares it
to the power of gravity "which is invisible but experienced
by everyone."
To write a person off because of his or her failure is a bigger
failure on our part, Amma explains. "Opportunities should be
available, not only for the winner but also for those who have lost,'
she states, adding that both categories of people should be given
a chance to move ahead in life together, without any discrimination.
"Only if we understand this principle, can we know what real
service is and be of real benefit to others."
Moreover, to forgive those who have erred once is an act of kindness,
she feels. "After all, it is patience and forgiveness that
encourages a person to move forward with renewed strength,"
she observes.
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