High Thinking and Simple Living

Mahatma Gandhi was once asked to describe an ideal life style and he responded by saying "Simple Living and High Thinking". I completely agree with his thoughts and have tried (though not fully successfully) to emulate this in my own life.

Simple living is the right way to live. One does not get lasting happiness by living a flashy lifestyle. We do not need branded clothes to wear or have wardrobes full of designer clothes. Simple fare would be far better than straining our system with huge variety of exotic food frequently. Partying every other night neither wins us lifelong friends nor does it permanently remove our boredom. To commute one does not need top end vehicles - I am not advocating public transport (esp. in India) for those who can afford private transportation. However, no point in having huge fuel guzzling vehicles to move around.

If we were to reduce our needs to the bare minimum, we would start being less demanding on the precious and limited resources of the earth. We would start showing consideration for our fellow beings (human and others too) who may not be as well endowed as us. By reducing our demand, we would check inflation and help in making things more affordable for the poor.

High thinking is what will help us in our evolution path. Human beings are superior because we can think far better than other beings. We should make use of this faculty to probe further into the real purpose of our existence and what we need to do to reach our goals. High thinking also refers to rising above petty and mundane issues. As ones spiritual growth increases, one tends to think about higher things and does not get trapped and lost in the usual worldly matters.

Just look all round; Look at the ocean, look at the sky; How can you manage not to be simple and not to be humble? - Osho

"Most people try to know more to become more clever every day, where as I attempt to become more simple and uncomplicated everyday." Zen expression