A contemplative reflection on human conflict, inequality, suffering, and the forgotten moral duties that bind us. The piece meditates on justice, compassion, and universal brotherhood—calling for a more awakened, equitable, and humane world where conscience and shared responsibility guide our collective future.
Reflection & Expression
What to write when so much stirs within, yet the heart feels uneasy?
There are innumerable nuances, but the pen alone chooses the lines.
People take up many subjects, and richness grows from such vividness.
Each shapes his thoughts in his own manner, and new colours rise everywhere.
Over time, one develops a style, though one may wander through many themes.
What he finally chooses when he lifts the pen becomes his moment of truth.
Many issues burn in the world, and people hasten to place their views.
They get involved sentimentally, as though the events were their very own.
They take sides according to relation, though some still strive to be just.
Man’s vision should rest on natural justice, with empathy for all humankind.
Unrest flows through the world, though its source often remains unseen.
As children, we blamed our elders, yet now we step into the same trap.
The rigidities we believed enlightenment would dissolve still cling to us;
We merely replace old ones with new, without transforming our minds.
Human Conflict & Suffering
Violence surrounds us as before, even from our younger days.
We thought we would soften the world, yet see how little we have done.
Man gains no wisdom despite daily losses and self-inflicted wounds;
We see no benefit—only death, penury, and lives shattered to fragments.
People die in bomb blasts, gunfire, and senseless cycles of revenge;
Innocents fall to wrath unleashed by the perpetrators of crime.
Children lose parental care, and destitutes fill the waiting roads;
They hardly see their childhood, through no fault but simple birth.
Who spreads such evil designs across the world, and to what end?
Why do noble thoughts not rise to serve humanity with sincerity?
Is courage merely resistance to wrong, or something deeper within?
Justice must be sought by all, though justice never demands killing.
Inequality, Wealth & Responsibility
Man is often selfish—absorbed in riches, unseeing, sharing little;
Have-nots clamour around him, yet he offers them no justice.
He thinks his wealth was earned solely through his own labour & strength.
He withholds fair wages, leaving others hungry and unseen.
The hunger and depression of the poor keep humanity in dread.
The rich have left little for the rest, making their clamour natural.
As personal wealth expands, so does the urge to gather by any means.
“Let me be mighty over others’ weakness”—such thinking worsens the world.
Though man is social and depends on others for survival,
Profit often stands before compassion in his hierarchy of thought.
More effort, more pain—while the lazy should suffer, they claim;
Yet the masses labour endlessly, and only a few enjoy the fruit.
A little education or a profitable profession becomes a license to encroach.
We learn tactics to rise, even if others must silently bear the cost.
If wealth were shared more wisely, society would rest on level ground.
Hatred would dim, and hope remain alive in every heart.
Structures, Systems & Human Restlessness
Man builds systems for survival, or cunning ones shape them for gain;
Rules drift toward the few, leaving the many outside the circle.
Simple societies face fewer troubles and show natural equity.
Complex establishments deepen differences—the root of unrest.
Even with respectable wealth, man seldom finds inner peace;
He strives with relentless hunger to gather riches in all forms.
He seldom counts the cost in lives, in dignity, in withheld wages;
Nor sees how greed deepens the suffering of the poor.
We rarely see how many fall behind in this pursuit of gain.
Nor the environmental wounds we impose upon the world.
This does not mean we must remain docile or abandon effort;
The essence is helping as many as we can—making them partners in progress.
Education, Unity & Shared Humanity
Universal quality education must carry enlightened thought in minds.
Seeing all as brethren, with no real difference among human beings.
Cultural variations in food, dress or living should not divide us;
We are one in essence, though conflict rises for needless reasons.
When will the world accept that all deserve a respectable living?
The Earth’s resources belong to all; marginal life cannot endure.
The world has shrunk into a village, resenting extreme wealth;
No one can suppress others’ expectations forever—one must yield.
Now connected, people see others’ success and aspire to the same.
Religious sermons cannot satisfy—feeding the belly comes first.
People seek equal footing, though it may not always be possible.
Progress and dignity are rights, and repression cannot last.
Collective Wisdom & a New Social Order
Where is the world heading amidst so much churning in public life?
Who will remind us that we are one, beyond the reach of selfishness?
It is not to feed laziness, but to uplift human understanding;
Some may remain weak, yet we must raise the level of humanity.
The enlightened should act more responsibly toward others.
Rulers should be philosophers, anchored in deeper wisdom.
Equitable distribution of resources remains the foundation.
Without it, no society discovers lasting peace.
How can we strive so that love grows among human beings?
Why must nations and races burn with jealousy each day?
Many theories arise, but which threads truly guide us?
Collective wisdom must lead, and progress must be shared.
What social order should we build, and who shall shape it?
How can we reduce suffering and restore childhood to the young?
When smiles return to all, respect rises for the common person.
When differences fade, a new morning’s light appears.
Service, Duty & Universal Brotherhood
Which side shall I choose to help equanimity grow in the world?
I have done nothing significant so far that earns recognition.
Why seek publicity? Let work be silent, even if small;
If people gather for a purpose, some good will surely arise.
My assets are not mine—they are capital held in trust for humanity;
I am only a custodian for a time and must use them with care.
I must raise my children well, yet duties extend beyond the home;
Give some space to humanity—you have emerged from it.
Share positive thoughts daily; awaken souls toward enlightenment;
Let all feel concern for every brother on Earth.
Let my wholeness serve the whole in whatever measure it can;
Everything here is taken and given—the account remains clear.
Let my consciousness merge with the vast wholeness of the cosmos;
Let each atom of me align with the pulse of totality.
Let me embrace all beings with full-hearted humanity;
Every life deserves its place—we must not cut it to our size.
Closing Note
Only universal brotherhood will slowly quieten the world’s strife;
Those who have must bear greater responsibility for the common good.
Let good literature reach all, awakening a deeper consciousness;
Life grows bright only when we can smile with everyone.
“Live and let live” must guide us in spirit, heart, and deed;
Let fresh air move through our souls, and let respect rise from all.
Pawan Kumar,
14th November, 2025, Brahmpur, Odisha Time 1:38 A.M. (Midnight)
(From my New Delhi Diary dated 23 July 2016, Saturday, 6:41 PM)
No comments:
Post a Comment