“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” —Benjamin Franklin
Can you visualize yourself inside a coffin and all your friends, relatives, colleagues and others standing around it? What would you like them to talk about you? That you were a great guy and your death leaves an irreplaceable loss to the society or just good riddance! What will you be known for when you leave this earth?
The most influential people, the ones who leave behind incredible legacies, will live on in the hearts of the people they touch. Their principles, philosophies and achievements will become immortal, spreading from generation to generation. If you leave your work today, either on retirement or on resignation, how would your colleagues remember you? Have you ever thought about leaving a great memorable legacy in the company you work, in the Industry you serve or in the society or even in your own family? What are you doing to achieve the same?
Do you remember the following persons?
Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Abraham Lincoln, Swami Vivekananda, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein,
How about these?
Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Genghis Khan, Osama Bin Laden,
What makes you remember them?
In Hindu philosophy, there are seven “Chirajeevi”.
“Ashwathaama Balirvyaaso Hanumanshcha Vibhishanaha
Krupascha Parshuramascha, Saptaitey Chiranjivinaha”
Chiranjeevi does not mean that person in physically alive. He has left a legacy, good or bad for others to follow or discard.
– Vyasa, represents erudition and wisdom.
– Hanuman, stands for selflessness, courage, devotion, strength, and righteous conduct.
– Parasurama, represents technical knowledge, knowledgeable about all astras, sastras and divine weapons.
– Vibhishana, stands for righteousness.
– Kripa – impartiality towards all students (unlike Drona)
– Mahabali stands for valour and charity
– Ashwasthama is cursed for his cruelty and unrighteousness.
Do you want to be a Chiranjeevi or someone who is dead and forgotten?
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