In a world where stories of bravery and betrayal intersect like the threads of fate, there existed a prince burdened not by external enemies, but by the daunting prospect of conflict with his loved ones. This prince, skilled in archery beyond compare, found himself immobilized by unseen chains of doubt constricting his spirit.
Far away at a distant corner, stood a God oblivious to his divine abilities and purpose in the mortal world. Despite his celestial origins, he was enveloped in doubt and confusion, unsure of how to navigate the myriad challenges before him. This God who once soared towards the Sun, now found himself adrift in a sea of ambiguity, with his true potential obscured by self-doubt.
In a different era, a king lost his sight, his kingdom, and the love that brightened his life. Blind and powerless, he teetered on the brink of despair, his realm seized by adversaries seeking to erase his legacy. This king, once celebrated for his courage and sagacity, now found himself at the mercy of cruel fate.
Through the gloom and uncertainty engulfing these three souls emerged guiding lights – friends and mentors whose reignited hope, courage and resilience within their hearts.
Lord Krishna and Arjun
The divine charioteer and alluring flutist, Lord Krishna, descended to lead Prince Arjuna through the tumultuous battlefield of Kurukshetra, imparting timeless wisdom through ‘The Bhagwad Gita.’ With guidance, wisdom, and inspiration, Arjuna overcame his self-doubt and embraced his duties and fulfilled the promises he made.
Jamvanta and Hanuman
Jamvanta, the wise counsellor who accompanied Hanuman, reminded him of his inherent ability to overcome obstacles. Encouraged by Jamvanta’s words, Hanuman regained his confidence and leaped across the sea, ultimately locating Goddess Sita in Lanka.
Chand Bardai and Prithviraj Chauhan
Chand Bardai, the poet whose verses still echoes through history, inspiring the blind warrior Prithviraj Chauhan to transcend darkness and exhibit his remarkable archery prowess with confidence, directing his arrow towards Mohammad Ghori. “चार बांस चौबीस गज, अंगुल अष्ट प्रमाण, ता ऊपर सुल्तान है, मत चूके चौहान” encapsulates the essence of unwavering determination and precision. It translates to the exact position where Mohammud Ghori was sitting in the arena, advising the King – “Do not miss, Chauhan.” This powerful message urged the blind Prithviraj Chauhan to maintain focus, aim with accuracy, which ultimately led to the death of his captor Mohammad Ghori.
Amidst these epic narratives, the words of a wise man reverberate through time, contemplating the age-old question: Is the journey more significant than the destination? This sage proclaimed, “It’s the company we choose in the journey that is paramount”. The company we keep shapes our beliefs, aspirations, and actions.
Jim Rohn aptly stated, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” emphasizing the influence of our inner circle on our growth and mindset. Dan Pena’s words, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future,” serve as a reminder of how our companions shape our destinies. And Isaac Newton’s famous quote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” needs no explanation.
In my book, “Overflow: Live the Life You Want,” I recognize the role of luck in our lives—not just in terms of material wealth or fortunate events, but in those chance meetings with the right people, ideal mentors, or guiding lights that help us navigate through challenging times. These instances of pure luck, where the universe seems to align in mysterious ways, bringing us closer to individuals who uplift, motivate, and inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Just like the prince, the God, and the blind king found solace and strength in the mentors, allies and friends who reignited their spirits, we too require that guiding voice whispering empowering words, “मत चूके चौहान,” urging us to stay focused on our goals and never lose sight of our aspirations.
I encourage you to reflect on this question: How has the company you keep impacted your journey? Consider the individuals who lift you up, inspire you, and motivate you to be your best self. In the course of our lives, the people we surround ourselves with play a crucial role in shaping our destinies