Essay from a Tibetan Children’s Village student entitled – Accomplishment of Core Values
An essay from a high school student entitled – Accomplishment of Core Values
Tibetan Children’s Village
India
Moral values are the core traits of human beings, which is why humans are different from other living beings. It is a very special character that brings ultimate happiness. It is a very essential trait that one must inculcate to lead a successful and meaningful life. Love, kindness, sympathy, honesty, compassionate, self-control, good attitude, philanthropy, humility, modesty, and being respectful are some of the core values which we must teach.
Among all, philanthropy (altruism) is one of the most important core human values. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the flowers.’ Core values are instilled from within the family at a young age. Parents are responsible for making and shaping a child’s personality. For example, a seven years old girl may be encouraged by her parents to share from her piggy bank to participate in the giving and sharing that eventually adds charm to a person’s personality. Inculcating such values in one’s heart alone is not enough. One must practically implement these values. As the saying goes, ‘actions speak louder than words.’
Moral values are the root of happiness and no sentient being wants suffering. Therefore as we celebrate the 81st birthday of our spiritual leader H.H the fourteenth Dalai Lama we must be committed to do 81 good deeds. Here are a few things I commit myself to do:
1. As ‘Procrastination is the thief of time’ I will do my work on time instead of delaying it.
2. When someone hurts me or insults me instead of doing the same I will exercise self-control as ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’
3. I will start my day with a good attitude as you must ‘always put your best foot forward.’
4. I will always be punctual as ‘the early bird catches the worm.’
5. I will try my best to succeed as ‘if there is a will there is a way.’
6. I will learn when to be silent to avoid trouble as ‘a closed mouth catches no flies.’
7. I will not insult others by calling names as ‘people living in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’
8. I will not be lazy and do what I can do as ‘poverty waits at the gate of idleness.’
9. I will be philanthropic as ‘the fragrance always remains on the hand that gives flower.’
10. I will help others and share things as people who help others get a lot of blessings.
So, in a nutshell, moral values are not what you say, it’s how you behave towards others. People without core values are hardly human. Each and every one of us must instill core values and accomplish them.
Allan Bloom said, “Authentic values are those by which a life can be lived, which form a people that produces great deeds and thoughts”.