Psychological Aspect

 "Familiarity Breeds Contempt": The Wisdom of Restraint. By Dr Sunil S Rana  The proverb “Familiarity breeds contempt” encapsulates a universal truth about human relationships. It suggests that excessive closeness, unguarded transparency, or constant interaction can sometimes erode respect, admiration, or even goodwill. While trust and openness are essential to forming meaningful connections, too much exposure can have unintended consequences. This paradox is particularly relevant in the context of Indian society, where relationships often balance personal boundaries and communal interconnectedness. In this article, we’ll explore how unbridled familiarity can harm relationships, delve into social examples, and reflect on the wisdom of Indian thinkers. Using idioms, proverbs, and insightful anecdotes, we’ll underline the importance of discretion, restraint, and measured interactions. The Meaning of Familiarity Breeds Contempt The phrase highlights a natural human tendency to u...

 The Art of Reading: A Gateway to Wisdom and Growth.  A thoughtful insight by Dr Sunil S Rana. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the art of reading has been relegated to the backseat. Social media platforms, with their short, snappy reels, have successfully captured the collective attention of millions, offering instant gratification and visual allure. However, what we gain in entertainment, we lose in depth, reflection, and growth. The ancient wisdom, “A book is a garden carried in the pocket,” reminds us that reading is not just a hobby but a journey into the vast landscapes of thought, imagination, and understanding. This article is an appeal to rediscover the joys of reading, to cultivate it as a habit, and to embrace it as a tool for self-growth and enlightenment. The Current Scenario: Reels Over Reads It’s no secret that most people today spend hours scrolling through social media, giving thumbs-ups to posts and videos, often without even pausing to underst...

 The Perils of Attention Seekers: A Psychological Perspective An Observation By Dr Sunil S Rana.  Introduction Attention-seeking behavior is not just a quirk or a harmless habit. For many, it is a deep-rooted psychological trait, often arising from unmet emotional needs, insecurities, or personality disorders. Such individuals, often termed "attention seekers," have a unique way of troubling family members by consistently drawing focus to themselves. Even when their complaints or concerns are addressed, they tend to create new situations to reclaim attention. This behavior can disrupt the harmony of relationships, cause emotional exhaustion, and erode trust within families. Addressing this issue requires not just patience but also a strategic approach to safeguard one's mental peace. In this article, I explore the psychology behind attention-seeking behavior, the role of family dynamics in sustaining or mitigating it, and practical strategies to handle such individuals. I...

 The Human Body vs. The Car: Doctor vs. Mechanic. A Humorous Comparison By Dr Sunil S Rana  There’s an old saying that goes, “Take care of your tools, and they’ll take care of you.” Whether it’s a shiny car with a purring engine or a human body with a racing heartbeat, both need attention, care, and a professional to fix things when they go awry. In this age of comparisons, one might find uncanny similarities between the roles of a doctor and a mechanic. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we dive into the world of diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance, drawing humorous parallels between these two crucial professions. First Stop: The Symptoms and Complaints When your car sputters to a stop on the highway or emits that dreaded knocking sound, you don’t waste time diagnosing it yourself (unless you’re a car enthusiast who thinks a hammer solves everything). Similarly, when your body starts creaking in ways it shouldn’t—be it a mysterious headache, joint pain, or a digestive issue—you ...

 The Double Standards of Modern Society: A Mirage of Hypocrisy. By Dr Sunil S Rana  In today’s world, double standards have become so ingrained in our daily interactions that they often go unnoticed. People exhibit a tendency to present an impeccable facade to the world, while their true selves remain hidden behind a carefully constructed mask. This hypocrisy manifests in various forms—personal relationships, professional conduct, social interactions, and even ideological stands. As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” for the cover often hides a narrative far removed from the one being portrayed. The Public Image vs. Private Reality Many individuals pride themselves on their virtues, values, and ethics. They boast about their honesty, hard work, and respect for others. However, the reality often paints a starkly different picture. For example, a person might proclaim that they treat everyone equally, but their actions may show favoritism based on personal gain....

 Life’s True Meaning: A Call for Introspection and Kindness. By Dr Sunil S Rana  (Managing Director, The Lexà, a Law Firm.) (President & MD, Rana's IAS Academy). Introduction Life begins and ends with nothing—born naked, we return to ashes. Yet, in between these two inevitable truths, we fill our existence with malice, envy, and selfishness. The ancient Indian philosophy reminds us of the transient nature of life, encapsulated in the Sanskrit phrase: "Samsara is fleeting" (this world is temporary). So why do we waste precious moments on hatred, resentment, and superficial pursuits? This article delves into life’s purpose and urges introspection through the lens of Indian thinkers, maxims, and universal truths. The Circle of Life: From Dust to Dust "From dust you came, to dust you shall return"—this universal truth is echoed in the Bhagavad Gita, which states, "vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya", likening life to worn-out garments that are shed at death....

 Smoking and Drinking: A Menace or a Myth? By Dr Sunil S Rana  "Cigarettes are a classy way to commit suicide." — Kurt Vonnegut. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." — Proverbs 20:1. Smoking and drinking, two age-old habits, have remained central to debates about health and social well-being. Advertised glamorously in movies yet condemned medically, these vices occupy a precarious position in human society. In India, where traditions and modernity often clash, the usage of tobacco and alcohol paints a picture of contradictions, challenges, and complexities. The question remains: are smoking and drinking really as injurious as claimed, or are their effects overstated for some while underestimated for others? The Pervasiveness of Smoking and Drinking Global statistics suggest that approximately 1.3 billion people smoke, and around 2.3 billion consume alcohol regularly. In India alone, over 28.6% of the population a...

 Men in Today’s Fast World: Redefining Traits and the Need for Real Friendship. By Dr Sunil S Rana  The rapid pace of modern life, marked by materialistic pursuits and societal expectations, has led to a shift in the traits and behavior of men. In this high-stakes environment, values like trust, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability are often overshadowed by the desire for success and recognition. As friendships fall prey to these shifting dynamics, it becomes essential to explore the traits that define men today, the challenges posed by deceptive and stubborn behaviors in friends, and how one can respond to these changes while preserving the essence of real friendship. The New Traits of Men in a Material-Driven World 1. Hyper-Competitiveness In today’s world, men are driven by an intense desire to outperform others. This "rat race" mentality often breeds jealousy and resentment among friends. As Chanakya observed, “Before you start any work, always ask yourself: Is it worth t...

 The Loneliness Epidemic: Men in the Absence of Friendship. By Dr Sunil S Rana  "Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together," said Woodrow Wilson, and yet, in today’s fast-paced, individualistic world, this cement seems to be crumbling for many, particularly men. A distressing observation from Dr. Dayaram Swami, a renowned psychologist, highlights how the lack of meaningful friendships is contributing to emotional, mental, and even physical distress among men. Let us delve deeper into this issue, explore its causes, and understand how restoring the value of friendships can heal these growing wounds. The Essence of Friendship In Indian philosophy, the concept of "Mitra" or friend is deeply rooted in spiritual and societal values. The Rigveda refers to friends as companions who uplift, guide, and stand beside you through thick and thin. A friend is not merely a social connection but a bond of mutual understanding, support, and unconditional l...

 Transience of Life By Dr Sunil S Rana Life is a fleeting river, constantly flowing, never stagnant. The concept of transience; the impermanence of all things; has intrigued thinkers, philosophers, and poets throughout history. From the ancient teachings of Indian sages to the reflections of modern thinkers, the transient nature of life has been a recurring theme, urging us to find meaning in the ephemeral. The Nature of Transience The essence of life lies in its impermanence. As the Bhagavad Gita states, “For one who has taken birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable.” This profound wisdom emphasizes that the cycle of birth and death is an inescapable reality. The transient nature of existence gives life its beauty, for it is the brevity of a moment that makes it precious. Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” His words encapsulate the ever-chang...

 The Utility of Human Life: A Reflection on Transience and Purpose By Dr Sunil S Rana  The Sanskrit verse, "विख्यास्यति भवान् तावत् यावत्ते सूपयोगिता। प्रज्वाल्य दीपकं दीप-शलाकां प्रक्षिपेज्जन:।", poignantly captures a universal truth: the worth of an individual is often judged by their utility to others. Just as a matchstick, after lighting a lamp, is discarded, humans too often find themselves valued only when they serve a purpose. This profound insight sheds light on the fleeting nature of human relevance in society, urging us to reconsider our relationships, self-worth, and purpose. The statement reminds us of an old adage: "Out of sight, out of mind." Human interactions, be they personal or professional, are frequently transactional. This article of mine delves into this theme, exploring the essence of selfless living, the importance of inner worth, and the dangers of utilitarianism in relationships, while drawing wisdom from the thoughts of great Indian and gl...

 No Loss Should Be More Regrettable to Us Than Losing Our Time, for It’s Irretrievable. By Dr Sunil S Rana  Time, an intangible yet most precious resource, flows ceaselessly like the Ganges from its source to the ocean. Every moment that passes is gone forever, leaving behind a residue of experiences and consequences. As the Hindi proverb aptly says, “Samay ke mool ko samajho, kyunki ek baar gaya samay lautkar nahi aata” (Understand the value of time, for once it is gone, it never returns). This article explores the profound importance of time management, especially for students, professionals, and businessmen, and highlights how wasting time can be the most regrettable loss of all. Time and Its Irreplaceable Nature Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” This universal truth emphasizes the permanence of time’s passage. In the Indian context, Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita underscores the supremacy of time when he says, “I am Time, the destroyer of al...

 Introduction to "Kriya Yoga" By Dr Sunil S Rana "In this article, I share my personal journey and insights into Kriya Yoga, a practice that has transformed my life and revealed many hidden spiritual truths. Drawing from the wisdom of Guru Satyam and my own dedicated practice, I explore the depths of this "spiritual science" as presented in The Holy Science, a revered book on Kriya Yoga. This practice, reintroduced to the modern world by Mahavatar Babaji and taught by his disciples such as Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Sri Yukteswar, offers a path to inner peace and self-realization." "Through Kriya Yoga, I have witnessed profound changes in my day-to-day life, finding clarity and serenity that echo the teachings of these great masters. In this article, I delve into the powerful yet accessible techniques of Kriya Yoga, presenting the teachings of Lahiri Mahasaya, who demonstrated that one can achieve spiritual growth while fulfilling worldly duties, and G...