Human Flowers

Sunflowers bloom into beautiful and bright flowers as the first ray of sunlight falls on their closed bud. Bright, cheerful and soothing, they instantly give pleasure to the eyes that see this wonder.  Humans are just like flowers. Sometimes we choose to live our lives closed up in the little shell of the self. We lock ourselves in a world of our own and ignore the ‘knocks knocks’ that come by on the door to our hearts every now and then. We think that shutting out the world from us means putting an end to all the problems and worries that come as part of being in it. Yet they continue to haunt, even more perhaps. Can there be any joy in this kind of lonely existence?

President Ikeda, a prolific peace activist says “There is no true joy in a life lived closed up in the little shell of the self. When you take one step to reach out to people, when you meet with others and share their thoughts and sufferings, infinite compassion and wisdom well up within your heart. Your life is transformed.”

Have you experienced this transformation in your life? My own experience allows me to substantiate president Ikeda’s viewpoint. From a closed bud I have flowered into a happier, confident and joyful person. The reason for this? - My circle of friends has grown dramatically in the last few years. I have begun to enjoy human interaction, something I shied away from for a good part of my life. This has led to my individual growth as well.

I have learnt that it is only through our interaction with others that we can bloom to our fullest potential. Like flowers, we derive nourishment for the soul, heart, mind and body from all that is around us and fellow humans are an integral part of it. Just as the spring sunshine warms the frozen earth back to life, so vibrant dialogue fills people’s lives with fresh energy and nurtures the flowering of human potential. No matter what position or where we belong. The human heart desires soulful conversation to keep it alive. Keep the door to your heart open and allow people to walk in and help you discover things about yourself. And give to others the same joy. It is only through this two way exchange that we will be able to work towards the flowering of all of humanity.