Apparently today is a day dedicated to the notion of promise. Yes, promises are indeed important. As Robert Frost would say, "I have promises to keep". Indeed that makes the whole difference!
A promise to be kept is actually a test of one's entire personality. Keeping a promise includes the involvement of the head, heart and soul. It is a strongly ethical position whereby even when none is looking, you stand by your own honour. You refuse in a way to violate your own dignity.
At times, the promises that you thus make to yourself may cost a lot materially. May be, however, the inner satisfaction that comes from keeping a promise makes you a strong and sensible person who is also sensitive. Great gains!
Actually, a promise is always to one's own self, even when given in the public sphere, be it at the job, in the court, and so on. A promise is a kind of refusal to be swayed by extrinsic contexts. It means remaining true to a set of principles, a system of values without being rigid.
Such a definition of promise holds true even in the religious context. When you promise to observe a fast, to put it simply, you are promising to the tradition/system a certain code of honour. It blooms, however, from within your own self.
In other words, if you thus promise yourself a good life, death, that ultimate promise made at the very moment of birth and which none can deny, will be just a casual acceptance. These words are easy, but tough and truly hurtful they are, when they relate to those who you care for.
Well, I promise to end this blog now, and I promise to stay the "promise!"way whereby an eternal oasis of promises leads me to a better me!
Pratima@ The best, the ideal example of promises kept would be Lord Shree Ram. May be, that was why the Ayodhya temple consecration was such a magnet. In our entire history, there are very many examples of promises never broken. That, may be, would need yet another blog!
And, oh, yes, remember the childhood faith in the "god promise" and "I swear on my mother (mostly!) or father", promises that crafted a good girl out of oneself?
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