Turn a creeper into a tree

Oasis

Today, most of us lead a life based on expectations. When we help others, there are many expectations attached to it.  It is so subtle that we may never recognise them consciously. 

Even the desire for words of appreciation, a thank you, or a grateful smile is an expectation. 

There is a Vedantic saying - "Our own left hand should be unaware of what the right hand gives." Such should be our selflessness and humility.

Without understanding this, and unaware of the abundant bounty showered upon us by God, we cling to people expecting their constant support in our daily lives. 

If they are busy or pre-occupied, we feel neglected and offended. Rather than seeing how we can help others, we expect others to drop everything and attend to us.  
In short, our expectations have turned us into creepers.

We lead a ‘creeper life’ by attaching ourselves to many unwanted things in life.  This attachment depletes our inner strength and we are inclined to cling to our profession, money, name and fame. 

None of these objects on which we depend are permanent. Every time they undergo a change or slip from our grasp, we suffer pain. We hold on possessively not only to material objects, but also to our own desires, expectations and weaknesses.
We excuse our own shortcomings, but expect others to be perfect.

There is a beautiful prayer in the Yajur Veda that says, “Oh God, bless me with a long and healthy life to spread Your message of divine aspirations every minute. Fill me with Your love and mighty strength to perform noble deeds. Grant me a hundred years to lead a life of self respect instead of arrogance and pride.”

“Let me live without being a burden to anyone else. Bless me that I may be like a tree - standing tall, straight and strong. May all those who need support hold on to me so that I can pass on Your grace and blessings to them.”

“ May many come to seek refuge under my Tree.  Let me not cling like a creeper to any person, situation or object other than You.  Bless me that I may always be a Tree and never a creeper, my Lord."

So today, instead of being trees that are straight and tall, we have become creepers to sap the strength of others. 

That is why the scriptures say - "Cling like a creeper only to God or your Guru and allow them to transform you into a Tree that gives shade, flowers, fruits and life's bounty to you and others too."

Let us cling only to the Divine.

This will transform us into Kalpavrikshas, or the wish-fulfilling trees with vast canopies , which shelter all the living beings in this world.