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Of Past
by Manjit Handa, PhD
When we think of the past, it usually comes to mind as that major chunk of time that has long-gone. All that has bygone is not what bothers one and all.
There is the past that is ours, we lived it, or through it. Then there is the one we want to believe actually existed, our parents and grand parents narrate stories about it. The times which were simpler, when things were cheap and electronic gadgets were unheard of.
And there is the one which no one close or dear explains about, which we learn from books and various other records. Some make it a subject of study and others browse through if need be.
There is the one we would want to dig and the other that better remain buried. We learn and unlearn from it. One that we forget, one that constantly haunts; one we are proud of, one we’re ashamed to own; one that makes us happy, one that sinks us into depression. One we wish we could relive given a chance and re-do things with corrections.
There is this sadness attached to the past. If it was bad, we are sad, if good, the missing of THAT goodness makes us sad. So should it be completely forgotten? Most people swear by living in the present. Not really.
Good, bad, mine, yours or anyone’s—past is an instructor and a constant mentor. Deny it and education is denied. Accept it, and the trails to wisdom release and it is this knowledge that finally becomes the source of steady delight.
Time to look back.
Yorely yours,
Manjit
Published on March 1, 2007 02:02 PM
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