Achievement vs Affiliation

This article was long overdue. Have you ever thought, what do you value more, achievement or affiliation? Do not consider this as a matrimony ad, giving you clarity for what you are looking for in your future spouse. 

Think of the very thought process that drives your actions, day in and day out. You may also consider it the famous dualities of all time: masculine vs. feminine, head vs. heart, visible vs. invisible. They are not all the same, but similar.

It’s very important to think, from the moment you get up till you sleep, what motivates your actions, speech, and thoughts. We all have some aspirations that keep us going. But there are some whose aspirations are to see others flourish. Like our mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers! The invisible force behind all our visible achievements. Who would you call greater? 

To get a clearer picture, let us first understand that everything you achieve is a part of the physical world, which is not permanent (as per most of the schools of Indian philosophy). When we talk about achievement, it is purely a part of the physical world. The physical world and existence have their limitations. You cannot experience them beyond a certain limit. (Read about the concept of Karma: Sanchita and Prarabhdha Karma.).

But affiliation is the invisible heart and desires behind your thoughts and actions. You can always raise it to experience life in a complete way. The more you fulfill each desire, the more complete you will feel, and the higher you will go for fulfilling deeper and subtle desires. 

We might carry our affiliations to the next life, but achievements are all to be left on this earth for the people of this earth. So, why not aim for affiliated achievement? At least, the intention of such an achievement will not be only to grow your “me and mine”, but to go a step ahead of it. 

Why not let the mighty head bow down to the pure heart to cleanse it of intentions and thoughts? Why not let the invisible true self shine brightly through the visible body? 

Think about it, everything that conducts your day-to-day life, relationships, parenthood, and even your achievements might reach their peak, if you give a chance to your affiliations.

For those who are wondering why I chose the words “achievement and affiliation”, wait till you read about Abraham Maslow soon. Till then, you'd rather clear this mess of achievement vs affiliation!