A Tribute and 25 Life Lessons ??????

This week, I lost my father. His name was Deepak, which, in Sanskrit, means "lamp" — and he was indeed a source of light, knowledge, and wisdom for us all. I’ve had the fortune of reflecting upon and aggregating many of the lessons he taught us. I know he’d want me to share them as broadly as possible, just in case they are a timely message to the right recipient to do more good in the world. 

1. Good karma doesn’t need to be recognized with credit. Do what is right (fulfill your dharma) quietly and consistently.

2. The world doesn't need more tolerance. No one wants to be "tolerated". Instead, we need to practice "mutual respect" for one another. 

3. Sacrifice all you can for your family. Family is number one. 

4. Think differently and critically. Do not be a sheep in a world amongst sheepherders and wolves. Do not become a byproduct of “manufactured consent” and “standardized education”. Even until the end, he was singing Pink Floyd’s “We Don’t Need No Education” to his nurses and doctors.

5. What is right and what is wrong is rarely black and white. Morality is contextual to the situation, person, and circumstance. Never apply absolute ideologies to all people or situations. 

6. Few things in life are a binary true or false or a clear yes or no. A statement can also be true AND false, or NEITHER true NOR false. It is this out of box thinking most people miss.

7. Be proud of your identity and heritage. Don’t let others define you or label you. Research your background. Assign yourself your own labels. Write your own narrative.

8. Authenticity and integrity are paramount and should never be compromised. Have a backbone. Be unapologetically yourself.

9. There is a time for complete patience and a time for complete impatience. Know when to exercise which and transition seamlessly between these two modes often. 

10. History is full of lessons. But history is also written by specific sides. Seek lessons from the past, but don’t accept descriptions of the past as the unbiased truth or complete perspective. Each side has their own story to tell and their own lessons to share.

11. Work is worship. 

12. The ultimate purpose of life is to seek the truth — whatever that means for you. That means we should live with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Never let this dwindle. Keep fueling your inner spark until the end. All it takes is a little bit of curiosity. 

13. Be completely and consistently loyal to those that have earned it. Forgive them. Lift them. Defend them. Support them. Always drop everything else to show up when they need you.

14. Invest in those around you — strangers and family alike. Take interest in their stories and problems. Engage with them. Be forthcoming and share yourself with them.

15. True strength and courage means not just fighting for what is worthy, but also knowing when to stop fighting when it no longer makes sense. 

16. As intrepid and pioneering as he was, he only took calculated risks. Avoid taking unnecessary ones.

17. The world is one grand illusion (or “maya”), full of distractions and temptations. Periodically remind yourself to lift your head “out of the matrix” and remind yourself what is ultimately real and what ultimately matters.

18. Everyone is born with a certain guna (or “nature”) which defines their strengths and predispositions from birth. However, people can enhance or change these through their varna (“nurture” and “practice”). Understanding this concept helps you appreciate and accept people as they are. It helps you accept who you are and take control of who you become. 

19. Don't be shy to broadcast your message to the widest audiences regularly. There is a void of good voices in an ocean of noise. 

20. Take the time to teach the person you happen to be with something they didn't know...in the way that sparks greater interest. You may ignite a curiosity that will pay dividends. 

21. The future of this world lies with the younger generation. Children are always worth the extra time and effort. Do it for the kids. 

22. Take inspiration from rebels with noble causes and fearless leaders with strong moral compasses. 

23. If you're feeling insecure or intimidated by others, know that most people are just faking it and figuring it out as they go along just like you. Just use common sense and you'll be as good as anyone else in the room.

24. Humility is not a trait, it's a way of life. 

25. Manifest the infinite power within you. The history of mankind is the history of a few people who believe in themselves. You can achieve anything because you have everything within you.

ADDED LATER:

26. When choosing a career, don't overvalue the money or fame. Never underestimate the value of personal freedom and integrity. 

27. There is nothing needed "in law" to define your relationship to your spouse's family. That's why he was my "father" and I was his "son." No legal qualifiers needed.

28. Make "microadjustments". Little changes, even just by themselves, can have a big impact.