We don’t realize how much we read, but we read quite a lot; especially so in today’s world of digital media. A student reads his academic text books, but most students also have a habit of reading newspapers, cine magazines, internet blogs, novels, advertisements, social media websites, etc. The same hold true for practically everyone today.
If grains are food for the body, then reading gives food for the mind. Whatever we read, mind associates itself with that, and broods over it – forms our outlook. We carry our belief from what we read. Our outlook and attitude follow the natural course of our thoughts which arise after reading. Ralph Waldo Emerson was noted to say, “I cannot remember the books I have read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”
It is unfortunate that most of the material we read today treats us like a customer rather than as a human. It is no surprise that the newspaper, magazine industry, social media websites, etc. publishes articles which support the view of ‘instant enjoyment’. They target our attention to give us ideas to buy their products. ‘Lewd images’, ‘violence’, ‘bomb blasts’, ‘corruption’, ‘cine affairs’, etc. – if this is what you read daily then what kind of ideas will you carry? Negative, lusty, pernicious – isn’t it? So be careful about the reading habits as you may pick up some garbage which will rot your mind and spoil your productivity. Your reading shouldn’t make you regress in life.
Reading wisdom literature on the other hand can enhance your productivity. Mahatma Gandhi says – “When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and when I see not one ray of light on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad Gita, and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.” So, when you are taking a break in between study hours or work hours, it is a good idea to read a little of ‘Bhagavad Gita’ or wisdom literatures to refine your focus in life and to get back with redoubled energy.