Adapted from an original article titled,"Play the Game" by Lancelot Cutinha.
Life is just like a game, or like an unfolding drama - one has a role in it - how one performs is based on one's own guiding philosophy of life. How one plays as per these, is important to one's own long term well being, as well as of those around.
Two philosophies to guide an individual's life - one as per the ancient wisdom, and the other more visible, expedient, & contemporary, as percieved in the present times.
'Play the Game’ means to do your best, abide by the rules, and display fairness, honour and integrity in any activity. The focus is not on the results or outcomes but on doing your duty without compromising on your values.
Modern society thrives on performance, competition and differentiation, which motivates most people to embrace a ‘Play to Win’ mindset. This concept differs from ‘Play the Game’ because the focus is largely on outcomes and we have little control over outcomes since they are a function of many other factors other than our actions.
Bhagavad Gita's most famous quote comes to mind,
Karmanye vadhikaraste
Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,
Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma
Te Sangostvakarmani
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा
ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
(Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2, verse 47)
“You have the right to work only, but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.”
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