No one comes into this world without a purpose. Man has landed on this planet to make history while rotating around in the orbit of his life. Life begins at conception, and just as there is no birth without a fetus, similarly there is no achievement of destination without the three divine powers: Hope, Hard work, and Faith.
Part one: Hope
Hope, as a verb, means “to expect with confidence” and “to look forward to a desire.”
As Google defines Hope, it is optimistic thinking based on the expectation of positive outcomes in relation to events and situations in one’s life or in the world in general. But how do psychologists, philosophers and religious people define hope? Well, followers of Jesus Christ have preached many verses about hope based on the Bible: Jeremiah 29:11 preaches “For I know the thoughts that I have in mind for you,” says the Lord, “to give you a future and hope, but not for evil.”
Similar attribution was given to hope by the religion of Islam in the holy Quran “and never give up hope of Allah’s mercy.”[Quran 12:87].
And what does mainstream Hinduism preach about hope? In the historical literature of Hinduism, hope is referred to with Pratidhi (Sanskrit pratidhi) or Apksh (Sanskrit: अपेक्ष). It is explained along with the concepts of desire and desire. In Vedic philosophy, karma was associated with ritual sacrifices (yajna). Hope and success are linked to the correct performance of these rituals.
Not only has religious attribution covered the essentiality of hope, but also Influential people have said a lot about it. “We must accept limited disappointments, but never lose hope for the infinite,” said Martin Luther King, a Blacks’ rights activist and political figure. “Let your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” -Preached Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. Scientists like Stephen Hawking also addressed hope, “While there is life there is hope”.
Thus, hope is defined by influential figures as an essential element in our lives. It serves as a driving force that propels us forward, providing motivation and resilience when faced with obstacles. Without hope, we would lack direction and purpose, hindering personal growth and progress. It fuels our determination, enabling us to persevere through adversity and find solutions where others see only obstacles. Without hope, we would be left stagnant, lacking the drive necessary for personal growth and progress.
And I say “Because hope is our magnifying glass that shows us the edge of the destination. We must let the great yellow light of hope that we hold in our hands shine unceasingly in our hearts.” Great painters of the world also have expressed their appreciation of the divine power of hope by using the last corners of their brushes such as British painter George Frederick Watts in his painting of “hope”, and Leonid Afremov through his masterpiece, “Street of Hope Night.”
Hope is undeniably one of the most important aspects of our lives. It instills within us a sense of purpose and meaning, allowing us to envision a better future for ourselves and those around us. Hope provides solace during difficult times, offering comfort and reassurance that things will eventually improve. It fosters a positive mindset that enables us to approach challenges with optimism rather than despair, leading to greater success and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Hope plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental well-being by offering comfort during challenging times. Ultimately, it is through hope that we are able to envision a brighter future for ourselves and others, fostering optimism and perseverance along the way.
Thus, from psychology, religion, medicine, philosophy, and culture, to art, hope in all these relationships of life is a divine power that is praised and blessed.
To be continued…
BY BITANIYA TADLE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023
