Look at the big picture

This is the latest sensational tag line that has been going on in my mind. I was in a data structures lecture class listening intently when my professor explained a concept and mentioned these words. Then he posed a question: "What is the philosophical meaning behind these words?". I immediately delved into deep thinking. Somehow though these words look attractive and catchy it just doesn't agree with all situations in life. Thats what I strongly feel.

Firstly I will briefly tell what you mean by "Look at the big picture!". It means one must not get bogged down by trivial and insignificant things in life. One's purpose in life is different. One must not forget the purpose or in other words the big picture. We must stick to our priorities. Everything else that happens to us, which makes us forget our purpose and distracts us from our course is to be omitted. It is what we call the 'neti' shastra in Upanishads. Neti means Na iti or 'not this'. One must repeatedly do a self analysis and ask oneself before doing something Is this my purpose? Is this what I am born for? Will this make me happy? How happy will this make me? Then one can eliminate most of the things in life as insignificant. No not this! No not this! This is not what I really want! My purpose is different. Thus by this we can eliminate all our desires and truly be at par with the Lord Buddha or a sanyaasi if we go to the extreme level. 

But looking at the big picture is only like a beginners level in the game of life. If you succeed in it you can proudly proclaim you have passed L.K.G. in school. This is a line mean't for those who are so deeply into materialism and money making to get the initial opening into spirituality.

In life, every aspect of nature, every teensy wheensy microscopic thing is important and is very much significant and has a beautiful part to play, in the general scheme of the whole universe. Nothing should be treated without due respect and shunned as insignificant. An ant, even bacteria in the curd or a mouse which munches up the kitchen stores is necessary and is not created without a purpose. The whole cycle of life is so wonderful and each is dependent on the other. Not a single part of nature is created and wasted.  

On our side, in spite of our busy schedules, we must treat our possessions, our friends, our family and all others with respect, care and consideration. The respect and care must not be egoistic and vain. We must care with all our hearts but not be too much attached. That is one must love unconditionally and not be affected whether the same is reciprocated to us or not. Krishna paramatma himself has mentioned in the Bhagavat Gita and it is mentioned as well in the 2nd shloka of Ishavaasya upanishad:

   Kuruvan Neiveha Karmaani, Jijivisheshatam Samaha
   Evam tvayi Naanyathetosti, Na Karma Lipyate Nare.

Actions do not bind to those who do them without expecting the fruits. So I would like to conclude by saying: "Look at the big picture but pay attention to the details!!"