THIS refers to Khushwant Singh’s "No escape from pain and sorrow" (July 21). Most people are aware of the soothing value of the lofty ideal of detachment. But the irony is that while man preaches these values, he invariably fails to practise them in his own life.

Detachment from worldly entrapments of joys and sorrows is not a negative concept as the writer says. In fact it is a balanced, rational and composed reaction to the variety of stimuli in one’s life. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita also advocates the attainment of equanimity as a great virtue in this materialistic world.

The essence and real enjoyment of life is neither in being completely absorbed in worldly affairs nor is it in running away from material attractions. One needs to inculcate a rational and composed temper of responding to worldly charms and comforts.

The three antidotes to pain as given by the writer, are effective i.e. comparing one’s pain with those whose grief might be more severe; consoling people in their grief and sorrow and finally inculcating a faith in the soothing and healing power of prayer.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

There is no denying the fact that pain and sorrow are an integral part of life. According to Lord Buddha man should know how to die before he dies. That is the essence of life. Real life is neither agony nor ecstasy. Life is not an accident. Life is nothing but a way of dying. Join the carnival of love or prayer, is the everlasting message which Lord Buddha gave. The other therapies suggested by the author provide only temporary succour.

HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga

There is no doubt that no state of existence is free from pain and grief and that nothing is unconditionally good. Even then man is by nature so tuned that he shuns sorrow, grief and unhappiness. If it lay within his power, he would exclude all misfortunes, miseries and unpleasant experiences from his life. But the harsh reality is that sorrows and human afflictions are a part of life.

What really matters is not whether there is pain and suffering in life or not but how we prepare ourselves to face it with a positive attitude. It helps to know that we are not alone. Once we realise this, it becomes easier to deal with suffering.

P.L. SETHI, Patiala

This refers to Taru Bahl’s article "Vanishing jobs" (July 21). Unemployment is the main problem facing the country. It is turning our youth into a dejected lot. With the disinvestment of public sector units, the number of government jobs is getting less and less day by day. Our industry has to, therefore, generate enough jobs to meet the demands of our unemployed youth.

ONKAR CHOPRA, Ludhiana