The Power of Context

The Power of Context

It is the context which defines the meaning of the content. The meaning of a particular thing changes completely when the context changes, although the thing remains the same. Therefore identifying the context is very essential before understanding the meaning of the thing. 

The above picture means different things in different context.

In Biology class, the above picture may mean Index finger to hand.

In Mathematics class, the above picture may mean the Number 1.

In Cricket match, the above picture means clean bold.

In public Quiz contest, it may mean gesture of asking turn to answer the question

In Church, if a priest does this gesture it may mean pointing to God sitting in the sky.

Under a tree, it may mean pointing to something on the tree.

Thus, we can see that although the content remains the same but in different context the same content holds different meaning. Similarly, in our day to day life whatever we experience is also subjective to the context in which we percieve the events in our life. A popular saying is World Outside is reflection of world inside and spiritual transformation is an Inside out process. You change your inside and your outside changes automatically. It is not the events changes outside but your perception of the events changes completely and it affects your reactions to those events also. 

Acknowledgement:

I got inspired to write this after attending Landmark Forum.