I would like to share a telling story on how easily we get distracted from our resolve or purpose.
A mendicant suddenly felt thirsty & hungry. He knocked at the door of the first dwelling he came to and requested for some food. The lady of the house pointed to a stone seat under a big tree and asked him to wait while she brought the food out. She pointed to a well and told him to draw out water for himself.
The mendicant splashed water over himself , felt the refreshing coolness and sat with the comfortable ease of well being that comes from the security that my meal is on it's way. The lady came with some rotis and dal and the mendicant Started to eat with relish and gusto.
Suddenly a small hen darted out chased by a huge cackling red rooster.The mendicant threw a piece of roti in front of the rooster. The rooster halted, picked up the roti and gobbled it down. The little hen ran to safety.
The mendicant thought " I hope I am never as hungry as that rooster...."
How readily and willingly we allow our selves to be distracted from our original purpose. Mere baubles that float off take up our time and attention. Hunger of habit and not of need or enquiry?
When will I look at my Self?
Suraksha
Dear Suraksha
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see you following the traditional route of story telling (or is it parable?) to put across complex philosophical ideas for simple mortals like me to understand. Keep up the good work.
Col R Hariharan (retd.)