| Some
other articles from current issue Ego
is a Veil that Blinds by Smt. Shalini M. Rao
Hansaji was talking about how people believe
they are indispensable in spite of knowing that health,
wealth and life itself is uncertain. It is the ego
that makes the person feel that way.
I remembered an incident. I had left my 18 months
old son with my parents to go on a vacation with my
husband for a couple of weeks. My identical twin sister
also happened to be with my parents at that time.
On my return I was shocked to find that not only did
my son not miss me but he even refused to come to
me whereas I had great expectations of his rushing
into my arms on seeing me. It was indeed a big blow
to my ego and my eyes were filled with tears as I
felt sorry for myself.
Actually the child had missed nothing as he got the
love and care of his doting grandparents and his aunt
who he thought was his mother. In fact my children
always called my twin sister their ‘other mother’.
There is so much that we can learn from day to day
life and remember it in our actions.
Avaduta by Smt. Sarita Modi
Yadu asked Avadhuta who was wandering fearlessly:
“Tell me please how did you attain wisdom which
enables you to roam free like a child!”
The noble Brahmin replied “O King, I have received
wisdom from twenty four teachers”.
From ‘Earth’ I have learnt forbearance.
From the tree and the mountains I have learned about
doing and being good to all.
I have learnt from the ‘Air’ to remain
untouched by good or bad.
‘Ether’ remains unaffected by the clouds,
so I do remain unaffected by the changing world.
‘Water’ purifies and soothes, so the
saint purifies all those who seek his company.
‘Fire’ remains untouched by the evil
of the material world and takes away their impurities.
The ‘Moon’ teaches that revolving all
the time may change its appearance but not its essential
nature, so do birth and death affect the body but
not consciousness Atman.
‘Sun’, though one, reflects in many vessels
of water, so does our consciousness reflects in all
individuals.
I learned that the one who like the Pigeon remains
attached to the ties of the world is not fit to be
called human.
I learnt that Food comes by itself to ‘Python’.
The wise man does not expect to acquire. He remains
satisfied content and puts his energy and skill to
unite with God.
The wise man learns from the ocean to remain unchanged
amidst the opposites of life.
The wise sees the ‘Moth’ fall into the
flame, so does the fool attracted to lust and gold
gets destroyed.
The wise man learns watching the ‘Elephant’
with lustful eyes getting trapped.
Like the ‘Bee’ gathering honey from different
flowers the wise accepts the essence of different
scriptures.
The ‘Deer’, enamoured by sweet sounds
fall into the man made snare so the wise does not
run after senses. He is does not become greedy like
the ‘Fish’ caught on a hook.
He learnt from ‘Pingala’ the Courtesen
that hope is the cause of misery. ‘No hope’
is the highest bliss.
‘Osprey’ is attacked and followed by
stronger birds as long as he carries a piece of flesh.
As soon as he gives up the piece he becomes free and
happy. I have no attachment to possession. My play
mate is the Lord. I take delight in contemplation.
Like a little child the wise man remains happy and
carefree.
From ‘maiden’ I have learnt that where
many dwell there is noise. Where two gather they gossip,
better therefore to be alone. Have concentrated mind
and rise above turmoil of the world like ‘Arrow-.maker’
who is conscious of his task.
The ‘Snake’ enters into a hole made by
others and there lives happily. Sage wanders alone
making no show of spirituality, speaks only beneficial
words.
As the ‘Spider’ weaves its web, plays
with it and then withdraws it, so is the Lord. The
cockroach, being attacked by a “Bhramra-kite
becomes a Bhramra-kita.
My own ‘body’ has taught me to reflect
on its nature of birth and death. I have awakened
discrimination and know myself separate from the body.
Having achieved human birth, a rare incarnation,
one should strive to know God.
Thus taught by Avadhuta, king Yadu also became free
from attachment and ego and attained peace. |
