One
of Osho Rajneesh’s witty tales is about a man who runs into his old friend
after a gap of some twenty years. The
man (let’s call him Ram) took his friend (let’s call him Shyam) home and gave him the best clothes
he had. Then both the friends decided to
take a stroll in the village.
 |
| Interesting body languages |
Everyone
on the way enquired about Shyam. Ram realised
that all the people took note of Shyam’s clothes. In fact, Shyam looked charming in those
clothes. Beautiful women eyed him
wistfully, or so thought Ram.
They
visited the houses of some important personalities in the village. “This is my friend, Shyam, whom I’ve met
after some twenty years,” Ram introduced his friend. Then he said, “he’s a very successful and
charming person. But the clothes he’s
wearing, they’re mine.”
Shyam
flinched slightly but ignored it.
A
similar introduction was given in the next house too. When they came out of the house, Shyam said, “You
know, if you wish we can exchange our clothes.
I’d be happy wearing those clothes you’re wearing.”
“No,
not at all,” said Ram. “You look fine in
them. Keep them.” But the manner of introduction did not
change. So Shyam explained to his friend
that he was feeling awkward with that introduction. Couldn’t he avoid the mention of the clothes?
“Oh,
sure,” said Ram. “I won’t mention them.”
In
the next house, Ram said, “This is my friend, Shyam, whom I’ve met after some
twenty years. He’s a very successful and
charming person. About the clothes he’s
wearing, well, I’ve promised him not to mention them.”
I
was reminded of this story when I read Mr L K Advani’s comments about Mr
Narendra Modi – reported in today’s newspapers.
“Our Modiji isn’t the only one who has scored a hat trick in elections,”
said Advaniji. “Shivraj Singh Chouhan
and Raman Singh have also been elected thrice like him.” Advaniji did not forget to mention also that
in 1990 Modiji escorted him during the Rathyatra he led demanding a Ram temple
at the site of the Babri Masjid.
How
destiny reverses roles!
The moral: Even
destiny cannot suppress jealousy.
Title courtesy: The Hindu
Enjoyed reading. The message you shared in the end is what we should keep in our minds.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting to note that even approaching the grave doesn't cure one of certain basic human vices?
DeleteYes, it is. We are humans, we won't change.
DeleteIndeed!
ReplyDeleteHello sir, visiting your blog after quite sometime. Interesting connection between a short story and modern politics. Btw, that witty tale is also a famous comedy scene in Padayappa - a Tamil movie starring Rajinikant
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting, Adarsh. If I'm not mistaken I read this tale in Rajneesh's book, 'From Sex to Superconsciousness' written in early 1980s.
DeleteI am sure the story came much earlier. Here is a link of the video, in case you understand a bit of Tamil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9uVbTOfiWM
DeleteThanks, Adarsh. Of course, I understand "a bit of Tamil".
DeleteWhat a fate for Advaniji!
ReplyDeleteWell noticed and brought out. :)
You can imagine the frustration of the man, Indrani. For decades, Mr Advani nurtured the dream of becoming the PM. And now this!
DeleteNice to read you.Interesting story.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rajeev.
DeleteAgreed that his demands should have reduced with time but still a Leader takes everybody together..A dictator forces people to fall in line...
ReplyDeleteYou are smart enough to spot the difference
I certainly wouldn't want a dictator to rule my country, Kapil. I don't fall in line easily, either. Anyway, it's my choice that matters in the end.
DeleteWell said.... and yes even the looming gravestones can't deter the 'feelings'
ReplyDeleteAnd in Mr Advani's case it must be more painful to let go the "feelings" since his lifetime's ambition is being stolen by his own acolyte.
DeleteWow....sharp observation...the message in the end...awesome
ReplyDeleteThanks, Issac.
DeleteI would put the moral in a slightly different way. It was destiny that seems to have actually squeezed out (or even given rise to) the jealousy. If Advani's destiny was to become PM, the jealousy perhaps would not have existed. Destiny's tricks!!
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting thought.
Delete