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Accomplishments obtained
and fortunes built up could also finally lose their full value, even
through just one careless slip (the 'single slip') or just one act of
indiscretion. In a similar manner, just as a leaking pot simultaneously
drains out additions made into it, certain involvements would have the
effect of leaking out, though gradually, positive additions made into
one's 'spiritual reservoir'.
Just as the seeker has to
guard against the 'single slip', he also has to plug the 'leaking pot;,
through identifying and eliminating those actives which leave such
negative impacts. For instance, a student involved in serious study
should, to ensure his efforts are not weakened, desist from those
diversions, which would merely serve to act as 'leaks' in his pot of
worthwhile knowledge or acquisitions.
Gandhiji epitomised this
concept, through his frequent references to the image of three monkeys -
one closing its eyes, urging that retarding influences should not even be
seen, another with closed ears, exhorting that words which have a negative
impact should not be listened to and the other monkey with its mouth shut,
symbolising the need to desist from even uttering those words or eating
that food, which are not in harmony with right living. In this regard, the
observation of Adi Sankara (Bhaja Govindam, 7) is relevant - "childhood is
spent in play, youth in association with women and old age in repentance,
finally leaving no time for dwelling on the divine."
'Single slip' and the
'leaking pot' can thus be obviated through ensuring that every activity or
involvement is in constant harmony with the other. Issues which are
incongruous with one's vision and goal should first be identified and
weeded out through observation, analysis and synthesis. This presupposes
also a healthy assertiveness and a positive, yet firm "No" to invitations
to such commitments or involvements.
An ancient Sanskrit prayer
conceives of dedication to the divine, one's every activity done through
"body, words, mind, senses, intellect and natural instincts". This also is
the concept of the eight - fold path of Buddha, which is not just a
religious edict but actually meant to confer true effectiveness and a
natural time management. This also is Kipling's concept of filling the
"unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run". Indeed,
such an approach preempts the 'single slip' and the 'leaking pot' - the
stumbling blocks to all progress! |
