Satyopanisad

[Guest guest]

Swami! We have people of varied temperaments, views, ideas, outlooks, ambitions

and interests. Conflict becomes inevitable. Each one wants things to happen in

his own way. What should we do then?

 

Munde munde matirbhinna , Heads vary. No two people look alike: no two think

in the same way. It is quite natural that ideas differ. Each one feels that he

is correct. But you should maintain the spirit of unity, equality and

equanimity.

 

A small example. Once upon a time all the five fingers of the palm started

claiming superiority over one another. First, the little finger said to the

others, " Look! As you do namaskar, I come first. Therefore, I am important " .

The ring finger then said, " What! Don't you know my value? Costly diamond and

gold rings are worn round me! " Then, the middle finger said, " Very funny! What

are you talking about? I am ready to wear costly rings. Why not? Some do that

way also. Further, don't you see me, who am taller than all of you? Isn't that

enough to say that I am superior to all of you? " The forefinger started saying,

" If you want to direct anybody, I come first. People show me to direct people.

Further, even to warn or caution others, I come first. Don't you see this? "

Then, last but not the least, the thumb smiling said, " I have been watching so

long all that is happening! Unless I join, even if the four of you stand united,

you cannot function. While eating anything, can you manage without me? Why go to

that extent? When you shoot an arrow, I have to pull the string backwards with

force. Else, the arrow will never go far. So mine is the highest position among

us " .

 

This is how we find people staking their claims for superiority over one other.

You should always be ready to receive the good from anybody. You should work in

cooperation and harmony with one another. No one should feel superior to anyone.

Otherwise, because of the domination of one over another, groups, factions,

rivalries, controversies and conflicts arise. As a result, the sprit of love

totally vanishes from the scene. Unless all the five fingers join, you cannot do

anything, you see! Society can never progress if there is no co-operation,

integration and unity among its members.