September ushers in a new school term full of opportunities and challenges for the youth. Each of us is blessed with our own special talents that can contribute to the creation of a better world for us all. While there will always be obstacles and negativities that impede the achievement of our goals, it is important to have patience, faith in Bhagavan and encourage ourselves and each other to reach for our highest aspirations in the material and spiritual realms.
Hindus have always paid special reverence to nature, recognizing the useful lessons to be gleaned from it. The clouds, rain, mountains, animals and birds provide valuable guidance on the pathway to success. Shri Raam himself, sitting with his brother Lakshman in the hills, explained how valuable life lessons are revealed by analyzing the various facets of nature. They are key to unfolding the mysteries of life, finding solace amidst difficulty and nurturing devotion, dispassion and spiritual wisdom.
One such popular motivational story is the contemporary tale of the bamboo and the fern that encourages us to persist even when we feel like giving up:
One day I decided to quit. I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
“God,” I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”
His answer surprised me. “Look around,” He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
“Yes,” I replied.
He said, “When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit. Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”
Then, He said to me, “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others,” He said. “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet, they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high!”
“How high should I rise?” I asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.
“As high as it can?” I questioned.
“Yes,” He said. “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”
(Author unknown)
A related sentiment is expressed in the Raamaayana, where Shri Raam, barefoot as he was, with a small following of monkeys and bears, had to battle the mighty Raavan, who was outfitted in full battle-gear and accompanied by a huge army of soldiers. Despite these disparities, Shri Raam was victorious. He had with him the dharma-rath, the chariot of dharma, which led to Raavan’s demise and Shri Raam’s victory.
Some of the components of this chariot of dharma are as follows: wheels of valour and fortitude, the flag of truthfulness, horses of strength, discriminative power, self control and benevolence; reins of forgiveness, compassion and evenness; the shield of compassion; sword of contentment and the axe of charity. Similarly, we all possess this chariot within us and should make use of it all times, and moreso, in times of difficulties or when we feel like quitting.
As we commence a new term, a time of new beginnings, let us travel on this chariot of dharma and apply its emblems to what we perceive as challenges. Like Shri Raam, we shall never give up. Despite the odds, we shall be victorious in all that we do.
