Bangalore's autowallahs are a spiritual lot. They have discovered and mastered their free will. Like all great religions in the world teach – we all have a free will, which if used rightly takes us along with path of heaven and if abused will take us to hell. The auto guys seem to have mastered their will beyond imagination. Let me explain how. Finding them
Imagine you are standing in an auto stand (count yourself lucky if you have one in one kilometre radius). If you are lucky enough to find one, and you reach one. You are standing forever; waiting for one elusive auto to show up. And finally he does. Firstly, he gives you a look which says " I don't care where you want to go. I will take you where I want to go". Then you open your mouth – in anticipation, in hope that he – the mighty auto driver, the driver of your destiny will listen to you. You mutter something under your breath " MG Road" you say, with all the courage you have. There are different possibilities at this stage and these are explained by what I believe are five commandments for these auto guys. The commandments Commandment No.1 : Thou shalt obey my command
This means that the driver has absolute authority to decide your fate. Whether he wants to take you, or not , what fare he will charge. Commandment No.2: Thou shalt go where I want
This means that we as passengers (or customers) will go where he wants to take us, along the route that he wants to take us. Commandment No.3: Thou shalt not argue with me
There is no scope for arguing with the auto drivers Commandment No.4: Thou shalt not disbelieve
Never disbelieve what the auto guy tells you. He always speaks the truth and one cannot question his integrity. Commandment No.5 : Thou shalt not complain
As a passenger, one is not supposed to complain or raise one's voice. These five commandments are infallible and immutable. One is doomed if one breaks either of them.
The possible harm could include broken bones/ jaws or in serious cases, injuries which require hospitalisation. Try picking a fight with an auto driver and you will know.
While having outlined the scope of the auto drivers spiritual achievement, I must also give a piece of advise as I leave you : for those who want a lesson in learning to be assertive, or the sheer spiritual experience of having complete dominance of someone through your will: become an auto driver.
At least for a week….trust me, you wont regret it.
