Humility can save the day

There are times when we willingly succumb to distractions and thus lose sight of our aims. When we do realise that we have gone astray, our natural response is one of denial. We often indulge in a blame game or find excuses for our lapses. Our ego prevents us from acknowledging our mistakes.

There are also times when we decide to drop the idea altogether because we have traversed too far from the goal post.

At such times it is natural for us to feel regressed and indulge in self sympathy or self reproach. Neither response can help us constructively.

On the other hand if we introspect we can zero in on our fault and take suitable measures to repair the condition. Patience and humility can go a long way in salvaging the situation.

An incident in the Ramayana guides us in this direction. Sugreeva promised to help Rama find his abducted wife Sita. Accordingly, Sugreeva divided his army into four and sent them in the four directions of the world in search of Sita. His trusted minister Hanuman, the crown prince Angada and many stalwarts of his army proceeded in the most promising southern direction.

The simian forces paved their way through the dense Dandakaranya forest for a couple of days. One day they came across a cave that looked rather inviting. On entry, the army found themselves in an enchanted land guarded by a genial and hospitable Tapasvini called Swayamprabha.

The place was steadily punctuated with ripe orchards and the  fresh waters swilling from springs and the most salubrious weather. The fatigued recruits feasted and relaxed.

It was only after many weeks they realised that they had completely lost sight of their mission. When they could not find the exit all of them panicked with the exception of Hanuman. The wise hero pondered over the situation. He understood that the Tapasvini was responsible for their conundrum.

He approached her in all humility and laid bare his concerns. He was pleasantly surprised and was very relieved to know that the pious lady had indeed spread the vile net of temptation in their way to test their moral mettle.

His earnestness and sense of purpose not only helped him win her blessings but also helped his team to be magically transported to the southern seashore, thus making up for the lost time without straining themselves further. Mere mortals like us may not have supernatural interventions to set right matters in our lives, but a dollop of humility can save the day for us!