All World
Gayatri Pariwar

Various organs of the body are not similar. Hands, feet, ears, eyes, nose and other organs differ from one another not only in shape and construction but also in their respective functions. But in spite of these differences their objective is common; to keep the body healthy and in proper balance. This scheme is essential for an all round development of the body. But if on the basis of these visible differences, one were to conclude that these organs are mutually exclusive and each one has a completely independent existence, it would be a grave error of judgment. It is this principle of cooperation and coordination that maintains the balance in nature. The sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, the mountains and rivers all function in perfect synchronization and play their parts in maintaining the srasti-chakra (the cosmic order). Superficially, there is no visible commonality in their shapes, sizes or functions. But in this apparent diversity there lies the subterranean fact that they are all co-participants in the grand common venture of keeping the whole creation in equilibrium. They all perform their assigned duties diligently and tirelessly. 

Imbalance arises only when there is a desire to dominate and monopolize. Often minor planets like asteroids and meteorites break out of their designated orbits and assert their independent status. This narrow selfishness does them no good; rather they collide and break into tiny fragments. The finely balanced continuum of this vast creation works on the principle of cooperation and co-ordination. All objects, sentient or insentient, are unified together by a common thread running through them. This common thread is the supreme consciousness, which flows in both. The insentient nature derives its beauty and energy from it. The sentient and animate world is lightened by it. 

Human beings differ from one another with respect to their nature, behavior and action. This variation is essential for their individual and collective advancement. But it is not the ultimate ‘Truth’, which is the presence of the same Supreme consciousness in all. When this fact is forgotten and superficial differences are taken to be the truth, conflicts arise. Narrow and selfish feelings grow. One begins to think in terms of ‘mine’ and ‘yours’. The reality of the fundamental oneness is completely lost sight of.

The differences that appear between one person and the other and among classes, groups and nations have only functional and utilitarian existence. In a social formation, not all persons do similar work. A farmer produces grains, a weaver weaves clothes, an artisan makes houses, a teacher teaches children and an officer performs administrative duties. All types of work are needed. It is through this division of labor that the society progresses. If every one begins to produce grains, for example, other necessities of life would not be fulfilled. Order would turn to disorder. The wheel of social progress will stop moving. 

All things in this Nature – animate or inanimate, conscious or unconscious – are threaded together into one grand unity. Everybody should internalize this truth and infuse his thought and conduct with the spirit of cooperation and sharing. Only by sensing the truth of this cosmic unity, would it be possible to enjoy the fruit of divine bliss.

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The fables of Aesop are known everywhere. The life of Aesop, a slave, took a significant turn after an event. The feudal lord, in whose bondage Aesop was, lost a bet against another lord. Consequently, the losing lord was asked to undergo a very peculiar punishment announced under the influence of liquor. He had to drink the entire water of the sea. This was simply impossible. But history records many instances of eccentrics and drunkards trying to assert their authority through quaint orders and deeds. Seeing his master perturbed Aesop offered – ‘If you permit I can show a way out.’ The master promised to free Aesop from bondage if the latter could extricate him from this dilemma.

In the evening, the assembly convened. Everybody went to the seacoast. The term of the bet was read out and Aesop’s master was asked to drink the whole water of the sea. At that moment Aesop intervened, - “If you people first stop the flow of rivers continuously running into the sea for a brief time, my master will drink up the whole water in a jiffy.” All were at a loss at this clever proposition of Aesop. Terming his words as full of wisdom Aesop elaborated: Human life, too, is like this. It is engaged in a rat race as long as the desires keep on being fulfilled. If the rivers of desires were stopped from flowing into the sea of human mind, the desire-fed human mind would automatically dry up in due course.

Aesop became a free man. From then on he emerged into his new incarnation of a fable teller. Today he occupies an important place in the pantheon of great short-story tellers of the world.

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