Manjit Handa, PhD
Once seven hundred holy men were sitting together. An inquirer put them four questions to which Baba Farid (the Sufi poet) replied thus:
Q.1 Who is the wisest of men?
A. He who refraineth from Sin.
Q.2 Who is the most intelligent?
A. He who is not disconcerted with anything.
Q.3 Who is the most independent?
A. He who practiseth contentment.
Q.4 Who is the most needy?
A. He who practiseth it not.
But, who gets the ‘wise’ tag in our clusters? : One, who is able to please everyone by being circumspect, discreet, diplomatic and tactful. Few lies, white or black are fine as long as they don’t hurt. Sinning?
What about intelligent? If you have the ability to settle well in life, have been proactive in extracting the best of the opportunities and are always anxious for more, God you have the brains.
The concept of ‘independent’ is mostly financial. Not by what you don’t have, but how much you have hoarded and can flaunt with pride. The more you ‘need’ it, more ‘independent’ you will be.
Amusing as it may sound, Farid and the modern man, both have answers to the same questions. While the former is looking for accomplishment of the spirit, the latter is all for body.
What you ache for, is also absolutely your choice.
Making that choice,
Manjit
