I received an image in watsap message some two weeks back, you might have seen it. It carried a question on it, It was very simple question. Lets see whats your answer for that question, be honest, you can comment your answer if you wish. Only request is, be honest to yourself before answering.
The image had one empty seat in a metro train, (assume that it was emptied at a station when this picture was taken). there were 4 people standing who were actively looking for seat. Now the question is, who among those 4, deserves that seat the most. Now don't think that its first come first serve basis to occupy the seat, all of them boarded the train at a time. Those 4 people standing are looking as below. (I am trying to explain the best I can. Obviously exaggerated!)
1) A rich looking well suited-booted, 6ft tall handsome guy, who is working on his Laptop while standing. He looks very tensed, seems like he has a deliverable to meet before he reaches to office.
2) A very old granny, who was carrying a lovely barbie doll in her hand, probably she is carrying it for her grand daughter. Her face skin is loose and dry, she is really old.
3) A man whose left leg is fractured. He is with a walker, left leg is folded, his face is projecting the pain he is in. Looks like he is just discharged from a hospital after he met with an accident.
4) A young lady who is pregnant. She was carrying a small vanity bag and lunch bag, may be she is travelling for work.
Now before reading further, try and comment what is your answer, who deserves the seat, the most?
I too answered this question. Thought process is same as what you thought just now. But, the point is not what I am thinking, or what you were thinking, but what the traditional values teach us? We are surrounded by so many good people, for whom definition of good comes in blood. I was surprised when I saw my answer happening in front of my eyes live!
It was Krishna Janmashtami being celebrated in an apartment where I stayed that day. It was weekend, which added colours to the celebration of birthday of a person who taught us how to live! The celebration of the re-birth of wit, humour and knowledge. There is every reason one enjoys to celebrate Krishna.
After the end of the some programs on stage and photo sessions with all the lovely Radhas, and cute Krishnas, now it was time to savour the tastes of prasadam. I have to acknowledge that the on-stage programs were not only beautiful and timely, but were meaningful. Colourful decorations with a glittery lights all around the place added to the joy everyone present.
Coming back to prasadam session, where a large paper plate full of items were provided, i cant even name all of them. I could see Poha (Avalakki), Laddu (Undi), Kheer (Payasa), Boiled Chana (Kadale) etc. (to remember some!). I was in well managed queue to get it. Once I got it, both my hands were busy, so was the case with everyone! Thank you Krishna, Happy Birthday. Let your birthday come every month!
Now, its time to introduce heroine of my story. A fairly old lady, who was sitting all through the program. I had noticed, standing was real painful for her. She was holding knee while getting up. I saw this granny, sitting and eating the prasadam very happily. I could see how much was she enjoying it, as she started with the first bite. Believe me, it was real delicious kheer, I loved it!. Annadato Sukhi Bhava.
Now comes one more character of this story, a pregnant lady, who happens to be a very close relative of mine. She is carrying, 8 months now. As she came with 2 hands full of eating materials, I was searching for a place for her to sit. I directed her to a chair which was empty and next to the chair where old granny was sitting. For my surprise, that chair was soiled by the thick kheer I was enjoying. Someone really lost a fortune when their cup full of kheer was over turned on that chair, poor guy! The kheer is lovely, but no one wants to sit on the chair full of kheer. That too when they are dressed in the ceremonial attire!
Obviously, she (pregnant lady) chose to stand, I was still looking for a chair, but I didn't see any empty ones. In about seconds, the granny who was seeing all these activities, simply called the pregnant lady as she slowly got up and offered her seat! She wasn't done with her eating, she was halfway through, but she still offered her chair. Next, the pregnant lady refused, she requested granny to be seated, but, reluctant granny said, "I am done, you need this chair!, please sit".
Now, think about your answer, don't change it now. Own it.
Its the birth that counts more than death! Its the life that weighs more than apathy! Its the brightness that wins over darkness! World is a beautiful place, Live it, Enjoy it, and leave it!
Jai Sri Krishna!
