If you have read Ramayana you will know the story I am talking about, but if you have not then also I think my little story below should be whole in itself. Hope I am able to convey what I want to with this story.
The mood was upbeat, the army was chanting the name of their leader while laying the stones to make the bridge. The architect (and master builder) twins were busy ensuring that everything goes as per their well laid plan. Everything must be done right, no mistake is acceptable, after all marching a whole army across the sea is no small feat and so the bridge they were building to do the same should not be a small act as well. And while all the soldiers and the builders and the workers are putting all their might, there comes a tiny squirrel. (If you have seen an Indian palm squirrels, you will know compared to its American cousin, it is a tiny creature.)
The squirrel
is seen taking a dip in the water, rolling in sand at the beach and then going
on the bridge to shake the sand and water off its body and then repeat it again
and again. The squirrel is brought to Lord Ram and when asked about its seemingly
irrational act, the squirrel says, I know you are building a bridge across the
sea to take an army to Lanka, the gold studded capital of Ravan, the Demon King.
I am too small to fight in a battle or to carry the big boulders to make the bridge so I am
doing my part by taking some water and sand on the bridge and filling the gaps
between the stones. Also, the sand will help smoothen the walk and lesson
blisters on the feet of the soldiers. I know you are going to fight the evil
and I am doing my small part in that war. After all everyone should know what side they are on, when it is a war between the good and the evil. Lord Ram was emotionally moved
hearing this and he affectionately rubbed his hand on the squirrels back to give blessings and
convey his gratitude. It is said that his fingers removed some sand from the furry back of the squirrel and left finger marks. The belief is that the 3 stripes on the back of the Indian
squirrel are a mark of Lord Rama’s blessings and hence carried proudly by all
the decedents of that small palm squirrel who was not afraid to do its part in the fight
between good and evil.
In my opinion this story
is a must tell to all kids, all students, all professionals etc. I
am not saying it out of any religious affiliation. As a matter of fact, I have
followed 2 religions from my birth very regularly (and simultaneously). One
being my Mom’s and other being my Dad’s birth religions. And also, having read
stories from multiple religions and belief systems in the world, I am convinced
that at the core all of them are same.
There is intent,
there is intention, there is honestly, there is thought,
there is dedication, there is self-realization, 100% accountability,
0% dependency on anyone else, there is commitment and determination and lot
more in that tiny squirrel’s big gesture. Every child can learn a lot from the
squirrel. And every one in professional settings can learn as well,
irrespective of the job, industry or levels. If you look at the list above, you
may see a few of those items in your appraisal forms.
Epilogue: The bridge across sea was finally built. The army finally crossed to Lanka and after many days of fierce war causing many casualties on both sides, Ravan was defeated and killed. The good triumphed over the evil. The squirrel’s efforts paid off.
The mood was upbeat, the army was chanting the name of their leader while laying the stones to make the bridge. The architect (and master builder) twins were busy ensuring that everything goes as per their well laid plan. Everything must be done right, no mistake is acceptable, after all marching a whole army across the sea is no small feat and so the bridge they were building to do the same should not be a small act as well. And while all the soldiers and the builders and the workers are putting all their might, there comes a tiny squirrel. (If you have seen an Indian palm squirrels, you will know compared to its American cousin, it is a tiny creature.)
The squirrel
is seen taking a dip in the water, rolling in sand at the beach and then going
on the bridge to shake the sand and water off its body and then repeat it again
and again. The squirrel is brought to Lord Ram and when asked about its seemingly
irrational act, the squirrel says, I know you are building a bridge across the
sea to take an army to Lanka, the gold studded capital of Ravan, the Demon King.
I am too small to fight in a battle or to carry the big boulders to make the bridge so I am
doing my part by taking some water and sand on the bridge and filling the gaps
between the stones. Also, the sand will help smoothen the walk and lesson
blisters on the feet of the soldiers. I know you are going to fight the evil
and I am doing my small part in that war. After all everyone should know what side they are on, when it is a war between the good and the evil. Lord Ram was emotionally moved
hearing this and he affectionately rubbed his hand on the squirrels back to give blessings and
convey his gratitude. It is said that his fingers removed some sand from the furry back of the squirrel and left finger marks. The belief is that the 3 stripes on the back of the Indian
squirrel are a mark of Lord Rama’s blessings and hence carried proudly by all
the decedents of that small palm squirrel who was not afraid to do its part in the fight
between good and evil.
In my opinion this story
is a must tell to all kids, all students, all professionals etc. I
am not saying it out of any religious affiliation. As a matter of fact, I have
followed 2 religions from my birth very regularly (and simultaneously). One
being my Mom’s and other being my Dad’s birth religions. And also, having read
stories from multiple religions and belief systems in the world, I am convinced
that at the core all of them are same.
This story should be
told because of many factors. The biggest of all that is that in a story about
an epic war between good and evil, a story about the God and the Demon, a story with
thousands of warriors, sophisticated weapons, chariots, impossible expectations,
devas (Gods, Demi-Gods) Asuras (Demons), still a tiny palm squirrel gets a serious mention. Because the squirrel knew to play its part without
being asked to do so. It chooses a task that is appropriate for its size, structure
and skills and does it dedicatedly, again without being asked or told to do so.
There is no reward promised none expected, the squirrel’s actions are bound by its self-decided duty. The squirrel
was humble, brave and honest when captured and brought in front of Lord Ram. It did not
get scared or ask for reward, just declares its intent to play its part and reasoning about the importance of the same, almost
declaring the necessity for it to continue.
There is intent,
there is intention, there is honestly, there is thought,
there is dedication, there is self-realization, 100% accountability,
0% dependency on anyone else, there is commitment and determination and lot
more in that tiny squirrel’s big gesture. Every child can learn a lot from the
squirrel. And every one in professional settings can learn as well,
irrespective of the job, industry or levels. If you look at the list above, you
may see a few of those items in your appraisal forms. Epilogue: The bridge across sea was finally built. The army finally crossed to Lanka and after many days of fierce war causing many casualties on both sides, Ravan was defeated and killed. The good triumphed over the evil. The squirrel’s efforts paid off.
