Monkey and roasted grams

 

 What do you mean out of this world taste? He asked. Can not explain, you have to taste it yourself, his friend replied with mischief on his face. Come with me tomorrow and I will show you. I am sure you will thank me for that. His friend stated before going to his night rest.

Next morning both were on their way to the temple on the top of the hill. And outside the temple in small saucers made of dried banyan tree leaf were these small yellow balls, with cracked brown shells. These are roasted grams; the humans roast it with salt and that make it the heavenly treat. His friend whispered in his ear, as both walked gingerly, towards the priced find. Being monkeys, moving with that gait was obviously unreal, but they wanted to pick the heavenly goodness before the humans chase them away. The roasted grams were kept; to be bought by worshippers as an offering to the goddess inside the temple.

They pounced and grabbed 1 cup each and dashed, scattering more than half of the contents hurriedly. He tasted and as his friend has predicted; he was hooked to the taste. And then this became almost an everyday trip to temple, grab and scatter; get chased all the way to the thick woods and then sit on a high branch to enjoy the goodies. A few days later, seemingly the humans gave up and started keeping a few saucers of grams at a little distance from their shops so that the monkeys can grab those without disturbing the shop settings. But little did the monkeys know that with ease comes greed and with greed comes problems.

A few days went past, and the monkeys were getting used to daily treat of roasted grams and were thankful to the humans and the Goddess of the temple.

One day when he was taking his regular trip to temple, as he stepped out of the thick woods, he saw there was a big wooden box sitting on the ground. He moved close to see, to see. Monkeys are inquisitive by nature. When he peeked inside the box from the hole on the top, he knew it was his prayers being heard; his dreams came true. The box was filled with grams, roasted to perfection, so he can get those from here without having to go all the way to the temple, he thought. And this box will last him weeks. He quickly slid his right hand through the hole and grabbed a handful of grams in it. There was another hole right next; he slid his left hand and filled another fistful

As he tried to pull his hands out, he realized that the holes were to small to let a fist full of grams to slide out. He was annoyed, how can these humans be so clumsy. He tried to yank his hand out, but the fist was too big for the hole, he tried his left hand, but the same thing. He was upset and angry and tried to pull harder. But the fists were stuck. For a moment his mind thought that he can open his fist and pull his hand out, but that will mean losing the grams. He rejected the thought as soon as it came to his mind. How could he lose the treasure that was granted to him? He tried and tried to pull his fists out. But will not lose even one roasted gram from his grip. A few hours went past; his hands were hurting, his wrists aching, and he was extremely tired and annoyed. But he was committed to not lose his treasure.

By the time it started getting bit dark, he was too tired to stay alert; but will not lose his grip. How could he, and then a few men came out of nowhere. The shopkeeper from the temple was leading them; he was hoping that he is rescued; but in a flash the dangerous looking man from mid of the bunch, placed a collar around his neck.

What was that? He was confused and upset at what was happening; not realizing that he has lost his freedom; to roam in the woods and was held captive by the monkey charmer. His mom’s caution flashed in his mind, “beware of the tricks of madaari” Now he knew. (Madaari is the hindi word for monkey charmer)

The monkey was enslaved by the Madaari. He lost his freedom and he realized; it was not the madaari who played the trick; it was his own greed that enslaved him. But it was too late and he may not be even able to warn his friends of that. Ashamed and restrained with a collar tied to a large rope he followed the madari to his fate, that his own greed had written.

 Everyday I see people running after hoarding material gains while ignoring the simple beauty of life. Next increment, next bonus, next car, next house, next boat, next plane, next holiday, next diamond next opportunity to brag at the cost of ignoring health, family, friends, peace of mind and life it self. And I feel, we still are not completely evolved from the apes as we carry the same illogical greed. Just think, can you let go the next fist full of your roasted grams and be free?

GREED ENSLAVES 

PS: Ambition and Greed are very different things so let us not confuse the two, above story is about greed and not about ambition