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| Sunday, 18 January 2004 |
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The merit of the smile Children usually aim stones and other missiles at trees laden with fruit. Also these fruit laden trees are those visited by fruit loving birds, monkeys and squirrels by day and by flying foxes and bats during night. They never frequent trees that bear no fruits. Even when urchins aim stones and monkeys damage the branches the tree is not shaken but stands steadfast bearing up all iniquities. Taking this as an example it teaches us that if you and I could tolerate the whims and arrows of misfortune brought on us by others and if we are not moved to pride and self estimation by the eulogy of others we could truly be called steadfast men unmoved by hatred and praise. It is the nature of man to be proud when someone praises him or to show his fangs like the poisonous serpent if any one upbraids him. It is seldom that one is unmoved under both these circumstances which character can be termed praiseworthy and noble. Therefore we should always practice this habit. If we can uphold these two qualities we would be accepted as paragons of right behaviour. Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohamed and Mahatma Gandhi were paragons of unblemished tolerance and unshaken Their motive was to serve mankind both under stress and praise. Their motive was to serve mankind irrespective of cast, creed and race but with the ultimate aim of preaching to man how to lead unblemished lives. Therefore engage in some useful purpose to serve man like the solid fruit tree unshaken by scorn, deprivation and injury. One may not tire oneself by turning pages of books to learn this lesson of life but has only to observe the beauty and lessons in nature. Look at the river. We see that its ultimate goal is to join the sea. The nature of the river is to traverse its meandering course serving man all along its way. It does not regret when people wash their dirt in its waters. It is not deterred by obstacles on the way. Where it should take a curve it does so. Where it should flow broadly it spreads its water and flows forward. If it swells it flows over the banks. If anyone sully your good name you should act like the river which tolerates others dirt cast on it and if you too behave likewise you would obtain the honour of acting like the river. Be a river unto them that hate you. As time goes on the wrong doer himself will suffer the fate of the rocks and pebbles the river swallows up on its way. Look at the sky. It is full of clouds. Although they are at times not large and do not tarry long. However there are times when they obstruct the rays of the sun during day and moon light during night falling on earth. In such situations we do not despair thinking that we have lost the gifts of nature, the universal light for ever. If someone thinks so he is a fool. The person who aspire to serve mankind should always think of the nature of the sun and the moon. There are people who belittle those who honestly endeavour to serve the public One should understand that there are always people like the errant clouds who decry the good work done by others. You should not get distracted but act as the sun and the moon in continuing your good work. The difference between man and animal is that man is gifted with the habit of smiling while the animals are incapable of doing so. However there are men who are reluctant to express a sweet smile when he should do so but be indifferent and show out a morose face. Some do not possess this wonderful gift at all and are akin to animals. One may sometimes smile but yet be a villain who harbours envy and jealousy. People do not realize that this cost-free act could move mountains. If you do not know to smile observe the water fall and its silver waters like that of St. Clair falls at Talawakele it is a semblance of a broad smile. Tolerance is one other quality that differentiates man from animal. Some people lack this noble quality. It is said that forgiveness is next to godliness. We can excuse an illiterate person from doing so but learned people who act like fierce tigers cannot be pardoned. The sad state of our society is due to this inherent quality in some of us. Guard your speech and do not hurt others feelings. Then all will be well. - Godwin Witane |
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