Living in today’s world of cellphones, computers, laptops, tablets, and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. Some of us barely have any personal space because we tend to upload our hourly activities on Facebook or Instagram. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it end? Not usually, because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that life would be so sweet if only we had a bit more money? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it just wasn’t good enough and that we need more?
What Should You Do?
I have read many self-help books, such as Robin Sharma’s "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," which says that money is unnecessary. Happiness and peace of mind are more important than some piece of paper that has monetary value. But that's really not the case. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can’t.
So to gain more valuable insight, one day, I went to the neighborhood mandir's Pandit Ji and asked for advice that may help me find my true way in life. He was 89 years old and very wise.
Pandit Ji nodded and took me to the window. “My child, what do you see through this window?” he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, “I can see people walking to and fro, and a blind man is begging for alms at the corner of that street.”
Pandit Ji nodded and then guided me to a bigger mirror. “Now, look and tell me what you see?”
“I can see myself,” I answered.
Pandit Ji smiled. “Now, you can’t see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material, which is glass. But because on one of them, they have applied a thin layer of silver when you look at it, all you can see is your own reflection.”
Pandit Ji then placed his arm on my shoulders. “Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself.”
I looked at the wise Pandit Ji and stared. “I don’t understand.”
Pandit Ji continued. “You will become successful in life only if you have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes to see again and love others.” He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
Yes. I have thought of what he said and conclude that he had a point. We need money, and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; it's pointless and will only cause our families and us many heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice which Pandit Ji gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we can see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else.
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is a door to compassion, health, and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don’t let it dissuade you from life, people, children, and the poor and needy.
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