Sunday, May 20, 2012

PARADIGM SHIFT - The Key


PARADIGM SHIFT - The Key
A Mulla Nasrudin Story
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Sometimes our thinking is coloured by our “mental maps” (paradigms) and “cognitive biases”. 

But if we look at things differently, with a paradigm shift everything becomes clear. 

Simply stated, a paradigm is the way we look at the world.

That’s the “key” isn’t it...? To look at things differently, shifting our paradigms...
The very mention of the word “key” brings to my mind this famous Mulla Nasrudin story on a similar theme:

 
One blistering afternoon, under the blazing sun, people saw Mulla Nasrudin crawling on his knees in the middle of a road in broad daylight frantically searching for something. 

The crowd observed him curiously for some time and then an inquisitive man asked him, “What are you searching for, Mulla?”

“I’ve lost my key” replied Mulla Nasrudin.

Being of a helping nature the man joined Mulla Nasrudin in searching for the lost key and soon there were a large number of people on all fours searching for the elusive key. 

An extensive search was carried out but the key was not found, so someone in the crowd asked Nasrudin, “Mulla, do you remember where you lost the key?” 

“I lost the key in basement of my house,” replied Mulla Nasrudin matter-of-factly.

“What? You lost the key in the basement of your house?” the astonished crowd asked, “Then why are you searching for the key here in the middle of the road?” 

“Because there is more light here,” replied the wise Mulla Nasrudin. 


This Mulla Nasrudin teaching story is symbolic.

Everybody is looking for the key. The key to happiness, the key to bliss, the key to freedom, the key to God, the key to peace, the key to success...everyone is searching for some elusive "key" in the wrong place... 

Most of us look for the key outside. 

The key is sought in power, in success, in relationships, in wealth, in others. 

"Much light" seems outside. 

Very few look for the key within. The key was lost within and so has to be searched within.  

We need a paradigm shift and seek solutions to our problems by looking inwards instead of outwards.

The concept of teaching stories is embodied in the tales of the inimitable Mulla Nasrudin narrated by Sufis to illustrate aspects of human behaviour which are relevant to both our personal and professional lives. 

The first step to self-growth is to try to identify yourself in these stories and to acknowledge that you too could be as foolish or as lacking in discernment as the characters in these classic tales. And then it will be easy for you to imbibe the wisdom in these tales. 

Wishing you Unbiased Cognition, the ability to Paradigm Shift, and Enlightenment... 

May you discover your “keys”.

Have a Happy Sunday.

VIKRAM KARVE 
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this story?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL 

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
   


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