The Cracked Pot – Story for Ambitious Parents

THE CRACKED POT
STORY FOR AMBITIOUS 
Musings on Parenting

By

VIKRAM KARVE

THE STORY OF THE CRACKED POT

A water bearer had two large pots – one hung on each end of a pole – which he carried across his neck. 

One of the pots had a crack in it – so – some water leaked out of it.

The other pot was perfect and had no leaks – so – this “perfect pot” always delivered a full portion of water. 

At the end of the long walk by the water bearer carrying water from the river to the master’s house – the cracked pot always arrived only half full. 

For two years this went on daily – with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. 

Of course – the “perfect pot” was proud of its accomplishments – fulfilled in the design for which it was made.

But – the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection.

The cracked pot felt miserable that it was unable to accomplish what it had been made to do.

The “cracked pot” felt it was a “Loser” – while the “perfect pot” was a “Winner”

After two years of enduring this bitter shame – the contrite Cracked Pot spoke to the Water Bearer one day when he was filling up water from the river.

The Cracked Pot said to the Water Bearer: 

“I am ashamed of myself and I apologize to you.”

The Water Bearer asked the sad Cracked Pot: 

“Why are you feeling so guilty, so penitent, so repentant …? Tell me – Dear Pot – what is it that you are so ashamed of…?”

The Cracked Pot said full of remorse: 

“I feel sorry that for these past two years I have been able to deliver only half my load – because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws – you have to do extra work and you do not get full value from your efforts.”

The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old Cracked Pot. 

In his compassion – the Water Bearer said to the Cracked Pot: 

“As we return to the master’s house – I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed – as they went up the hill – the old Cracked Pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful flowers on the side of the path – and was consoled somewhat.

But at the end of the trail – the Cracked Pot still felt remorse – shame and a feeling of guilt – because it had leaked out half its water load.

And so again – the Cracked Pot apologized to the Water Bearer for its failure: 

“I have again leaked out half the water. I am sorry...” 

On hearing this – the Water Bearer said to the Cracked Pot:

“Did you not notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path – and not on the other pot’s side…?

That is because I have always known about your flaw – and – I took advantage of it. 

I planted flower seeds on your side of the path – and – every day while we walked back from the stream – you have watered them. 

For two years – I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. 

Without you being just the way you are – would we have these beautiful flowers on the path – and would I be able to give these lovely flowers to the master – to grace his house.

The “perfect pot” only carries water – but you do two things – you carry water – and – you also help beautify your surroundings too...” 

MORAL OF THE STORY

There are no winners and there are no losers – everyone is a winner in his or her own way.

Yes – you are a winner in your own way 

Each of us has our own unique flaws. 

We all are “cracked pots”. 

But – it is the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding and make you unique. 

You must consider each person for what he naturally is – and look for the good qualities in him.

Every person is useful to society in his own way – just like the cracked pot was useful in its own way.

Most importantly – you must look for the winner within your own self – maybe hiding deep inside you. 

If you introspect – you will realize that you are a winner in your own way.

So – please do not compare yourself with others – and – do not pay too much heed to what other people say. 

The STORY OF THE CRACKED POT is for parents, teachers, mentors – especially for those parents/teachers – who want to achieve their own unfulfilled dreams – vicariously – through their children and protegees. 

Due to this – some ambitious parents force their own unrealized desires and unrealistic ambitions on their children. 

Such people put a lot of pressure on children – they drive the poor kids – and – they overwhelm them with high expectations.

Everyone wants their children to be the best – all parents want their children to stand first in class and excel in all activities. 

Everyone wants to “WIN”

In the “Rat Race” to Success – there is no place for “LOSERS” 

There is no place for even those who come second.

In the competitive world of today – we all adopt the philosophy of life: 

“Winner takes all – and – Loser is left standing small...”

This story is also for those perfectionists – at the workplace and at home – who expect everyone to be perfect like themselves – and this quest for perfection – they make everyone’s life hell…

Most importantly – this story is for you and me – for all of us – who want to be winners in our own way – despite our “imperfections”. 

Yes – like the Water Bearer took advantage of the Cracked Pot’s flaw – shouldn’t we use our so-called “imperfections” to our advantage...? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This Story was posted online by me a number of times in my blogs including at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/03/cracked-pot-teaching-story.html andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/02/are-you-cracked-pot.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/are-you-loser-inspirational-story-to.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/03/cracked-pot-teaching-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/do-you-think-you-are-loser-remember.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/11/childrens-day-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-story-for-parents-to-inspire-their.html etc

Is Your House Small or Big...?

Space (like Time) is a Relative Concept

The Art of SPACE  MANAGEMENT

A Mulla Nasrudin Story

Retold By

VIKRAM KARVE

One day Mulla Nasrudin’s neighbour came over to ask for some advice on how to manage his large family in his tiny little house.

“Dear Mulla Nasrudin,” he bemoaned, “my house is so small that all of us just cannot fit inside – me and my wife, my mother-in-law, three children. We are all so cramped up in our small cottage where there is hardly any space. You are a wise man – and maybe – you can find some solution to my problem so please tell me what to do...”

“I noticed that you rear chickens – how many chickens do have in your barn behind your house...?” Nasrudin asked.

“I have five chickens and a rooster...” the neighbour said.

“Take them all into the house...” Nasrudin said. 

“What...?” the neighbour asked aghast, “how is it possible...? My house is already so small and overcrowded. Where is the place for the chickens...?”

“Try it – you just do what I say,” Nasrudin insisted, “And I am sure that you will come and meet me tomorrow and tell me that your problem has been solved.” 

The neighbour was not convinced – but he did not dare to question the wisdom of Mulla Nasrudin – so he took the five chickens and the rooster inside the house. 

The next morning he ran to Nasrudin’s house.

“You have made our problem worse – me, my wife, my mother-in-law, three kids, five chickens and a rooster – it is impossible for all of us to fit inside the small house – there is no space at all...” the neighbour lamented.

 

However, Mulla Nasrudin ignored his griping and asked the man: 

“You have a donkey, don't you...? I have seen a donkey tied up outside your house...”

“Yes, Nasrudin – I have one old donkey,” answered the neighbour. 

“Take the donkey into your house...” Nasrudin told the man. 

No matter how much the neighbour protested – Nasrudin insisted – so – the hapless neighbour did as he was told – and he took the donkey into the house. 

The next morning – the neighbour ran back to meet Nasrudin – and said in total despair: 

“Nasrudin – it is just not possible. The wife, the mother-in-law, the kids, the chickens, the rooster and the donkey. We had a most terrible night. There is no room even to breathe...”

“If I remember correctly – you have two lambs – don’t you...?” Nasrudin asked his neighbour.

“Oh, No – please don’t tell me to take the lambs in – there will be total chaos…” the neighbour said.  

“Don't worry, my friend,” Nasrudin interrupted ’ and he assured the desperate neighbour, “You will thank me for solving your problem in the end. Do as I say. Just take the lambs into your house...” 

The neighbour – hoping against hope that Nasrudin’s crazy advice may miraculously work out – he took the two lambs into his packed house that night.

 

The next morning – the neighbour – in a totally inconsolable state – landed up at Mulla Nasrudin’s door – and pleaded in agony: 

“Nasrudin – why are you torturing us – and making us suffer like this...? My small house is jam-packed – teeming with bodies – and stinking with foul odour. My mother-in-law is threatening to kill me – my wife is about to leave me – and my children are furious. It is appalling, sickening, nauseating – your advice has made matters worse...”

Nasrudin patiently listened to his neighbour – and then – Nasrudin said nonchalantly: 

“Okay – now take all the animals and birds out of the house – chickens, rooster, donkey and lambs – all back to the garden, back to the barn, back to the shed. Throw them all out of the house to where they belong...” 

So Mulla Nasrudin's neighbour rushed home and he threw all the animals out of his house.

Next morning the grateful neighbour thanked Mulla Nasrudin: 

“Sir, you are indeed a wise man. You solved my problem. Now – our house is so large, so roomy, and so airy – so much space for everyone – kids can play, we can sleep, everyone is happy. Thank you so much.”

 

Thus – Mulla Nasrudin demonstrated that SPACE is a relative concept - the same small house had now become a large house.

Dear Reader – at first – I thought that like TIME – SPACE too could be measured and quantified and was an absolute entity.  

Gradually – I learnt that TIME was highly subjective and relative – not quite absolute as I thought.

I could feel TIME passing fast when I was busy (when working or doing something I enjoy like blogging). 

I could experience TIME passing slowly when I was bored (like waiting for someone whose train or flight is delayed). 

Now – it has dawned upon me that space too is a relative concept. 

This apocryphal Mulla Nasrudin Story explains the relative nature of space. 

It also tells us the the concept of space is all in the mind.

Dear Reader: Think about this Mulla Nasrudin Story and have a laugh. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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. 

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

I used to narrate this story during my lectures and inculde it in my lecture notes during my Navy/Teaching Days 35 years ago – in the 1980s – and have I posted it online in my blogs a number of times including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/space-management-a-mulla-nasrudin-story_81860_blog and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/12/space-management.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/06/is-your-home-big-or-small-how-to-manage.html etc

Don’t You Perform Rituals without understanding their significance…?

PREFACE

I once met a young “Indian-American” couple.

Actually – in their case – the term “Indian-American” is a misnomer – because – they were full-fledged American Citizens with US Passports.

They had migrated to the US to realize their “American Dream” – and – having successfully achieved their ambitions – they had relinquished their Indian Citizenship and acquired US Citizenship.

They had permanently settled down in America – and – they had no intention of returning back to India.

Their Indian Origins combined with their American Passports gave them the exalted status of PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) who are treated like “celebrities” and enjoy better prestige in India than even “Resident Indians”.

Yes – India is one of the few countries where “Expats” (who leave India for greener pastures abroad) are treated better than “Residents” 

Yes – “Non-Resident Indians” are treated better than “Resident Indians” by everyone – the Government and Indian Society.

Now – let me tell you about the “Indian-American”.

On one of their visits to India – they performed the “Munja” of their son on a very extravagant scale in a luxurious resort. 

In ancient India – the “Munja” (“Upanayana”) was a traditional “rites of passage” ritual ceremony performed on a boy before the parents sent the boy away from home to a Guru to study in the “Gurukul”

I was curious as to why this “Indian-American” couple was performing this traditional Indian ritual on the wholly “American” son – who had been born and brought up in the USA.

“You are “Americans” – so – why are you performing all these “Indian” rituals…?” I asked them.

“How can we forget our culture…?” they said.

I smiled to myself – but – I refrained from saying what was in my mind.

So – I asked them: “Do you know the significance of these rituals…?”

“Isn’t “Munja” performed on all boys around 8 years of age…?” they said.

“In earlier times – the “Munja” ceremony was performed when the boy left his home and went away to live in a “Gurukul” to study – after his “Munja” – the boy left his parents and went away to live with his Guru…”

“Oh…”

“In today’s times – it is the equivalent of going to “Boarding School”. Aren’t “Boarding Schools” the modern equivalent of “Gurukuls”…? So – after his “Munja” – are you going to send your son away from home to study in a “Boarding School”…?” I asked the parents.

“No. Why should we send him away to Boarding School when he can stay at home and study…?”

“Oh – so you are going to keep your son at home with you. If that is so – then – why are you performing the “Munja” ceremony on your son if you don’t want to send your son away to study in a “Gurukul” …?” I asked.

“It is an important RITUAL – everyone does it…” they said.

“Oh – so you are just performing the RITUAL without following the significance of the ritual…?” I said.

Look around you.

Don’t we perform many RITUALS without understanding their significance…?

Aren’t some rituals observed even when they have outlived their utility…?

When a particular Ritual is started – there is some cogent reason for it.

But – over time – the reason for the ritual is forgotten.

Also – over the years – circumstances may have changed – and – the reason for the ritual may no longer be relevant in contemporary times.

But – we keep blindly performing the ritual – without understanding the significance of the ritual.

In fact – some rituals are celebrated as “events” – rather than solemn ceremonies.

This was true of the lavish “Munja” ceremony of the “American” Boy – where the focus was on celebrating the event with “pomp and show” at an exotic location – rather than have a simple ceremony. 

DO YOU BELIEVE IN RITUALS...?

Food for Thought 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Do you believe in rituals? 

Or – do you follow customs and traditions? 

Are you superstitious? 

Even Military follows rituals, customs and traditions – some have historical explanations – and some are unexplained. 

Yes – the military is steeped in tradition.

There are many customs, traditions and rituals.

I remember – there was a custom in the Army – in the Artillery – where you do not light more than two cigarettes with a single matchstick.

There was a logical reason for this practice during World War I – when – in the darkness of the night – an enemy sniper or gun observation post – first saw – then took aim – and fired on the third light.

But today – this tradition seems archaic and meaningless.

In the Navy – we do not clink glasses while drinking or making a toast. 

Yes – Sailors don’t clink glasses

This is plain and pure Naval superstition.

In the Navy – if we asked the reason for a certain custom which we found meaningless – our seniors would admonish us and say: 

“This is the Naval Tradition”  

Even in our day to day life – in the name of tradition – we unquestioningly follow customs, traditions and ceremonies and perform all types of religious, social and superstitious rituals without understanding the spirit behind the ritual. 

 

A Ritual is an action performed purely for Symbolic Value. 

 

In many cases there is no logic or rational explanation for the ritual. 

Hey – I am digressing.

Let me come back to the moot point of RITUALS – how they start – and – how they continue to be blindly observed till eternity – even when the rituals have lost their significance.

Here is a story which illustrates this… 

 

This apocryphal story from ancient wisdom “The Mystical Cat” illustrates how customs, traditions and rituals begin.

The story also tells you how due to repeated repetition over the years these customs and rituals are gradually established and become a part of culture. 

And then – once established – customs, traditions and rituals are blindly followed for years and years, despite the fact that, in most cases, these customs and traditions have lost their significance and the rituals have outlived their utility and meaning.

 

THE MYSTICAL CAT

An Ancient Wisdom Teaching Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

A seeker joined a monastery to learn meditation and the art of living. 

Every evening – all students and disciples assembled in the large meditation hall for a discourse by the Spiritual Guru – followed by group meditation.

Just before the meditation session commenced – the disciples would catch a cat. 

The disciples would tie up the cat. 

Then – the disciples would place the tied up cat on the lap of the Spiritual Guru. 

The Guru would then start caressing the cat – and he would begin the discourse and meditation session. 

After the meditation session was over – the cat would be untied and set free.

This was the established daily ritual.

The Guru would start the meditation session only after the tied up cat was placed on his lap. 

He was extremely particular about this.

Once – when the cat could not be found – the Guru refused to start the meditation session. 

The Guru demanded that the tied up cat be placed on his lap.

So – the meditation session was delayed. 

And – all the disciples launched a desperate hunt for the cat.

The disciples searched for many hours.

Finally – they found the cat.

The cat was duly tied up and placed on the Guru’s lap – and only then – did the Guru start his discourse-cum-meditation session.

The seeker was quite perplexed at the mystery of the tied up cat. 

He could not understand the significance of this ritual and how it was connected to meditation. 

The seeker wondered: 

“What is the significance of the “tied up Cat” placed on the Guru’s lap...? 

What is the correlation of the “tied up Cat” with meditation...?” 

The seeker asked everyone in the monastery – but no one knew the answer.

One day – someone told him to ask a ‘wise old man’  – who lived in a cave up the hills.

So – the curious seeker trudged up the hills to meet the ‘wise old man’. 

When the seeker met the ‘wise old man’ – the seeker asked the ‘wise old man’ the significance of this time-honoured ritual. 

The ‘wise old man’ said to the seeker:

“It is like this... 

One evening – many years ago – when the then Spiritual Guru and his Disciples began their evening meditation – a Cat that lived in the monastery started running around. 

The Cat started making so much noise that it distracted the Spiritual Guru and his Disciples and disturbed the meditation practice. 

So – the Guru ordered that the CAT WAS TO BE TIED UP during the evening discourse-cum-meditation practice – so that – once the Cat was tied up – it would not run around and create a nuisance. 

This practice of tying up the Cat before meditation practice continued – so much so – that even after the Teacher died – the next Guru continued this tradition – and the Cat continued to be tied up during the meditation session.

When the Cat died – another cat was brought to the monastery to be tied up during the evening meditation session.

And when that cat died too – they brought another cat to be tied up during meditation practice. 

And then – as and when the cats died – they kept replacing the dead cats with new cats – and – the practice of tying up a cat during meditation continued.

With the passage of time this became an established ritual – to tie up a cat during meditation practice. 

Once precedence has been established – no one can dare to question it. 

So – once the ritual of tying up the cat was established – no one could dare to question the “sacrosanct” ritual. 

With the passage of time – this “tying up a cat” during meditation – it became an established ritual.

Once precedence has been established – no one can dare to question it. 

So – it has become a custom, tradition and established ritual to tie up a cat during the meditation session.” 

Hence – it has become a custom, tradition and established ritual – to tie up a cat during the meditation session...” 

Satisfied by this story – the seeker came down to the monastery. 

And – from then onwards – the seeker actively participated in the daily evening pre-meditation “tying up the cat” ritual.

Many years passed – but the ritual of tying up the cat during the meditation session – it continued and continued – till it became an eternal established ritual.

The seeker – who by then had become the Spiritual Guru – he wrote a scholarly treatise about the significance of tying up a cat for meditation practice.

DO YOU BLINDLY FOLLOW RITUALS, CUSTOMS, TRADITIONS AND SUPERSTITION WITHOUT QUESTIONING THE LOGICAL BASIS OR RATIONALE...?

I wonder why we accept customs and traditions without understanding their significance...?

Just like a blind man lead by others who are blind – why do we blindly follow rituals without examining the meaning, logic and significance of that ritual using our own intelligence and judgement?

Why do we follow customs, traditions and rituals that are obsolete...? 

Why observe rituals that have lost their significance and outlived their utility...?

If you see any ritual, custom or tradition being blindly followed by people – and for which there seems to be no rational or logical explanation – remember this story of “The Mystical Cat”.

Ask questions – and find out the logical basis for the ritual, custom or tradition. 

Is there some logic or rationale for the belief – or is it just superstition...?

And – if you are not convinced – isn’t is better to stop blindly following rituals that have become meaningless in the modern world of today...? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh. 

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a revised version of my article written by me more than 25 years ago in the 1990s and posted online an number of times on my various blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/09/meditation-and-mystical-cat.html  and http://creative.sulekha.com/meditation-and-the-mystical-cat_485601_blog and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/06/learning-from-humor-customs-traditions.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/why-we-follow-rituals-customs-and.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/do-you-believe-in-rituals.html etc