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

The Importance of Understanding – Ancient Wisdom

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING
AN AMUSING RELAXING BOOK

Book Review
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Book Review 

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING by LIN YUTANG

Whenever I want to unwind and relax – I pick out one of my favorite books from my bookcase – settle down in my easy-chair – put my feet up – open the book to any random page – or thumb through the pages – and dip into whatever arrests my attention.

And – as I begin reading – I experience a soothing feeling and a calm tranquil sensation of absolute and perfect relaxation. 

From time to time – I let myself drift off into sweet slumber – and – when I come around – I begin my relaxed reading again. 

So – the cycle continues – till my mind recaptures the harmony it has lost during the hustle and bustle of daily life – and – my inner self feels soothingly nourished. 

The name of this book is THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING 

The book is compiled by Lin Yutang – who is more famous for his magnum opus – THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING – the classic seminal philosophical masterpiece on The Art of Living

Do read my book review of THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING on the URL link: https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/how-to-write-a-book-review-book-review-no-1-the-importance-of-living/

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING by LIN YUTANG 

I have got a hardcover copy of the book (The Importance of Understanding) – published by Heinemann London in 1961 – which I obtained by a stroke of luck – from a raddiwala a few years ago. 

The book comprises translations from the Chinese. 

There are Essays, Reflections, Poems, Ancient Wit and wisdom, Literature, Writings on The Art of Living, Enjoyment of Life and Zen, Parables, Epigrams and Proverbs. 

The writings focus on the simple joys of living and distinction between the practical and the poetic vision of life. 

There is wit and subtle humor throughout the book. 

Here is a story titled “Prohibition” from the chapter on Ancient Wit and Wisdom.

In the time of the ruler of Shu, Shienchu (third century AD) – there was prohibition on wine on account of a drought. 

People who were arrested for having vats and distillery apparatus in their houses – punishable in the same terms as those actually caught making illegal liquor. 

Chien Yung was driving in the country with the ruler when they saw a young man.

“Have that man arrested...” cried Chien Yung.

“What has he done...?” asked the ruler in puzzlement.

“He is going to commit adultery.”

“How do you know...?”

“He has the organs of adultery – just as those people have their vats...”

The ruler broke out into a loud laugh – and – he ordered that the people arrested for mere possession of vats be released.

The meat of the book is the section on “Home and Daily Living” – which encompasses a wide range of facets of the art of living and enjoyment of daily life. 

I’ll end with an epigram of Yuan Chunglang:

Beware of the man who has no hobbies. 

If he is not sincere in loving what he loves – he is also probably not sincere in hating what he professes to hate. 

Dear Reader. 

First – read The Importance of Living – and then – read The Importance of Understanding  

And – I am sure – you will see life from a different perspective. 

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.

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)

I wrote this book review 18 years ago – in the year 2000 – and have I posted it online in my blogs a number of times including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/lin-yutang-the-importance-of-understanding_261594_blog  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/01/importance-of-understanding.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/07/the-importance-of-understanding-book.html etc

First Blog Post of 2018 – “Tonic” for “Losers” – Self-Consolation for the Unappreciated

Are you a “Loser”...?

Here is some “Tonic” for you...

“TONIC” FOR “LOSERS”
Self-Consolation for “Losers” “Failures” and the Unappreciated
Philosophical Musings of a Veteran “Loser” 
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I am a “Loser”. 

Are you a “Loser”...?

Do you feel frustrated because no one appreciates you...? 

Creative Persons are most vulnerable to frustration because of non-appreciation.

Yes – creative individuals like artists, playwrights, movie makers, sculptors, musicians, singers, creative writers are most sensitive to frustration due to non-appreciation of the work – because every creative person wants appreciation and recognition for their creative works.

Most Bloggers are Creative Persons – most Bloggers are Creative Writers – and all creative persons want their creative work to be appreciated.

Likewise – Bloggers want their Blogs to be read – and appreciated.

But – sometimes this does not happen – and – even your best blog posts go unappreciated. 

What do you do when you feel frustrated because no one appreciates your achievements...?

You console yourself.

Yes – “self consolation” is the best “self help”.

Here is some Self-Comforting “Tonic” for unappreciated “Losers” and “Failures” 

(I wrote this self-help article for myself – and for fellow creative writers and bloggers – but I am sure the concept will be relevant to all persons – especially for competitive children and their ambitious parents) 

“TONIC” FOR THE UNAPPRECIATED – Self Help by Vikram Karve

All persons – at some point in their lives – experience frustration blues. 

This is more so if you are engaged in some creative activity. 

There are many occasions when people just do not appreciate your work. 

Even if people criticize you and do not appreciate your creative efforts – you must not get disheartened – and – you must never stop doing what you want to do. 

The best way is to console yourself and “Bash on Regardless” – and continue to do whatever you are doing with renewed vigour and zeal.

Let me tell you one effective way to drive away frustration blues.

When I was in school – our Literature Teacher would often shout at us:

“I Am Casting Pearls Before Swine...”

I did not quite understand her anguish then.

But now – I can fully empathize with her – when I too sometimes feel the same way when my creative writing is not appreciated.

The idiom 

“CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE...” 

means 

“To offer something good to somebody who cannot appreciate the value of it...”. 

Yes – if you “cast pearls before swine” – you “offer something of value to someone who does not appreciate it and does not understand the value of what you are offering him” 

(the word “swine” is used metaphorically. Of course – you know – that “swine” means “pig”)

Suppose you are an artist – a painter. 

You show your painting to a person who knows nothing about art – a person who is not interested in the fine things of life.

Or – say you are a creative writer.

And – you show your fiction – or your poetry – to someone who is not interested in literature. 

Or – you do a makeover – you titivate and beautify yourself – and you make yourself beautiful – for someone who does not appreciate beauty.

Well – in such cases: 

“You are casting your pearls before swine...” 

Why are you trying to seek appreciation from persons who cannot appreciate you and your work – because – they have no knowledge of your art – or they have no interest in you...?

I was wondering – how do you translate this phrase “I AM CASTING PEARLS BEFORE SWINE” into Hindi...?

I suddenly remembered a blog post I had written a few years ago titled:

अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ  

I think this Hindi Phrase metaphorically expresses the same sentiment as the English Idiom:

I AM CASTING PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

Dear Fellow Writer and Blogger – do you know how I came across this equivalent metaphor in Hindi – this piece of wisdom:

SELLING “MIRRORS” TO THE “BLIND”

Let me tell you how I came across this Hindi idiom:

अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ  

Translated into English – this means:

I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND

Here is the story how I heard witty wisdom for the first time.

A few years ago – one evening while surfing TV channels – I watched a program on Zee Classic Television Channel called “Classic Legends” hosted by Javed Akhtar.

The episode was based on the life of the famous poet and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Javed Akhtar narrated an incident and a quote ( शेर ) by Majrooh Sultanpuri. 

I will never forget this quote. 

The incident he narrated was as follows.

Javed Akhtar met Majrooh Sultanpuri in the evening of his life.

At that time – Majrooh Sultanpuri had passed his peak of popularity – and he was no longer as much in demand as a poet as in his earlier days – and new lyricists were ruling the roost in the film industry.

Javed Akhtar asked the famous poet Majrooh Sultanpuri how he was doing.

Majrooh Sultanpuri replied:

मैं अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ 

which roughly translated means:

I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND 

(Though Javed Akhtar attributed this quote to Majrooh – I saw on the internet that this quote is attributed to Kabir – but – what matters more – is the meaning of the words – rather than who said it) 

मैं अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ 

I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND

This quote is still perambulating in my mind.

The more I delve on it  – the more I realize how profound these words are – especially for a creative writer whose work is not appreciated.

So – now – whenever my novel manuscript is returned by a publisher with a rejection letter – or – if readers ignore my blog – or – whenever I feel unappreciated – I am going to console myself with the words:

 मैं अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ  

I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND

And then – I am going to redouble my efforts – and “bash on regardless”.

Isn’t this a nice philosophy for creative persons and artists to adopt – rather than get frustrated when their work is not appreciated...? 

In fact – everyone can self-console themselves by this philsophical quote – whenever they feel unappreciated in any situation – if you are not given your due recognition at work – or – in relationships – where your partner does not appreciate you.

Isn’t it much better to drive away your frustration blues by a philosophical approach to life – rather than by indulging self-pity, getting depressed and doing harmful things like drowning your sorrows in drink...? 

So – whenever you feel frustrated that your efforts are not being appreciated – you must ask yourself:

“Are you casting your pearls before swine...?” 

And after that – you should continue your efforts with redoubled vigour and enthusiasm. 

Do not worry whether others appreciate your work or not. 

Do not crave for external appreciation. 

Do self-appreciation.

And – Bash on Regardless.

It is best to work for your own satisfaction.

Adopt this philosophy of life whenever someone does not appreciate you or your work – and say to yourself:

मैं अन्धो के शहर में आइने बेच रहा हूँ 

I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND 

(...I AM CASTING PEARLS BEFORE SWINE...)

Is there any point in “casting pearls before swine”...?

What is the use of “selling mirrors in the city of the blind”...?

Think about it.

Stop seeking appreciation and recognition from others. 

Maybe – “you are selling mirrors in the city of the blind...” 

Or – maybe – “you are casting pearls before swine...” 

Just don’t bother for external appreciation.

Instead – you must appreciate yourself. 

Yes – do self-appreciation – be your own hero.

If you do this – even of you are a “loser” in the eyes of the world – you will be a “winner” in your own eyes.

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 article is a spoof, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh. The word “blind” is used in a metaphorical sense – and there is absolutely no disrespect towards the visually impaired.

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)

Updated and Revised Version of My Article I AM SELLING MIRRORS IN THE CITY OF THE BLIND First Posted Online by me Vikram Karve 7 years ago on 25 Dec 2011 in my blog at 12/25/2011 10:34:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/12/i-am-selling-mirrors-in-city-of-blind.html and also at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/cast-pearls-before-swine.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/tonic-for-frustrated-soul-consolation.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/05/tonic-for-losers-failures-and.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/tonic-for-bloggers-and-creative-writers.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/tonic-for-losers.html etc