This is a conversation
between two pieces of marble in a museum. One piece of marble is at the
doorstep whereas the other one is an exquisite piece sculpted to perfection.
People from all over the world come to the museum, step on the marble at the doorstep
without even a second thought and go inside to see the sculpted piece of marble
with awe and admiration.
The marble at the
doorstep complained to the sculpted one that no one ever notices it but
everyone loves to see and admire the sculpted one.
The sculpted marble
replies, “Don’t you remember that we were together in the same box? The
sculptor took you out first and started chiselling you but you resisted as you
could not bear the pain. You crumbled and the sculptor exasperated picked me
up. I too felt the pain inflicted by the sculptor, but I realised that no pain,
no gain and if I want to be something special, I will have to let go and
surrender to the will of the sculptor. I went through all the pain and was
transformed into the most exquisite piece. It was your choice not to give in to
the pain.”
When I first heard this
story, I thought to myself – oh wow what an amazing explanation!
Gold is subjected to
intense heat in order to be purified. Similarly in our lives, the problems the
trials and tribulations act as catalysts for our purification.
Michael Angelo, the
famous painter and sculptor was once asked how he created such masterpieces. He
gave a beautiful answer. He said the masterpiece is already present in the
marble, he just chips away the superfluous around it.
All of us undergo
trials and tribulations, problems and anxieties in our lives which is at times
bewildering. (I speak only for myself). Even after hearing so much of wise
sayings and the Law of Karma, we feel depressed and anxious.
At least now I have the
realisation that whatever is happening in our lives is a purification process
ordained by Cosmic Intelligence. This is an opportunity to inch closer to
Dharma, align our priorities, values, thoughts, words and actions to a bigger
purpose in life.
(author
Mohan Krishna is a Storyteller, Happiness Coach)
