Beauty Parlor For the Soul - Common Sense

Indeed, common sense is really rare! A paradox and revelation that comes along in time, to each one of us. We go through a series of experiences in life and are expected to learn from them, instead it is not uncommon to observe a tend of just the opposite. Common sense refers to the inherent ability we are supposed to have, develop and exercise, to refrain from certain action or relate to a previous experience while dealing in the present. Application of common sense , in time, adds quality to all our dealings and interactions. The world is full of people who get cheated time and again and really get taken for a ride, in different situations and with different people. But learning is somehow difficult, especially if the situation is an everyday one and the mind harbors silly notions. Studying for the final year and allowing a lethargy to set in prior to the exams, but blaming the poor result or failure on destiny is ridiculous!

Demeaning the political system of a municipality or state without going to the polls. Hiring a criminal who you know was in for child molestation (not that there is anything wrong with that...provided he or she has served the sentence) and entrusting him or her with a babysitting job. Reeling under financial pressure and still indulging in those exciting shopping sprees. These are just some examples that we either hear about or observe in our own lives. But what really beats 'taking the cake' is calling someone up in the middle of the night and asking, "Did I wake you up?" It takes the whole bakery! And, there are many more instances of varying quantum and eventuality that make our own life miserable and offer entertainment to others.

The problem lies in not developing the practice of applying a little forethought to every action or weighing the pros and cons associated. However, while this offers temporary amusement, it could have dire consequences.

The small hamlet was home to a quiet and peaceful lot of people, who depended mainly on the blessings of their fertile land and the perennial river. The master went there often, while on pilgrimage. It was one of his favorite resting spots. The people were kind and generous and he enjoyed answering their queries on life, home and business. They received him, each time, with a lot of respect and took it in turns to invite him home for rest.

This time, like always, as he sat on the porch of the old woman's house, the villagers gathered in huge numbers. They wanted an audience with the enlightened one. Among the many deliberations and queries, one was very interesting. The sturdy blacksmith asked the master for a chant that would help him in times of distress. The others listened eagerly as the master began to address the query. "Lord", he said. "This one never fails". They knew that the master was a man of few words and the man seemed relieved, as if he had a magic portion. "Lord", he would chant it day and night and live a carefree life now. Like always, the master set off early the next morning, without disturbing the host or any other villager.

A few days later the hamlet took on a new look. The fair always brought life to the valley each year, as people from the neighboring townships also indulged themselves in the arts and crafts of these indigenous and very innovative people. The snacks and the sherbets were a hit always. This time too, the sight of the giant wheel, quaint little stalls and the candy-floss man lifted many a weary heart. This time, there was a new attraction - Jumbo, the elephant! Children queued up repeatedly to take rides as the old mahout lovingly called out to them. On one round, Jumbo strayed a bit too close to the musicians and the heavy beating on the drums got a little too much for him. Trumpeting loud, he began to run wild. Obviously distressed, the elephant just got more temperamental and boisterous when the villagers ran for dear life.

There was a stampede. People running and screaming and the confused elephant behind them. As the elephant ran in the direction of the blacksmith, a man ran towards the shack and shouted for him to abandon the shack and get out of the way. No way. This was a test of his faith. He had god on his side. He was not going to panic. He just stayed on and continued working. The commotion outside did not in any way affect him today. He had the magic word. Deliverance. "Lord". Another young lad screamed at him, to get out of the way, but to no avail. He just sat there. Today, he felt empowered. He was so sure that he could even tame Jumbo with the magic of "Lord". And, didn't the master speak about surrendering to the lord? Didn't he tell them about having faith and that faith could move mountains? If only he was here to see these scared-little-nothings running helter-skelter!

Another man came running up to him. "Ru..", but before he could complete the word or the sentence, Jumbo was there, in full fury. Raging as if in pain and trumpeting loud. Jumbo knocked the blacksmith down twice and it took three able bodied youngsters, fleeing themselves, to rescue him in the nick of time.

When he recovered from his injuries, he heard that the master was coming back to the hamlet the next day. He was waiting for this. So much for faith and deliverance from distress. When the master walked into the village the next day, the villagers greeted him as usual and the first one this time was the blacksmith. "Faith can move mountains-you said. I believed. You told me to chant "Lord", whenever I was in distress and I did. I chanted it all the time, through the day and before I rested at night. Look...look at me, I am bruised". He went on to explain what had happened and said, " I called upon the Lord. Where was he? Too busy?". The master smiled. "Who do you think came thrice to warn you?"

We often tend to ignore advice, especially if it comes from someone smaller or someone we simply don't like. You never know where a lesson in common sense springs from. The lessons are here, there and everywhere... popping up like mushrooms, all the time. But, do you have the time to observe and pay heed? Common sense can actually put an end to many of the ills we are battling today. Knowing that signing up as suicide bombers only means death for the self and a false sense of victory for those who entice, so many youngsters do so anyway. Knowing that plastic is non biodegradable we continue to use and abuse its presence anyway. Knowing that world religions only preach peace and harmony and an accountability for violence of any kind, we continue to indulge in 'holy wars' anyway.

Who do you think came thrice to warn you?

We are warned and aren't we lucky! There are so many activists and spiritual, enlightened souls sharing their wisdom with us, daily, 24x7; but, we choose ignorance. Yes, 'ignorance is bliss', but do we have a choice? These are of course issues that affect the world at large, but a little introspection will spotlight the role you and common sense play. Coming closer home, there are a number times when we find ourselves stuck in similar situations because of not applying a little forethought to the implication and eventuality of the indulgence.

To deal with the dead skin of ignorance that gets flaky in winter and lumpy in summer, try the face scrub called common sense.