It is continuation to the last post. Lot has happened since I wrote the last bit on morality. Lot of teeny weeny and large chunks of moments passed since then. Largely rough moments that expected *lies from me to save my interests, and I lied. But lousy and silly as I am, I am not a natural ... do not have the Salesman’s flair. So am back to business ... writing another reflection on larger benefits of morality.
So here’s the Salesman’s story:
Girl, student, 2006 June. Lost her cell suddenly, went to buy a new one. Doesn’t know what make she wants … just wants basic features. Willing to spend but doesn’t want any fancy stuff. Near her prospective college she walks in a shop with an innocent looking salesman who sells her a cell, Italian make, this that, basic camera, good functions. She buys the cell in five minutes after asking about camera and features. Yes it can be connected to the computer but he will give the cable later. OK girl thinks she will come back later for the cable. She visits the shop several times later to transfer some precious pictures but never gets the cable. The cable is out of stock.
Four years later it occurs to the girl that the salesman had lied! He had lied consciously about the additional feature and fooled her. Such an event of being easily fooled will occur with someone who is not habitually in a habit of lying. Everyone else too seems truthful and innocent. Took four years to realize it was a lie. And the reaction is not anger but that of pity for the one who lied. Seems like you have come from a different, strange country. Morality makes one a little 'stupid'. I remember a phrase here 'a yogi fears no one, and no one needs to fear him'
Now, obviously the salesman sitting in that little shop dreams of being a millionaire. Five years down he seems to have only grown older;) He thinks lying helps, it might seem to bring an immediate success but had the young salesman chased some larger truths (may be at the university nearby) he might have been a millionaire now, or a seeker … may be both! May no one be shy of obvious truths, of brilliant opportunities, may all embrace each other.
Bless you!
*There are five basic things I call morality learnt it from five precepts
Abstain from lying
Abstain from sexual misconduct
Abstain from stealing, taking what is not yours
Abstain from intoxication
Abstain from taking life.
