MONDAY MUSE (7 December 2009)
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE
Kosen was a Zen Master, exceptionally skilled in calligraphy. Once, he was
asked to sketch onto paper the words “The First Principle”, to guide carpenters
to carve a larger carving in wooden gate of the temple. However while he
sketched he was wary of a bold apprentice who stood next to him, disapproving
of Kosen first effort and his next and his next…
Kosen kept writing one sheet after another till many had accumulated, still
without the endorsement of the pupil. Then, when his student stepped outside
for a few moments, Kosen saw his chance to escape his keen eye. He wrote
hurriedly, with a mind free from distraction. The pupil returned to see his
work and pronounce, "A masterpiece!"
Until, Kosen was engulfed by the weight of measuring up to his pupil’s
approval, he could not actualise his own capability. The pressure weighed him
down and distracted him from his own natural performance. The momentary exit of
his student freed him of the tension and his was able to complete the task to
his own approval as well as that of his pupil!
So often, we too succumb to the stress and strain of approval and expectations
of others, not only when surrounded by them, but also in their absence.
Worrying about what others will think about what we did, is the biggest
distraction that sidetracks us off our path. To be better at doing anything, we
need to liberate ourselves of the anxiety that comes out of worrying about
appraisal by others.
Let’s overcome pressure that diverts us from our ability
The First Principle to BE BETTER is to shake off anxiety!
- Pravin K. Sabnis
The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/
