The Frog in the Well

We live with preconceived notions and ideas. We gather certain information which is hearsay or even incomplete. Further we assume that it is the final observation on that particular topic. We hold on to our views and prejudices all our lives. In our arrogance, we are definite that what we decide is right and ultimate. The Church believed that the earth was the center of the Universe and the sun went around it. It also proclaimed that the earth was flat. Anyone who said otherwise was a witch or a quack or a madman and was severely punished, even burnt or put to death by hanging. The Church would not accept the fact that it was not always wise and all knowing. In the recent past the American medical community refuted the claims of Chinese acupuncture as fraud! Tunnel vision kills creative and lateral thinking which are fundamental for progress in society and life.

We still live with strange preconceived notions. Germans are cruel, Indians are backward and live in land of snakes and cows, the Jews are always stingy, the Africans are meant to be slaves, the Egyptians are crafty, the Chinese are clever and so on. Anyone who has a little more knowledge and awareness knows that it is not so. And making such statements is damaging to self and to the others. But those who live with such notions all their lives will not readily accept the truth. Their minds are closed to new knowledge. When new information or facts are presented to them, they feel threatened. Their world which was so solid and secure based on their internal information now is rocked and shaky. Instead of opening their minds to new vistas, they attack the persons who offer new knowledge or the source of information and proclaim them as false prophets. We see a similar situation in the life of the frog in the well:

Many frogs lived in a small well all their lives. They could see the dark stone walls on the sides and a bright patch of light and blue sky above. They had enough water and insects to eat and were happy with their lives. Their lives were peaceful and secure. One day, a huge wave of water splashed into the well and a new frog was thrown into the well along with the water. This new frog looked around and hailed his brothers there. He said: I am from the ocean. The ocean is very large and has salty water. Many large fishes and other creatures live in the sea. It is beautiful and colourful. This well is small and dark. There is great happiness in being in the wide ocean under the endless blue skies. Would you all like to see the ocean?  I can take you there.

The other frogs gathered around and discussed. Of course, there was no ocean. There was only the well. They had lived in the well all their lives and they knew the truth. There was no other paradise except the well where they lived. The new frog was treacherous and a liar. He was trying to disrupt their peaceful lives by talking about new places and new things which did not exist. He has to be silenced and punished.  All the frogs gathered together and killed the new frog.

When there is a desire to walk the spiritual path, we cannot live in a well like the frogs and have tunnel vision. Going within self and accepting one’s flaws and faults and correcting them requires an open mind, understanding, knowledge, help from experienced brothers and ability to accept new concepts and ideas. The mind and ego teach us that we are different and unique from all others. The Divine Path teaches us that the Supreme Power is Father and Mother of all Creation and all Creation is One. We nod our head when this truth is proclaimed, but do not feel that the neighbour and we are one or the old beggar down the street is the same as us or the dog barking outside the window has the same atman that we have.

We must read the wisdom of the sacred scriptures and sit at the feet of the Guru with open minds. We must   discuss with those who are progressive minded. Then it is possible to learn, grow and progress in this world as well as in the divine path. We need to step out of our little wells and look at the truth which is there in the universe that is so endless and awesome.