Why the same event triggers different people differently? -2
Other articles in the series:
1. Why the same event triggers different people differently?
2. Influence of “The Iron Chain” on a person’s Perception and Behaviour
3. Influence of “The Silver Chain” on a person’s Perception and Behaviour
4. Influence of “The Golden Chain” on a person’s Perception and Behaviour
6. Free Will — The Most Powerful Weapon for Transformation
Once in a city of Prayag, lived an old sage. Every day, he used to go to the nearby holy river to take his early morning bath. One such day, as usual, he reached the bank of the river. When he was about to enter the river, he noticed a land crab struggling to come out of the water but was unable to (a land crab dies if submerged in water). The sage ran quickly to rescue the crab and lifted him up. The crab bit him and fell again into the river to continue its struggle for survival. The sage again tried and lent a hand of help just to receive another bite. This happened a few times and a person standing nearby was surprised and asked the sage, “Why don’t you just leave this ungrateful creature who is hurting you even though you want to save it?” “If this small creature is not ready to give up his nature of biting, why should I give up my saintly nature of helping?”, the sage replied.
“Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature, for everyone follows the nature he has acquired from the three modes.” (Bhagavad-gita 3.33)
Every individual is pulled by the three chains or modes to different degrees. Just like the three primary colours (red, green and blue) when mixed in different proportions generates a huge variety of different colours. Similarly, every individual is pulled by the three chains in different proportions, giving rise to a huge variety of individuals inhabiting the planet. Each combination leads to a particular mindset, perception and behaviour.
The above story shows how the crab was being pulled heavily by the mode of ignorance and thus, was harming the sage and the self. It was forced to act this way because this is the nature it has acquired. The sage, however, was being pulled heavily by the mode of goodness and thus, even though harmed by the crab, was endeavouring to save it. And this is his nature. This explains the default behaviour of the two. This also gives a deeper insight into why Jesus Christ or Srila Prabhupada kept loving and serving people even though betrayed, challenged or attacked at times.
At times, we end up behaving or reacting in ways we don’t intend to, but as if forced from within. For example, getting angry in a discussion even though decided to handle the situation peacefully or breaking up the new year resolution the very day it was made or having yet another fight with your spouse without any such intention. The nature acquired by us forces us to act against our desire and intentions.
Even the choices or possibilities a person perceives in a particular situation are influenced heavily by this nature. For eg, its difficult to convince a pessimist person that a solution does exist for a particular problem.
Now, the question is, “Am I trapped? How do we change our nature if the perception, understanding and mindset themselves are influenced by it? Is there a way out?”
Liked what you read? Please comment below and share with friends.
Want regular updates? Like Facebook Page.
For email updates, please subscribe.
To connect, share your contact details.
Want an article on a particular topic? Comment below :)
My personal suggestion: Please read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for deeper insights.
