THE SEE-SAW

We in this world of ups and downs are on a see-saw. Gain comes-and up we go, loss comes-we hit the floor. It's the same when honour and dishonour, praise and blame, pleasure and pain, alternate in our lives. All ‘events' range between these four pairs.

To be puffed-up is to come down with a thud. These are the two possible extreme reactions to the eight worldly conditions which are but transient and trivial. Very often we forget that they are visitors who ‘drop-in' only to depart – leaving us dazed and amazed.

So unless we receive them with sobriety and impartiality, we lose our equilibrium. They pose a challenge to our steadiness-to our equanimity. Whenever, we forget the rhythm of a see-saw, we lose our balance and come to grief.

‘whose mind remains unshaken
when touched by worldly vicissitudes
Sorrowless, stainless state secure
That's the blessing supreme in life'

•  Maha MangalaS., Sn.V.268