Along a certain sea front, a line of shacks mushroomed up, each displaying grandeur and pomp, each competing with the other with loud music, elegant décor and style. Their waiters were set loose to lure customers and they jostled one another, pestering and literally forcing beach goers to step into their respective shacks. Some succumbed to their ardent appeals, others went-but, reluctantly, while still others refused – curtly.
Yet, tucked away at the end of the row of shacks was a simple little shack with no waiters outside to woo customers – this shack was a crowd- puller. It was a simple little shack made of bamboo and coconut palms and the interiors had simple wooden tables and benches. It was cool, clean, pleasant and inviting. Low soothing music played in the background. The owner along with his waiters gave full attention to their customers, moving about the tables- smiling, soft –spoken and calm. Their menu was neat with a host of dishes to suit the heterogeneous taste-buds and all within affordable fair prices. The host and waiters graciously took orders and gave honest suggestions. The food was well presented – fresh and tasty. Naturally, the customers went home pleased and returned or told others of the genuine hospitality and excellent service. This was the secret of their success!
Today, when our Nation is reeling with one ‘ban’ or another. When tempers are rising and intolerance is clearly lifting its ugly head with so much of fury and aggressiveness, maybe it is time to return to the success story of the little shack. Their success was due to honesty, simplicity and a life style that attracted people.
Their story was not about cut-throat competition, trampling their neighbours or a lot of propaganda, but about just doing their best with what they had. The host and his team ‘practiced’ rather than ‘preached’ as they went about their work, their menu had depth and honesty of purpose reaching out to different types of people. Isn’t this a kind of religion they lived?
People come, see and stay in a faith that appeals to them and sustains their spiritual life. This is the story of all religions that have stood the test of time. So, there is no need to be over anxious or over powering. All we need are genuine leaders who practice on an everyday basis a life of service and well–being in their own field. Such as these will attract and yield results. The success of the little shack needs to be applied to the India we are experiencing right now.
Religion is a way of life and moves with time, adjusting ,but most important- always focused on the core of deep rooted faith and good – living that anchors each individual in the storms of life. That is why the need of the hour is not the quantity of members within a faith, but rather, the quality of the followers. If and when that is attained there will come a ‘peace’ within one’s self that will radiate and draw others seeking it. The task that lies before every faith is to deepen faith and strengthen the foundation of those within the faith, rather than rushing around becoming ‘collectors of human species’.
So, like the little shack, let us live a content, service filled life doing good and speaking a language of peace and let our sincere prayer always be” Let there be peace to-day and let it begin with Me”.
