Self Realization of Urban Buddha

The Metriculation result of St. Xavier school was out and environment was submerged with bubbling energy of vibrant youth. Almost all the students looked relaxed and were looking forward to long holidays ahead. However, Rohit was heading alone towards home slowly with report card in his hand. He was red faced and life seems unbearable to him at that instance of time. He had put in lot of efforts this year and sacrificed almost all the pleasure of boyhood but be it so, The result was not at all pleasing to him. He stood 2nd in the class and again 1st rank eluded him by few numbers.

Rohit belonged to a middle class family and was only child to his parents. His mother served the home while his father was clerk in the government office.His parents were very particular about his studies and took all care to provide him the best environment to study. His success seems to be the only joy in their disciplined, laborious, sacred but monotonous life. Rohit knew that very well and was aware that his 1st rank would have been a token of confirmation of realization of their dreams. This thought further intensified his pain.

His mother was eagerly waiting for him on doorsteps of their house with glittering eyes but was soon found consoling her sobbing son. His father first consoled himself and then approved his disgust by walking silently out of the room.

Rohit was a smart boy and apart from being good in his studies, He was an excellent athelete. The retired Maths professor Tripathi was neighbor to this sacred family and also Rohit was his jogging escort. They both go jogging every evening. When prof. Tripathi didn't find his companion turning up for jogging for two days, He went to his house and convinced the reluctant Rohit with books in hand to come with him to jog. After few minutes hence, they were found jogging.

How much you scored in maths, enquired Professor.

Hundred!!, Rohit replied without being ecstatic.

Excellent!!, replied Professor breathing heavily.

But I came 2nd in class, Rohit added in pain.

Professor understood Rohit's plight. They jogged for 2 miles and then sat near the isolated temple for their daily jogging short break.

If you would have topped the class with same marks, then you would have been happy right?, queried the Professor.

Rohit looked at professor with amazed eyes and then concluded in affirmation.He never analyzed the situation with this outlook.

Son!, continued Professor, Never thrive for marks but knowledge. Just be curious to know things like a small child coming fresh into this world and take pleasure and happiness while you explore, while you learn. Don't you feel happy when you learn new things?, When you solve new problems of maths?. If you are happy while doing things then who cares about the exam results. Exam are just meant for confirmation to the institution that you have learned things. Why show emotions on their way of approval that you know things when you yourself know that you know? Its the attitude not the marks which have made you unhappy.

Life is a celebration, son!! Explore and celebrate this wonderful world, concluded the Professor.

Rohit was absorbing each and every word from the professor and his radiant face could tell you that he got the point. He ran back towards home with extreme pace, His energy holded no barrier and was splattering all around the street. He was feeling as if he found some hidden treasure and couldn't hold back his emotions. He soon vanished away from the eye sight of trailing professor.

Author: rakesh (copying prohibited)