Compassion

Once a buffalo fell into a slushy tank accidentally and it could not come out inspite of its best efforts. As it was trying to pull out one leg another leg was going deeper into the slush. The buffalo was struggling hard to come out.

People who were passing by did not help the animal due to the fear that they themselves may get stuck in that mud. Some mischievous children were watching and enjoying the struggle of the animal.

A saint with a weak body, who happened to come there immediately jumped into the slush to pull the animal out. People around were jeering at him saying how could this man with his fragile body pull out that big animal! The saint did not care for their words. Praying to the Lord to give him strength, he brought the animal out with great difficulty.

The mischievous children in a derogatory manner said, “Oh! What a service you have done! We could have enjoyed the show for some more time if you had not interfered.”

The saint said, “I did not do any service to the buffalo. I saved the animal only to get rid of my pain. I could not bear my own agony seeing the buffalo struggling. Now I am free from that suffering.” So saying he went away.

Points to Ponder:

• we presume we are on the outside the 'slushy-tank'. Are we sure, if we are in or out of the tank ?  
• some did not rescue the animal out of the fear of getting stuck, whereas some others were having fun watching. (what would be our typical reaction? Not just in this type of situation, but when we see another person/bird/animal in agony & when we have a choice to help!) 
• Any service/seva we do, it is never to help others, but to help ourselves, always...

When was the last time we got into such a situation & what was our reaction?  what is our #Empathy Quotient?