Finding Simplicity in Struggles
“Harish wrestles with his dilemmas while seeking wisdom from the philosopher, a journey from confusion to clarity.”
Harish badly needed a lakh of rupees. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to borrow it, which left him feeling depressed.
In his town lived a philosopher. A friend of Harish advised him to meet the philosopher, saying, “He may give you some good advice that could help solve your problem.”
Harish made an appointment with the philosopher and shared his dilemma. The philosopher suggested, “Sell a lakh of candles for a rupee each. You have a lakh of rupees! It’s simple.”
“But I don’t have a lakh of candles!” Harish protested.
“Then sell ten thousand candles for ten rupees each! It’s simple!” the philosopher replied.
“But I don’t have ten thousand candles!” Harish exclaimed, feeling increasingly frustrated.
“Then sell a hundred candles for a hundred rupees each! It’s simple!” the philosopher insisted.
“But I don’t have a hundred candles!” Harish responded, now completely exasperated.
“Then sell one candle for a lakh of rupees! It’s simple!” the philosopher concluded.
“But who will buy it?” Harish countered, incredulous.
“There you are. So, you don’t have the money. It’s simple!” the philosopher remarked, leaving Harish feeling bewildered.
Harish came out of the philosopher’s house feeling giddy. His friend asked, “Is your problem gone?”
“Perhaps. What I have instead of a problem is a feeling of madness,” Harish replied, reflecting on the chaotic predicament he now faced.