Ever watched a tamed and domesticated elephant and noticed the small chain on one of its legs? It can run away with that chain on its leg, can uproot trees & bamboo clusters and trumpet triumphantly. But it would not do unless permitted or instructed. It is not the chain but the blindness that it is “chained” which is holding it prisoner. In fact, it carries its own prison. It is easier to break a metal chain. But breaking the mental one is a tough task. Although in the open, it is imprisoned. Walking free is not breaking free.
We Indians, in general, are victims of this “chain” effect. Family, school, college, religion, caste, community, society, TV, cinema, advertisements, albums, DJs, VJs and our political system, have all contributed to this “chaining”. A vibrant, attentive and exploring child endowed with immense potential graduates into an artificial circus animal by the time he graduates by way of qualification. He excuses himself and accuses others for all his unpleasurable experiences. He is oblivious of his trueness and true potential. The journey is from originality, creativity and naturalness to artificiality. We have to reverse this to create a vibrant, active, harmonious and happening nation of spirited people. We have to unbecome to become and unlearn to learn.
SCMLD endeavours to “unchain” its students. Various processes for exploration, experimentation and experiential realisation are available. Release from the mental chain can happen only by awareness of the eternal truth as against the outer realities appearing to be true. We attempt to make the students learn rather than being taught.
A fly used to stay on the leg of an elephant. The fly believed that it was holding the elephant from falling. Getting hurt by the tail of the elephant, the fly threatened “You must know that if I loosen my grip, you will fall and die”. A gentle breeze and the fly said “See the storm coming, if I leave, you are certain to be blown off”. The elephant moved a bit and some dust arose. The fly said, “I told you that without me you will finish. See the earth shaking and you trembling. I can protect you, provided you respect me, recognise my strength and give me credit for holding you forth.”
What a combination of ignorance and arrogance! Most Indians talk incessantly on the superiority of our intellect, about our rich heritage, ancient values, virtues, mythical heros and mahatmas but do exactly the opposite. This is the situation at the workplace as well. We want incentives, recognition, praise and so on to work and also to learn. That too, not to one’s 100% but just to be there meeting the requirements to sustain. To excel one has to exert to exceed expectations and prescribed requirements. We personalise official things and officialise personal matters and act at cross purposes. We pass the buck and crib about what is not there rather than fully utilising what is there. Productivity and purpose are lost. But our ego is sky high. We talk and talk. However, there are exceptions, but very few.
SCMLD seeks to increase the number of these exceptional Indians. Therefore no shortcuts are allowed. Here one has to walk the path of truth and truthful work, being 100% there and in it. Dysfunctional mindsets will get demolished. Self regulation, self discipline and a learning by doing attitude are expected of each student. No excuses or accusations. One must take responsibility for one’s growth.
Swami Vivekananda once said, ”Here is an ocean. You may choose to come with a spoon, a cup, a mug, a bucket or a barrel. The amount of water you carry will depend upon what you have come with.” SCMLD is not an ocean but a small pond. If you come with full faith and an unconditional eagerness to learn, you can take away your true being - a physically fit, mentally alert, intellectually sharp, emotionally balanced and spiritually elevated you. And you shall stand out. SCMLD is unconventional. Therefore it is important that you search within and read the advertisement and prospectus carefully, and consult people who walk(ed) the path of principles, ethics & integrity and are yet successful, before you make a choice to be a student at SCMLD. Try this, you will only be happy to have been at SCMLD. Come prepared. Looking forward to welcoming you.
I have presented these stories elsewhere and earlier. I am repeating these because they are appropriate, meaningful and apt with respect to SCMLD’s approach.