Counting the Self!

  (A story from the Upanishads)

Upanishads are the most important religious Hindu texts that impart moral values to us. All the stories of the Upanishads have a common goal point- self-realisation (Atman), the Supreme Soul ( Brahman), and the relations between them. The various ideas are described in different ways. This story, ‘Counting the Self’, is a reminder to understand our Self first!  

In ancient times, the students stayed in Gurukula ashrams to obtain knowledge. On one such occasion, ten students studied under one teacher. Once they decided to attend a function in the neighbouring village. Thus, they set off on their journey. On the way, they saw a river which they crossed without much difficulty. After the function was over, they began their return journey. But this time, there was a sudden flood outbreak, and they faced the problem of crossing the overflooded river. With much difficulty, they managed to cross the river and reach the other side. While relaxing at the riverbank, the group leader counted the students to ensure that they were safe and no one was lost! 

He asked the other students to stand in a line and started counting. But he was shocked when he found only nine, and one was missing. The second time, to make sure of his count, he touched the students while counting. Again, he came to the same conclusion. The group leader was extremely worried! Looking at his anxiety, one of the students exchanged places with the leader and started counting. He also did the same. No matter how many times they counted, they came to the same conclusion every time! At last, the missing was confirmed! They couldn't know who was lost. They lost their hope and began crying bitterly.

At that time, a wise man who was a wandering mendicant passing that way felt pity for these boys. He came to them and asked the reason for their grief. Convinced by the wise man, they narrated the whole thing and their grief for the lost one. But they couldn't find out who the lost child was! 

The mendicant understood their plight. He consoled them with soft words, not to worry. He said, 'Look, no one is missing! It is simply your delusion or ignorance for which you think that you have lost someone!' He asked them to stand in a line. As he advised, they all stood up. And the wise man asked the group leader to count them again. This time, he counted and again drew the same result, nine only! The wise man asked whether he had counted himself! The boy shook his head, saying, ‘Oh, no!’. I didn't!’ Then the wise man told him, ‘Count yourself.’

The leader immediately realised that he had excluded himself from the count every time. Now, they understood what mistakes they were making. They were overwhelmed with joy when they realised that no one was lost and showed their gratitude to the wise man! 

Whatever it is, all the Upanishads have taught us about the importance of ‘Self-realisation’ and ‘Detachment from the material world!’ The Upanishads teach us that one’s life’s greatest treasures are not found in ( this material world) wealth or success, but in love, wisdom, and inner Peace! The true self, the Atman, is always present, but it is overlooked due to the attachment to the material world. The main teaching of of Upanishad is true liberation or Moksha by knowing or understanding the 'Self (Atman) not separated from Brahman!'

Thus, the Upanishads explain great philosophical truths through simple stories!