Uncertainty

Our life is full of ups and downs, twists and 

turns no less than a popular daily soap on television. Many times we all wished if only we knew what is to happen in future - things could have been better. A time when there was something as little as an unexpected rain to something that could be life changing like someone's unprecedented illness, etc we have wished that only if we knew it.

Knowing something in advance is to be certain about something. If we believe in the Almighty - that is we believe that there is some power which governs us all, then we have also known through various stories and folklores that this power has always prevented us from knowing the future. If he is our creator and the birth giver of this entire universe, we must be sure that he cannot do anything against our good. So then, why this restriction?

There are many stories about this. One in which, when God completed making his best creation- Man, he was so happy that he asked Man to ask for a boon. As greed could have it, out of everything, we chose to know the future. God knew this was a bad idea but not wanting to deny the first wish of his best endeavour, he said, "Of course, you will be able to know your future. It will be written on your forehead. You just have to roll your eyes upwards and read,." Man was happy. Little did he know that we can't see our forehead by rolling eyes upwards.

There is another story from Mahabharata. It is believed that Sahadeva knew the future but was told by Krishna not to reveal anything unless directly asked. None knew about this powers of Sahadeva, hence he was never consulted. Again, a limitation by God on revealing future. 

This uncertainty is acceptable not only in one culture but in many. There is a Chinese folklore about a farmer who loses his only horse. The villagers claim that what a bad luck. The farmer replied 'May be'. After few days, the farmer finds a wild horse in the jungle and returns with it. The villagers exclaimed about his good luck. The farmer again replied 'May be'.  The farmer's son was trying to take the wild horse and falls and breaks his leg. Once again, the villagers say what bad time in the farmer's life. The farmer again replied 'May be'.  Few days later, the king issued an order for all young men to join in the army to wage a war against their enemy. Young men with or without their wish were forcefully recruited in the army. The farmer's son was also summoned but due to his broken leg - was exempted. The villagers were surprised to see how lucky the farmer had got. The farmer again replied 'May be'. The reply the farmer gave everytime - May be represents the uncertainty in our lives. This story is about how the farmer embraces the uncertainty with grace and encourages everyone to do so.

We must understand that from knowing the future, it would cause more harm than good. Not everything in future is good. There will be things that we never expected. There would be failures. There would be grief. Knowing all this in advance would prevent man from doing what he has to in present. The cycle of Karma will be influenced. Life would become dull and gloomy lacking excitement, hope, surprises and positivity. 

Hence, the blindfold of time has been kept to cover the eyes of future. Let it unfold as it is. Future isn't in our control. Then why worry about it? Why to know about it? Let's make our present the best, rest shall follow.

Let's stop worrying and just live in the present. Let Time take it's due course.

Take care 

Regards 

SRN