- By Ravi Valluri
Aeons ago, in ancient China, there lived an old farmer who had worked his land for many years. He was blessed with a perspicacious and reflective mind. One day, quite abruptly, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, a motley group of neighbours came to commiserate with him.
“Such misfortune, such ill luck,” the agitated villagers exclaimed.
“Maybe,” replied the farmer nonchalantly.
A few days later, the horse returned—this time accompanied by three wild horses. Another group of villagers made a beeline to the farmer’s house to congratulate him.
“Maybe,” was the taciturn reply of the aged farmer.
The following day, the farmer’s son attempted to mount one of the untamed horses but was thrown off. As a result, the strapping youngster broke his leg. The overwrought neighbours once again queued up to offer their sympathies for this misadventure.
“Maybe,” came the same desultory response.
A few days later, military personnel arrived in the village to draft young men for service. Seeing the incapacitated youth, they disqualified him from recruitment.
The exuberant neighbours now congratulated the old farmer on this unexpected turn of events.
“Maybe,” was his laconic reply yet again.
Import of the Story
What is the deeper meaning of this unconventional Zen parable? It highlights the remarkable ability of the aged farmer to remain unruffled, regardless of misfortune or unexpected turns in life. It teaches us to remain anchored in the present moment and to cultivate the ability to accept people and situations as they are. Such acceptance transforms the mind, enabling it to remain peaceful and maintain equanimity under all circumstances.
An Aphorism from the Art of Living
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spiritual master, has succinctly elucidated the significance of the aphorism “to accept people and situations as they are” in his teachings. Individuals who undertake the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living are introduced to this wisdom. This simple sutra has the power to engineer a profound and positive change in one’s personality.
The Four Ds of Abnormal Behaviour
Abnormal behaviour can be described as behaviour that is disturbing (socially unacceptable), distressing, maladaptive (self-defeating), and often the result of distorted thoughts or cognitions, as defined by Wikipedia. There are four dimensions associated with such behaviour: deviance, dysfunction, distress, and danger.
Deviant behaviour is unusual, extreme, or bizarre. Distressing behaviour causes discomfort and unease to those around the individual. Dysfunctional behaviour interferes with daily functioning and prevents a person from leading a constructive life, both personally and socially. Dangerous behaviour poses a threat not only to the individual but also to others, sometimes with lethal consequences.
Anxiety Disorders and Their Symptoms
There are five major patterns of anxiety disorders. The first is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, characterised by prolonged and vague fear without any clear objective basis, accompanied by hypervigilance and motor tension.
Next is Panic Disorder, which involves frequent anxiety attacks accompanied by symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, trembling, dizziness, and a sense of losing control. Individuals may even harbour morbid thoughts.
Then come phobias, which are irrational fears such as acrophobia (fear of heights), glossophobia (fear of public speaking), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), and aviophobia (fear of flying).
Another debilitating condition is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where individuals are plagued by intrusive, irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviours such as constant checking, excessive washing, or compulsive counting.
Last, but no less distressing, is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those affected suffer from recurrent nightmares, flashbacks, impaired concentration, and emotional numbness following traumatic or stressful events.
The Way Out
Our country is plagued by three major challenges—addictions, women’s issues, and psychological disorders. Unfortunately, many people still approach tantriks, babas, and quacks, hoping for miraculous cures. In all such cases, it is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner. Medication under expert guidance is often the first crucial step toward recovery.
Subsequently, it is advisable to seek support from self-help groups that complement medical treatment. Programmes such as the Happiness Course of the Art of Living teach the unique rhythmic breathing technique known as Sudarshan Kriya. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar describes this practice as a “romance with the breath.” Human breath has the remarkable ability to expel toxins, alleviate fear, and pave the way toward healing and inner balance.
As Gautama Buddha wisely said, “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.”
About the Author
Ravi Valluri is Advisor, Krishnapatnam Railway Company Limited. He has authored works of both fiction and non-fiction and is a faculty member of the Art of Living. His latest book is Sita to Abhaya: Have Things Changed?
He can be reached at valluri.ravi@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at 9618564024.