Parables of Rama

by Swami Rama Tirtha | 102,836 words

Stories in English used by Swami Rama to illustrate the highest teaching of Vedanta. The most difficult and intricate problems of philosophy and abstract truths, which may very well tax the brains of the most intellectual, are thus made not only simple and easy to understand but also brought home to us in a concrete form in such an interesting and ...

Story 169 - Reflex Action

A Retired Veteran

There was a man, a retired veteran, who had been accustomed to military discipline and drill to such a degree that the performance of those feats of drill were automatic for him. This man was walking through the street with a heavy pitcher of milk, or some other eatable in his hands. He carried a heavy pitcher on his hands or shoulders. There appeared a practical joker in the streets; he wanted that all this milk or other delicious food should be spilled into the gutter. This man stood aside and just ejaculated, "Attention!" You know when we say, "Attention", the hands ought to be dropped down. As soon as this veteran soldier heard that word "Attention," his hands dropped down and all the milk and other things that he had, fell into the gutter. All the by-standers and shopkeepers in the street had a very pleasant time of it.

You will see that when he heard the word "Attention," he dropped down his hands, but Psychology says, "He did no work; that is what is called a reflex action. Reflex action is no work; because the mind is not engaged."

MORAL: Reflex or involuntary action is in reality no work, as it is not done by the mind, and, therefore, produces no reaction (Karma).

Vol. I. (252-253)

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