An Indian Folklore
“How long will it take to reach the other bank?” the solitary passenger asked the lone boatman as they started crossing the river.
“It takes around half an hour. It depends on the course of wind and the current. Since there is storm gathering on the horizon, I will row as fast as I can,” said the boatman who was initially quite reluctant to take the passenger.
“Be quick!” commanded the passenger. The passenger was a renowned scholar of philosophy. He had degrees from the most prestigious institutes across the world. He had insisted on being taken to the other side as he had been invited by the Minister of region.
But the scholar was not in the habit of traveling in silence. He loved to talk. He was generally accompanied by a few students or admirers to whom he lectured on great issues of philosophy.
“Have you studied the Upanishads, boatman?” the scholar, bored of silence, asked.
“Studied, Sir? I’m as illiterate as my boat!” replied the boatman.
“I see! What is your notion of Yogasutra?” asked the scholar again.
“No notion, Sir, I’d never heard that word!” said the boatman.
The scholar sighed and said, “I thought as much! I pity people like you. At least one-fourth of your life is a waste without this much basic knowledge of Indian philosophy.”
“I agree with you, Sir, we uneducated folks are unfortunate,” said the boatman.
The scholar asked again, “Do you have any idea about phenomenology and psychology?”
“Oh, no,” said the boatman. “Such words are a riddle to me.”
The scholar stated, “I see. That means, half of your life is a waste.”
“Quite so, Sir,” said the boatman sadly.
The scholar continued, “Do you have any idea of cosmology and astrology?”
The boatman, “No, Sir.”
“That means three-fourth of your life is a waste,” claimed the scholar.
By this time they were in the middle of the river.
Suddenly a whirlwind broke out and rain came down in torrents. Despite all efforts of the boatman to keep his boat steady, strong winds shook it violently.
“Sir, do you know swimology?” asked the boatman.
“Oh no!” cried the scholar in fear.
“In that case, Sir, your whole life is a waste!” said the boatman. There was not the slightest irony in his voice, but great anxiety. Next moment the boat overturned. The boatman beat his strong arms and reached the shore while the scholar, with all his knowledge of philosophy, went down into the terrible waters.
The message of the story is:
Theoretical knowledge is good, but that cannot carry one across the river of life – to safety. What is necessary is experiential knowledge. That alone keeps one afloat in moments of crisis. Among others, Sri Ramakrishna too has told this story. The apparent meaning of the episode is that practical life-skill, like swimming, is far more important than the highest erudition.
The psychological significance of the story is to focus on real experiences that are often more available to the one who is humble and lives life with simple faith. It is with the heart that most real spiritual advancements are made. The intellect can then become a mere tool for our external life.