Long time ago, my mother told me this story. I have adapted and composed from the original; it is re-produced below. 

---

 

Prison Life in Peace

Ken had been in prison for decades with no sign of being released any time soon. Jail wardens came and went, and so did other prison mates. Some passed away, some got released. But, there was no change in Ken’s plight. His court case had become like a ping pong ball between two parties, with no resolution in sight.

Then one day – a young man was brought to his cell. This guy (Jim) has been arrested for assaulting a family member and resisting arrest. We are locking him up in your cell hoping that he can learn somethings from you, the warden said, complimenting Ken for his good behavior over the decades. He thinks because he is the son of a high ranking politician, he is above the law.

Ken welcomed Jim and hugged him with compassion – without asking any question or saying a word. Surprised Jim asked – you don’t even know who I am, and are welcoming me with open arms, how so? Ken simply said – I know who you are, and I can see the real Jim. At the core – we are no different.

Days went by; Ken and Jim grew closer – exchanging ideas and views on a number of topics. Surprised that Ken did not have much remorse, or show any signs of anger, pity, or lament on his condition he asked what was his secret to stay peaceful and smiling. Doesn’t the prison bother you he asked.

The Dawn of Awareness

This prison is nothing compared to the ones we build upon ourselves, Ken replied. Each one of us has made several prisons with multiple walls – some are easily seen, others are so subtle – we don’t even know they exist. Those prisons are more suffocating to me than the one we are living in right now. Jim was utterly confused and his looks reflected that. I will tell you more about this when the time comes.

After a few days, things took a positive turn. Ken was informed that he was to be released next Wednesday; interestingly enough, Jim’s release date was set for the same day as well. On the day of release, the state gave Ken a lump sum of money as living expenses for 3 months and set him free. Not having a family, or any one to turn to, Jim invited Ken to stay with him until he could get on his feet.

On the way to Jim’s place, they passed a pet store that specialized in exotic birds captured in the wild – Rainbow Lorikeets (a type of Parrot),   Macaws, Kingfishers…over a dozen species could be found. Ken bought them all and set them free. Jim could not believe his eyes – how can you do this?

Rainbow Lorikeet
Picture source: http://www.oddee.com/item_98487.aspx

Did you like getting out of the prison today? Ken asked. Of course; I am delighted to be free. Now I can get back to work, manage my dad’s office, resume the role of Vice President for his business, drive my Rolls Royce, and live in my mansion. These are things I absolutely relish and can’t be without.

Just like you, these birds are now free from their prison. The only difference is – you have come out from one prison and are about to walk into several more, Ken said. Bewildered – Jim asked – what do you mean by that? How am I walking into more prisons?

Look at the birds flying away; do they know any boundaries? Do they care if they are in your country or the neighboring one? Do they worry about their title? Their possessions? The cage they were in – was the only prison in their life. Now they are free, and living in joy. That is what we are at the core as well. We humans – despite the advanced intellect – create and live in more prisons than we realize. They come in different forms and tie us down: labels and titles we attach to ourselves, possessions we build and crave, roles we adopt, etc. Each becomes a prison, or a wall of a prison, eventually burying our true self.

Ah – Jim said – that is what you said on the first day we met: I know who you are, and at the core we are no different. Now I can see for the first time – how we become enslaved due to attachments, and also realize the fact that everything is transient. So, I guess – the way to deal with all this is to become the seer, one who sees what is going on, rather than get entangled in that which is ephemeral. Now that would be the right use of our intellect, isn’t it?

Exactly!

Adapted from the original, and composed by Rai Chowdhary