Anil and Ajesh were famous song writers and were admired by millions. The former wrote for commercial movies as a profession while the latter wrote for fun and often composed his own albums.
Anil, being a professional lyricist usually wrote tens of songs every year, often pandering to the latest trend. Naturally, he had a good income stream and often ridiculed Ajesh for being picky. However, Anil openly admired Ajesh for having the freedom to choose his time, lyrics and albums. Ajesh’s songs, usually fewer in number, often set the trend and caused quite a social media buzz. Anil, on the other hand had a relatively fickle audience.
Over the years, Anil enjoyed great wealth, but rarely ever the adulation his batchmate Ajesh received. Ajesh, though, never seemed to bother much with the attention or wealth, but reveled in discovering, mixing and composing fresh songs.
One day, the frustration within Anil reached a peak and he met his mentor from early days. Fondly called the Professor, this mentor knew both Ajesh and Anil closely and had seen their growth over the years.
As Anil emptied his heart out, the Professor listened keenly and then paused for a while before saying -
“While the intensity of the efforts might be same, it seems the intent of your efforts are differing. Outcome of our efforts is often the reflection of the intent. It may take time, Anil, but, in the long run, the outcome often reflects the intent.”
Anil did not quite understand this abstract comment. But he respected his mentor too highly to question it.
Professor sensed that the message had not reached Anil yet and so went to narrate a story.
Professor – “This story is related to Ramayana but I am not sure of the source as I have often heard it in folk tales.
But I love the message, so let me go ahead and share it with you.”
After writing the great epic Ramayana, author Valmiki went around showing it to everyone. He showed it to the Devas, Nagas, Gandharavas, Yakshas.
Most loved it and appreciated him profusely. Valmiki’s chest swelled with pride until he met Narada, the great sage who was also a wonderful storyteller - stories which he gathered by travelling far and wide across the different lokas. When he read Valmiki’s Ramayana, he too praised him but retorted – “You must take a look at Hanuman’s Ramayana too.”
Curious to know more, he travelled for days to reach the banana forest where he was told Hanuman often rested. After searching for hours, his gaze finally landed on Hanuman sitting under a banana tree.
After exchanging pleasantries, Valmiki requested to read his Ramayana. Hanuman handed over a bunch of banana leaves on which he had scribed it.
Valmiki smiled curtly to see this rudimentary version. But his smile soon disappeared as he read more.
At the end, Valmiki exclaimed– “This is so wonderful – the metre, the prose – reading them gives a different level of peace and fulfillment.”
As he completed the words, his voice trembled as tears rolled down his face.
Hanuman was concerned as he responded – “Your words of praise humble me, O great sage. Why are there tears in your eyes?”
Valmiki – “Your Ramayana is so beautiful that mine is nothing compared to it. Who would read my version now? All my efforts are in vain!”
Just as Valmiki calmed down, Hanuman rolled the banana leaves into a ball and gulped them.
Valmiki was stunned to see this and shuddered as he uttered the words – “O great Hanuman! What have you done?”
Professor paused to see if Anil was with him so far. Anil was listening intently to fathom what message his mentor was trying to pass to him. Content to see this, the Professor continued.
Hanuman smiled as he said – “I wrote my Ramayana to remember Ram so that I can be like him. So, I don’t need it as it is in my heart.
It seems like you wrote your Ramayana so that others can remember you. They need to read it and more so, you need it more.”
Valmiki was astounded to realize this and deliberated on it for a few moments; only to realize that Hanuman had disappeared into the thick of the forest.
As Professor completed the story, he looked deep into Anil’s eyes and asked – “Do you know Anil and Ajesh are both names of Lord Hanuman? Perhaps, the intent of their actions is not the same…”
Professor smiled and walked away. Anil was left alone with his thoughts.
Very true ! Art should be gratifying for creator. Having said that it is difficult to practice . Pyasa from Gurudutt is classic example.
Beautiful