The Blind Leading The Blind

by Phani Bhushan Das

* * * * *

CAST: King, Advisor, 3 Blind Men, Young Lad.

King: This was a veritable stroke of genius, to hold this glorious festival and show all of my subjects the practical use of their tax payments while at the same time collecting more. The decorations, the sacrifices, the distribution of sanctified foodstuffs, everyone feeling the charitable inclination, happily they enjoy and willingly they surrender a portion of their accumulated wealth. The streets are teeming with visitors and pilgrims. This is a very special time. People from near and far have come to see the sights of the city and pay their taxes.

Advisor: (enters) My dear King! These festivities have outdone all others. The sounds of the crowds fill the atmosphere with several languages and countless dialects. Everyone is in a joyous mood, sharing song and various ethnic foods.

King: Yes, I can smell the mixing of spices from here. Tell me, are there any occurrences of misbehavior?

Advisor: Besides the usual rascals — the sneak-thieves and the ruffians — who have been turned away by the guards stationed throughout the marketplaces, there have been only a few rather odd incidents.

King: Do tell? What type of odd incidents?

Advisor: Since we are receiving your subjects from far and wide, there are bound to be difficulties. Three men and one boy have been brought here. Each is a kind of problem in himself.

King: Where are they now? Bring them here to me. I will deal with these culprits myself.

Advisor: They are not culprits, sire, they are more like victims.

King: Victims, are they? Have they been wronged?

Advisor: No, not exactly. (they walk in) You see, Your Highness, these men are blind.

King: Well! What on earth happened to them?

Advisor: This one was found by the bank of the river. Almost drowned, I was told, he kept repeating, "Water, water."

King: My dear blind man, can you tell me where you are from and what happened to you?

Blind Man 1: Here you have a desert dweller. I have lived my life on dry lands for as long as I can remember. When I heard of the invitation extended to all people, I became curious to experience a new environment. So I set out across the vast flat plain. Traveling by day and resting at night, I moved with parties of journeymen. But this morning I awoke to find myself alone, so I ventured on with caution. I knew I was approaching a new place, for I heard extraordinary sounds. The next moment I had fallen into a mysterious river, which swept me away. I struggled with all my might, but finally I lost consciousness. Now I am here. Is this the afterlife I've heard about? Are you the superintendent of death, Yamaraja?

King: No, I am not the lord of death, but I am, for now, the ruler of this kingdom. Please rest yourself. (he sits. King looks over Blind Man 2) And this sorry-looking gentlemen — whatever put you into this tattered state? Your clothes are torn to ribbons. Have you no proper garment, old man?

Blind Man 2: My King, I have arrived here after many adventures. I began my trek high in the mountains. Enroute I encountered a wild beast with sharp claws and an aggressive growl. I had been calmly sitting on a large clump of soft grasses in the morning sun, when suddenly I was thrown down. Next I heard my fine clothes tear while a warm breath was felt on my neck. I leapt to my feet and ran as quickly as I could manage. Thorns as sharp as knives tried to embrace me as I attempted to escape. As I raced through the undergrowth I was ravaged, yet finally, by the grace of God, I reached the outskirts of the city. One of your men helped me to find water to wash and he insisted that I come here with him.

King: Quite a story, indeed. You have taken great risk to accept my invitation. I will see that your efforts are made fruitful. Next?

Advisor: This one was blocking traffic. (indicates Blind Man 3)

King: Blocking traffic, where?

Advisor: By the main gate. No one could pass. He simply stood in the middle of the gateway, tipping his head from side to side, while holding this huge bundle.

King: Young man, can you explain your behavior or not?

Blind Man 3: I was lost. I was staying in one place because I was told by my traveling companions that if we become separated I should just remain still and then I will be found.

King: Obedient fellow, but...

Blind Man 3: You found me, so I am no longer lost.

King: Yes, I see, I mean I understand. From where have you journeyed? (to others) He is quite well built, as sturdy as the venerable ox, I venture to say. (to Blind Man 3) By which path did you approach? Can you explain this?

Blind Man 3: I am here. Wherever I was in the past, I was also here. I have been here my whole life. Where else could I be? This is where I started, and I suppose I will end here as well.

King: Sounds philosophical... somehow. (shakes head)

Advisor: There is this young boy, Sire. He was also apparently lost. He refuses to speak. Perhaps you will be able...

King: My lad, I am the King. I give protection to all citizens. Have you not heard your parents speak of me? I am obliged to give shelter to all, just as a father cares for his children. Will you not speak to me?

Lad: (hobbles to largest, Blind Man 3) Uncle, let us go.

King: Child, is this your uncle, this disoriented blind man?

Lad: A blind uncle is better than no uncle, O King.

King: Now you speak? Tell me more.

Lad: My mother has taught me not to speak to strangers, and my grandmother has taught me not to speak unless I have been addressed.

King: Ah. Well, we are honored to have hosted such a unique group of explorers. My dear Advisor, kindly take these guests on a "guided" tour of the palace and the grounds. Skip nothing and be certain they are properly fed. Then return here with them.

Advisor: It shall be done immediately.

King: You, my boy, stay here. I wish to discuss with you further.

(Later, the group returns, as king and lad are still conversing)

King: Here they come. I truly pray that they have been able to appreciate their opportunity.

Advisor: Your Highness! The tour is complete. They have been given a grand feast. Each in his own way has enjoyed very much. They thank you.

King: I would like to learn if there was any part of the complex that especially sparked their interest.

Advisor: Their interests remained high throughout. Yet, when we entered the stables, when they were told of the royal elephant — well, Sire, there was no end to their excitement.

King: Really!

Advisor: Each in turn approached that prince of the pachyderms.

King: So let them each explain his experience. You, old man, tell me about the elephant.

Blind Man 2: I've heard about elephants before, but I was greatly surprised how this particular elephant was just like a snake. (gestures by waving arm like a snake)

Blind Man 1: A snake? How could you think of an elephant in this way? There are no elephants living near my homeland, but I have clear knowledge of this elephant, and he is just like a large pillar. (uses two hands in gesture as if feeling a pillar)

King: There seems to be a difference of opinion here.

Blind Man 3: Difference, yes. They are both mistaken. The royal elephant is not like a snake, nor is he at all like a pillar. No, he is exactly like the hull of a boat. (makes large round scooping gesture with arms)

King: (suppresses laughter) Can you settle this, Advisor?

Advisor: O Gentlemen, please do not argue as to who is right or wrong in this matter. You are each correct in your own perception, yet none of you have complete information. The elephant's trunk is in a way similar to a snake's body, and the legs of the elephant resemble a pillar in strength and shape. Further, the belly of the colossal beast is much like the hull of a boat, full and rounded. So you are all correct, but none of you were completely accurate due to the limits of your understanding. If you combine ideas, a clearer picture will be the result.

King: These men have been put together by fate. They should join forces; collectively, they may be able to help one another. They might provide some useful service to society.

Advisor: What are you suggesting, Sire?

King: Perhaps they should appoint a leader.

Advisor: (aside to King) On the basis of what qualification?

King: Let us observe how they proceed, and if there is a mishap then we can assist. This may prove to be instructive. (to Blind Men) My good fellows, I, your King, request you to decide which one of you can lead the others. Please discuss this idea.

Blind Man 3: I can lead. I am strong. I can protect you all.

Blind Man 1: I have wealth. By this wealth I have influence.

Blind Man 2: I am quite old. My years of experience are my wealth of wisdom.

Blind Man 3: What were you doing when you were young?

Blind Man 2: (thoughtfully) Young, young. Why when I was young? I cannot remember that long ago.

Blind Man 1: Have you any other "experiences?" (to Blind Man 3) And you, how can you protect us — please demonstrate.

Blind Man 3: (swings his bag around and around — he falls, others move away)

Blind Man 1: My wealth remains. Yes, the bag of gold will buy proper treatment from others.

Advisor: May I examine that bag?

Blind Man 1: Yes, but be careful, it is priceless.

Advisor: (opens bag, finds stones) Priceless, is it? These ordinary stones have no price because they're worthless!

King: Ha! Try another tack. Do they have any special talents to offer? Perhaps they can work as a group.

Blind Man 1: Well, I was given these hand cymbals and can carry rhythm and sing.

Blind Man 2: I sing also, and I was told once that my steps are stunning like a dance.

Blind Man 3: Here in my bag is a fine drum. I can keep a steady beat that will move his feet.

King: Fine, fine! All people love music and dance. But even such a trio ought to have a leader.

Advisor: Can you not agree on a leader?

Blind Man 2: All in favor of me, raise your hand. (only he raises his hand)

Blind Man 3: Let us have a call for volunteers. If willing to act as a leader, step forward. (all step forward)

Blind Man 1: We can simply take turns as leader. (waves stick) Let us join hands now and we can guide one another. (all walk about pulling and pushing, then fall down together)

King: (aside to Advisor) This is humorous!

Advisor: Ironic, Sire, these are like the political arrangements of the fools and rascals. They never make real progress. Blind leaders degrade society. These poor souls have their physical handicaps, yes. But, as a team they could become truly useful to society by dovetailing their talents into a transcendental act.

King: Just what are you saying? Blind men, useful to all society? They cannot even find their own way!

Advisor: My dear King. The bodily conception has us seeing them as blind men and others as so-called seers, yet nearly everyone is blind to the purpose of life. Without proper direction, most of the populace are marching headlong into hellish conditions, but by engaging in service to Lord Sri Krishna, by chanting His holy names, everyone can come to the ultimate destination — an eternal life of knowledge and bliss. These men can become a traveling Hari-nama party, going everywhere chanting Krishna's glories. (to men) Do you men know the Maha-mantra?

All: Of course, of course, yes, of course!

King: How right you are. Come here, boy.

Lad: Yes, my King?

King: These blind men, including your uncle, are in need of your assistance.

Lad: I am just a boy, Your Highness, and I can barely walk. How can I help?

Advisor: Your eyes are working, are they not, lad? Therefore, these who are unable to look out for themselves should carry you. As their leader, you can give direction by becoming their eyes and then they will not go astray. I order you men to take care of this boy, for he is now your leader. Do as he says. Carry him aloft where he can be of benefit to you.

King: Boy, keep these three safe from mishap by your vision and be blessed. (they walk off chanting kirtan)

Advisor: (stepping forward) A righteous leader has spiritual vision to keep him on the right path.

King: To what path do you refer?

Advisor: The progressive path back to Godhead. All society should be guided to the topmost goal, the ultimate good for all people, for all time. To become Krishna conscious is to have one's eyes opened with the torchlight of knowledge by the spiritual master. The spiritual wisdom of the Vedas may be found in an impoverished country or in the heart of a meek and humble sage, but that wisdom can uplift and deliver a world that is otherwise blinded by the glare of material opulences. In this Iron Age of Kali, where men are but short-lived, quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, and above all, always disturbed, the recommended process for spiritual advancement is to chant the holy names of the Lord.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

(Harinama party returns and concludes by having a loud kirtan)

The End


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