Prof. Anil Kumar: Swami! We have people of varied temperaments, views, ideas, outlooks, ambitions and interests. Conflict becomes inevitable. Each one wants things to happen in their own way. What should we do then?
Bhagavan: Munde munde matirbhinna, heads vary. No two people look alike: no two think in the same way. It is quite natural that ideas differ. Each one feels that he is correct. But you should maintain the spirit of unity, equality and equanimity.
A small example: Once upon a time all the five fingers of the palm started claiming superiority over one another. First, the little finger said to the others, “Look! As you do namaskar, I come first. Therefore, I am important”. The ring finger then said, “What! Don’t you know my value? Costly diamond and gold rings are worn round me!” Then, the middle finger said, “Very funny! What are you talking about? I am ready to wear costly rings. Why not? Some do that way also. Further, don’t you see me, who am taller than all of you? Isn’t that enough to say that I am superior to all of you?” The forefinger started saying, “If you want to direct anybody, I come first. People show me to direct people. Further, even to warn or caution others, I come first. Don’t you see this?” Then, last but not the least, the thumb smiling said, “I have been watching so long all that is happening! Unless I join, even if the four of you stand united, you cannot function. While eating anything, can you manage without me? Why go to that extent? When you shoot an arrow, I have to pull the string backwards with force. Else, the arrow will never go far. So mine is the highest position among us”.
This is how we find people staking their claims for superiority over one other. You should always be ready to receive the good from anybody. You should work in cooperation and harmony with one another. No one should feel superior to anyone. Otherwise, because of the domination of one over another, groups, factions, rivalries, controversies and conflicts arise. As a result, the spirit of love totally vanishes from the scene. Unless all the five fingers join, you cannot do anything, you see! Society can never progress if there is no cooperation, integration and unity among its members.
Source: ‘Satyopanisad’ by Prof. Anil Kumar Kamaraju