Monday 27 August 2012

Independence by Benjamin Rajendra Dass

          
          Come to think of it, everyone has their own way or has had experienced in cutting themselves loose from bondage, whether it be physical or emotional. A certain type of satisfaction, or others may say 'eternal happiness that kills', is achieved when that certain stumbling block, which stopped and hindered ones progress since the rock of ages, is finally leaped over. Relief beyond degree oozes out from every pore making one feels as though he or she is untouchable and the term 'infinity' does not mean a thing but just another stone.
          Independence. Just one word that gives a deep meaning to those who cherish yet understands it. Many people take independence as something revolving around chaos, machine guns, the adrenaline of warfare and bloodshed. Is that the true meaning of independence? Or does the underlying meaning is only apparent to those limited and selected? Or it is something of a secretive meaning hiding and awaiting to be discovered? Only those who have gone through it will truly understand this simple concept, said most, but is that reality or is that just a myth?
     One thing is for sure, it is not easy to obtain it but once gained, it is owned for life. At least, that is what John thought as he looked, day after day, dreading attending school. John had nothing happening in his life. His family; a stranger he is felt, his class; an enemy he is seen. Innocence was just a stage, and a fool he felt, being on it acting all his way through life. Continuously, he thought of how he could escape everyone and everything. What is seen is a sore to his eyes, what is felt is an ache to his heart, a striking spear that pierced the core of his being? Because of his parents distrust towards him, he paid for his tuition fees leaving nothing to himself. Getting tricked and deceived by siblings was what he felt, abandoned and alienated, he had to make his own decisions and fend for himself. No matter how hard he struggles, his seemed blissful life dragged him down, over and over, again.
          What is he to do? He firstly opts to re-try; accompanies by his two best friends, he tries to pick up the pieces but defenseless he feels and again, falls until he hits rock bottom. Luck was soon at his side when he stumbles upon his old tuition teacher who pulls him to the surface.
          Then, this particular old tuition teacher had actually noticed and detected John's suffering, plastered over his naive face, reading him like an opened book. However, no action was taken, no deed was done, to ease John's burden and to alleviate John's troubles. He did not want to impose and pry as to what had brought this young boy to be in this rut that he was in. He thought that if the boy needed his assistance, the boy would come to him. Unfortunately, the boy he had just seen had changed considerably. The battered soul was now evident from his appearance; a hunched back, a shambled walk and a wrinkled face, depicting years beyond his true age. He approached John in his free will, pleading John to accept his assistance. John, in turn, was out of his wits, opened up his trust to this man whom he saw 'from another world', and embraced the offered help. Among the aids extended, this man left him with a phrase of his own, 'Dear John, do seek your own selfish longing'. John was left to ponder and understand what this means and what would his life be if he executed the true meaning of this powerful phrase.
          Ergo, John picked up the pieces and continued with his life. Holding a stable job and a steady income, he was much appreciated of life and what revolved around him. Is this still considered independence? If it is then, in what term is it considered? It all started from the moment he decided to change, the moment he said, 'No more!' That very moment when he started to not just walk, but run, competing with the speed of light, that very moment he wanted to trash down the bonds of unhappiness. So, is holding a secured job not satisfying enough? It is definitely better than a poor soul being lost forever, in itself, being defined as, independence.
          




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