It was a pleasant evening and the weather was setting in slowly for some drizzle. A usual time for my evening walk. The road, I always used, was with not much of movement of people and vehicles. It was a freshly built road and on either sides there was lots of trees. A typical Indian Road in the outskirts of a city. Calm and quite.
As I walked some distance, I saw a man sitting on the side of the road. It was muddy and thorny bushes around. Unusual for anyone to sit there. He was talking to himself a loud. But, nobody was around, but for a child playing nearby. I walked passed him. The first glance of the scene gave me a sense that something was wrong. The thought arose that I need to help this man.
Walking in nature is a real treat for the mind. The silent surroundings bring in more calmness within. A time, I always felt that the conversation within me in heard by it. The awareness comes on the thoughts that runs in my mind. The nature is able hear those thoughts and understand my inner feelings. It is so powerful to fulfill the needs, if thoughts are aligned for those needs is in sync with nature.
As I was returning back, I spotted this man in the same place. This time, he was lying down on that muddy place. The thought of helping him became stronger. As I came near, I looked at him. His eyes were closed. Some mud and dry leaves were on his face. I bend towards him and told that he should not be sleeping in this place, as he is bound to hit by vehicles passing by or some insects may bite him. He did not respond. I sought to God to give me strength and guidance to help this man. As the man was drunk, his level of consciousness was low. Any advice at his stage may prove of no use. I have to choose words carefully, as in no way it should put him into guilt or angry. I squatted next him and told that I would help to move to a comfortable place, where he can rest for some time. I could see some positive response making an attempt to sit. I extended my right hand to support. He felt the warmth and gained trust to hold my hand. I lifted him up. He was struggling to walk with both feet going on their own way. With some effort, he started to walk holding me.
He had his own share of pain to share. It revolved around the money not been paid by his employer. A common thing, many poor people suffer from. That added to the burden to take care of his five children and wife. I heard him without any judgement. All he needed was some rest to regain to normal state to think what next. We reached a place, where there was some space to sit. I made him to sit, as he had no more strength to walk further. That place was safe and comfortable to rest. I dropped some money in his pocket and gave him a hug telling him that everything will be alright soon. Even in that state of consciousness, he felt the much needed love and compassion from me to give some strength to move on.
The water droplets from the drizzle fell on my face. The nature reciprocated its love through these rain drops. A heartfelt experience to care another human being. It lifted me up too. Just closed my eyes and thanked God for choosing me to help this man. Everyone needs a helping hand. Be the one to lend that hand.
By Ramesh Kuppuswamy
reach the author on ram@aikya-oneness.org