Lesson from a snail

Lesson from a snail

No I didn't meet a snail sage neither do I speak 'snail'. The snail was a salient condition in that moment of time for my reflection.

I was walking towards the MRT after work when I saw a snail on its shell on the road. As I was preparing to pick it up and put it near the grass away from the rumbling shoes of humans, there was a lady who was walking briskly towards the snail. I stopped the lady before she reaches the snail, told her there was a snail in her path and her reaction sparked my reflection.

She showed disgust on seeing the snail in her path, gave me a cold stare and walked away. In that moment, I noticed the arising, in me, of irritation at her apathetic reaction. I picked up the snail, put it away from walking path and lamented at the apathy that I had witnessed. I took a moment to focus on my breath and this thought arose, I should be empathetic towards her and others like her, if I don't show empathy towards her, there is no difference between us.

If there are already many who are apathetic to the sufferings of others, we should not become one of them by showing apathy towards them. Compassion should not have a limiting criteria on the subjects who are the recipient.

If we think that the human race is doomed due to our egos and apathy then we should play our part and make a difference by being empathetic and compassionate. If we become apathetic as a result of other' apathy, maybe just maybe a lot of them are like us, they become apathetic because they didn't receive any empathy and compassion from others. By being empathetic and compassionate towards them, we may be the condition which engenders the empathy and compassion in them.

Even at the end of the day, it didn't make a difference to them, at least it made a difference to ourselves. At least today, it made a difference to the snail and myself. I am grateful for the conditions including the snail and the lady.

May all give rise to compassion within; may all be well and happy.

With love and compassion
Simple Bear 29.07.2014.

P.S. It's raining these few days, be careful when walking at night, don't step on the poor snails, insects or other small animals who crossed the path. A little awareness may just save a life.