Perspectives – Story of ‘The Log and the Mushroom’

Namaste, Welcome to SAM-VAD (Together In Conversation), as we begin today ‘let us remember this about ‘Attention’.

Our life experience would ultimately amount to whatever we had paid attention to. Attention: is important and most of the times we are so indifferent to it. It is as fundamental as food; and we go blundering about, seeking ways to assuage the craving, instead of learning how to provide ourselves with what we need, sensibly and calmly. Once the mechanism is brought to our attention and we begin to study it, it is as if a veil has been stripped off ordinary life, and we become freer in our action and choices.

This week I bring to your attention a fable titled ‘The Log and the Mushroom’ from the book titled ‘Reflections’. It is a collection of fables, aphorisms and statements that challenge the conditioned mind.

It confronts the reader with unaccustomed perspectives and ideas, in an attempt to set the mind free so as to see how things really are.

The Log and the Mushroom

A rotten log was providing the nutrition for a growing mushroom.

As the fungus burst its way through the wood, it shouted:

“Down with this restrictive institution trying to inhibit my freedom!”

Other growths, which were spectators, were much affected by the struggle. They said, in admiration:

“How beautiful is the irresistible heroism of fungi! What a lesson for our descendants. Let us never forget this day. That log thought that it was strong. Indeed, had it not been for the unconquerable spirit of the mushrooms, none would have dared to conceive, let alone carry through, such a glorious enterprise.”

Some toadstools, which had thrust their way with ease through leaf-mold, said:

“All this effort, this boasting, surely it is unnecessary?”

But they were soon silenced, in the rising clamor from the fungus chorus:

“Destroy, destroy, destroy tyranny, so that we may have harmony and peace.”

Fable from ‘Reflections’ by Idries Shah

I am sure that you will enjoy reading this book; you can buy your copy from the following link:

Enjoy reading it with your family, friends and near and dear one’s.

Before concluding today’s episode please pay attention to these words of a Storyteller.

My stories require, at this stage, no extra commentary, imaginings, or guesswork by you, me, or anyone else. The very worst would be that of moralizing. To explain away is to forget. Thus, let the stories which you can remember do their own work by their very diversity. Familiarize yourself with them.

Namaste!