Square Peg has an interesting post on his blog. If you see my comment on that post, you will realise my nostalgia for Samsonite luggage, In the good old Socialist days of India Samsonite luggage was much sought after and anyone with a piece was much envied.
Things changed somewhat after VIP an Indian luggage maker came on the scene in the early 70s of the last century as they offered equivalent luggage and pent up demand ensured that they succeeded and are a hugely successful luggage maker even today.
But I am running away from the purpose of this post. Square Peg’s post reminded me of this beautiful Sufi story.
Some one saw Mulla Nasruddin searching for something on the ground. “What have you lost Mulla?” he asked. “My key,” said the Mulla. So they both went down on their knees and looked for it. after a time the other man asked, “Where exactly did you drop it?” “In my own house.” “Then why are you looking here?” “There is more light here than inside my house.”
This Sufi Parable could stand as a cautionary tale for anyone seeking for the keys, leave aside just one key, to locks of knowledge of cultures other than one’s own. I see this happen often in my own case where I try and find keys to problems using my own value system or cultural background, because, my light is there and not where the problem is. Considerable time can be lost if Mulla Nasruddin’s story does not come to mind in time to jolt me out of my comfort zone.