Disclaimer – This dialogue is neither a figment of imagination nor a real one; and the same applies to the characters as well. The character MAnvi is one I see myself in, though at times different. Her thAthA is one who seems much familiar. Much of these dialogues are a trigger  from a book or a discourse by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Any error in the way I have blogged upon, on any aspect is due to an error in my understanding alone.

This dialogue is an exception though, as it is triggered neither by a book or a discourse by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati; but due to a thought that occurred to MAnvi, which spurred her to have a dialogue on it with her thAthA.

MAnvi was waiting in her thAthA’s room with her legs bent and pulled up to her chest, and her hands clasped around her bent knees. She was in deep thought and stirred only when she heard her thAthA’s footsteps near her.

thAthA: What is that thought that holds you so deeply, MAnvi?

MAnvi: thAthA, a friend of mine can recall many things he has read on or listened to, at the appropriate times. This has puzzled me many times. How is he able to recollect it at the appropriate time, thAthA? Not once or twice, but many times?

thAthA: What exactly puzzles you, MAnvi?

MAnvi: thAthA, this is something that I have noticed not just about this friend of mine but quite a few others as well. They read a lot, watch many videos and listen to many audios because they love to acquire knowledge. They are also able to recollect and share this knowledge with the others, at the appropriate times.

I also read and listen to what captivates my attention, but I am not able to recollect all this at all the appropriate times, thAthA. Why thAthA?

MAnvi’s thAthA over the years had understood that when MAnvi is in one of her introspective moods, it was preferable to just listen to her sharing. At best, he would ask a few questions that would steer the introspection and sharing in a direction, which would help her to come to an understanding of herself.

MAnvi: thAthA, I have been in awe of such people and keep them in high regard; because I think that their ability to pick up knowledge, retain and recollect at the appropriate times, is a mark of their intelligence. So when I am not able to recollect and share at the appropriate times, I think I am less intelligent.

thAthA: MAnvi, do you think that you are not able to recollect the knowledge you have gained, at all appropriate times?

This question from her thAthA made MAnvi turn her thinking to the times when she was able to recollect what she knew, and share it with people who needed it. From a situation of lamenting about what she thought was her inability, this question from her thAthA changed her state of mind.

MAnvi:  I think it is different for me, thAthA. When I read or listen to something that captivates me, I read and listen to it many times. I sometimes do that so that I will be able to recollect it when it is needed. I may not however be able to recollect the same thing. I have seen that when I gain knowledge on certain aspects and that captivates me, it also makes me introspect about myself. This either gives me a perspective that what I am doing is right or that I need to bring in a change to the way I am. If I need to change, I then begin my journey to make the changes. It is not easy but it happens over time.

MAnvi’s thAthA notices the shift in her posture which is a reflection of her state of mind – that of looking at herself with a different understanding.

MAnvi: You know thAthA, people may gain knowledge and also be able to recollect at the appropriate time. Is that the only thing that is important? What about internalizing what they have gained as knowledge and implementing it as well? Isn’t that important? So which one of these people are we, thAthA?

– Those who gain knowledge but not able to recollect at the appropriate times?

– Those who gain knowledge, recollect at the appropriate times and share it with others as well?

– Those who gain knowledge, may not be able to recollect at the appropriate times and share with others; but can internalize what they think is appropriate for them?

– Those who gain knowledge, recollect at the appropriate times and share it with others as well.but find it difficult to internalize and implement it?

Actually thAthA, we may be any one of those people during different situations, isn’t it? We experience each of these situations at different points in life and in different roles. Which also means that intelligence is not just determined by whether we gain knowledge and recollect it during the appropriate times. There is a lot more to it.

What an amazing thAthA you are!! A listener and such a compassionate person, that you change my thinking with just one question!!

MAnvi could not resist going upto her grandfather to gently pull both his bearded cheeks, in affection and gratitude..