Anuradha T

Classics

4.0  

Anuradha T

Classics

The Self Portrait

The Self Portrait

4 mins
206


There was a time in history, when everything was noted down on leaves with the help of bird feathers, dipped in ink. These leaves were left to dry and then kept in a safe place, which later on was declared as manuscripts. With time, feathers got replaced with pens and pencils, and information got stored in the form of books written with pens filled with ink. Now, the time has come when information, whether it is poetry, prose, essays, chronicles, research texts, or emails, everything is stored with a click of a button. So, in the future, we do not know what else we will get to see in the form of print and storage.

   Now we have selfies, which are somewhat similar to self-portraits that were made by artists or master painters of yesteryears. These portraits make us think in so many different ways about the artist and his or her work. The picture prompts the great artist Mazhar Ali Khan from the Mughal period to say so much without saying anything. He was a 19th-century painter from Delhi working in the Company style of painting under Western influence. The fusion of two styles and cultures, the shift from the more traditional Mughal style of artwork, makes Khan's work different, and his self-portrait stands out in history.

  Let us try to understand what is going on in the artist's mind when he sits leaning against the wall with a pen and paper in his hand. He seems to relax and enjoy the leisure time he has. What is going on in his mind is anyone's guess, but it definitely conveys that the artist is creating a masterpiece. Let us weave a story with this picture prompt in mind.

   Let us start with a philosophical saying that goes like this: "What is the use of that prayer which is laden with sinful actions? What is the use of that food that is not cooked in clean utensils? What is the use of that relationship that is not based on belief and trust?"

One day, a man approached the saintly Mazhar Khan with a very important question. He requested him to give a solution to the problem that was troubling him day and night. The man was almost in tears as he narrated his ordeal. The man started saying that he keeps committing sins which he repents later. Mazhar said that if he wants to continue committing sins, then he should stop eating whatever food he gets to eat. The man looked puzzled and replied, saying how he can avoid eating food that is provided to him by God, who comes in the form of his mother.

Mazhar questioned the man, asking him whether it is right for him to commit sins after eating the food provided by God in his own land. Mazhar continued, saying if you cannot stop committing sins after eating the food provided by God, at least don't do it on the land provided by the Almighty God. The man, again with a puzzled look, questioned back, asking, "How is this possible when the entire land on earth, every bit of it, belongs to God? Where will I go to commit sins?" Mazhar Ali Khan continued, saying if you cannot stop sinning after eating the food given by God, drinking from the drink provided by God, and on the land provided by God, you will have to choose a place where nobody can see you. Is it possible? And when you continue to keep committing these sins, what will you do with all the bad karma that you collect unendingly? Where will you dump it? On the land created by God?

How will you get the energy to do so? With the food and drink provided by God? Think before you make such mistakes, for there is no place that gives you solace from all the bad deeds you intentionally or otherwise do. The end result is bad only. So, my friend, realize that a sage, guru, preacher, or saint can only guide you to know what is right and what is wrong. It is you who has to choose the path to reduce bad karma and make life a really good one for yourself as well as all others around you. I say all these not for the money you give me; it is given by me because once when I was on the other side of the fence, just like you, I was guided by a great soul who cleared all my apprehensions with simple words. No glitz and glamour. It was the above-said words that opened my mind and allowed the realization and the light of wisdom to enter. So, go ahead and think before you commit any mistake next time when you are eating, drinking, and staying in everything belonging to God. That will keep you balanced and sensible. With these words of simple wisdom, the man left the place, and Mazhar Ali Khan felt better now that he was able to give relief to someone in distress. After all, this is the simplest way of dealing with people and problems. Don't you think so?


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