Acquiring too many things is a source of trouble

Some time ago, I had a chance to meet a man who after retiring as a university professor took up the cause of imparting education to rural children in far-flung places. People used to address him as ‘mahatma’. Sighting an opportunity to benefit from his wisdom, I said, “Revered one! What is the cause of mounting stress worldwide?”

He took his time and then said, “I believe you must have participated in the musical chair game at one time or the other. Initially, all participants move leisurely because there are many chairs, but as the game progresses and the number of chairs are reduced, participants start moving briskly to occupy the ones left, and after some time when only two or three chairs are available, those still in race even go to the extent of pushing or pulling the fellow participants to win the game.”

“Something similar is happening in our lives too. Awareness has increased people’s aspirations. Resources are there, but driven by greed and ego, those who already possess everything are always craving for more and this has made things tough for the ones who don’t have anything. This has made life a game of musical chairs where people have to run to be in the race, which thereby leads to stress,” he added.

When I asked for a possible solution to reduce this stress, he promptly answered, “Those who already have enough should withdraw from the race. For example, if you have a house to live in, why should you crave a second one.” Ego-based desires, motivated by selfishness is the root cause for the growing stress levels. We must cultivate the thinking that everything is not only for ‘me’. What he said appears to be absolutely true. As we grow old, we realise that acquiring too many things can become a source of trouble rather than comfort.