Perfectionist and Ego

A sculptor who used to make beautiful statues was a disciple of a saint (A Mahatma). He was a perfect sculptor and the statues he designed and constructed would look real. As though some real person is standing. Nobody in that field was so perfect, they could not pin point any mistake in his work. He was so apt in that art that it would be impossible for anyone to differentiate between the statue and the real man. The Mahatma was very pleased with his work and dedication.

Once he told the Mahatma “since I have worked sincerely for you so many years, can you fulfill my one wish at least”. The Mahatma agreed and asked him about the wish. He said that he should at least know in advance the date, day and time of his death so that I will not allow death to come near me. The Mahatma granted his request.

Before the time of arrival of his death, he designed and built twelve statues of himself, exactly like him. There was no fault, they were perfect. When he knew his time has come, he hid behind one of the statues so that he could dodge God of Death(The Yamaha).

When Yamaha(God of Death) came, he was shocked to see twelve statues exactly the same. He was confused which one to take. Yamaha immediately rushed to the Lord, the Creator. Lord smiled and whispered something in his ears. The Yamaha laughed and the God also laughed.

Then Yamaha went and stood in front of those statues and said “ Oh! How beautiful are these statues, so well and perfectly designed. Lord Brahma, who created the universe, could not make it equally good. Nobody on this earth can beat this marvelous work of art, not even in future. But I feel there is a slight defect in one of the statues. Hearing this the sculptor immediately came out and asked “Where is the mistake”

Yamaha caught hold of his neck and said “This is the mistake. If you had kept quiet and would not come out, you could have won over death. But no, “I” cannot make mistakes. I am perfect. That I has brought me near you. Now all is over”.

This is not a story, it is a lesson we should all learn. If somebody boasts our ego, praises us to skies, we get bloated and trapped. Do not get involved and entangled in unnecessary praises and criticism. Within your heart of hearts you know where you stand. So be firm and do not let others hover over you. MOST IMPORTANT : DO NOT BE EGOISTIC. ACCEPT YOUR WEAKNESSES AND MISTAKES