Adam's second chance

He was four months old, flourishing in the amniotic ambience of his mother’s womb. The human fetus, let’s call him Adam, had developed thoughts and, as the mind is but a collection of thoughts, he pondered on Existence. His life was perfect, complete. The conditions were just right. His mother provided warmth, security, food and nourishment. All his needs were taken care of without him having to move a muscle.

Then one day, while deep in thought, a voice spoke to Adam. And it was God. God said, "Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that will guide and help you in your life.

Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord. That is the only important thing I need for myself! The other parts of my body are of no use at all!"

And God replied, "My son, this place is only temporary. There is a much bigger world out there. And for life in that world, you need strong limbs, good eyes, ears, proper speech and good conduct. Your umbilical cord, which you consider of utmost importance, will be of no use in the outer world. Heed my advice son, lest you shall regret later on.”

Adam was still convinced his life was perfect as it was, in his mother’s womb.

Several months later, Adam was born into the world. His precious umbilical cord was severed, cutting his links to his mother, and leaving him to fend for himself. As Adam grew older, his survival and well-being depended on his limbs and organs, just as God had said. As years passed, Adam became a businessman, chasing wealth and materialistic gains.

One day, God spoke to Adam again, "Adam, my son. You are going after riches, and material things, which you consider of paramount importance. Remember, this world is only another phase. There is more, after this life, and material riches will be of no use there. Prepare yourself, by developing love, and values, and treading the dharmic path. Only those will help you in the phases to come.

Adam laughed cynically. “Love? Values? Dharma?” Those are not the ingredients for success! Money gives me happiness, and that is my only motivation !”

And so again God patiently advised, like a gentle mother warning her child about the perils of life, but it was to no avail. But soon enough, all that he built crumbled. Adam resorted to the only solution that his feeble mind could muster – suicide.

As he gazed through the noose in front of his face, he pondered on what could have been. If ever there was life after death, he made a promise to himself: to live straight, and honor the values of dharma. With that thought, he kicked the chair away.

Suddenly, he heard a voice. The voice, all too familiar, spoke to him in a soothing tone. He said, “Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that guide and help you in your life…..”

Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord....."

(plagiarised & adapted with apologies to Vijay D)