To Do Good, One Might Need Endurance And Wit – Hinduism Teaching

Patience and Prudence: A Hindu Lesson in Doing What Is Right

In the ancient fables of the Panchatantra, wisdom often emerges from the simplest of animal tales. One such story recounts how Ciramjivin, the clever crow, rescued his people not by force but through a masterstroke of patience and strategic thinking. This account illustrates a profound Hindu teaching: sometimes, doing what is right demands not only moral courage but also the artful blend of patience and cleverness.

The Crow and the Owls: A Concise Retelling

When the owls’ kingdom pressed its advantage against the crows, the latter teetered on the brink of defeat. Enter Ciramjivin (“Long-life”), a counselor among the crows. Rather than charging headlong into battle, he feigned disgrace:

1. Feigning Maim and Betrayal
   Smearing himself with his fallen comrades’ blood and plucking out his own feathers, Ciramjivin appeared cast out by the crows for urging peace.

2. Gaining Asylum with the Enemy
   Upon reaching the owls, he recounted his “exile,” and the owl-counselors—guiding by the principle of dharma (righteousness)—offered him refuge.

3. Quiet Observation
   Hidden within the owls’ fortress, he studied their strongholds and vulnerabilities without arousing suspicion.

4. Seizing the Moment
   When the time was ripe, Ciramjivin slipped back to the crows under cover of darkness and, revealing the owls’ weaknesses, led his flock to a triumphant victory.

Through this ruse—grounded in self-control, cunning, and timing—the crows overcame seemingly insurmountable odds without direct confrontation.

Hindu Teachings on Patience and Strategy

Hindu philosophy intertwines patience (kṣānti) and wisdom (buddhi) as twin pathways to right action:

“The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice.”
— Bhagavad Gītā 6.35

Here, Lord Krishna emphasizes disciplined practice—just as Ciramjivin disciplined his impulses to wait and observe, rather than rush into the fray.

Chanakya, the great strategist, wrote in the Arthashastra:

“One who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all suffering is attachment.”

By feigning detachment (as Ciramjivin did), he attained the freedom to act in the larger interest of his people.

Swami Vivekananda affirmed the power of resilient calmness:

“Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.”

Yet he also taught that one must first cultivate inner steadiness—a lesson mirrored in the crow’s silent vigil within enemy ranks.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s complex world, the virtue of patience coupled with clever strategy proves invaluable across spheres:

• Business Negotiations
  A startup founder, like Ciramjivin, might withhold a key proposal until market conditions are favorable, all the while gathering data on competitors.

• Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
  International mediators often employ back-channel talks—quietly building trust—before revealing comprehensive peace plans to warring parties.

• Personal Growth and Career
  Facing a setback at work? Rather than reactive confrontation, one can observe organizational dynamics and choose the optimal moment to pitch new ideas.

Applying the Lesson in Daily Life

1. Cultivate Inner Stillness

   • Practice mindfulness or meditation to temper impulsive reactions.

   • Recall the Bhagavad Gītā’s counsel to master restless thoughts through disciplined practice.

2. Observe Before Acting

   • In disagreements—whether with colleagues, friends, or family—listen actively and map out concerns before responding.

3. Choose the Opportune Moment

   • Assess external conditions: sometimes, waiting yields richer information and allies.

4. Balance Ethics with Expedience

   • Ciramjivin’s ruse served a just cause: liberation from oppression. Ensure that your strategies align with your core values.

Voices of the Saints on Patience and Wisdom

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
— Saint Augustine (though outside Hinduism, this universal insight echoes our own traditions)

“Without patience, wisdom cannot be attained. A person who lacks patience finds no one to help him.”
— Swami Ramakrishna

Their words remind us that virtue and victory are often won not in the heat of impulsive action but in the stillness of deliberate resolve.

Final Thoughts

The tale of Ciramjivin teaches that doing what is right may require a tempered mind, strategic foresight, and unwavering patience. Whether you face corporate rivalries, personal conflicts, or societal challenges, remember:

• Silence can be as potent as speech.

• Observation often precedes triumph.

• Ethical cunning frees more than brute force ever could.

By integrating these ancient Hindu teachings into our modern lives, we cultivate not only success but the deeper satisfaction of acting in harmony with dharma. Let patience be your armor and cleverness your guide, and you, too, will find the opportune moment to bring about right and lasting change.