The Lost Key - Wisdom Story

The Lost Key: Wisdom Story

SEARCHING FOR THE LOST “KEY”

Inspirational Story of Wit and Wisdom

THE KEY

One blistering (intense) hot summer afternoon – under the blazing sun – people saw a wizened (very) old man crawling on his knees in the middle of a road in broad daylight.

He was frantically searching for something.

The crowd observed him curiously for some time.

Then an inquisitive (curious) person asked the wizened old man:

“What are you searching for…?”

“I have lost my key …” the wizened old man replied.

The person who had asked the wizened old man was of a helping nature.

So, the man joined the wizened old man in searching for the lost key.

Passersby saw them in the middle of the road, on their knees, crawling on all fours.

When they learnt of the wizened old man had lost his key, many other passersby also decided to help the wizened old man find his key.

Soon, there were a large number of people on the ground, crawling on all fours, searching for the elusive (difficult to find) key on the road, in the scorching hot sun.

An extensive search was carried out, but the key was not found.

Then, someone in the crowd asked the wizened old man: “Do you remember where you lost your key…?”

The wizened old man replied: “I lost my key in the basement of my house…”

The people were stunned on hearing this.

So, the astonished crowd asked the wizened old man. “What…? Are you crazy…?

You lost the key in the basement of your house…?

Then why are you searching for the key over here in the middle of the road…?”

The wizened old man looked at the crowd and said matter-of-factly (without showing emotion): “Because there is more light over here…”

The bewildered people said to the wizened old man: “But you lost the key in the basement of your house…”

The wizened old man explained his logic: “Yes. I lost the key in the basement of my house. But the basement of my house is very dark. Whereas, here, on the road, there is so much bright light. So, I thought that it will be easier for me to find the key here, in the bright light, rather than in the dark…”

MORAL OF THE STORY

This story is symbolic. The “key” is a metaphor.

Everyone is searching for “keys” they have lost.

Or they are looking to discover “keys” they desire.

The key to happiness, the key to bliss, the key to freedom, the key to God, the key to peace and tranquility, the key to success, the key to good health, the key to self-actualization, the key to enlightenment …

Everyone is searching for “keys”.

But everyone seems to be searching for their elusive “keys” in the wrong places.

Most of us look for the “key” outside ourselves.

The “key” is sought in Power, Wealth, Fame, Material and Intellectual Achievement, Success or in relationships like love, marriage, parenting, friendship, appreciation, recognition, “approval of others” etc., all of which are outside you.

We search for the “key” outside because there seems to be much “light” outside.

Actually, you may have lost your “key” inside, in the “darkness” within you.

But you search for your lost “key” outside because there is more “light” outside.

(Just like the wizened old man was searching for his lost key in bright sunlight in broad daylight on the middle of the road on a hot afternoon even though he had lost his key in the dark basement of his house)

Very few look for the “key” within oneself.

You must remember that you have lost your “key” within you and so you must search for your “key” inside you, by introspection and self-reflection.

THE KEY is a Teaching Story.

Teaching stories illustrate aspects of human behavior which are relevant to both our personal and professional lives.

The first step to self-growth is to try to identify yourself in these stories.

You must acknowledge that you too could be as foolish or as lacking in discernment (the ability to judge well) as the characters in these classic tales.

Once you do this – it will be easy for you to imbibe (get, find) the wisdom in these tales.

Now let us do an exercise.

Close your eyes.

Think of this story.

Then reflect, ruminate, carry the story in your mind, identify yourself in the story, create a silence within you and let the story reveal to you its inner depth and meaning.

Which “key” are you looking for…?

The key to happiness, the key to health, the key to bliss, the key to freedom, the key to inner peace and tranquility, the key to love, the key to God…?

Why are you looking for the “key” outside when you have lost the “key” deep inside – within you…?

Are you searching for the “key” outside because there is more “light” outside than inside within you…?

How can you find the key outside when you have lost it inside you…?

You have lost your key deep inside within you, so you have to search inwards deep within you…!

Have you lost your “key”…?

Yes…?

Which “key” have you lost…?

Did you search for your lost “key”…?

Have you found your lost “key”…?

No…?

Keep searching.

But – remember to search for your lost “key” in the right place.

Most of the answers are within us.

Search for your lost “key” within you and not outside.

May you discover your “key” soon.

Wish you Happiness and Enlightenment.

This story applies to relationships too.

For Example: Suppose your marriage is on the rocks.

Isn’t it better for husband and wife to mutually introspect, discuss and find resolution within the marriage rather than rush to a marriage counsellor or therapist…?

It is the same with other relationships too.

Isn’t mutual or internal resolution better than third party intervention…?

MORAL OF THE STORY

You must search for your lost “key” in the right place and not in a place where you will never find it, just because you feel comfortable searching over there.

Dear Reader:

Are you searching for solutions to your problems in the wrong place…?

How can you find the right solutions to your problems if you search in the wrong place…?

You have to search in the right place, isn’t it…?

Do remember this story of “The Key” whenever you are searching for solutions to problems.

ایک شخص کی بیوی کو ایک دن اس کے پالتو گدھے نے اچانک لات مار کر اگلے جہاں پہنچا دیا۔

کچھ ماہ بعد اس نے دوسری شادی کی اور نئی دلہن لے آیا۔

چند دن گزرے ہونگے کہ نئی دلہن بھی گدھے کی "رینج" میں آ گئی۔ گدھے نے موقع غنیمت دیکھتے ہوئے دولَتّی رسید کی اور اس بیچاری کا کام بھی تمام ہوا۔

لوگ اس "ڈبل رنڈوے" کے ہاں تعزیت کے لئے آنے لگے۔ حاضرین میں سے ایک شخص نے نوٹ کیا کہ جب عورتیں دوران تعزیت اس شخص سے کوئی سوال کرتی ہیں تو وہ شخص سر کے اشارے کے ساتھ "ہاں" کہتا ہے۔

اور جب مرد سوال کرتے ہیں تو وہ سر کو جنبش دیتے ہوئے "نہیں" کہتا ہے۔

اس خاص حرکت پر نظر رکھنے والے شخص نے رنڈوے صاحب سے اس کی وجہ پوچھی تو اس نے کہا:

*"عورتیں سوال کرتے ہوئے پوچھتی ہیں:

 "پھر شادی کرو گے؟"

 تو میں جواب میں "ہاں" کہتا ہوں۔

اور مرد پوچھتے ہیں: 

"اپنا گدھا فروخت کرو گے؟" تو میں جواب میں "ناں" کہتا ہوں

یہی حال ایون فیلڈ میں چھپے ہوئے ایک چور کا ہے۔ اس سے پوچھو کہ وزیراعظم بنو گے کہتا ہے " ہاں"

پوچھو پاکستان جاؤ گے۔

کہتا ہے " ناں "