Converted
ย Words 196
โWhen are you going to work?โ
โI am working Ma. On my art.โ
โBut thatโs not bringing any returns, not even recognition.โ
โJust look at the Sun Ma. Why does it shine? Why doesโฆ?โ
โThe Sun doesnโt have to eat!โ
โRelax Ma. Reema earns enough for our needs.โ
โThereโs more to life than just needs. Arenโt you ashamed of being dependent? Whereโs your self-respect?โ
โYou should be happy Ma. Didnโt you always exhort me to rise above my ego and materialism?โ
โItโs not funny! I am sick and tired of defending you and your art. I was so proud of you but just look at you now.โ
โYou sound as if I am afflicted with some life-threatening disease.โ
โWhat else is this self-destructive behavior? It has been 5 years since you left your job. What have you gained? Money? Status? Recognition? Nothing.โ
โThat doesn’t matter Ma. I have finally grasped the essence of your lectures.โ
โWhat?โ
โRemember how always quoted the Gita? You have the right to your duty but not its fruits. I understand now. I have the right to paint. The rest โ money, fame, status – is not in my hands.โ
ย ***
Written for the Sunday Photo Fictionย – a story in 100 words or less. For other stories on this photo prompt click here.
Just in case anybody is interested, here’s the whole quote (along with the translation):
*Gita: karmanye vadhikaras te/ma phalesu kadachana/ma karma-phala-hetur bhur/ma te sango โstv akarmani
1) karmanye vadhikaras te: you have a right to work only
2) ma phalesu kadachana: but have no right to the fruits thereof
3) ma karma-phala-hetur bhur: let not the fruits be the motive of doing karma
4) ma te sango โstv akarmani: let yourself not be attached to inaction.
Thanks for reading – as always I look forward to your views and opinions.
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