SEEKING THE RIGHT ALTERNATIVE

SEEKING THE RIGHT ALTERNATIVES A LUCKLESS passenger rushed panting into the station, just as his train was steaming out. His watch—unaccountably slow by ten minutes—had let him down. “Don’t worry, Babuji,” sympathised a passing porter. "There will be another train along in about a couple of hours. Why go away? Just wait here for it on this same platform.” The passenger, keen to reach his destination, decided to accept his advice, even if it meant waiting two, long tedious hours. Just getting to where he wanted to go was too important to him to think of expending time and energy, leaving and returning to the station and perhaps missing his train once more. So he stayed right where he was, and catch his train he did. When we miss a train, there is always the comforting knowledge that there is that next train coming along. When we miss a train, there is always the comforting knowledge that there is that next train coming along. That is the lesson that the plat­ form teaches. It is then up to us to make the correct decision about our next move. But it is surprising how many people fail to grasp this reality. They are inexplicably plunged into gloom and depression when they fail initially to grasp an opportunity, and frequently adopt such a pessimistic attitude that they fritter away their precious energies in blaming others for their failures. How much better it would be if they were to make a proper assessment of the situation, taking all possi­ bilities into account, and then seek new ways and means of achieving their goals, even if it means a lengthy wait. This is simply a matter of patience and determination. There is always that 'next train' for them to catch. It is just a question of being properly alert to this possibility, and being ready to avail of that God-given second opportunity. Situations that require seeking the next opportunity after having missed the first one will arise many a time, in different fields, and in everyone’s life. Suppose you work in an office, and for reasons which you fail to comprehend, you are dismissed. In such a situation, if initial attempts to clear your name and have yourself honourably reinstated come to