DO YOU SHOUT TO BE HEARD?

A guru was walking along with his disciples. They came near a river and decided to take bath in the river. As they were approaching the bank of the river, they heard someone shouting each other in anger.

He turned to his disciples and asked, “Why do people shout each other when in anger?” One of the disciples, after a few moments of silence said, “When we get irritated and lose our cool, we shout!”

“Why should we shout when the other one is just next to you? You can hear him and he can hear you as well even if you speak in the low voice!” commented the guru. Other disciples gave some other answers, but none was satisfactory.

The saint explained, “When two people are angry and shout each other, their heart is away. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to be heard. The angrier they are, the more distant they are and hence louder their voice shall be to cover that long distance.”

He further said, “What happens when two people fall in love? Do they shout to be heard?” “No, in fact, they speak softly,” replied the disciples.

“Why do they speak so softly? … because their hearts are very close … close enough that distance is non-existent or very short. As their love becomes more intimate, they will only whisper. Finally, they even do not whisper, they only look at each other’s eyes and communicate.”

 “When you argue, do not let your hearts get distant so that you have to shout to be heard.”

Can’t we apply this to the communication with God as well? Why the devotees should shout and show all kinds of gestures when they pray? Is it to attract the attention of God Almighty who for them is far away? Be reminded of the Psalmist who says, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalms 46:10). It is the expression of deeper devotion!