The Importance of Taking Action: A Lesson from a Flood Story

A Tale of Inaction During a Flood

Some individuals tend to rely heavily on luck or divine intervention rather than putting in the necessary effort in life. However, the reality is that achieving success or overcoming challenges requires personal initiative. Lord Krishna emphasized the importance of action in the Bhagavad Gita. To illustrate this, let’s explore a story.

Once upon a time, there was a man named Lala Prasad who lived in a village. He was a devout follower of God, dedicating his days and nights to prayer and worship. He had complete faith in divine blessings and believed he could not act without them. One day, a flood struck the village, prompting residents to evacuate. Yet, Lala Prasad chose to stay.

He thought to himself, 'I am a true devotee; nothing will happen to me. I will not flee; God will come to save me.' As the floodwaters began to rise, some villagers urged him to leave for safety, but he insisted, 'I will not go until God comes to rescue me.'

Eventually, the floodwaters invaded every home, including Lala Prasad's. A man arrived in a boat, urging him to board to avoid drowning. Lala replied, 'No, you go ahead. God will come to help me; I will wait here.' The man left with his boat.

As the flood intensified, a storm followed. Lala's house filled with water. Suddenly, a tree trunk floated by. He could have used it to save himself, but he chose to wait for God instead. Ultimately, he drowned.

After his death, Lala found himself in heaven, where he confronted God, saying, 'Oh Lord, I devoted my life to worship, yet you did not save me. Why?' God replied, 'Fool, I came to save you multiple times. First, I sent a boat, but you refused to board. The tree trunk was also my provision, but you did not take action. This is not my fault.'

Lessons from the Story

This story teaches us that God provides us with numerous opportunities in life. It is up to us to seize those opportunities at the right moments. Without personal effort, neither fate nor divine intervention can assist us.