The Blind Men and an Elephant

 Almost daily I witness people of faith, science, and varying philosophy, wrestle over their seemingly contradictory worldviews and beliefs.  I'm convinced it's counterproductive, and actually hinders us all from truly embracing that in which we truly seek. There is an old Indian story, told in different variations, with a powerful message, called 'The Blind Man and the Elephant.'  I believe it holds great Wisdom for the day.  

The story:

"In various versions of the tale, a group of blind men (or men in the dark) touch an elephant to learn what it is like. Each one feels a different part, but only one part, such as the side or the tusk. They then compare notes and learn that they are in complete disagreement.

The stories differ primarily in how the elephant's body parts are described, how violent the conflict becomes and how (or if) the conflict among the men and their perspectives is resolved.

In some versions, they stop talking, start listening and collaborate to "see" the full elephant. When a sighted man walks by and sees the entire elephant all at once, they also learn they are blind. While one's subjective experience is true, it may not be the totality of truth. If the sighted man was deaf, he would not hear the elephant bellow. Denying something you cannot perceive ends up becoming an argument for your limitations."  (Summary taken from Wikipedia)

Buddha said:
O how they cling and wrangle, some who claim
For preacher and monk the honored name!
For, quarreling, each to his view they cling.
Such folk see only one side of a thing.

All of us cling to some truth, as we should, but none of us have the right to claim it's the only truth, or somehow superior truth.  No matter how learned, enlightened, or 'lucky' we think we are, there is a pressing need for us to accept the fact that we are all still so - so - limited.   Yes, hold tight to what you know is true.  Do!  Love it - embrace it - celebrate it!  But as you do, be careful of judging, or negating, what another holds sacred. As well, accept that the understanding around your truth is likely flawed.  And, in light of this reality, stay humble!  We can all be so right, and yet, so wrong.  Learn from each other; find common ground; seek better vision - yet always use caution in having an elitist perspective and attitude.   

We are all on a journey, and in many senses, a blind one.  What a wonderful world it would be if we could unite our vision and embrace the 'elephant' in a whole new way;  if our different personalities, histories, perspectives, and ways of  reasoning were not seen as a threat, but instead, a blessing to be had and learned from!  How much better we could 'see!'  Yes?  Yes!  That is my prayer, anyhow.   Peace and Love. 

 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."  1 Corinthians 13:12