In the vast expanse of the ocean, a curious creature thrives. Within this aquatic realm, three distinct types of fish and two varieties of algae coexist. The algae, one dark and the other light, flourish at the confluence of fresh and saltwater in river estuaries. The creature itself remains unaware of its origins, yet it embarks on a lifelong journey, exploring every nook and cranny of the ocean in search of adventure, sustenance, and entertainment.
At times, the creature feasts on the algae clinging to rocks and mud carried by streams and rivers. Among the fish, there are three distinct personalities: the overly friendly, the elusive wanderers, and the downright hostile. The latter, a violent and furious fish, occasionally poses a mortal threat to our protagonist.
After indulging in copious meals, the creature sometimes experiences incomplete digestion and seeks solace in freshwater areas, where algae aid its digestion. Interestingly, consuming light-colored algae results in a leaner, lighter physique, while feasting on dark-colored algae leads to a bulkier, more substantial form.
The cycle of life continues: upon death, the creature finds itself reborn in a new body, its memories fading with each reincarnation. Gradually, it identifies with the fish species around it, adapting to their behaviors. When surrounded by friendly fish, it feels content; in the company of the elusive wanderers, anxiety and greed arise; and when confronted by the aggressive third type, anger consumes it, threatening self-destruction and everything in its vicinity.
One day, our curious creature encountered a luminous fish that glowed with radiance. Intrigued, it sought to accompany this remarkable fish. The radiant fish exuded wisdom, always discerning between good and bad, treating others with love, care, and guidance.
Approaching the radiant fish, the creature confided its weariness with ocean life and its lack of happiness. To the creature’s surprise, the radiant fish revealed that it hailed from the land and knew a way out. Despite the risk of encountering aggressive fish, the radiant fish remained in the ocean, driven by mercy and a mission to assist other creatures in returning to the mainland. Initially skeptical, our protagonist gradually succumbed to the mesmerizing persona of the radiant fish, choosing to follow its guidance.
The radiant fish counseled the creature to embrace stillness and self-awareness. However, this advice irked the creature, accustomed to constant activity. The radiant fish suggested seeking solace in the company of friendly fish, as their presence could foster calmness. Yet, it emphasized that achieving true stillness required the creature to swim upward toward the land independently.
Curious, the creature inquired of the luminous fish about its practice. The radiant fish gazed at the creature and graciously shared its wisdom: all sea creatures survive by consuming algae. However, there’s a specific weight—the creature’s original weight—that enables upward movement toward the surface. Deviating from this weight prevents the ascent. The practice recommended by the radiant fish restores the creature to its original weight and shape, unveiling the secret behind this technique.
The luminous fish continued to share its insights with the creature. "While the friendly fish is beneficial, it remains bound to the ocean. Attempting to take it to the land would be futile, for it knows that venturing ashore would lead to its demise". The immense ocean and its creatures provide us an opportunity to experience diversity in creation, and we can continue to live here as long as we don't become tired. “Do not perceive yourself merely as a fish in the ocean,” it advised. “You hail from above—the land—where eternal love and light shine.
Consider the ocean as our world—a vast expanse where creatures—us reside. Within this metaphorical sea, the radiant fish assumes the role of a guru, imparting wisdom. The friendly fish represents a Satvic mind, while the second type embodies a Rajasik mind, and the third type symbolizes a Tamasic mind.
The two types of algae mirror our karma: one good and the other bad. The initial weight symbolizes our unadulterated, pure awareness. And the technique shared by the radiant fish? It corresponds to the practices such as devotion, self-inquiry, selfless service, meditation—a path toward self-awareness and enlightenment.