Learn the Art of Self-Preservation from the Artists of Nature 1

One sub-species of crab is found near sea shores. Its outermost surface is hard and white. At the approach of an enemy it slips among pieces of stones. At that time, if one happens to go there he will consider it only a piece of stone. The crab will be speechless, but its condition should inspire us: "Man! Thou, too, thinkest thy body to be composed of stone pieces, soil and water and thinkest that thy real soul residing in it is capable of affording thee safety; the mimic mental perversions that keep prowling around thee and are even ready to swallow thee, can thus be deceived and can do no harm on approaching thee. Evil tendencies which at all times lie in ambush and keep waiting for a proper opportunity to swallow thee up, would be deceived, and would do no harm to thee even if they came very close to thee."

There is no one or two, but s number of ways to ward off the onslaughts of these enemies entrenched in our psyches; and these ways can be learnt from the tiny creatures of nature. For instance there is an insect called "Leaf Insect" whose color is green like that of leaves. On seeing an enemy it hides itself among leaves. The enemy on approaching it finds only leaf and has to go away disappointed. There is a butterfly named Kalima inachus. It so much resembles a flower that it becomes difficult to distinguish it from a flower. Its hind wings resemble a twig and fore-wings resemble eaves. On seeing an enemy it sits on a flower-bearing branch with its hind wings touching the branch. Then it appears as if two leaves have grown on the branch. The enemy is deceived and goes away.

In the event of anger, cool water should be drink or an inspiring or soothing song may be sung. In this way the agitation of mind calm down. Remembering the law of karma: "As you sow, so shall you reap", can also make a person desist from wrong doing. If someone is handsome/beautiful, he/she is carried away by the waves of lustful desires; money makes its owner proud; strength in body leads to wickedness.

When such impulses arise, one should think of old age and its debilitating effects - disease, weakness and despondency, etc. In such event o pride and vanity, one should think that even mighty kings like Kans, Ravan and Jarasindhu were not spread from the ill-consequences of these vices. If one feels greedy he should think of the pitiable end of Hiranyakashyapu. If one wants to neutralize hatred, he can do so by visualizing its evil effects. Thus he can not only save himself from its ill result, but he can also find himself inclined to do good to others.