A guru and his disciples were living in an ashram. Every day, the guru taught meditation to his students. When they were meditating, a cat, which lived in the ashram, used to run about and disturb them.
One day,the guru asked the disciples to tie the cat to a pole during meditation. This practice went on for a long time.
After a time, the guru died, and the next guru took over the affairs of the ashram.
The practice of meditation and tying of the cat continued as usual. After some time, the cat died. The disciples bought a cat from a neighbouring town, tied it to the pole and continued their meditation.
In the ashram, the cat’s lineage along with the guru’s lineage continued. Later, many scholarly papers were presented on the significance of tying a cat during meditation.
In our country and other foreign countries, many traditions and rituals have evolved over time. Since we practice these traditions and rituals without understanding their significance, these actions have become meaningless. When we practice a ritual or tradition, we should ask, what is this practice? why should we do it? And what is its meaning?. When we ask these three questions, these practices attain meaning.
Translated by : Dr. Sharada Jayagovind