Occasionally, I share stories from Indian culture with my daughter – Adviti. Though, we’ve not watched the recently released movie Mahavatar Narsimha, but I have read the story of Bhakt Prahalad in the form of Amar Chitra Katha for her. I wish I get more time with her to explore, once she grows up, it would be the other way round, probably she would not have time for me.
Last December when we went to couple of cities in Tamil Nadu, we saw strange carving of animals, seeing those I and my sister were discussing – perhaps our ancestors knew genetic modification or mutation etc thus they had animals with body of horse, head of lion and hands of humans etc. These thoughts have been very unique experience for us. My sister and I were discussing probably Indian culture was too evolved with science (say mutation) and inner science – a balance between physical realm and meta physical realm.
These fascinating ideas are making me read further more Amar Chitra Kathas with my daughter, plus other books on Indian spirituality. I think even more about what can be additional deeper lesson in these stories? So, here is one.
Hanuman’s wait
After leaping across the ocean in search of Sita, Hanuman finally finds her – under the Ashoka tree, distressed and surrounded by demons. He’s done the hard part. He’s made the impossible journey.
But now comes the real test.
Despite his strength and speed, Hanuman doesn’t leap into action. He doesn’t rush to speak, fight, or “rescue.” Instead, he climbs a tree and waits. Silent. Still. Observing.
He watches. He listens. He reads her state of mind. He becomes a witness, not a reactor.
And when the moment is right – when she’s ready – he gently steps forward, offering only what’s needed: a sign of hope.
Catch the beautiful song from that moment in the animated film Ramayan.
The Business Parallel
Sometimes in business, not acting immediately is the most strategic thing you can do.
- The product is ready, but the market isn’t
- A deal is in motion, but approvals are stuck
- The team is tired, and pushing harder will do more harm than good
- There are conflicts, but you have to wait – like Buddha told Ananda: wait for the water to flow, only then can you fill the flask with fresh and clear water
The instinct is to jump in, solve, fix, escalate.
But good leadership often means holding steady. Watching. Listening. Reading the moment before making the move.
Just like Hanuman did in Ashoka Vatika.
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