Manoj, the coolie

Manoj worked as a coolie at Mumbai's busiest railway station. He didn't particularly like the job, nor did he particularly like being called a coolie, but it paid for the education and welfare of his two sons and daughter back in his village in Himachal Pradesh.

He sent his family pictures of him wearing a borrowed three-piece suit and told them that he had a great job as an officer so that they would not know about his coolie job. He hadn't seen them in over two years. His budget simply did not allow him the luxury of a trip back home.

But now his daughter planned to get married. A little nervous but with excitement mounting, he prepared for his trip home. He bought two big suitcases and filled one with gifts for his family and all the villagers. He stuffed the other with the best clothes for his future in-laws. On the day of his departure, he took a taxi halfway across the city to catch the train. He dressed up finely with a new haircut and drenched himself fully in expensive perfume. He smiled to himself when he thought of the surprise that would show on his wife's face when she saw his new personality.

He got on the train, generously tipping the coolie who carried his two suitcases. He expected a bow and a hearty "thank you, Sir", but instead he got a curious look and a slight smile. He quickly dismissed the coolie, avoiding his eyes. The coolie slowly walked away looking back several times.

Most of the people in the crowded cabin including Manoj had to ride standing up. The passengers did not return Manoj's smiles but seemed to openly stare at him. He got a more little nervous but decided people stared simply from being jealousl of his clothes and perfume. Nevertheless he felt glad when at the next train station most of the passengers got off. Before the cabin filled up again, he quickly found a seat.

The new passengers not only stared at Manoj but whispered and smiled at each other. Manoj became quite unsettled and unconsciously checked his clothes. Perhaps his fellow coolies had played a trick on him - perhaps they had somehow written something on his clothes or even his face. He got up, giving up the precious seat and joined the line to the single bathroom in the cabin. Now the smiles turned into mutterings - Manoj distinctly heard "coolie" several times. He shifted nervously on his feet while waiting his turn.

It came a full ten long minutes later. He quickly entered the bathroom and stared at his reflection on the rusty mirror. He could see his face and hair still shining with the oil he had applied that morning. His clothes had become slightly wrinkled but nothing seemed out of place. He checked and rechecked all his body and his reflection several times until the impatient knocks on the door forced him back into the cabin.

When he came out, the passengers erupted into open laughter, pointing in his direction. This time the words "coolie" were loud and clear. Manoj forced a smile to show that he was in on to the joke but the sweat on his face betrayed his lost composure and panic.

He glanced around and found a friendly face of an elderly lady. He got close to her and asked "Mother, why are people calling me .. a coolie?" The lady smiled and pointed to his head - he felt his head and then he realized - he had been carrying both of his suitcases in perfect balance on his head the entire time!

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Best spiritual morals for Manoj sent by readers:

Anonymous

Manoj, like most of us, is unnecessarily carrying the baggage of past and future.

Kristie Anderson

The baggage Manoj is carrying on his head stands for his truth, his connection to God, his eternal self. In our uncertainty, discomfort and even in outright rejection of who we are or the path we are given God will never abandon us. We may imagine it as a burden or weight, we may not understand why we must carry it. Manoj became a fool when he ignored the truth, as we all do.

Mike Ozen-Anandjot

When we attempt to make ourselves other than who we truly are, we are on the wrong path. Although Manoj tries his best to appear to be a "successful man of the world," his true nature comes through - even without him realizing it! As "the impostor" attempts to convince the world that he or she is wealthy, happy, smart, sophisticated, or whatever... Read More, we actual move further away from our true self. In doing so, we step further away from our Soul, our essence of G-d within. Our true self wants to come out and, like Manoj, will often break through the masks we choose to wear. If you want to bring love and joy into the world, do not try to "impress" others with a facade. Instead, let your true self shine with the Light of G-d that is always within you! You'll never have to worry about others finding out your secret identify, or remember a lie, or be uncomfortable about being you! Wahe Guru!!!!!

Prabhu Singh Khalsa

I liken it to the people who think that nice clothes and a good outward showing can hide the weight of ones karmas clearly hanging over their heads. Their ego doesn't allow them to see what's so obvious to the rest.