IS IT THE RIGHT PLACE

By Dhammacaro

Is it the right place and time is a good question that we can ask ourselves. If we can remember this question it can help and remind us in our lives when we are about to embark on some project or task. Otherwise our actions could be regarded as play or even a useless exercise. It is true that some action and work is best suited to a certain place and time. So when we want to do something we must learn how and where to do it. If our actions are based on knowledge then we will not cause any problems to ourselves or waste our precious time.

There is a Chinese story that I would like to tell, which provides a good explanation for this question. Here is the story.

There was once a renowned and talented musician. The harp was his chosen instrument and he played it with skill and confidence. One day the performer went to the market place to show his talent to the people. When the crowd saw him they gathered around excitedly to listen to his music. The harp is an instrument that produces a soft sound, however, at the market there was so much noise and hustle and bustle that no one could hear the melodies that he was playing so beautifully. The people lost all interest in him and his playing and wandered off, leaving him playing to one solitary man.

The musician thought that only one in his audience was better than none at all. He asked the man if he liked and had an interest in music. The man replied that in fact he had no idea or interest in music at all, but he was working at the market and actually was just waiting to clear away his merchandise and return to his home. The musician was very disappointed on hearing this and it made him think that maybe he was a poor and talentless performer.

What do you think is wrong with his music? Is he a good musician or not? The point is that he did not choose the right time or location for his performance. The market is a place where people come and go to do their shopping and it is a very noisy environment. So it is not a good place for the dulcet sounds of a harp.

This story teaches us about our own lives and things that we may wish to do. We also must think carefully and ask ourselves the question “Is it the right time and place?” By doing so we will not fail in our actions and we will avoid the disappointment of the well-known musician in the story. It is a reasonable suggestion. Think about it.