SUCCESS = SUBMISSION

Since long I wanted to write about power of submission. I have read a lot about it, but could not come across incident or individual who could convince me that there exists, 'Power of Submission'. One of the reason being the term 'submission' is most abused and grossly misunderstood term. To many 'submission' means surrendering to someone's authority, even loosing ones identity. Thus, like me many of us wonder, how come one can be successful by being submitted to something? Therefore, it was difficult for me to comprehend the fact that in order to be truly successful in life one must master the art of submission.

However, earlier this month, I met an young 'Indian Forest Service' officer who real tale with nature and natures power not only moved be - but his presence convinced that there is unlimited power in submission - submission at right moment, to right forces, and to right individuals or factors of universe. Mr. Govind Bharadwaj, joined Rajasthan cadre of IFS and was posted into one of the country's well known tiger reserve - something that every other IFS officer would dream about! Much of his time was spent in doing routine administrative tasks of the tiger reserve. There was not much excitement and challenge, until one day Govind gets the news that tiger has entered into one of the village within or into fringe area of the park. Armed with service revolver Govind moved ahead to experience his first ever face-off with tiger, together with his rangers. Once at site zero, villagers pointed Govind and party to patch of adjoining bushes, where they believed the tiger has sneaked. Govid and his team started to move in carefully and cautiously, with Govind into lead. Suddenly Govind felt deep silence. His team has left him alone for quite a distance now. He was wondering why? With one hand on revolver, Govind tried to look back to trace his party, when he first time in his life came in contact with majestic tiger all ready to jump at him. Govind was just about to regain control of the situation, when tiger jumped at him - Govind tried to pull his revolver, but before he could do something, over 200 kg animal was on his back. Govind trembled chest flat on the ground. Tiger has now pierced Govind with his claws. During those 30 seconds, lifescape scrolled through the mind and thoughts of this young officer - he was fully convinced that these are few last moments of his life.

The only thought tress passed through Govind's mind were that of submission to nature and its forces. I can not do much, therefore I am in total submission to you, almighty God. Second thought that came is 'give me peaceful death without pains, I am in total submission'. Govind was praying for peaceful death, but almighty nature wanted to demonstrate the 'power of submission'. Instead of attacking further, the tiger simply rested on top of Govind for next 3 to 4 minutes. Tigers warm saliva was flowing down Govinds neck. Suddenly after 4 minutes or so, tiger got up and left the scene, leaving Govind completely in state of shock, and surprise. His colleagues who were watching it from a long distance thought that their leader is almost dead, and started to drag him by feet. Govind regained consciousness to let his colleagues know that he is alive. For next month or so, Govind was in hospital. When he was discharged he now possess a priceless award, 'pug-mark' of tiger on his back. Since then Govind has narrated his tale with nature countless times, just like what he told to me on dinner table.

I was not only surprised, and shocked with the story, but I felt in submission to nature, as I realised that there indeed is 'Power of Submission'. Why did tiger left Govind unharmed? Simply because, for those few seconds at the pinnacle of the incident, Govind was in deep expectation-less submission! Correlating back this incident with the power of submission, I can think of three things happened as Govind was in total submission - (a) help develop faith, (b) help you to remain teachable, and (c) makes you powerful.

 When Govind realised that he can not do much, he through submission expressed unlimited and expectation less faith in God, and godly power or almighty nature. This faith and strong vibration of faith, I believe must have been transmitted into tiger, who must have been reminded by Godly power not to attack an individual who is in submission to God and Nature. Further, submission made me Govind teachable to recall his teachings when he needed the most - Tigers often attack in defence. Therefore, best strategy in such a situation is not be be aggressive, and counter react which indeed force the animal to attack you in self defense.  Thirdly, submission gave Govind tremendous strength to bear the weight of over 200 kg, and to remain alert in such a situation. Many would argue that Govind was just lucky - but luck also favors those who are in submission to cause, the nature and godly principles. Because,

SUCCESS = SUBMISSION!