natural order of things

In the ancient forests of India, there lived a young student named Svetaketu who approached his teacher with great ambition. "Master," he said, "I wish to become the most productive person in all the land. Teach me the secrets of accomplishing great deeds."

The sage smiled and handed him two clay pots. "Fill one with water from the river, but carry both." Svetaketu hurried to the river, filled one pot completely, and rushed back, carrying the empty pot alongside it. Water sloshed everywhere, soaking his clothes and the ground. He arrived breathless, having spilled half the water.

"Why did you give me two pots when I only needed one?" Svetaketu asked, frustrated.

"Fill them both this time, but walk slowly," the teacher instructed.

Svetaketu returned to the river, filled both pots, and walked carefully back. Not a drop was spilled, but it took him much longer.

"Master, this makes no sense. When should I hurry and when should I go slowly?"

The sage gestured toward a nearby tree. "Watch the river flow around that fallen log. Does it struggle and splash trying to move the obstacle? Or does it simply find its way around?"

"It flows around naturally," Svetaketu observed.

"The river accomplishes its greatest work—carving valleys, nourishing fields, reaching the ocean—not through frantic effort, but through steady, persistent flow. It never stops, never wastes energy fighting what cannot be moved, and always finds the most natural path."

The teacher continued: "True productivity, my student, is not the frenzy of activity, but the wisdom of right action. Like the river, focus not on doing more, but on flowing naturally toward what truly matters. The one who understands this accomplishes everything without exhaustion, just as the sun rises each day without strain."

Svetaketu bowed, finally understanding that the greatest achievements come not from forcing outcomes, but from aligning one's efforts with the natural order of things—working with purpose, patience, and wisdom rather than mere speed.