During our Christmas vacation, Sri Chinmoy would encourage his students to perform plays. These plays would be based on Sri Chinmoy’s own stories – and would usually have some kind of uplifting message or spiritual lesson. These stories might be adapted in numerous ways – often with a humorous slant.
I think Sri Chinmoy encouraged us to write and perform plays for a variety of reasons. One of the many reasons was simply to do something different and put yourself in a situation outside your comfort zone. I don’t naturally veer towards the stage and am usually content to sit at the back and watch. But, whilst out cycling, I got an idea for a play. It was based on two things:
- A talk Sri Chinmoy gave just before the New Year (an old audio recording) about the importance of concentrating on the good qualities of other people.
- A play about Socrates visiting a palm reader. (see: Sincerity, simplicity and purity) Because we were in Greece, many groups had adapted this particular play about Socrates visiting a palm reader and how his followers become mad when the palmist saw undivine qualities in their teacher. The joke was that in this case, people were mad the palm readers couldn’t see the undivine qualities of their friend.
Bob, the lazy person, was played by Nirbhasa, who is one of the wonders of the modern age – tirelessly enthusiastic and busy. It was a minor joke to have him play the lazy one. He did a good transformation at the end. I played Tom.
Play script
Narrator: Bob was the laziest person. Not only was he lazy, but he was full of insecurity, depression and jealousy. His other housemates were always complaining about Bob’s laziness, but it did not change him.
[start of play]
Tom: Bob is so lazy.
Adam: Yes, Bob never does any work. We’re always cleaning up after him. If there was an award for laziness, he would get someone to go and pick it up for him.
Tom: Let us go to the spiritual Master, who reads palms. Perhaps we will gain some illumination.
[move to where Bob is sitting]
Adam: Bob, do you want to go to a palm reader who can perhaps give some illumination?
Bob: No thanks. I can’t be bothered. I shall stay here and be depressed.
Tom: OK, we will go anyway.
[Go to Palm Reader]
Tom: Hello, could you read the palm of our friend, who is unfortunately too lazy to come and visit you in person?
Palm reader: Yes. Let me first open my third Eye.
Palm reader: Yes, I can see your Irish friend is called Bob.
[people nod in agreement]
Palm reader: I can see your friend is a very good cook.
[lengthy pause]
Tom: Do you see anything else – insecurity, laziness perhaps?
Palm reader: Yes, I can see your friend is really a very good cook.
Tom: Surely there is some mistake, what about all of Bob’s undivine qualities?
Palm reader: Today, I can see only good qualities in your friend. But I can also see that you are already aware of his bad qualities, so why do want me to confirm what you already know? Why don’t you concentrate on his good quality in this New Year?
Tom: OK, that is a good idea let us try.
[go home]
Tom: Hello Bob, could you cook us a meal?
Bob: Sorry, I’m too tired from sitting here all day.
Tom: We would be really grateful if you could cook, because we are no good at cooking.
Bob: OK, I’ll give it a go.
[Bob cooks meal]
Adam: That was a very nice meal.
Tejvan: Yes, that was fantastic. You are a very good cook.
Bob: Thank-you! Now I have done something worthwhile and been appreciated I am going to transform my life and stop being lazy. I’m sure if I throw myself into a vortex of activities, I will be able to transform my nature.
Commentary
A script doesn’t convey the feeling you get from seeing a play in person. Even videos of play performances often feel disappointing compared to seeing the play live. Nevertheless, I don’t think Shakespeare is shaking in his boots just yet; but, it was a bit of fun.
Related
- Concentrating on good qualities – article at Write Spirit
That’s really useful. Will have to try to do that myself!
More, more scripts, please!