蜜芽传媒

Good morning. When, two weeks ago, I heard about the Wild Boars football team lost in the caves in Thailand, I could not imagine there was any hope for them. And, the death of the Thai diver last week highlighted the incredible dangers involved. But now, all twelve boys and their coach are out, recuperating in hospital and their families will be able to visit them soon. The relief and joy throughout Thailand and, indeed, around the world is overwhelming.

And, what an incredible global team effort. There鈥檚 local pride that John Volanthen from Bristol who found the boys is a rescue volunteer in the Brecon Beacons. It鈥檚 his voice you hear asking: 鈥淗ow many of you. Thirteen, Brilliant!鈥� And, it has been brilliant, perhaps even a miracle of cooperation - hundreds and hundreds of volunteers assisting the main rescue divers and medical staff. People devoting time and money to cook food, launder uniforms, provide transport and to do anything they could to help.

This exemplifies a key theme of Hindu texts. It鈥檚 said: To cross the river of life full of rocks and obstacles: hold together, be bold and draw on those powers that are beneficent.

Empathy, care and sacrifice are the most heart-warming of human traits. And, when they鈥檙e expressed in unison, the Vedas claim it鈥檚 a divine blessing: May you rise above difference and dissent, the texts say, and experience unity of your hearts and your minds. Love one another just as a cow cherishes her new-born calf.

There鈥檚 a story from the Panchatantra fables about a flock of birds captured underneath a hunter鈥檚 net. Each of them struggled and fluttered but couldn鈥檛 escape. Then, as the hunter approached, a wise parrot suggested they all lift off at the same moment. Together, they raised the net and flew to safety.

Over the years, like many of you perhaps, I鈥檝e had the great fortune to work in some amazing team situations dealing with all sorts of challenges. The highlights have always been the amazing moments of synergy when clarity of purpose seemed to descend amongst us or, when looking back, we realised we鈥檇 accomplished something rather special. The Wild Boars rescue shows that almost anything is possible when we work together with such unity of purpose. So, what stops us doing it more?

Hindu texts suggest it鈥檚 our individualistic egos to blame. Cooperation can be stifled by personal desires and ambitions along with grudges, envy or unwillingness to allow credit or success for others. Hence, the benedictions of the Vedas: 鈥淐ome together with one aim and one mind. Speak kind words and move as if under one yoke. In this way, you will thrive.

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