Soul Exchange

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Exchanging or Bartering in life has been part of the development cycle of humankind. It is the invention of “Money” which changed this practice. In one sense, we still are exchanging money for things we buy, though it is not a bartering of things for things.

A few days back, nearing mid night, there was a commotion on the road in front of our house. A drunken man was trying to get on to his bike and in the process was hitting against the closely packed cars. And as this continued, a neighbour came out, furious at his car being dented by this man’s attempts, and in this anger, beat up this drunk. He fell on the road, bleeding from a cut on his forehead. I was part of a few who were watching these events unfolding, nearing mid night with temperatures around 4 to 7 degrees outside. A few minutes later, an elderly man, yet another neighbour, whose vehicle also was affected, came out, went out to call the security guards and with their help led the drunk away. We sighed in relief, we could now sleep in peace.

A few exchanges were happening here. Exchange of blows for the damage done to his property, by a man in his senses against a man not in his senses. Exchange of care and compassion by a man in control of his responses, reaching out in compassion to a man who was not in control of himself.

And me, watching from the window – I too was exchanging – exchanging my soul for comfort. Whereas I should have been moved with compassion, my pre occupation with comfort on a cold night, prevented me from reaching out. When I do not do what I am supposed to do, there is an exchange happening – I am exchanging my soul for something else, here my comfort. I had just finished reflecting on the verse “what shall one give in exchange for his soul” a few days prior.

Well, I am happy that I have not forfeited my soul, only exchanged. There might be another day when I can barter back the portion I have lost! The part of the inner man which barters comfort against compassion…
 
26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

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