Sanskrit Shloka that Quenched Skepticism: A Scientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery

A Short Story on Sanskrit Quote — यथा चित्तं तथा वाचो यथा वाचस्तथा क्रिया

HBR Patel
5 min readMar 23, 2024

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Sanskrit Shloka on Mind-Speech-Action
Sanskrit Shloka on Mind-Speech-Action | Poster Designed by HBRGraphic

Amidst the echoes of groundbreaking discoveries, there stood a woman whose brilliance was veiled by the shadows of doubt.

Her name was Eleanor, a mind of unmatched intellect and creativity, yet her voice trembled like a leaf in the wind when she attempted to unveil her inventions in front of the Royal Academy of Science.

“Eleanor, your gadgets may be ingenious, but your words lack the conviction to carry them,” sneered a senior scientist, his voice dripping with condescension.

“Quaint gadgets, Miss Finch,” the esteemed Dr. Abernathy had scoffed, his monocle glinting under the harsh gaslight.

“Charming for the drawing-room, but hardly groundbreaking science.”

The others joined in, their laughter a cacophony that drowned her spirit. She stood there, her 36 inventions clutched to her chest, a silent testament to her genius that the world refused to acknowledge.

The Royal Academy of Science had once again rejected her proposal, their laughter echoing in her mind.

Eleanor paced across her cramped London flat, frustration churning in her gut.

From a self-stirring teacup to a collapsible lantern, she had a solution for every minor inconvenience. Yet, her presentations were halting, her voice a nervous whisper drowned out by the snickers of the all-male Academy.

Her introverted nature, a comfort in her quiet world, became a scarlet letter in the hallowed halls of science.

Though she possessed an extraordinary intellect, Eleanor struggled with self-doubt and found herself unable to articulate her ideas with the eloquence and assurance expected by her peers.

Her introverted nature further alienated her from the scientific community, leaving her inventions overlooked and her talents unrecognized.

Undeterred by the rejection she faced in the UK, Eleanor turned her gaze across the Atlantic to the United States.

With determination and resilience, she sought to patent her inventions and bring them to the world stage. Eleanor set sail for the United States, a land where innovation spoke volumes more than the innovator’s eloquence. Her 36 gadgets, each a marvel of daily convenience, found a voice in the meticulous documents of patent applications. The US Patent Office, unbiased and objective, recognized the worth of her work, granting her the patents she deserved.

Newspapers proclaimed her the “Gadget Queen,” and her creations found eager buyers. With every success, her confidence grew, a blossoming flower pushing through cracked pavement.

As the stamps of approval inked her future, Eleanor felt a spark of confidence ignite within her. Yet, it was not until her voyage to Bharat that the spark would become a flame.

In the ancient land, where wisdom flowed as freely as the rivers, Eleanor sought the counsel of a sage whose eyes held the serenity of the ages. It was there, in the tranquil surroundings of the ashram, that Eleanor found solace and enlightenment.

The sage imparted to her the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, including the profound teaching:

यथा चित्तं तथा वाचो यथा वाचस्तथा क्रिया —

“As the mind, so the speech; as the speech, so the action.”

Inspired by these words, Eleanor realized that the key to unlocking her full potential lay within her mind. She understood that her lack of confidence stemmed from her own beliefs about herself and that by altering her mindset, she could transform her entire reality.

Armed with this newfound wisdom and determination, Eleanor returned to the Royal Academy of Science in the UK. Though it took time, she gradually shed the shackles of self-doubt and insecurity, replacing them with confidence and conviction in her abilities.

With each presentation she gave, Eleanor spoke with clarity and authority, captivating her audience with her brilliance and innovation.

As the years passed, with her unwavering perseverance, endurance, and self-belief, Eleanor rose to prominence as one of the most respected and celebrated scientists of her time.

The time came. Eleanor’s Patience, Innovation, and Creative Mind would finally be recognized based on her latest discovery. She was ready to present that discovery to the world.

Eleanor strode into the familiar, yet transformed, halls of the Royal Academy. A decade had passed after that insulting treatment. The air crackled with a different energy. Women now graced the membership, their sharp minds a welcome addition to the once-stagnant discourse. Gone were the days of snickers and dismissive glances. In their place, a quiet anticipation hummed as Eleanor took her place at the podium.

Her voice, once barely a whisper, now rang with quiet authority. Gone was the nervous tremor in her hands, replaced by a steady confidence. Today, she wasn’t presenting a charming trinket, but a revolutionary invention — a portable solar distiller.

With a flourish, she unveiled her creation — a sleek, compact device that harnessed the sun’s rays to purify contaminated water. As she explained the science behind it, a hush fell over the room. Her words, clear and concise, painted a picture of a future where clean water wouldn’t be a luxury, but an accessible right.

Dr. Abernathy, his once-mocking gaze replaced by rapt attention, leaned forward. Even the senior most Dr. Cavendish, known for his acerbic wit, held his tongue.

As Eleanor finished, a pregnant silence hung in the air. Then, a single clap broke the spell. Soon, the room erupted in applause, a thunderous wave of appreciation that washed over Eleanor.

A wide smile, genuine and unforced, bloomed on her face. It wasn’t just the applause; it was the recognition, the acceptance of her worth as a scientist. Dr. Abernathy, his face etched with newfound respect, approached the podium.

“A brilliant invention, Miss Finch,” he boomed, his voice carrying over the subsiding applause. “A true testament to scientific ingenuity.”

The room echoed with murmurs of agreement.

This wasn’t just a victory for Eleanor; it was a turning point for the Academy itself. The doors, once slammed shut on innovative ideas, were now creaking open, ready to embrace the future.

Eleanor’s journey, from a ridiculed inventor to a respected scientist, was a testament to the transformative power of self-belief.

It was a story whispered through the hallowed halls of the Academy, a reminder that true brilliance can blossom even in the most unexpected places.

Eleanor’s journey from rejection to success serves as a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the timeless wisdom that transcends cultures and centuries.

She exemplified the transformative potential that lies within each of us, reminding us that with courage, determination, and faith in ourselves, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

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HBR Patel

Learning to Read, Write, Design & Pray aptly. Author of Political Fiction POTUS#45 & few more. Inspiring myself with my words to excel. હસતા રહેજો! hbrpatel.com