Who Doh Hear Does Feel!

 Who Doh Hear Does Feel: The Cost of Ignoring Wisdom.

The Trinidadian proverb, “Who doh hear does feel,” warns that those who disregard wise counsel often face painful consequences. This timeless truth urges us to listen with humility and act with discernment to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Two powerful narratives—a classic fable and the story of Ravan’s defiance in the Ramayan—illuminate this lesson, guiding us toward openness and wisdom in our choices and relationships.

The Fable of the Frog and the Scorpion.

One day, a scorpion asked a frog to carry him across a river. The frog, remembering his parents warning about the scorpion, hesitated, saying, “But you’ll sting me.”

The scorpion replied, “Why would I do that? We’d both drown!”

Convinced, the frog agreed. But midway through the river, the scorpion stung him. As they sank, the frog gasped, “Why?!”

The scorpion simply said, “It’s in my nature.”

Despite his better judgment, the frog ignored the danger signs and paid the ultimate price.

This fable teaches that ignoring sensible warnings, even those born from instinct or experience, can lead to destruction. Listening carefully—especially when risk is involved—can save us from unnecessary pain.

Ravan’s Refusal in the Ramayan.

In the Ramayan, Ravan, the powerful king of Lanka, abducted Devi Sita, sparking a war with Lord Ram. Despite his might, Ravan received repeated counsel from those closest to him to return Sita and avoid doom, yet his pride blinded him.

• Mandodari’s Plea: Ravan’s wife, Mandodari, urged him to release Sita, warning that his obsession defied dharma and would destroy Lanka. She foresaw the wrath of Ram, a divine incarnation, but Ravan dismissed her as overly cautious, believing his invincibility was assured.
• Vibhishan’s Counsel: Ravan’s brother, Vibhishan, implored him to restore Sita to Ram, emphasizing righteousness and the inevitable triumph of good. Ravan, enraged by Vibhishan’s dissent, branded him a traitor and exiled him, ignoring the wisdom of his kin.
• Angad’s Warning: When Angad, Ram’s emissary, arrived in Lanka, he boldly advised Ravan to surrender Sita, cautioning that Ram’s army was unstoppable. Ravan scoffed at the young vanara’s audacity, refusing to heed the message delivered at his own court.
• Hanuman’s Advice: Hanuman Ji urged him to return Sita to avoid annihilation. Hanuman spoke of Ram’s mercy but also his strength. Ravan, unmoved, mocked Hanuman’s words, clinging to his arrogance.

Ravan’s refusal to listen led to his downfall. Ram’s army besieged Lanka, and Ravan fell in battle, his kingdom reduced to ashes. Had he heeded the advice of Mandodari, Vibhishan, Angad, or Hanuman, he might have spared himself and Lanka from destruction.

This story underscores that pride can deafen us to wisdom, inviting calamity. Listening to diverse voices, even when they challenge us, can avert disaster.

Learning Through Listening.

The saying “Who doh hear does feel” echoes through these stories. The frog’s misplaced trust and Ravan’s arrogance show the consequences of dismissing guidance. To live wisely, we must embrace humility and openness in our decisions and interactions. Here are practical steps to embody this lesson:

1. Hear All Perspectives: Like Ravan, consider advice from varied sources—family, friends, or even adversaries—before deciding.
2. Check Your Pride: Reflect on whether ego is blocking wisdom, as it did for the frog and Ravan.
3. Act on Sound Advice: When guidance aligns with truth, take steps to follow it, avoiding the frog’s fatal misjudgement.
4. Learn from Outcomes: If consequences strike, analyse ignored warnings to grow more receptive.

Scriptural Insight: Ravan’s Tragedy.

Ravan’s story in the Ramayan reveals the peril of rejecting wisdom. Mandodari, Vibhishan, Angad, and Hanuman each offered a chance for redemption, yet Ravan’s attachment to power and pride sealed his fate. His tragedy contrasts with Ram’s humility, showing that listening to righteous counsel aligns us with dharma and spares us from ruin.

Practical Application.

To avoid “feeling” the consequences, pledge to these practices:

• Cultivate Humility: Acknowledge that others’ insights or even your own intuition, like the frog’s inner warning, can save you from error.
• Value Diverse Voices: Seek counsel from different perspectives, as Ravan could have from Vibhishan or Hanuman.
• Pause Before Acting: Weigh advice carefully to avoid rash choices, like the frog’s misplaced trust.
• Express Gratitude: Thank those who guide you, honouring their role in your growth.

Conclusion: Wisdom Prevents Pain.

“Who doh hear does feel” is a call to listen before life’s lessons force us to feel their weight. The frog’s drowning and Ravan’s fallen kingdom remind us that wisdom is a shield against suffering. Let us heed the counsel of those who care, embrace humility, and walk a path of discernment and grace.

A Prayer from Faithful Insights to You: May you hear wisdom with an open heart, act with clarity, and find peace in avoiding unnecessary pain. Jai Shri Ram!