First when he was cursing himself for being arrogant and stupid and feeling helpless and secondly when he was praying to God for help .

Active Mind of the Doctor:

The doctor in the story "The Snake and the Mirror" by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer demonstrates his active mind through his quick thinking and problem-solving skills in challenging situations. Here are two examples from the chapter that showcase his active mind:

Example 1: Quick Decision-making
In the story, when the doctor realizes that a snake is crawling up his dhoti, he doesn't panic or freeze in fear. Instead, he quickly assesses the situation and decides to use his mirror to reflect sunlight onto the snake. This shows his ability to think on his feet and come up with a creative solution to a dangerous predicament. His quick decision-making skills in this instance highlight the active nature of his mind.

Example 2: Rational Thinking
Another instance that demonstrates the doctor's active mind is when he reflects on his life choices and contemplates the irony of his situation while facing imminent danger from the snake. Despite being in a life-threatening situation, the doctor's mind is still sharp, and he engages in rational thinking. He ponders over his past mistakes and regrets, showing that his mind is constantly analyzing and reflecting on various aspects of his life. This introspection reveals the depth of his intellect and the active nature of his mind, even in moments of crisis.

Overall, these examples from the chapter illustrate how the doctor's mind remains alert, analytical, and resourceful, showcasing his active mental faculties even in challenging and perilous circumstances.