Show me your god
To whom I've never prayed
Be with me
No one else has stayed
I would learn to love
If you let me, if I may
And if I learn to live
How much must I pay??
Should I be with you?
At night and in the day
Or should I do what you say
And stay so far away
To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have....!!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
SACRIFICE - A FAMILY'S GREATEST ASSET
At one time there was a severe famine in Bihar. A family consisting of father, mother and two children started from Bihar to find livelihood elsewhere.
The father of the family being responsible to feed this family underwent many difficulties and hardships.
He even starved himself on some occasions and because of this frequent starvation, he died after sometime.
The mother having lost her husband, suffered from loneliness. She had to bear the burden of keeping the family alive in this wide world.
She went begging from house to house for food and if she got some and if it was not enough, she starved. But she let her children eat.
In course of time, she became so debilitated and frail that she found it difficult to walk from house to house. Begging from door to door was very hard for her. Her sons felt very sorry for her.
The boy of twelve looked at the pitiable sight of his mother and sitting on her lap said,
“Oh mother, please take rest for some time. I shall beg and bring food for you.”
As she listened to the words of her son, her heart melted. She felt very miserable that she had to send her son to beg for food. No mother wants her child to become a beggar. But the boy insisted and the mother very reluctantly consented.
From that day the little boy was begging for food and giving it to his mother and the little brother and he himself would starve. After some days, he felt he could not walk and go out for begging. He went to a house and found the master of the house reading a newspaper sitting on an easy chair.
In a feeble voice, he asked the master for food. The master replied that it would be useless to give him alms and said that he would give him food on a leaf. The boy, out of weakness, fainted.
The master of the house lifted the boy and put him on his lap. The boy sat mumbling some words. To be able to understand what he was saying, the master put his ear close to the mouth of the boy. The boy was inaudibly whispering,
“The food that you wish to give, please give it first to my mother.”
After uttering those last words, he passed away.
We do not now find this kind of love, this intimate love existing between the members of a family. Here we find that the head of the family starved himself to death for the sake of his family. The mother starved herself for the sake of her children and the son starved and killed himself to save his mother from begging. Look at this example of affection that bound them together as father, mother and child. They look like the Holy Trinity. Therefore, each member of the family must discharge his own responsibility.
BABA
The father of the family being responsible to feed this family underwent many difficulties and hardships.
He even starved himself on some occasions and because of this frequent starvation, he died after sometime.
The mother having lost her husband, suffered from loneliness. She had to bear the burden of keeping the family alive in this wide world.
She went begging from house to house for food and if she got some and if it was not enough, she starved. But she let her children eat.
In course of time, she became so debilitated and frail that she found it difficult to walk from house to house. Begging from door to door was very hard for her. Her sons felt very sorry for her.
The boy of twelve looked at the pitiable sight of his mother and sitting on her lap said,
“Oh mother, please take rest for some time. I shall beg and bring food for you.”
As she listened to the words of her son, her heart melted. She felt very miserable that she had to send her son to beg for food. No mother wants her child to become a beggar. But the boy insisted and the mother very reluctantly consented.
From that day the little boy was begging for food and giving it to his mother and the little brother and he himself would starve. After some days, he felt he could not walk and go out for begging. He went to a house and found the master of the house reading a newspaper sitting on an easy chair.
In a feeble voice, he asked the master for food. The master replied that it would be useless to give him alms and said that he would give him food on a leaf. The boy, out of weakness, fainted.
The master of the house lifted the boy and put him on his lap. The boy sat mumbling some words. To be able to understand what he was saying, the master put his ear close to the mouth of the boy. The boy was inaudibly whispering,
“The food that you wish to give, please give it first to my mother.”
After uttering those last words, he passed away.
We do not now find this kind of love, this intimate love existing between the members of a family. Here we find that the head of the family starved himself to death for the sake of his family. The mother starved herself for the sake of her children and the son starved and killed himself to save his mother from begging. Look at this example of affection that bound them together as father, mother and child. They look like the Holy Trinity. Therefore, each member of the family must discharge his own responsibility.
BABA
SOUND IS SACRED
One teacher, having about ten students, was teaching them some good things. To such an ashram came one who had some position and power. This teacher did not go to the door to welcome and receive him. This man who came there, because he had some position and authority, felt somewhat hurt and he went right into the class and asked the teacher, “Why is it you didn’t care for me? You have not come and received me. What are you doing?”
The teacher said, “I am busy teaching the children some good things.” The person who came in asked, “Just because you are teaching them some good things, are the hearts of these children going to be changed and become more sacred?”
The teacher took some courage and said, “Yes, of course, there is every possibility of their minds changing by my teaching.” The intruder said, “No, I cannot believe it,” and the teacher replied: “When you cannot believe it, it simply means that you have no faith in it. Because of that, I cannot give up teaching these boys some good things.”
Then this person, who felt somewhat important, started arguing and said there is no possibility of changing a mind merely by words. The teacher who was clever and who had known these things, asked one of the youngest boys to stand up. In the hearing of this visitor, the teacher told the young boy, “Look here, my dear boy! You just get hold of the neck of this visitor and throw him out of the door.”
Immediately on hearing these words, the visitor became completely excited and his eyes were red. He was very angry and he came to beat the teacher. Then the teacher asked, “Sir, what is the reason for your becoming so angry? We did not beat you, we did not throw you out, the only thing that has excited you to this stage of anger is the word which I conveyed to this young boy. You, who said that you do not believe in changing the mind by mere words, what is the reason why these mere words which I have uttered to this young boy have changed your mind so much that you are so excited?
So it is very wrong to say that with mere words you cannot change the mind. With mere words you can cause any excitement. With mere words you can cause any amount of affection. With mere words you can earn the grace of anyone else.”
So, if in this world you want to promote friendship, you can do so by using sweet words, by talking in a very sweet manner and by speaking about sacred things. On the other hand if you use harsh words, you are not going to promote friendship in this world.
The teacher said, “I am busy teaching the children some good things.” The person who came in asked, “Just because you are teaching them some good things, are the hearts of these children going to be changed and become more sacred?”
The teacher took some courage and said, “Yes, of course, there is every possibility of their minds changing by my teaching.” The intruder said, “No, I cannot believe it,” and the teacher replied: “When you cannot believe it, it simply means that you have no faith in it. Because of that, I cannot give up teaching these boys some good things.”
Then this person, who felt somewhat important, started arguing and said there is no possibility of changing a mind merely by words. The teacher who was clever and who had known these things, asked one of the youngest boys to stand up. In the hearing of this visitor, the teacher told the young boy, “Look here, my dear boy! You just get hold of the neck of this visitor and throw him out of the door.”
Immediately on hearing these words, the visitor became completely excited and his eyes were red. He was very angry and he came to beat the teacher. Then the teacher asked, “Sir, what is the reason for your becoming so angry? We did not beat you, we did not throw you out, the only thing that has excited you to this stage of anger is the word which I conveyed to this young boy. You, who said that you do not believe in changing the mind by mere words, what is the reason why these mere words which I have uttered to this young boy have changed your mind so much that you are so excited?
So it is very wrong to say that with mere words you cannot change the mind. With mere words you can cause any excitement. With mere words you can cause any amount of affection. With mere words you can earn the grace of anyone else.”
So, if in this world you want to promote friendship, you can do so by using sweet words, by talking in a very sweet manner and by speaking about sacred things. On the other hand if you use harsh words, you are not going to promote friendship in this world.
ASKING FOR THE RIGHT THING
Our faith diminishes because our ambitions are limitless. There is a small story for this. There was a rich person who had a daughter with a flat nose. The father wanted to get this girl married. Every person who came and looked at the girl used to go away, although they were tempted by the wealth. In those days, persons who could perform plastic surgery were not available.
In desperation, he announced that he would give plenty of money to anyone who would marry the girl. He somehow found someone willing to marry her. The marriage was performed and thereafter the couple developed considerable faith in God. They visited many temples, went on many pilgrimages and bathed in many sacred rivers. They met a saint who advised them that no one who is involved in worldly matters can give a good nose. Only He, who created the nose, can bring it back to normal. Although they had lots of wealth, they were not happy at all. The girl used to feel that others were looking at her and making fun.
She suggested to her husband that they should both go to the lonely Himalayas and pray to God and spend a month there in that manner. He agreed and they did so. The girl had a great desire to get back her nose, so she began to pray to God in great earnestness.
God appeared, due to her good luck and asked her what she wanted. As soon as God appeared, she asked for the grant of a good looking big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon.
As soon as God disappeared, she looked at her face. She looked at the big nose and felt that she had become uglier than before. She prayed again more earnestly and God appeared again and asked her what she wanted. She said that she did not want that big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon. She immediately found that her nose had completely disappeared. She had thought that she was praying to God for a good nose and in the process, she lost her nose completely.
The moral of this story is that although God is present before you, playing with you and talking with you, you do not know what to ask, when to ask and where to ask. Not knowing what we should ask, we are asking him for one thing while really we want something else. In this process, we are getting ourselves into difficulties. God is always ready to give you all that you want, but you do not seem to know what is good for you and what you really want. Since you do not know what you should want and under what circumstances, it is better and easier to surrender yourself completely to God and simply ask for His grace.
- Baba
In desperation, he announced that he would give plenty of money to anyone who would marry the girl. He somehow found someone willing to marry her. The marriage was performed and thereafter the couple developed considerable faith in God. They visited many temples, went on many pilgrimages and bathed in many sacred rivers. They met a saint who advised them that no one who is involved in worldly matters can give a good nose. Only He, who created the nose, can bring it back to normal. Although they had lots of wealth, they were not happy at all. The girl used to feel that others were looking at her and making fun.
She suggested to her husband that they should both go to the lonely Himalayas and pray to God and spend a month there in that manner. He agreed and they did so. The girl had a great desire to get back her nose, so she began to pray to God in great earnestness.
God appeared, due to her good luck and asked her what she wanted. As soon as God appeared, she asked for the grant of a good looking big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon.
As soon as God disappeared, she looked at her face. She looked at the big nose and felt that she had become uglier than before. She prayed again more earnestly and God appeared again and asked her what she wanted. She said that she did not want that big nose. God said, so it shall be and granted her the boon. She immediately found that her nose had completely disappeared. She had thought that she was praying to God for a good nose and in the process, she lost her nose completely.
The moral of this story is that although God is present before you, playing with you and talking with you, you do not know what to ask, when to ask and where to ask. Not knowing what we should ask, we are asking him for one thing while really we want something else. In this process, we are getting ourselves into difficulties. God is always ready to give you all that you want, but you do not seem to know what is good for you and what you really want. Since you do not know what you should want and under what circumstances, it is better and easier to surrender yourself completely to God and simply ask for His grace.
- Baba
The Greatest Sin
In this short story from Baba, we learn about the terrible folly of our human nature which so easily turns away from the nurturing Divine Hand. So often, we forget the acts of His Grace which have saved us from the consequences of our own actions - and return once again to our old habits. It is a wonder that the Lord has so much patience! In this story, Baba has portrayed real life and hitherto unknown examples from Jesus’ life to educate us in self-awareness; let us use this Chinna Katha to examine our own faults and resolve not to squander the Grace that Baba continually pours upon us!
Once Jesus was walking along the streets of a city. It was a slum area. He saw a young man rolling in dirt, dead drunk. He went to him, sat by his side and woke him up.
The young man opened his eyes and saw Jesus. Jesus asked him:
"Son! Why are you wasting your precious youth in drinking?"
The young man replied: "Master! I was a leper. You cured me of my leprosy. What else can I do?" Jesus heaved a sigh and walked away.
In another street he saw a man madly pursuing a beautiful woman. Jesus caught hold of him and asked him: "Son! Why do you desecrate your body by indulging in such a sinful act?"
The man replied: "Master! I was really blind. You gave me vision. What else can I do?"
Jesus trudged along another street. He saw an old man crying bitterly. Jesus approached him and gently touched him. The old man wiped his tears and looked at Jesus.
Jesus questioned him: "Why are you weeping old man?" The old man said: "Master! I was nearly dead. You granted me life. What else can I do except weep in this old age?"
In times of difficulty and distress, we cry out for God's help. But when God, out of His boundless love and compassion, responds to our prayer, we ignore Him and fall back into our self-centered life. One must guard oneself against this greatest sin of ingratitude towards God.
- Baba
Once Jesus was walking along the streets of a city. It was a slum area. He saw a young man rolling in dirt, dead drunk. He went to him, sat by his side and woke him up.
The young man opened his eyes and saw Jesus. Jesus asked him:
"Son! Why are you wasting your precious youth in drinking?"
The young man replied: "Master! I was a leper. You cured me of my leprosy. What else can I do?" Jesus heaved a sigh and walked away.
In another street he saw a man madly pursuing a beautiful woman. Jesus caught hold of him and asked him: "Son! Why do you desecrate your body by indulging in such a sinful act?"
The man replied: "Master! I was really blind. You gave me vision. What else can I do?"
Jesus trudged along another street. He saw an old man crying bitterly. Jesus approached him and gently touched him. The old man wiped his tears and looked at Jesus.
Jesus questioned him: "Why are you weeping old man?" The old man said: "Master! I was nearly dead. You granted me life. What else can I do except weep in this old age?"
In times of difficulty and distress, we cry out for God's help. But when God, out of His boundless love and compassion, responds to our prayer, we ignore Him and fall back into our self-centered life. One must guard oneself against this greatest sin of ingratitude towards God.
- Baba
HOW TO DEAL WITH A BAD HABIT
One man got into the habit of eating opium. It was not possible for him to control this habit. He was always in a kind of coma.
A saintly person visited his city and was offering advice and comfort to many. The opium-eater also sought the advice of the saint. The saint said that his health was deteriorating and that he should give up eating opium. At this, the opium addict said that it was not possible for him to give it up. He requested the saint to give him some advice.
The saint asked him how much of opium he used to take every day and was shown a certain lump as the quantity being taken every day. The saint got a piece of chalk, equal to the lump of opium and told him that he may continue eating opium but should not take more than the weight of the chalk each day.
The opium eater was quite happy but he was also told that every day he must write “OM” three times on a blackboard with that chalk. In this manner, the chalk was reduced in size every day and so the amount of opium which the person was eating also got reduced gradually and ultimately this habit was removed.
- Baba
A saintly person visited his city and was offering advice and comfort to many. The opium-eater also sought the advice of the saint. The saint said that his health was deteriorating and that he should give up eating opium. At this, the opium addict said that it was not possible for him to give it up. He requested the saint to give him some advice.
The saint asked him how much of opium he used to take every day and was shown a certain lump as the quantity being taken every day. The saint got a piece of chalk, equal to the lump of opium and told him that he may continue eating opium but should not take more than the weight of the chalk each day.
The opium eater was quite happy but he was also told that every day he must write “OM” three times on a blackboard with that chalk. In this manner, the chalk was reduced in size every day and so the amount of opium which the person was eating also got reduced gradually and ultimately this habit was removed.
- Baba
WORLDLY PLEASURES ARE LIKE A SERPENT’S GRIP
One person came to Me about twenty years ago and prayed that he should meet with success in his examination and secure a high first class. I told him that there will have to be effort and the result will be according to God’s will. I gave him My blessings and sent him away. He did secure a high first class and came to Me again after passing his examination and asked for My blessings so that he might get a job.
He did get a job within a month. He again came to Me after a few months. He said he got a job, that he was happy, and he also said he wanted to marry a typist girl in his own office. I told him that if it is agreeable to his father and mother, he may do so but they may not like it. He was not inclined to listen to Me. He said that even if it meant transgressing the wishes of his parents, he was determined to marry that girl. He, in fact, suggested that he would even give up his life if this marriage was not possible. I told him that he must convince his parents before entering into such an alliance. He brought a lot of pressure on his parents and they, finding no other alternative, agreed to the marriage.
The marriage was over and after a year, both of them came to me again and said they wanted a son. After the birth of a son his expenses multiplied, his wife gave up her job, and he came to Me desiring a promotion. By his good luck, he got a promotion. Although he was somewhat foolish in regard to worldly matters, he had great faith in regard to matters relating to Swami. I gave him My blessings and he got a promotion. He did not turn up thereafter for over five years. He was quite happy and in the next five years, they had four children. He came again to Me after five years and said that he was fed up with the family, said that he cannot bear the burden of the family and that he was looking for relief from all the mess. He said that he wanted a small job in the ashram itself and said that his family has now got a hold over him like a big serpent. I asked him if the serpent caught him on its own or whether he let the serpent come to him and catch him.
- Baba
He did get a job within a month. He again came to Me after a few months. He said he got a job, that he was happy, and he also said he wanted to marry a typist girl in his own office. I told him that if it is agreeable to his father and mother, he may do so but they may not like it. He was not inclined to listen to Me. He said that even if it meant transgressing the wishes of his parents, he was determined to marry that girl. He, in fact, suggested that he would even give up his life if this marriage was not possible. I told him that he must convince his parents before entering into such an alliance. He brought a lot of pressure on his parents and they, finding no other alternative, agreed to the marriage.
The marriage was over and after a year, both of them came to me again and said they wanted a son. After the birth of a son his expenses multiplied, his wife gave up her job, and he came to Me desiring a promotion. By his good luck, he got a promotion. Although he was somewhat foolish in regard to worldly matters, he had great faith in regard to matters relating to Swami. I gave him My blessings and he got a promotion. He did not turn up thereafter for over five years. He was quite happy and in the next five years, they had four children. He came again to Me after five years and said that he was fed up with the family, said that he cannot bear the burden of the family and that he was looking for relief from all the mess. He said that he wanted a small job in the ashram itself and said that his family has now got a hold over him like a big serpent. I asked him if the serpent caught him on its own or whether he let the serpent come to him and catch him.
- Baba
Is the Lord Greatest?
On one occasion, Narada went to Lord Narayana. In the course of their conversation, Narayana asked Narada, "You move around the three worlds, what news have you brought for Me from your wanderings? Have you seen anything great in My creation?"
"What can be greater than You in the three worlds!" replied Narada. On hearing this, Narayana said, "I am asking you about My creation and not about Myself."
Puzzled by the Lord’s reply, Narada said, "I do not understand the question." Sensing Narada’s confusion, Narayana then asked him, "There are the Panchabhuuthas (five basic elements). Which is the greatest among them?"
"The earth is the biggest”, Narada replied. But not satisfied with the reply, Narayana asked, "But in the earth, is not three-fourths of the area occupied by water?"
On hearing this, Narada agreed that water was indeed greater than the earth.
But Narayana observed, "But since all the water in the oceans was drunk by the sage Agasthya in one gulp, who do you think is greater, water or Agasthya?"
Narayana obviously had something in his mind. Narada had to but agree that Agasthya was greater. Afterall the person who could drink all of the ocean’s water in one gulp had to be greater than water! But Narayana had more in store. After Narada was convinced that Sage Agasthya was the greatest, Narayana quipped, “Agasthya is but a star in the sky. In the vast firmament, Agasthya is merely twinkling as a small star! Is not the firmament greater than the star then?"
Again, Narada had to agree with Narayana. He was now convinced that the firmament was greater than Agasthya. But Narayana obviously wanted to teach Narada something and did not stop with that. He then said, “In My Avatar as Vaamana I had covered the entire earth and sky with just one foot of Mine. So is the firmament greater or My foot?”
Narada replied, 'Your Foot, Lord. That is greater.’
Narayana then asked, "If My foot itself is so great, am I not greater than My foot?" Narada was beginning to get the Lord’s point. He nodded in agreement. Narayana then observed, "Although I am great, I am confined in the hearts of My devotees. So, dear Narada, My devotees are greater than Myself. And therefore, wherever My devotees sing My Name I am there".
- Baba
"What can be greater than You in the three worlds!" replied Narada. On hearing this, Narayana said, "I am asking you about My creation and not about Myself."
Puzzled by the Lord’s reply, Narada said, "I do not understand the question." Sensing Narada’s confusion, Narayana then asked him, "There are the Panchabhuuthas (five basic elements). Which is the greatest among them?"
"The earth is the biggest”, Narada replied. But not satisfied with the reply, Narayana asked, "But in the earth, is not three-fourths of the area occupied by water?"
On hearing this, Narada agreed that water was indeed greater than the earth.
But Narayana observed, "But since all the water in the oceans was drunk by the sage Agasthya in one gulp, who do you think is greater, water or Agasthya?"
Narayana obviously had something in his mind. Narada had to but agree that Agasthya was greater. Afterall the person who could drink all of the ocean’s water in one gulp had to be greater than water! But Narayana had more in store. After Narada was convinced that Sage Agasthya was the greatest, Narayana quipped, “Agasthya is but a star in the sky. In the vast firmament, Agasthya is merely twinkling as a small star! Is not the firmament greater than the star then?"
Again, Narada had to agree with Narayana. He was now convinced that the firmament was greater than Agasthya. But Narayana obviously wanted to teach Narada something and did not stop with that. He then said, “In My Avatar as Vaamana I had covered the entire earth and sky with just one foot of Mine. So is the firmament greater or My foot?”
Narada replied, 'Your Foot, Lord. That is greater.’
Narayana then asked, "If My foot itself is so great, am I not greater than My foot?" Narada was beginning to get the Lord’s point. He nodded in agreement. Narayana then observed, "Although I am great, I am confined in the hearts of My devotees. So, dear Narada, My devotees are greater than Myself. And therefore, wherever My devotees sing My Name I am there".
- Baba
Solving Problems of Life with Ease
Once Wealth and Poverty approached a merchant and introduced themselves as Goddesses. The merchant offered his salutations to both of them and said: "May I know what brings you to my humble tenement?" The Goddess of Wealth said: "We want you to judge and tell us as to who is more beautiful between the two of us?"
The merchant was in a fix. He knew he was between the devil and the deep sea. If he were to declare wealth as more beautiful than poverty, poverty would curse him. If he were to declare poverty as more beautiful than wealth, then wealth would forsake him. But, very soon he regained his composure and said: "I have great respect for you both. Would you please act according to my instructions? Only then I can judge you two properly."
The Goddesses agreed. He then said: "Mother Wealth, would you please go to the entrance (gates) and walk into the house? Mother, Poverty! Would you please walk from here towards the gates? I can then have a good look at you both, from near and far."
The two Goddesses walked as the merchant had wished them to. After seeing them walk, the merchant happily declared: "Mother Wealth! You appear very beautiful when you enter the house. Mother Poverty! You look very beautiful when you leave the house!"
The merchant had very beautifully circumvented the predicament that had befallen him and in doing so had also not hurt the goddesses’ sentiments. The Goddesses immensely appreciated the wit and wisdom of the merchant. So, while the Goddess of Wealth happily stayed in his house, the Goddess of Poverty cheerfully walked away.
When a serious problem confronts us, if we look within and think calmly, a ray of hope and light will beam forth and show us the way.
- Baba
The merchant was in a fix. He knew he was between the devil and the deep sea. If he were to declare wealth as more beautiful than poverty, poverty would curse him. If he were to declare poverty as more beautiful than wealth, then wealth would forsake him. But, very soon he regained his composure and said: "I have great respect for you both. Would you please act according to my instructions? Only then I can judge you two properly."
The Goddesses agreed. He then said: "Mother Wealth, would you please go to the entrance (gates) and walk into the house? Mother, Poverty! Would you please walk from here towards the gates? I can then have a good look at you both, from near and far."
The two Goddesses walked as the merchant had wished them to. After seeing them walk, the merchant happily declared: "Mother Wealth! You appear very beautiful when you enter the house. Mother Poverty! You look very beautiful when you leave the house!"
The merchant had very beautifully circumvented the predicament that had befallen him and in doing so had also not hurt the goddesses’ sentiments. The Goddesses immensely appreciated the wit and wisdom of the merchant. So, while the Goddess of Wealth happily stayed in his house, the Goddess of Poverty cheerfully walked away.
When a serious problem confronts us, if we look within and think calmly, a ray of hope and light will beam forth and show us the way.
- Baba
The Pundit and the Milkmaid
There was a pundit who led a disciplined life, and always stuck to a prearranged timetable. He woke up from sleep in the early hours of the morning, recited Pranava (Om) and later, after ablutions, drank a cup of milk exactly at 7 a.m. every day. This meant, a lot also depended on how punctual his milk maid was.
But sometimes the milkmaid would arrive late, for she lived on the other side of a river. The river flowed between where she lived and the pundit’s hut. She had to catch a ferry to cross over the river with the milk. The ferryboat would sometimes either start a little early or a little late. So, on those days by the time she reached the Pundit's house it used to be very late.
One day, the Pundit admonished her. He said, "You are disrupting my disciplined life. Don't you know that I must have my cup of milk at 7 a.m. everyday? Why do you depend on that boat to take you across? Just repeat the name of Rama. The river will part and you will be able to walk across. Rama will see that you do not get drowned."
The maid being very simple and unsophisticated had faith in the words of the Pundit. Next day, the maid repeated the name of Rama and just walked across the river!
The Pundit questioned her: "So, how did you manage to come on time today?" The milkmaid replied, "Sir, I repeated the name of Rama as you had instructed yesterday, and I could just walk across."
The Pundit was now flabbergasted; he did not believe her account. He just drank the milk and said, "Let's now go to the bank of the river. Let me see you walk across the river."
The maid stepped into the river repeating the name of Rama, and she could just walk across! The maid requested the Pundit to follow her. But the Pundit knew that he would not be able to do it, because he did not have faith in what he himself had said. In spite of his scholarship, he did not have faith in the power of the Name.
- Baba
Dear readers, this is a story narrated by Bhagavan Baba in a divine discourse delivered on April 25th 1998. Swami has always emphasized that the Lord of the Universe always responds to those with faith in Him. One need not have any worldly education and degrees to qualify in His school; it is enough if we have complete Faith in Him. For faith, as we know, can do much more than just move mountains; with faith in God we can develop tremendous confidence and witness the blossoming of talents placed within us by the Lord Himself!
But sometimes the milkmaid would arrive late, for she lived on the other side of a river. The river flowed between where she lived and the pundit’s hut. She had to catch a ferry to cross over the river with the milk. The ferryboat would sometimes either start a little early or a little late. So, on those days by the time she reached the Pundit's house it used to be very late.
One day, the Pundit admonished her. He said, "You are disrupting my disciplined life. Don't you know that I must have my cup of milk at 7 a.m. everyday? Why do you depend on that boat to take you across? Just repeat the name of Rama. The river will part and you will be able to walk across. Rama will see that you do not get drowned."
The maid being very simple and unsophisticated had faith in the words of the Pundit. Next day, the maid repeated the name of Rama and just walked across the river!
The Pundit questioned her: "So, how did you manage to come on time today?" The milkmaid replied, "Sir, I repeated the name of Rama as you had instructed yesterday, and I could just walk across."
The Pundit was now flabbergasted; he did not believe her account. He just drank the milk and said, "Let's now go to the bank of the river. Let me see you walk across the river."
The maid stepped into the river repeating the name of Rama, and she could just walk across! The maid requested the Pundit to follow her. But the Pundit knew that he would not be able to do it, because he did not have faith in what he himself had said. In spite of his scholarship, he did not have faith in the power of the Name.
- Baba
Dear readers, this is a story narrated by Bhagavan Baba in a divine discourse delivered on April 25th 1998. Swami has always emphasized that the Lord of the Universe always responds to those with faith in Him. One need not have any worldly education and degrees to qualify in His school; it is enough if we have complete Faith in Him. For faith, as we know, can do much more than just move mountains; with faith in God we can develop tremendous confidence and witness the blossoming of talents placed within us by the Lord Himself!
Righteousness rules
Prahlada was not only a devotee of Lord Narayana but also a very righteous king. He was also the most bountiful of kings. He would never say 'no' to anyone who approached him for a favour, gift or help.
Once Lord Indra intended to test Prahlada and so came to him in the guise of a Brahmin. Prahlada offered his respects to him and asked, "What do you seek of me? How can I make you happy? The Brahmin replied, "Oh king! I want you to gift me your sheela (character).
Prahlada said, "So be it. Your wish is fulfilled. I am gifting away my sheela to you." The Brahmin left the court. No sooner did the Brahmin leave, than a charming young man was seen walking away from the royal court.
Prahlada questioned him: "Sir! Who are you?” The young man replied, "I am fame. I cannot stay with you any longer since character has left you." Prahlada permitted him to leave.
A few seconds later, yet another handsome person was seen walking away from the court. Prahlada asked, "May I know who you are?" He replied, “I am valor. How can I be with you without character and fame? Therefore, I am leaving." Prahlada permitted him to leave.
Soon, a charming lady was leaving the court in hurried steps. Prahlada asked her: "Mother, may I know who you are?" "I am Rajalakshmi, the presiding deity of this kingdom." She replied and added, "I can't live here without character, fame and valor.”
Next another lady was seen moving away with tears in her eyes. Prahlada ran towards her and asked, "Mother, who are you?" She said, "Son! I am Dharma Devatha (righteousness). I don't have a place where there is no character, fame and valor. Even Rajalakshmi has left you."
Prahlada fell at her feet and said, "Mother, I can live without character, fame, valor and Rajyalakshmi, but I cannot live without you. How can I send you anywhere? It is the duty of the king to protect righteousness; that alone is the basis of the entire world. Please stay with me. Do not forsake me!"
The Dharma Devatha agreed to stay. And when this happened, all the others too returned to the court and said, "We cannot exist without Dharma Devatha. Let us please be with you."
Lord Indra tested Prahlada only to illustrate to the world the greatness of Prahlada, who practiced the principles of righteousness steadfastly.
- Baba
Once Lord Indra intended to test Prahlada and so came to him in the guise of a Brahmin. Prahlada offered his respects to him and asked, "What do you seek of me? How can I make you happy? The Brahmin replied, "Oh king! I want you to gift me your sheela (character).
Prahlada said, "So be it. Your wish is fulfilled. I am gifting away my sheela to you." The Brahmin left the court. No sooner did the Brahmin leave, than a charming young man was seen walking away from the royal court.
Prahlada questioned him: "Sir! Who are you?” The young man replied, "I am fame. I cannot stay with you any longer since character has left you." Prahlada permitted him to leave.
A few seconds later, yet another handsome person was seen walking away from the court. Prahlada asked, "May I know who you are?" He replied, “I am valor. How can I be with you without character and fame? Therefore, I am leaving." Prahlada permitted him to leave.
Soon, a charming lady was leaving the court in hurried steps. Prahlada asked her: "Mother, may I know who you are?" "I am Rajalakshmi, the presiding deity of this kingdom." She replied and added, "I can't live here without character, fame and valor.”
Next another lady was seen moving away with tears in her eyes. Prahlada ran towards her and asked, "Mother, who are you?" She said, "Son! I am Dharma Devatha (righteousness). I don't have a place where there is no character, fame and valor. Even Rajalakshmi has left you."
Prahlada fell at her feet and said, "Mother, I can live without character, fame, valor and Rajyalakshmi, but I cannot live without you. How can I send you anywhere? It is the duty of the king to protect righteousness; that alone is the basis of the entire world. Please stay with me. Do not forsake me!"
The Dharma Devatha agreed to stay. And when this happened, all the others too returned to the court and said, "We cannot exist without Dharma Devatha. Let us please be with you."
Lord Indra tested Prahlada only to illustrate to the world the greatness of Prahlada, who practiced the principles of righteousness steadfastly.
- Baba
The secret to success
Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess in Greece. She was not only charming but also adept in shooting, hunting and running. In fact, she had earned the title of "the fleet-footed princess." Many handsome and heroic princes desired to win her heart and hand.
So, the princess hit upon a clever plan. She announced that she would marry the young man who would beat her in a foot race. Hundreds of young warriors came to race with her but she always out-ran them.
At last one young hero was bent upon defeating her. He sought the advice of a wise man. He explained to him about the fleet-footed princess and her challenge. He also expressed his regret over the fact that the princess was putting many young warriors to shame.
The wise man said: "Don't worry; you take within your pocket several shining pieces of jewellery and gems. As you run, go on dropping one piece after another on the racing track at strategic points."
On the day fixed for the race, the young man equipped himself with fine pieces of jewellery. The young man and the princess started running. Both of them were good runners.
Whenever the princess was on the point of outstripping him, the young man would softly drop a dazzling piece of jewellery. The princess spontaneously stopped to pick up the lovely piece of jewellery that was on the racing track. She was confident that in spite of the halts she would be able to outrun her rival. These brief but frequent halts made him reach the goal ahead of her.
Thus, the young man won the race as well as the heart and the hand of the princess. Why did the fleet footed princess lose this time? It is all because of her love for jewellery. Love of lucre always makes man weak and prevents him from realising his real goal in life. If we want success in life, we have to give up attachment and be prepared to sacrifice what we have as the young man did.
- Baba
So, the princess hit upon a clever plan. She announced that she would marry the young man who would beat her in a foot race. Hundreds of young warriors came to race with her but she always out-ran them.
At last one young hero was bent upon defeating her. He sought the advice of a wise man. He explained to him about the fleet-footed princess and her challenge. He also expressed his regret over the fact that the princess was putting many young warriors to shame.
The wise man said: "Don't worry; you take within your pocket several shining pieces of jewellery and gems. As you run, go on dropping one piece after another on the racing track at strategic points."
On the day fixed for the race, the young man equipped himself with fine pieces of jewellery. The young man and the princess started running. Both of them were good runners.
Whenever the princess was on the point of outstripping him, the young man would softly drop a dazzling piece of jewellery. The princess spontaneously stopped to pick up the lovely piece of jewellery that was on the racing track. She was confident that in spite of the halts she would be able to outrun her rival. These brief but frequent halts made him reach the goal ahead of her.
Thus, the young man won the race as well as the heart and the hand of the princess. Why did the fleet footed princess lose this time? It is all because of her love for jewellery. Love of lucre always makes man weak and prevents him from realising his real goal in life. If we want success in life, we have to give up attachment and be prepared to sacrifice what we have as the young man did.
- Baba
Becoming God, Not Dog
Once, a dog came to Lord Rama bleeding from blows. Lakshmana (Rama’s brother) was sent to enquire why it had to receive such blows. The dog said: "I was beaten by a Brahmin (the priestly class in a Hindu society) with a stick."
The Brahmin was questioned. He said that the dog was always annoying him by coming across his path. Rama asked the dog: "Well, how do you want to punish the Brahmin?"
The dog said: "Make him a manager of a temple."
Rama replied with wonder: "That would be a reward, not a punishment."
The dog said: "No, I was a manager of a temple in my previous birth. It was impossible not to mishandle or misuse or misappropriate some fraction of God's money. When he is that manager, he too will get, like me, this canine birth and perhaps get beaten too in his subsequent birth."
In fact, not only the dog or the Brahmin, but every one of us are lining off the property of God, for does not all this belong to Him? What do we do in return for all benefits we derive from the property of the Lord? We should not simply eat and sit quiet. We have to render service to the poor and the helpless in a manner suitable to us.
~ Baba
The Brahmin was questioned. He said that the dog was always annoying him by coming across his path. Rama asked the dog: "Well, how do you want to punish the Brahmin?"
The dog said: "Make him a manager of a temple."
Rama replied with wonder: "That would be a reward, not a punishment."
The dog said: "No, I was a manager of a temple in my previous birth. It was impossible not to mishandle or misuse or misappropriate some fraction of God's money. When he is that manager, he too will get, like me, this canine birth and perhaps get beaten too in his subsequent birth."
In fact, not only the dog or the Brahmin, but every one of us are lining off the property of God, for does not all this belong to Him? What do we do in return for all benefits we derive from the property of the Lord? We should not simply eat and sit quiet. We have to render service to the poor and the helpless in a manner suitable to us.
~ Baba
No Gratitude, No Grace
Once Mother Parvati and Easwara (Lord Shiva) saw a person sitting on the branch of a tree, which was about to break. Watching this, Mother Parvati pleaded with Easwara to save the man. Easwara teasingly remarked, “Why should I protect him? Since You saw him first, it is Your duty to save him.”
But the Mother said, “How can I protect him without Your grace. I am the negative and you are the positive. Unless You shower Your grace on him, he cannot be saved. Please do not delay any further.”
Then Easwara replied, “Is it not his duty to call Me for help? How can I go to his rescue without being called? As the proverb goes, ‘one should not attend a function without being invited.’”
Mother Parvati, out of her motherly compassion, wanted to protect that person at any cost. So, she said to Easwara, “If that person, when he falls down, cries out amma (mother), I will go to his rescue; and if he cries out appa (father), you should protect him.”
Easwara agreed to her proposal. Both of them eagerly waited for the call. But the person fell down crying Ayyo (alas)!
The words amma or appa did not come to his lips, as he had never respected and revered his parents in his lifetime. Such was his fate!
How can God come to the rescue of a person who has totally forgotten his parents? Both our Mother and Father are verily God. And when with such feelings, we offer our gratitude to our parents, even God cannot refrain from helping us.
~ Baba
But the Mother said, “How can I protect him without Your grace. I am the negative and you are the positive. Unless You shower Your grace on him, he cannot be saved. Please do not delay any further.”
Then Easwara replied, “Is it not his duty to call Me for help? How can I go to his rescue without being called? As the proverb goes, ‘one should not attend a function without being invited.’”
Mother Parvati, out of her motherly compassion, wanted to protect that person at any cost. So, she said to Easwara, “If that person, when he falls down, cries out amma (mother), I will go to his rescue; and if he cries out appa (father), you should protect him.”
Easwara agreed to her proposal. Both of them eagerly waited for the call. But the person fell down crying Ayyo (alas)!
The words amma or appa did not come to his lips, as he had never respected and revered his parents in his lifetime. Such was his fate!
How can God come to the rescue of a person who has totally forgotten his parents? Both our Mother and Father are verily God. And when with such feelings, we offer our gratitude to our parents, even God cannot refrain from helping us.
~ Baba
revere parents and receive god's grace
Once when Adi Sankara’s parents were to leave the house for some work, his father instructed him thus, “My dear son, you know that I daily worship the Goddess in our house and later distribute the naivedya (offerings) to all the people. Similarly, when your mother and I are away, will you please make the offering to Goddess?” The obedient son that Sankara was he immediately agreed to fulfill his father’s commands. And so after his parents left, he poured some milk into a cup and kept it before the idol of the Goddess and prayed to her “Mother! Please accept this milk which I am offering”. But despite his fervent prayers, the Mother neither took the milk, nor did she appear. The young boy was understandably disappointed, but did not give up. He prayed again, “Mother! Mother! You accept the offerings that my father makes to your daily! What sins have these hands of mine committed that you are not accepting the offering which I am giving to you?”
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He continued to pray to her earnestly from the innermost depths of his heart, so much so that he was even prepared to sacrifice his life! Sankara told himself, “My father asked me to offer this milk to the goddess but I am not able to do so because the goddess is not receiving the offering, which I made. It is better that I die”. He went out and brought a big stone to kill himself. But the compassionate Mother, the Mother of the Universe could not keep herself away for too long.
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Moved by Sankara’s unsullied devotion and sincerity, she at once appeared before him and drank the milk that he had offered and then placed the empty cup before him. The boy was very glad that the Mother of the Universe came and drank the milk. But now there was nothing left in the cup.
He thought that his father would certainly ask for the naiveidya (consecrated offering) of the God when he returned. He feared that the father may think that he drank away all the milk and hence may become angry with him. And therefore he prayed to the Goddess again.
This time asking her, “O Mother, Please give me at least a drop of milk so that I may be able to give it to my father”. But the Goddess did not come. He again sincerely continued to pray; the Goddess was yet again moved by his love and faith and she appeared before him. But since she was not able to give the milk that she drank, she gave her own milk and filled the cup!
It is believed that because Sankara was blessed to taste the Divine milk, he could attain the highest pinnacle of knowledge and wisdom. But the main essence of the story lies in the son’s blind and complete devotion to fulfill his father’s wishes. Because Sankara tried hard to please his father, he was able to get the Goddess of the Universe to manifest Herself before him.
Revering and obeying the orders of our parents hence is but only a way to earn the grace and blessings of our divine parent.
~ Baba
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He continued to pray to her earnestly from the innermost depths of his heart, so much so that he was even prepared to sacrifice his life! Sankara told himself, “My father asked me to offer this milk to the goddess but I am not able to do so because the goddess is not receiving the offering, which I made. It is better that I die”. He went out and brought a big stone to kill himself. But the compassionate Mother, the Mother of the Universe could not keep herself away for too long.
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Moved by Sankara’s unsullied devotion and sincerity, she at once appeared before him and drank the milk that he had offered and then placed the empty cup before him. The boy was very glad that the Mother of the Universe came and drank the milk. But now there was nothing left in the cup.
He thought that his father would certainly ask for the naiveidya (consecrated offering) of the God when he returned. He feared that the father may think that he drank away all the milk and hence may become angry with him. And therefore he prayed to the Goddess again.
This time asking her, “O Mother, Please give me at least a drop of milk so that I may be able to give it to my father”. But the Goddess did not come. He again sincerely continued to pray; the Goddess was yet again moved by his love and faith and she appeared before him. But since she was not able to give the milk that she drank, she gave her own milk and filled the cup!
It is believed that because Sankara was blessed to taste the Divine milk, he could attain the highest pinnacle of knowledge and wisdom. But the main essence of the story lies in the son’s blind and complete devotion to fulfill his father’s wishes. Because Sankara tried hard to please his father, he was able to get the Goddess of the Universe to manifest Herself before him.
Revering and obeying the orders of our parents hence is but only a way to earn the grace and blessings of our divine parent.
~ Baba
Ideal and Incessant Service
A few days after Lord Rama’s coronation, Sita and the three brothers of Rama met and planned to exclude Hanuman from the seva of Rama. They wanted to divide the responsibility of rendering the various services to Rama only among themselves.
The reason? They all felt that Hanuman had had enough chances serving their sweet Lord already. And so, they drew up a list, as exhaustive as they could make it, of the many services from dawn till dusk, down to the smallest detail and assigned each item to one among themselves.
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They presented the list of items and assignees to the Lord, when Hanuman was present. Rama heard about the new procedure, read the list and gave His approval, with a smile. He told Hanuman that all the tasks had been assigned to others and that he could now take rest. Not believing what he had just heard, Hanuman prayed to Rama that the list be read once before him.
And after it was, Hanuman noticed that the task of ‘snapping fingers when one yawns’ had been left unassigned. He said that since Rama was an emperor, he should not be allowed to do it himself, as it had to be done only by a servant. Saying so, he pleaded to the Lord to grant him the opportunity to be that servant and Rama agreed.
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It came to be the greatest piece of fortune for Hanuman, as the task entailed Hanuman’s constant attendance on his Master. After all, how could anyone predict when the yawn would come? And since he had to be ready with a snap, as soon as the yawn was on, it meant that Hanuman could not be away even for a minute nor could he relax for a moment. His love and sincerity to be of service to his Lord Rama had gotten him the best out of an otherwise disappointing announcement.
True indeed it is that when we have sincere love for God, everything else falls automatically into place.
~ Baba
The reason? They all felt that Hanuman had had enough chances serving their sweet Lord already. And so, they drew up a list, as exhaustive as they could make it, of the many services from dawn till dusk, down to the smallest detail and assigned each item to one among themselves.
Chinna Katha Chinna Katha Chinna Katha
They presented the list of items and assignees to the Lord, when Hanuman was present. Rama heard about the new procedure, read the list and gave His approval, with a smile. He told Hanuman that all the tasks had been assigned to others and that he could now take rest. Not believing what he had just heard, Hanuman prayed to Rama that the list be read once before him.
And after it was, Hanuman noticed that the task of ‘snapping fingers when one yawns’ had been left unassigned. He said that since Rama was an emperor, he should not be allowed to do it himself, as it had to be done only by a servant. Saying so, he pleaded to the Lord to grant him the opportunity to be that servant and Rama agreed.
Chinna Katha Chinna Katha Chinna Katha
It came to be the greatest piece of fortune for Hanuman, as the task entailed Hanuman’s constant attendance on his Master. After all, how could anyone predict when the yawn would come? And since he had to be ready with a snap, as soon as the yawn was on, it meant that Hanuman could not be away even for a minute nor could he relax for a moment. His love and sincerity to be of service to his Lord Rama had gotten him the best out of an otherwise disappointing announcement.
True indeed it is that when we have sincere love for God, everything else falls automatically into place.
~ Baba
Sincere Yearning and Sure Grace
There was once a Sultan, ruling over the region of Mathura, Brindavan and other places, situated on the banks of River Yamuna. During his reign, the emperor of Vijayanagara (a kingdom in the South of India), came on pilgrimage and stayed at Brindavan for a few days to pay homage to Lord Krishna in the temple there. The Sultan understood that the Emperor had come only to pay respects to that One in the shrine at Brindavan, and he decided to himself, come what may, he would too have that spiritual experience.
So late one night he went and called out before the closed doors of the temple, “Who is inside?” He heard a voice, which gave the reply. “Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani (The Lord Krishna, the King, and Radha, the Queen)!” The Sultan was now sure that there were two persons living inside, a Super-Emperor and His Super-Empress. He was filled with an agonizing yearning to see the distinguished occupants of the temple. He waited outside the door, without food or drink for three full days. He was overcome with hunger and thirst; but he did not stir, for he was afraid the Imperial Couple may emerge any moment and he might miss the Darshan.
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That night, when the town was asleep, just before midnight Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani emerged from the shrine. They signed to him to follow him. They were magnificently dressed and had elaborately bejeweled headgear, necklaces, wristlets and ornaments for the hands and feet. They moved on until they reached the banks of the Yamuna, where thousands of Gopas and Gopis (cowherd devotees) were gathered to welcome them. There was music and dance in the bright moonlight, heavenly joy shone on every face. At 4 a.m. they returned to the temple and before they passed through the closed door, they gave into the hands of the Sultan the kankanas they wore on their wrists, for safekeeping. Before he could say anything, they had gone.
A party of priests came along at that time, in the morning hour, and seeing the Sultan there, asked him as to why he was standing there and what he had in his hands. They had come to open the locks of the inner doors and inaugurate the ceremonials of the day, with Suprabhatham and Nagarasamkirtan (morning prayers and chantings).
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The Sultan said, “Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani have just gone in; I was with them at the Yamuna Bank from midnight till a few minutes ago. They gave me these kankanas for safekeeping. I don’t know why.”
They surmised he was a thief who, caught in the act, was spinning a yarn and so bound him to punish him. But they found the locks unbroken, everything intact. Only the idol of Lord Krishna had no gold kankanas! Now they were convinced that the man outside was a great Bhakta (devotee), who had the unique vision of the Lord. They honored him and craved pardon for the wrong perpetrated in ignorance. Such is the reward for sincere yearning; unlimited ananda (bliss) can be earned through implicit faith in God..
...BABA
So late one night he went and called out before the closed doors of the temple, “Who is inside?” He heard a voice, which gave the reply. “Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani (The Lord Krishna, the King, and Radha, the Queen)!” The Sultan was now sure that there were two persons living inside, a Super-Emperor and His Super-Empress. He was filled with an agonizing yearning to see the distinguished occupants of the temple. He waited outside the door, without food or drink for three full days. He was overcome with hunger and thirst; but he did not stir, for he was afraid the Imperial Couple may emerge any moment and he might miss the Darshan.
Chinna Katha spacer Chinna Katha
That night, when the town was asleep, just before midnight Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani emerged from the shrine. They signed to him to follow him. They were magnificently dressed and had elaborately bejeweled headgear, necklaces, wristlets and ornaments for the hands and feet. They moved on until they reached the banks of the Yamuna, where thousands of Gopas and Gopis (cowherd devotees) were gathered to welcome them. There was music and dance in the bright moonlight, heavenly joy shone on every face. At 4 a.m. they returned to the temple and before they passed through the closed door, they gave into the hands of the Sultan the kankanas they wore on their wrists, for safekeeping. Before he could say anything, they had gone.
A party of priests came along at that time, in the morning hour, and seeing the Sultan there, asked him as to why he was standing there and what he had in his hands. They had come to open the locks of the inner doors and inaugurate the ceremonials of the day, with Suprabhatham and Nagarasamkirtan (morning prayers and chantings).
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The Sultan said, “Govind Maharaj and Radha Rani have just gone in; I was with them at the Yamuna Bank from midnight till a few minutes ago. They gave me these kankanas for safekeeping. I don’t know why.”
They surmised he was a thief who, caught in the act, was spinning a yarn and so bound him to punish him. But they found the locks unbroken, everything intact. Only the idol of Lord Krishna had no gold kankanas! Now they were convinced that the man outside was a great Bhakta (devotee), who had the unique vision of the Lord. They honored him and craved pardon for the wrong perpetrated in ignorance. Such is the reward for sincere yearning; unlimited ananda (bliss) can be earned through implicit faith in God..
...BABA
THE MARK OF A TRUE DEVOTEE
There will always be worry and grief of some type or the other. There is no escaping it, be it in the past or future; while walking, dreaming or even while sleeping. But by placing faith in the Lord and dedicating everyday chores and tasks to Him, the effect of these constant worries can fizzle out completely. Here’s how.
One day Narada boasted before Lord Vishnu about how there wasn’t any devotee better than him. But in doing so he went against the very first qualification of a devotee - freedom from egoism.
So, in order to teach Narada a lesson or two in devotion, Vishnu spoke of a farmer, who was tilling his little plot of land, as a greater devotee. He even recommended that Narada should visit and learn the art of devotion from him!
A little humiliated but at the same time curious, Narada proceeded to the farmer’s village. But what he saw amazed him. The farmer was all the time engrossed in either doing his work on the field, in the cattle shed or was busy at home.
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And in spite of the most vigilant watch, Narada did not hear him utter the Lord’s name more than thrice a day; once when he woke up from bed, another time when he took his midday meal and the last when he retired for the night.
Narada was naturally incensed that he was deemed inferior to this very poor specimen of a devotee.
While Narada was always singing melodiously the divine stories of the Lord and spreading everywhere the message of chanting the name of the Lord, here was a horny-handed son of the soil who remembered the Lord just three times a day, whom Lord Vishnu judged as being superior to him!
He hurried to heaven, his face flushed with anger and ignominy, but Vishnu only laughed at his plight. In answer to his anxiety, the Lord gave him a pot full to the brim with water and asked him to carry it on his head and go round a certain course without spilling even a drop.
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Narada did so, but when asked how often he had remembered the Name of the Lord while doing so, he admitted that in his anxiety to walk without spilling the water, he had forgotten the Name completely.
Vishnu then explained to him that the farmer, who was carrying on his head more precious and more spoilable burdens than a pot of water and who had to be careful not bring harm to any of them, must therefore be more admired for remembering the Lord at least three times a day!
So, even if you remember the Lord with thankfulness at least thrice or even just twice a day, it is rewarding enough and confers with you with great peace.
Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the Name of God on your lips, thus inviting the Grace of God upon you.
- Baba
One day Narada boasted before Lord Vishnu about how there wasn’t any devotee better than him. But in doing so he went against the very first qualification of a devotee - freedom from egoism.
So, in order to teach Narada a lesson or two in devotion, Vishnu spoke of a farmer, who was tilling his little plot of land, as a greater devotee. He even recommended that Narada should visit and learn the art of devotion from him!
A little humiliated but at the same time curious, Narada proceeded to the farmer’s village. But what he saw amazed him. The farmer was all the time engrossed in either doing his work on the field, in the cattle shed or was busy at home.
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And in spite of the most vigilant watch, Narada did not hear him utter the Lord’s name more than thrice a day; once when he woke up from bed, another time when he took his midday meal and the last when he retired for the night.
Narada was naturally incensed that he was deemed inferior to this very poor specimen of a devotee.
While Narada was always singing melodiously the divine stories of the Lord and spreading everywhere the message of chanting the name of the Lord, here was a horny-handed son of the soil who remembered the Lord just three times a day, whom Lord Vishnu judged as being superior to him!
He hurried to heaven, his face flushed with anger and ignominy, but Vishnu only laughed at his plight. In answer to his anxiety, the Lord gave him a pot full to the brim with water and asked him to carry it on his head and go round a certain course without spilling even a drop.
chinna katha
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Narada did so, but when asked how often he had remembered the Name of the Lord while doing so, he admitted that in his anxiety to walk without spilling the water, he had forgotten the Name completely.
Vishnu then explained to him that the farmer, who was carrying on his head more precious and more spoilable burdens than a pot of water and who had to be careful not bring harm to any of them, must therefore be more admired for remembering the Lord at least three times a day!
So, even if you remember the Lord with thankfulness at least thrice or even just twice a day, it is rewarding enough and confers with you with great peace.
Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the Name of God on your lips, thus inviting the Grace of God upon you.
- Baba
‘DRAWING’ GOD…
This happened in the time of Lord Krishna. There once lived an artist who had traveled far and wide and had built for himself an extensive reputation.
But even as he climbed the edifice of fame and renown, achieving success and impressing one and all with his art, he still hadn’t achieved access to Lord Krishna!
As much as he was anxious to seek approbation from Lord Krishna Himself, who not only ruled everyone’s heart but was also the greatest connoisseur of art, success in this endeavour kept eluding him.
But one day, after relentlessly trying to meet Krishna, he got an appointment. The artist met Krishna and requested Him to stay still, so that he could paint His picture.
On getting Krishna’s consent, the artist first prepared the outline and told Krishna that he would ready the final painting in a week’s time.
You cannot describe God and your attempts will fail. But when you make your mind clear and clean; fill it with love and devotion; the very same love and devotion will enable you to have the true vision of God.
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The all-knowing Krishna also knew about the ego of the painter, but did not say anything then. After a week, the painter brought a finished portrait, covered with a white cloth.
And when he uncovered the painting in Krishna’s presence the painter himself was shocked at the lack of similarity between the real Krishna and Krishna he had painted!
Completely taken aback by this, the painter asked for another week’s time to get the job done. This went for many such weeks, but each time he failed to capture Krishna in his paintings.
In complete frustration and total dejection, he decided to leave the city and go away. But the Lord had other plans. When he was going away, Sage Narada met him.
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Well aware of the painter’s plight, Narada confided to him that it was silly to attempt to paint the picture of Lord Krishna, for the Lord has no fixed form and can change His face every second!
Narada then advised, “If you really want to paint Him, I will tell you a method which will enable you to do so.” Saying so, Narada whispered something into the ear of the artist. Following the advice given by Narada, the painter returned yet again to Krishna with a white cloth covering something.
But this time, enriched by the wisdom Narada had imparted, the painter told Krishna that even as He was welcome to change the painting in any manner whatsoever, the painting would look exactly like him.
Saying so, the artist removed the cloth, laying bare the mirror the cloth had till then hidden. The mirror reproduced an exact replica of Krishna.
If therefore, you are imaging that God would be like this or that, it is not correct. You cannot describe God and your attempts will fail. But when you make your mind clear and clean; fill it with love and devotion; the very same love and devotion will enable you to have the true vision of God.
~ Baba
But even as he climbed the edifice of fame and renown, achieving success and impressing one and all with his art, he still hadn’t achieved access to Lord Krishna!
As much as he was anxious to seek approbation from Lord Krishna Himself, who not only ruled everyone’s heart but was also the greatest connoisseur of art, success in this endeavour kept eluding him.
But one day, after relentlessly trying to meet Krishna, he got an appointment. The artist met Krishna and requested Him to stay still, so that he could paint His picture.
On getting Krishna’s consent, the artist first prepared the outline and told Krishna that he would ready the final painting in a week’s time.
You cannot describe God and your attempts will fail. But when you make your mind clear and clean; fill it with love and devotion; the very same love and devotion will enable you to have the true vision of God.
spacer
The all-knowing Krishna also knew about the ego of the painter, but did not say anything then. After a week, the painter brought a finished portrait, covered with a white cloth.
And when he uncovered the painting in Krishna’s presence the painter himself was shocked at the lack of similarity between the real Krishna and Krishna he had painted!
Completely taken aback by this, the painter asked for another week’s time to get the job done. This went for many such weeks, but each time he failed to capture Krishna in his paintings.
In complete frustration and total dejection, he decided to leave the city and go away. But the Lord had other plans. When he was going away, Sage Narada met him.
spacer
Well aware of the painter’s plight, Narada confided to him that it was silly to attempt to paint the picture of Lord Krishna, for the Lord has no fixed form and can change His face every second!
Narada then advised, “If you really want to paint Him, I will tell you a method which will enable you to do so.” Saying so, Narada whispered something into the ear of the artist. Following the advice given by Narada, the painter returned yet again to Krishna with a white cloth covering something.
But this time, enriched by the wisdom Narada had imparted, the painter told Krishna that even as He was welcome to change the painting in any manner whatsoever, the painting would look exactly like him.
Saying so, the artist removed the cloth, laying bare the mirror the cloth had till then hidden. The mirror reproduced an exact replica of Krishna.
If therefore, you are imaging that God would be like this or that, it is not correct. You cannot describe God and your attempts will fail. But when you make your mind clear and clean; fill it with love and devotion; the very same love and devotion will enable you to have the true vision of God.
~ Baba
THE POTENT POWER OF DEVOTION
Once in Calcutta (now Kolkata), in the Kali temple constructed by Queen Rasmani, an idol of Lord Krishna fell down and the foot of the Lord was broken a little.
Since many elders declared that according to the scriptures a broken image should not be worshipped, the Queen made arrangements to get a new one made by sculptors.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa heard of this and he reproached the Queen, saying: "Maharani (Your Highness, the Queen), if your son-in-law breaks his leg, what will you do? What is the correct thing to do? Bandaging the foot and setting it right, or discarding the son-in-law and getting another instead?"
The elders and pundits were dumb-founded; the broken foot of Lord Krishna was set right and the image was installed and worshipped as before.
When devotion is purified and is ascendant, the Lord will be patent even in a broken idol. This too is the dharma (right conduct) declared in the scriptures.
- Baba
Since many elders declared that according to the scriptures a broken image should not be worshipped, the Queen made arrangements to get a new one made by sculptors.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa heard of this and he reproached the Queen, saying: "Maharani (Your Highness, the Queen), if your son-in-law breaks his leg, what will you do? What is the correct thing to do? Bandaging the foot and setting it right, or discarding the son-in-law and getting another instead?"
The elders and pundits were dumb-founded; the broken foot of Lord Krishna was set right and the image was installed and worshipped as before.
When devotion is purified and is ascendant, the Lord will be patent even in a broken idol. This too is the dharma (right conduct) declared in the scriptures.
- Baba
THE LIGHT OF DIVINE MESSAGE ON DEEPAVALI
The festival of Naraka Chaturdasi(otherwise known as Deepavali, celebrated on teaches man to remember how character decides destiny, designs achievements and demarcates one as either divine or demonic.
Naraka, after whom this day is named, was a nara, human being. But since he grew into a demon, he earned the meaningful title, "Narakaasura." Through his asura (demonic)qualities, he proceeded towards Naraka or Hell. He was a king, who shaped his subjects through his counsel and commands into images of himself in wickedness. The people in his kingdom were intoxicated with vice and violence.
The Lord decided to eliminate Narakaasura and redeem the people from the total ruin that faced them and guide them into the holy sattvic (pious)path of humility and goodness. Here, you must pay attention to a strange strategy that the Lord employed. The Lord invaded Narakaasura's kingdom, not once but again and again! Of course, He could have accomplished the asura's destruction during the very first campaign. But He did not do so. He forced him to explode into furious anger again and again, and each attack by the Lord made him repeatedly weaker. His resistance became feebler and feebler.
Anger drastically reduces one's stamina. So, the Lord made Narakaasura flare up in anger, time and again, and even when he was rendered faint and flickering, the Lord decided that he did not deserve death at His Hands. He took His consort, Sathyabhaama, with Him and directed her to kill the ruffian. She could do it easily, for three-quarters of his might had been subtracted by the Lord's strategy.
This day (the festival of Deepavali) is set apart to commemorate the destruction of such a demonic person. The significance of this celebration is that on this day the Lord killed the darkness of Ajnaana (ignorance)andthelack of awareness of the Aathma (spirit)disappeared from the people. Where the light of Aathmic awareness shines, evil thoughts, wicked speech and vicious deeds flee in fear. Therefore, one should cultivate the wisdom which can cognise one's Reality.
- Baba
Naraka, after whom this day is named, was a nara, human being. But since he grew into a demon, he earned the meaningful title, "Narakaasura." Through his asura (demonic)qualities, he proceeded towards Naraka or Hell. He was a king, who shaped his subjects through his counsel and commands into images of himself in wickedness. The people in his kingdom were intoxicated with vice and violence.
The Lord decided to eliminate Narakaasura and redeem the people from the total ruin that faced them and guide them into the holy sattvic (pious)path of humility and goodness. Here, you must pay attention to a strange strategy that the Lord employed. The Lord invaded Narakaasura's kingdom, not once but again and again! Of course, He could have accomplished the asura's destruction during the very first campaign. But He did not do so. He forced him to explode into furious anger again and again, and each attack by the Lord made him repeatedly weaker. His resistance became feebler and feebler.
Anger drastically reduces one's stamina. So, the Lord made Narakaasura flare up in anger, time and again, and even when he was rendered faint and flickering, the Lord decided that he did not deserve death at His Hands. He took His consort, Sathyabhaama, with Him and directed her to kill the ruffian. She could do it easily, for three-quarters of his might had been subtracted by the Lord's strategy.
This day (the festival of Deepavali) is set apart to commemorate the destruction of such a demonic person. The significance of this celebration is that on this day the Lord killed the darkness of Ajnaana (ignorance)andthelack of awareness of the Aathma (spirit)disappeared from the people. Where the light of Aathmic awareness shines, evil thoughts, wicked speech and vicious deeds flee in fear. Therefore, one should cultivate the wisdom which can cognise one's Reality.
- Baba
WE THINK WHAT WE EAT
There lived in Mallur, in the state of Karnataka, a pious Brahmin who was a great scholar. He had an equally devout wife. Always intent on worship, recitation and meditation, this noble man was known far and wide for his virtuous character.
One day, a sanyasi (renunciant) called Nityananda came to his door seeking alms, this made the Brahmin extremely happy. After giving him whatever he could that day, he invited the monk to come the next day too to have dinner with him as he was keen to honour the ascetic with due hospitality.
So the next morning he hung green festoons over his doors and made elaborate arrangements to welcome the holy man. But, at the eleventh hour, physical impurity rendered his wife unfit to prepare food for the honored guest or for anyone else.
At this moment, a neighbour volunteered to cook the meal and so she was brought in and introduced into the kitchen. Everything went off well and all were as happy as they could be under the circumstances. However, there was one issue which bothered the saint greatly; for some unknown reason during his meal he was drawn by an overpowering desire to steal the silver cup which the host had placed near the plate.
To purify the mind and the intellect for the correct reflection of the truth, the first caution is regarding the food one intakes. And this is no trivial matter when it comes to progressing on the spiritual path.
In spite of his best efforts, the evil idea won him over. The sanyasi was at rest only after he clandestinely hid the cup in the folds of his robe as he casually conversed with the Brahmin over the dinner. And after the meal he hurriedly returned to his dwelling lest somebody discovers his act.
But that night the mendicant could not get a wink of sleep; his conscience pricked him constantly. He felt he had brought disgrace to his Guru as well as to the ancient enlightened sages whom he invoked by the mantras he recited.
He could not manage a second of rest until he ran back into the Brahmin’s house the next morning. Once there, he fell at the feet of the noble host and submitted the stolen article with tears of repentance trickling down his cheeks.
Everyone wondered how such a good man could stoop so low. Then someone suggested it might be that the person who cooked the food transmitted this fault to him through the food she prepared. And when they examined the history of the neighbour, they found she was infact an irrepressible thief!
The tendency to steal had, by subtle contact, indeed affected the food she prepared. This is the reason why spiritual aspirants are advised to live only on fruits and tubers, when they reach a certain stage of spiritual achievement.
To purify the mind and the intellect for the correct reflection of the truth, the first caution is regarding the food one intakes. And this is no trivial matter when it comes to progressing on the spiritual path.
- Baba
One day, a sanyasi (renunciant) called Nityananda came to his door seeking alms, this made the Brahmin extremely happy. After giving him whatever he could that day, he invited the monk to come the next day too to have dinner with him as he was keen to honour the ascetic with due hospitality.
So the next morning he hung green festoons over his doors and made elaborate arrangements to welcome the holy man. But, at the eleventh hour, physical impurity rendered his wife unfit to prepare food for the honored guest or for anyone else.
At this moment, a neighbour volunteered to cook the meal and so she was brought in and introduced into the kitchen. Everything went off well and all were as happy as they could be under the circumstances. However, there was one issue which bothered the saint greatly; for some unknown reason during his meal he was drawn by an overpowering desire to steal the silver cup which the host had placed near the plate.
To purify the mind and the intellect for the correct reflection of the truth, the first caution is regarding the food one intakes. And this is no trivial matter when it comes to progressing on the spiritual path.
In spite of his best efforts, the evil idea won him over. The sanyasi was at rest only after he clandestinely hid the cup in the folds of his robe as he casually conversed with the Brahmin over the dinner. And after the meal he hurriedly returned to his dwelling lest somebody discovers his act.
But that night the mendicant could not get a wink of sleep; his conscience pricked him constantly. He felt he had brought disgrace to his Guru as well as to the ancient enlightened sages whom he invoked by the mantras he recited.
He could not manage a second of rest until he ran back into the Brahmin’s house the next morning. Once there, he fell at the feet of the noble host and submitted the stolen article with tears of repentance trickling down his cheeks.
Everyone wondered how such a good man could stoop so low. Then someone suggested it might be that the person who cooked the food transmitted this fault to him through the food she prepared. And when they examined the history of the neighbour, they found she was infact an irrepressible thief!
The tendency to steal had, by subtle contact, indeed affected the food she prepared. This is the reason why spiritual aspirants are advised to live only on fruits and tubers, when they reach a certain stage of spiritual achievement.
To purify the mind and the intellect for the correct reflection of the truth, the first caution is regarding the food one intakes. And this is no trivial matter when it comes to progressing on the spiritual path.
- Baba
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