Satisfaction and Jealousy

Once a poor man did strong bhakti, sadhana , tapasaya to please God. God was pleased by his bhakti, he appeared in front of him. Without his asking God gave him vardaan. God said "Whatever you demand, however and whichever way you demand anything, I will immediately fulfill that demand of yours. But one condition that how much you get, your neighbour and your village people will get double of yours"

The man replied " Is this a vardaan or a sharap? Why should my neighbour and my village people get more than me."

God said "there is some suspense to check your true bhakti. This is my condition of vardaan. By then God disappeared.

He reached home looking very sad and low. He had a small hut and very little food to eat. His life was like a beggar. He would roam about here and there to get some food and make his living. He was muttering to himself "I would rather remain like a beggar than allow God to give double of mine to others"

He took suggestion from one of relative and explained to him that God is ready to give me anything I demand but on condition that double of that will automatically go to my neighbour and village people. I can't believe this condition. The relative said just try it for once, there is no harm in trying.

He started asking God "Please give me a palace of seven floors." Immediately his desire got fulfilled. He saw his hut turn into a beautiful bungalow with seven floor. But when he turned around to see his neighbours house. He was shocked that his neighbour and other people of his village got big house of fourteen floors. He felt very disappointed and dejected. he felt very jealous. He said "I want to grow big, but others are getting more bigger than me.

Then the relative of his told him to ask that in front of your house big wells are provided. Immediately the demand was fulfilled. He saw two big well were dug in front of his house. But when he turned up to see his neighbour and other villagers house, he saw that they had four big and deep wells in front of their house. This made him very angry. He became restless. There was so much of hatred and jealousy. He wanted to grab all that his neighbours got.

His friend then told him to ask God to take away your one eye only so that others will lose two eyes. They will become blind. This idea suited him. He was very angry and not in his senses so without thinking and reasoning, he listened to his friend and started demanding from God to take away his one eye. As he wished God took away his one eye and the neighbours lost both. They became blind. He was very happy and amused to see this. To break others two eyes, he broke his one eye.

Aren't most of us foolish like this man. Why do we make more money. We don't earn money for ourselves. We collect more money to prove to others that we are more richer than them. We go to parties wearing heavy ornament, wearing rich clothes to show others our riches. Why should anybody be more richer than me. This is jealousy. This feeling does not allow us to move forward. We are blinded by this hatred and superflous life. We are not living our true self. We are covering our shortcomings by this show biz(dhong). There is so much of hatred in the society because of this feeling. We don't want others to have more than us.

Bhakti Yog

Bhakti means everything is You my Lord. I am nothing. There is no I in between love of God and Me. We are completely attached and bound by the love of Almighty.
Bhakti means to accept the fact that these Eyes see because of You, these Ears can hear because of You, this tongue talks and tastes because of You, these limbs of my body move because of You. My mind can think because of You. This intellect argues and thinks because of You. Because of You I feel hungry, I feel thirsty, I get sound sleep. Whatever changes and movements that are happening within and outside the body are all because of You. To remember this atleast is called Bhakti.

We forget all this. We think everything I am doing. To remember this and thank to the creator of all this is true bhakti. Bhakti does not mean you have to go to temple, do aarti, do chandan and tilak etc. Even there is no need to bow in front of God or attend any satsang whatsoever, but Just remember and thank from your heart's content that whatever physical and mental stability of life I am enjoying despite all odds of life(like loss of dear ones, loss in property or anything that makes us feel sad), is because of You.
We are the barriers between the Lord and ourselves. It is because of this 'I'. If there is no obstacle of I feeling, only You, then you have won over many battles of life. Your day to day routine work will become smooth and normal if you don't disrupt it by saying to yourself that "I have done it" In your mind atleast you should know that who is running our life and who is giving and taking back things from our life. Acceptance of this fact is enough.

Since when Death and Life are not in this "I's" hand, how the middle path be in the hands of this "I". Be it a rich person, poor man, sanyasi, pandit, any person, the end and beginning of everybody is same. When we are born we don't register our Birth Certificate in Municipality, somebody else does it for else. Same way Death is also registered by someone else. Even the registration is not being done by us. Our this "I" cannot move withour the support of the omnipotent power which runs this Universe. So stop this "I" to control your Ego. Ego should be our servant, not our master. Our sensory organs should also be our Servant and not masters. When they become our masters, we become Egoistic and jealous etc. Use your senses for good purpose and within limits. Don't let them drag you towards wrong direction. Keep the reigns or sensory organs and this "I" neither too loose nor too tight, just keep a balance. Once you have mastered this trick, you are close to God. You will learn to keep balance in your life.

Change your Style of talking : your language

Normally we get over anxious or get involved in unnecessary worries due to our style of talking, our language. Control your tongue, your language. You hurt people with your rough language. You lose good friends due to your piercing language.

It would be better to check how do you talk or interact with others. Guruji says if you want to learn to talk nicely then read and understand Geeta. Learn from Lord Krishna. Arjun was under severe depression. He did not want to fight against his near and dear ones. He told Krishna his bow and arrow are falling, he dropped them. his mouth has dried, he is feeling uneasy. These are some signs of depression where we have no strength to fight against our close relatives. But his cousins had no such feeling, they were restless to fight against them. They were making all preparations to punish Pandavaas for no fault of theirs. Krishna tried his best to bring some kind of peace but the enemies did not agree. They were bent on fighting against pandavaas.

When Krishna knew that war is inevitable and Arjun is under deep depression, he used his beautiful weapon of polite and encouraging language. It sounded like flute to Arjun. It gave him extra strength to bring back glory which they had lost. To bring jubilation in Arjun's mind, to wake him up, see how Lord made Arjun sit on the chariot as his Master and Krishna became his sarathi to run the chariot.

Krishna says "Arjun you are my bhakt. Your are my friend. You are my soul, my breath. You are my everything (Bhakto asi Me sakha cheti). Have you heard anybody in your own family talking in this style. We don't talk with our near and dear ones like this. There was no feeling of Ego in Krishna and Arjun's relationship. It was deep love and understanding. It was this beautiful language and wonderful conversation which impressed Arjun totally.

If you speak politely and with love to somebody, they would respect you. They will pay attention to you and would return their love. We should have that quality and tact to help somebody to overcome their depression. In the tenth chapter of Bhagwat Geeta Lord Krishna also told Arjun emphatically "I am Himalaya amongst mountains, Peepal amongst trees, Ganga amongst rivers, Naraad amongst Devarishis, Vyas amongst Yogis, but he says Oh! Arjun, amongst Pandavas I am Dhananjaya, you Arjun. There is no difference between You and Me. Arjun felt he is seventh Heaven. He was so flattered and happy. He started blooming like a flower. Whole feeling of depression disappeared and he felt that if whole world goes against him , his true friend Krishna will always be with him. He will never betray him. Krishna went to the extent to show his Viraat Swaroop. To show that everything on this earth is his creation. He went to the extent that if need be he will use his Sudarshan Chakra. He will do anything for his friend. He told Arjun "I cannot stay without you. You are so precious to me." The bond between them was very strong.

Pay attention to the conversation between Arjun and Krishna. Do we try to help somebody with our polite words and language in overcoming their depression. Do we think of others like this. Our little efforts in changing our style of talking can bring wonders in the life of people who are under severe depression due to physical and mental illness.

Once during Mahabharata war Arjun had some doubts whether they will be able to win over Kauravas, Krishna gave assure to him by keeping his hand on Arjun's shoulder. He said "Ishtoasi me dradmiti" You are my Isht, my God. Isht means the idol in the temple whom we pray. This assurance gave Arjun strength and recovered from his feeling of depression.

If you cant help anybody, then atleast use polite and kind words to them. Don't betray and hurt anybody.

Lord Krishna told Arjun "My Gyani bhakt is not greedy or over ambitious. He is contented with whatever he has or he gets. He has a powerful weapons of concentration and satisfaction.

Earlier the example of Napoleon was cited to show that strong will power and with deep concentration you can achieve your goal. As Napoleon would pay attention only on his goal and would not get disturbed by other outside factors, he could reach his goal. But the story does not end here. Another example is of greed, Ego and desire of over ambitiousness.

When Napoleon became the Chief of France, he was not satisfied with his goal. He wanted more. The desire to have more, makes you greedy. You become insensitive to others feelings and desires. You become Egoistic. You think you are the Lord of this world, nobody is powerful than you. Same happened with Napoleon. He conquered my nations. But there was no satisfaction, no enjoyment of life. he became greedy and restless. He had made a map to see what all he can capture. In the map there was place named St. Helena. He skipped that place thinking that it is not a fertile land.
But see the fate of a man that in the end he was kept in St. Helena. He got shelter in the place which he just dropped to capture.

It is written somewhere that when Napoleon lost everything and was in St. Helena, a poor village girl, carrying grass basket, came in front of him. Napoleon's assistant told the girl in anger to make place for their master, why are blocking his way. Once he was honoured so much and now nobody to respect him. He told his assistant, leave her, whatever I achieved and whatever I saw was all a
Dream.

We must learn from these examples that whatever we achieve, we should think of others also. Be contented. Don't get greedy as there is no end to our desires. It is we who have to control our desires. Desires will not say to put an end. Your will power has to capture the unwanted desires and lusts.

Do not Get Disturbed or Impatient

A true gyani bhakt does not get disturbed by any change in the atmosphere. Be it any circumstances, he remains quiet and patient. He adjusts to any circumstance.

There used to be a very intelligent, highly educated and a very good philosopher, a saint named "Maulong Putra". He had lakhs of followers and disciples. They used to pray and do his aarti. They would touch his feet and take blessings from him. He was a very popular man.

Once he came to Gautam Budha. He bowed in front of him and touched his feet and took his blessings. He told Guatam Budha "I have some queries, some doubts,some questions and I am curious to get the answer from you. I have come to your feet to get the right answer from you alone. These doubts, fears in mind are disturbing me. I don't get sleep at night and during daytime these doubt and queries don't allow me to concentrate on anything. I feel very uneasy and restless. Until these doubts are not cleared from my mind I will not feel at rest. I don't want to die till I am relieved of these doubts. I went to many places to find peace and get answer but nothing worked. I am not satisfied with all that is happening. I am not getting any solution to my questions. Please help me to get rid of this tense situation. I beg of you"

Gautam Budha looked straight into his eyes. Made him feel relaxed. Politely and firmly he asked Maulong Putra "Are you ready to sacrifice something to get peace and answers to your doubts and are you willing to pay heavy price for it? Without paying price,you cannot get such expensive and valuable things like sleep and peace. If you really agree to pay for these valuable thing, then I have a solution." Maulong Putra agreed to lay whatever conditions Gautam Budha would claim on him.
Maulong Putra said" Whatever be your wish(Jo aghya). Gautam Budha said "To get sleep, rest and peace, you have to stay with me in my Ashram for two years. You have to just observe me. No questioning in between. Just observe silence. Watch my every action and movement. How I eat, how I sleep, I talk with people, my way of parting knowledge and all that I do in my daily routine. Exactly after two years at this time I will solve all your doubts."
Maulong Putra said "I have so many followers and disciples, so many people give me importance, how can I stay with you for two years. What will they think of me? It is a long period. In between If I die or something happens to you, then my questions will be unanswered. I have told you that I want to die only after I get the answer. If you know the answer why don't you tell me now. Why create anxiety."

Gautam Budha replied "First of all I assure you that none of us will die during that period and nothing is going to happen." Now, immediately if I answer all your queries like what happens after death, why are so many people suffering, why do people die, why there is so much stress, for what are we born and what are we living etc., you will not be able to grasp or understand it. Now you are so restless, disturbed and nervous that you not in a position to hear anything. The condition of your mind is like that of facing a storm, a whirlpool you are entangled in. You need two years to come out of this storm and gushing winds that are going on in your mind."

After long pause, finally Maulong Putra agreed to stay with Gautam Budha in his ashram. He saw a monk sitting under a tree lost in his concentration started laughing at him. Maulong Putra asked Gautam that why is he laughing.
Gautam Budha replied "Go and ask him."

He went near the monk and asked him "why are you laughing" The monk replied "whatever you want to ask, get the answer now otherwise there will be nothing left to ask after two years. I also came to Budha with same queries and problems. Today I am at peace, no disturbance. No questions to ask and mind is at total rest."

Maulong Putra stayed for two years with Gautam Budha. Exactly after two years and at same time Gautam Budha called Maulong Putra and said "Get up and tell me what are questions, I will answer them all." Maulong Putra touched Budha's feet and tears started dripping from his eyes. He felt a sort of comfort, a peace and elated. There were no questions, no queries only peace and peace alone. No curiosity, no thirst only love and peace everywhere.

We get peace when we sit under shelter of a true Gyani Bhakt. We are satisfied.
Lord Krishna said "My gyani Bhakt is satisfied, he is at peace, he has no anxiety or stress. He is completely relaxed. He is relieved of Birth and Death queries. He gets total Moksh.


Gautam Budha said "

Concentration and Strong Will Power

Lord Krishna tells Arjun that a Gyani Bhakt should have a strong will power and deep concentration. He should have strong control over his sensory organs(like to see,hear, smell, taste and touch) and keep reigns of his emotions under control. Then only he can reach upto his goal.
There is an example of Napoleon Bonaparte who had strong concentration and will power. Napoleon Bonaparte had a strong will power. With firm concentration and determination he could win over his enemies. When he was a young student, he was quite poor. He had bought a small room on rent. Everyday he used to work hard and in the evening he would concentrate only on his studies. He was quite handsome and good looking. Near his house a young beautiful woman used to reside. She became friendly with Napoleon. Very often she used to come to his house. She tried to attract Napoleon by her looks and would try all means to divert his attention. But Napoleon did not pay heed to all this. He never gave her an opportunity to talk to him. He would concentrate only on his goal.

Whatever was his goal he tried to achieve it because he had patience and will power. When he became Prime Minister of France he went to the place where the base of his career started. He went to meet the woman who was his neighbour and who had tried to attract him. He met the woman and asked her about Napoleon. The woman replied by saying that there used to be a young boy named Napoleon. She said that he was very handsome, very serious person. He was very nice but there was one drawback in him. He never appreciated beauty, nor music or dance. He was only involved with his books and his work ans sit alone. Is that a life.

When that lady spoke to him like that he said "if I had paid attention to your looks, your music and dance, I would not have reached upto this position. We must have patience and control over our sensory organs and emotions to achieve our goal.

Do Not Blame Destiny

It is foolish to blame Destiny. If we are unable to achieve any task, we blame it on our Destiny. By saying so we are fooling ourselves, trying to cover our shortcomings or weaknesses and trying to console our mind that it was not in my luck. But think that your destiny is determined by you, by your own good or evil deeds and thoughts. Every second whatever you think or do(karma), adds to your destiny. So the fruit or result of your deeds have to borne by you only. Nobody else is responsible God is our friend, he abides in our conscience. Every second he indicates through red and green signal and reminds us for whatever good or bad things we do. But we are not ready to pay heed to our conscience where our Lord stays. We suppress it and continue to do wrong. Then who is responsible for this? You have nurtured your own destiny. God is not devil or our enemy to give us unhappiness. We are his children. He will always guide his children towards right track. But we are so involved in this materialistic world and engrossed in all sorts of egos, greed, anger, possessiveness that adds to the chain of our destiny. We have forgotten our own father. If we have done good, our destiny will also be good. Therefore, stop blaming God, Destiny or Luck. Do not get illusioned by this. Still it is not too late. Take Destiny in your stride, Act Now. Do not hesitate to take risk, do not be afraid of death. With your strong will power tread on the right, true path and be faithful/honest to yourself at least and then work hard to achieve your Goal. We are independent still we are slave of our Destiny. We have given the reigns of our destiny in others hand. March ahead, hold the strings of luck/Destiny tight in your hand and drive independently towards your task. God is our true friend. Our father. He cannot and does not want us to feel sad or unhappy. Smile and laugh at your follies. In the Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna has repeatedly reminded us that Soul is Immortal(Atma Amar Hai). We still live with the fear of death and fear of losing our near and dear once. But that is universal. We cannot escape that. Accept the reality and live fearlessly by surrendering to the Almighty.

A skull(khopdi)

There used to be a saint a philosopher in China. He was very knowledgeable Rishi.
Once when it was evening time and it was raining, he and his disciples passed by a graveyard. Accidentally he stamped upon a skull(khopdi). He sat down over there. He bowed down and begged for sorry from the skull. His disciples said that what are doing, it is raining and they had to reach their place before the rains become heavy. It is graveyard and why are you holding the skull in your hand. Let us go.

The saint said "let me apologise and beg sorry from this skull". His disciples said"this is a skull and why beg sorry from a skull".
He replied "this is not an ordinary people's graveyard. This is specially meant for for kings and higher status people. See the wonder. For death the door is same for all. Everybody has to exit from there. But even after death we have kept differences between rich and poor. Looks like this skull(khopdi) belongs to some King since it is found in this graveyard. Let me beg sorry from him".

Then he took the skull with him. Every morning he used to sit and pray in front of it. People thought he has gone mad. They asked him that why has he kept khopdi in his place and why does he pray in front of it. He said "since I stamped on this khopdi, I should beg sorry for it. It is a King's khopdi. If this king would have been alive and by mistake I would have stamped upon him, he would have immediately ordered his man to kill me and cut my body into pieces. Think about the anger and the wrath the King must have had when he was alive. What a life he lead. But now when he is dead and I stamped upon the skull, there was no response. No anger nor any Ego, it is just being crushed upon by people's foot. Isn't that funny. Just lying unnoticed".

The saint further said "I have kept this with me to remind me every minute that anytime I can also turn into a skull(khopdi). When I get egoistic and angry, it keeps nagging me that I am not what I am today. When I get possessive(moha)or deeply attached, become greedy, egocentric or any sin i commit it reminds me that once this khopdi also had a family, children for whom he must be doing everything to keep them happy. But after death where is the family, the children, the money etc. All turned into a skull(khopdi). I tell myself that this is now a khopdi and in future same will be my fate. I will also become khopdi and people will upon stamp me as I have stamped upon this skull(khopdi). This skull(khopdi) has opened up my eyes, it gives me true picture of life, given me consciousness.

Quality of a Gyani Bhakt : Nirahankar(No Ego)

Lord Krishna reminds again and again to Arjun that my Gyani bhakt is free from Ego and Moha. They will temporarily disturb him, he has to bear it but He will come back to his normal self.

We normally become egoistic towards our looks and body, our property and money, our family, our children, about our job status, our business etc. But think once have we got these things on our own or is it with the blessings of our Almighty. Remember till we are alive these things are ours but after death we leave everything here only. Even when we are alive do we not see people growing old. Beautiful person can become ugly due to accidents or for any other reason. Money, property can be destroyed by natural calamity. We cannot remain in higher status for long, somebody else more powerful than us can grab it. We are constantly under the fear of losing things of which we feel proud of. So do not get blinded by thinking that whatever you have today will remain forever. Feeling of Ego develops by knowing that we have something more than others. How foolish are we.
If we are true and loving children of God, such egoistic ideas will never linger in our mind. We should thank God for whatever extra he has given us. It is his blessings and not your efforts that have made you feel that you have some of the things better than others.

Once when Sikandar who had won through war and bloodshed many countries, was sitting near River Nile. People over there greeted him with garlands, flowers and honoured him for his victory. He was surprised by the behaviour of the people of that area. He was thinking that where he went he had to fight and get his things done, nobody greeted him with respect. Other places people restrained him from entering their region. He had to forcefully fight and capture that place. But here people were giving him and his soldiers great importance. They also invited him and his people for dinner.

All the people of the village had gathered for dinner and to greet Sikandar. They than made the dinner table ready for him. Sikandar sat down for dinner. He was surprised to see the table was decorated with golden plate and bowls. And in the plates they had served food like golden rice, golden chapatis and diamond vegetables.
He got angry and threw the plate. He said "you have gone mad? How can you serve this food to me? You expect me to eat food made of gold and diamond." Everybody was quiet. Nobody dared to answer Sikandar.

An old man stood in front of him with folded hands. He said "Gentleman! If you had to eat simple food like rice, pulses, vegetables and rotis you could have easily have got from any village or town. Why there was so much bloodshed? Why did you take so many lives and destroy their families? Just for simple food you killed so many people. Sikandar felt very ashamed. He said you have opened my eyes and made me aware that nothing is more precious than food. We cannot swallow or eat gold and diamonds.

His Ego then melted and realised that Egoistic person cannot make friends. He is constantly under fear of losing things of which he feels egoistic.

Story of Guru Vashishtha

It is a story from puranik Katha about Moha. It says that nobody is free from Moha. It is bound to be there, but with little patience and understanding we can face it. Do not let this Moha become a permanent guest in your house.

There used to be very big saint, Guru Vashishtah. He was a brahmgyani. He used to teach Lord Rama by saying that this world is dream, nothing is permanent on this earth only brahm is true.

Vashishta had hundred sons. He was very attached to them. Once Vishwamitra, who was very egoistic, killed his hundred sons in anger. Vashistha became very sad and and depressive because he was entangled in the moha of his children. He being a saint could not bear this pain. He became very depressive and wanted to commit suicide. He went and jumped into a river. The river saw such a saint and gyani person has jumped into the river, she threw him out of the river by force. He attempted to jump again, the river just threw him out again. Brahm Rishi Vashishtha felt that he may be too light to drown so he tied himself with a stone to commit suicide by jumping in the river.

The river knew that he is a big saint and tried to help him. So she turned into a woman and stopped him from doing so. She caught hold of him and brought him near the bank of the river. She asked him why is he committing suicide. Vashishta explained to her that how Vishwamitra killed his hundred sons and because of that he does not want to live. Best is to die. The river said "You are such a gyani purush, you have given knowledge to Lord Rama about Brahm by saying the world is not real,it is a dream and now you are finding it real, you are blinded by moha of your sons and want to destroy your life. What is the use of this gyan.
The river then said that you are highly knowledgeable person, highly regarded and respected by all, were going to commit such a grave sin, such a shameful act. What example would you set for your disciplines and the next generation. You have given spiritual knowledge to your disciples by saying that "we are not body, we not mind, we are not intellect, we are not thoughts and we are just souls, the children of Almighty. How can you think of such an act". There was continuous discussions between Rishi Vashishtha and the river who was in form of a woman. Within few minutes Rishi Vashishtha realised his mistake and came back to his original self. He regained knowledge which was covered by the thin curtain of Moha(attachment). Moha got vanished and Vashishtah realised that he is not a body, he is a soul.
The bondage of Moha is very strong. We cannot easily eradicate it. Even big Rishia, Munis get affected. We as normal being should not think that being attached is not a gyani bakht's quality. It is with the help of our well wisher we can overcome this Moha. This all happens with the blessings of God who helps us at the time of grief and sorrow and keeps us away from the feeling of depression.

Deep rooted Moha(Attachment)

A gyani bhakt should try to keep away from Moha(atachment). The roots of moha are very strong and deep rooted. It is not easy to break the roots of Moha. It is like daldal(wet sand or pothole), where we cannot come out easily. Somebody else has to lift us up. We cannot come out on our own. At the time of crises, this moha can lead us to depression. But if we come across a right friend, a Guru or any person who is concerned about us, we can come out of this daldal.

It is not that we should not get attached. Everybody has moha towards their near and dear ones. If we lose them due to death or any other reason we miss them. Their talks, their love and emotions we miss. We should feel the loss but it should not stay long otherwise it will lead us to depression.

Like Arjun was under deep depression due to this moha. He did not want to fight against his own cousin, uncle, Guru and other relatives even though they did not care for him, they did not give him his share of property. They were ready to fight against him but he was very attached so he being a warrior did not want to fight. But when Lord Krishna, his dear friend, explained him and lifted him up from this moha, he overcame this depression.
In Moha people go blind. They become over possessive and never feel or realise for others. They become selfish.

Very few lucky ones get friends like Krishna to lift them up in need or in crises.

Two children were playing on the road. A speedy car came and hit both of them. Both of them got hurt and fell in a pothole. The mother of one child was standing near. She immediately lifted up her own child and took him to hospital for treatment. She did not bother to look back about the other child who was crying in pain. It is because of this moha she could see only her own child in pain and could hear his scream. She gave deaf ear and blind look to the other child.

Similarly two small children were sleeping together in a cot. Suddenly fire broke out. The mother of one child was nearby. She immediately picked up her own child. She never thought that the other child is equally important to his mother as is her own child to her. We are very insensitive to others feelings and pain. It is because of Moha.

Feeling of love and oneness for others

A gyani bhakt never instigates anger or hatred. He is simple and with feeling of love. He will feel for others and can understand others feelings as his own. Always try to seek company of a true gyani bhakt. Sometimes it so happens that we meet persons who try to spoil our feelings. They fill our mind with hatred and instigate us towards anger. If you are sensible and don't want any such nonsense then shut your ears and politely request that person to please keep these thoughts out of your mind or just keep away from such a company.

Once Swami Ramakrishna Paramhans was sailing by boat to cross river Ganga. All his disciples were also with him. Next to him Narendra(Vivekanand) was also seated. When the boat reached near the river bank Swami Paramhans started screaming loudly "Don't beat me, don't beat me". Everybody sitting in the boat were surprised to see swamiji screaming like this. They tried to hold him even Narendra tried to stop him but he fell down. They saw blood coming out from swamiji's back. He became unconscious. When he gained consciousness Narendra asked him "Gurudev, please tell us who is beating you? Swamiji pointed out with his finger. They all saw a boat owner was mercilessly beating a poor man with a hunter and that man was screaming "don't beat me, don't beat me".

The disciples realised that swamiji was feeling and synpathising with that poor man. He was having fellow feeling and could feel the pain the poor man was going through.
Swami Paramhans did not say that "don't beat him", he said "don't beat me". Swamiji wanted to make others feel that the poor man is not different from me, he is me. A feeling of oneness.

Love and Make Friends

Gyanti Bhakt’s 2nd quality is that he loves everybody and it is very easy for him to make friends.
Once Swami Ramatirth was going to America. He was sitting in a plane and next to him was seated an editor of an American newspaper. The news editor had seen sadhu for the first time. Simple dhoti and Jhatadhari. His face was shining and there was total peace on his face. The foreigner was continuously staring at him. He then asked him “Are you going to America”
Ramtirth replied “yes”
Then he asked him where is your luggage. He said “Ram does not carry burden, the burden is carried by animals”. The foreigner then said “oh! I hope you don’t have money or dollar”.
Ram replied “Ram does not keep any money or dollar”. The foreigner further questioned him by saying that you must be having friends or relative staying there.
Swami Ramatirth looked at him with profound love and kept his hand on his shoulder. The man was totally impressed by swami. He was visibly moved and swami Ramtirth just hugged him and said “you asked me about my friend, my relative in America, I say with pride that you are my friend, my relative in America.” After that they became good friends and Swami stayed with his new found friend in America for as many days
he stayed there.

Feeling of Hatred until Death

An old man was on the verge of dying. He knew his death was very near. He had four sons. They were all sitting next to him. His whole family was with him. He told his sons that he had looked after them throughout his life, reared and cared about them. And given them so much property. Now you will have to fulfill my last wish. The three elder sons did not answer. They knew their father’s nature. He was very cruel and would take revenge upon anybody who would trouble him. The three elder sons were aware that if they agree to their father’s wish, he would involve them into some trouble.
The youngest son, who stayed in hostel from his childhood, did not know his father’s cruel mentality. He immediately agreed to fulfill his father’s last wish. He came near him and said “father, what is your last wish before death, I will do the needful”. The father replied “oh! You are my real son and I know you will agree to do whatever I tell you. The father said “when I die, cut my body into pieces and throw them into neighbour’s house and inform the police that till my father was alive these neighbours tortured him a lot and now they have killed him and thrown his body into pieces. When police will handcuff these neighbours and put them in jail it will give immense satisfaction to my soul.”
The children were shocked to hear this. This old man who hated his neighbours is leaving behind a link of hatred. This is the property the children are going to inherit. Very often elders feeling of hatred is carried over by their children. Property disputes, running around in courts are all sighs of hatred. Never breed hatred for long or else it will land you in a major trouble. Hate the Feeling of Hatred not the person.
What are we so disturbed, so uncomfortable? Find the root cause and you will come to that it is feeling of hatred which is not allowing you feel good and peaceful. Only love and feeling of friendship will bring peace. You do your part of love and friendship, don’t wait for the opposite person to do so. You are sowing the seed of love which will definitely flourish. But the person who sows seed of hatred, will get only pain and no peace.