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.
God - The Creator
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, 4 September 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 29 August 2008
Qualities of Gyani Bhakt
To become bhakt of Almighty we have to surrender fully to God and not in bits and parts. We are born full, not in bits and parts. Same is the case with Death.
To become Gyani Bhakt, there are certain qualities which we should have.
First and foremost is that we must not feel jealous of others. We should not have feeling of hatred towards others. We are filled with hatred and jealousy. How can we claim to be the true bhakt. Think peacefully and introspect that why do we hate somebody. Find the root cause and once you know it, the feeling will disappear and you will feel relaxed. The reason of all ailments like depression, blood pressure etc is this deep rooted feeling of hatred and jealousy. We think we are inferior to other. But when the Almighty, the creator of this Universe is with you, why should you feel low and jealous. The person against whom we feel jealous is also his creation. Maybe whatever the other person has is because the God wanted it that way. So be happy that your are blessed, you have no diseases, you are healthy.
There was an old lady. She was ninety years old, death was very near her. Her whole body had shrunk and only bones could be visible. There was nobody to look after her, she was sick and could not move also. Naradji happen to pass her house. He saw her in this condition, he felt sorry for her and pitied her. He went near her and said "You have become old and sick, if you want I can make you look young and healthy". She looked at Naradji, saw that he is the same Narad with Veena, choti and khadau and was sure that he is capable of fulfilling her wish.
She said "Naradji, if you really want to fulfill my wish, want to give me vardaan then don't make me young, beautiful and healthy, just give me this vardaan that in this village where I am staying, everybody in this village should suffer and become like me".
Just don't laugh and take this as a story. This old lady is sitting in the corner every human heart. We are mostly like the old lady. She could have become young and beautiful woman with Naradji's blessings, but she ruined her own life. We very often miss such beautiful opportunities in our life. There is so much of hatred and jealousy filled in our heart that we don't want to improve but want others also to lose, suffer and become like us.
To become Gyani Bhakt, there are certain qualities which we should have.
First and foremost is that we must not feel jealous of others. We should not have feeling of hatred towards others. We are filled with hatred and jealousy. How can we claim to be the true bhakt. Think peacefully and introspect that why do we hate somebody. Find the root cause and once you know it, the feeling will disappear and you will feel relaxed. The reason of all ailments like depression, blood pressure etc is this deep rooted feeling of hatred and jealousy. We think we are inferior to other. But when the Almighty, the creator of this Universe is with you, why should you feel low and jealous. The person against whom we feel jealous is also his creation. Maybe whatever the other person has is because the God wanted it that way. So be happy that your are blessed, you have no diseases, you are healthy.
There was an old lady. She was ninety years old, death was very near her. Her whole body had shrunk and only bones could be visible. There was nobody to look after her, she was sick and could not move also. Naradji happen to pass her house. He saw her in this condition, he felt sorry for her and pitied her. He went near her and said "You have become old and sick, if you want I can make you look young and healthy". She looked at Naradji, saw that he is the same Narad with Veena, choti and khadau and was sure that he is capable of fulfilling her wish.
She said "Naradji, if you really want to fulfill my wish, want to give me vardaan then don't make me young, beautiful and healthy, just give me this vardaan that in this village where I am staying, everybody in this village should suffer and become like me".
Just don't laugh and take this as a story. This old lady is sitting in the corner every human heart. We are mostly like the old lady. She could have become young and beautiful woman with Naradji's blessings, but she ruined her own life. We very often miss such beautiful opportunities in our life. There is so much of hatred and jealousy filled in our heart that we don't want to improve but want others also to lose, suffer and become like us.
God's Blessings : Story of squirrel - why they have stripes
Always count on God's blessings. Feel the things which he has given us. Try to move forward. It is we who are delaying, hesitating to go near him, there is no delay on God's part. He is always there. There is no limit to his bhandhar, he has opened up so much treasure for us. There is no end to his kindness. Whatever mistakes are there, are our own creations. We have not fully surrendered to him.
The meaning of Bhakti is to feel and memorise his blessings which have been showered on us. Just leave your pooja, daily rituals and sit peacefully in one corner, close your eyes and honestly think what all he has given us and our we worth it. We just grumble and compare ourselves with others. Feel jealous and hate each other. That is the reason of our unhappiness.
There is story of a squirrel(Gilahari). Once when all the Vaanar of Hanuman's vanaar sena was busy making samundra setu, they were breaking huge mountains and trees to make setu, a small squirrel was taking dip in the water, rolling on the sand, collecting whatever sand she could with her body and keeping it on the setu.
When Hanumanji suddenly noticed this he got very amused. He told the squirrel "Ari, O, gillahari, what are doing? How can a setu be made like this? Any vaanar can stamp you, they are so huge, you can come under their leg. Please take one side".
Squirrel said "see, Hanuman everybody has its own strength and capacity to do service(seva) to Lord Rama. I will do service within my capacity and range, you do your part of service. You don't become a barrier in my part of service". Hearing this Hanumanji pulled her tail with his leg. She forcefully pulled it out and her tail became long. She felt severe pain. When Hanumanji turned back to see, he saw the squirrel has reached Lord Rama's darbaar.
She complained to Lord Rama about Hanumanji's remark and behaviour. Lord Rama politely made her sit on his lap and with mild tears in his eyes started rubbing the wounds on her tail and trying to soothe her. We can still see the stripes on squirrel's tail, they are Lord Rama's finger prints. Then she told him that your loving bhakt Hanuman is not allowing me to help them to make setu. He is putting hurdles in my seva and pulled my tail.
Lord Rama ordered Laxman, his brother, to call Hanuman in my Darbaar. When Hanuman entered and saw the squirrel in Lords lap, he smiled and thought Oh, she has reached to the higher authority. Lord asked squirrel what punishment to give Hanuman. She immediately said that now you pull his tail the same way as he had pulled mine.
Hanuman felt very happy and said what a punishment. If everyday Lord Rama puts his leg on my tail, I shall be very thankful. It will be great honour. Then everyday I am going to stamp your tail to get such a punishment.
This is Hanuman's immense bhakti and the kindness Lord showers on us. A small squireel gets such importance then why are we lagging behind. We have no confidence and trust in God. We have no patience and believe in his justice. He is there, always there. Just feel and experience him from within.
The meaning of Bhakti is to feel and memorise his blessings which have been showered on us. Just leave your pooja, daily rituals and sit peacefully in one corner, close your eyes and honestly think what all he has given us and our we worth it. We just grumble and compare ourselves with others. Feel jealous and hate each other. That is the reason of our unhappiness.
There is story of a squirrel(Gilahari). Once when all the Vaanar of Hanuman's vanaar sena was busy making samundra setu, they were breaking huge mountains and trees to make setu, a small squirrel was taking dip in the water, rolling on the sand, collecting whatever sand she could with her body and keeping it on the setu.
When Hanumanji suddenly noticed this he got very amused. He told the squirrel "Ari, O, gillahari, what are doing? How can a setu be made like this? Any vaanar can stamp you, they are so huge, you can come under their leg. Please take one side".
Squirrel said "see, Hanuman everybody has its own strength and capacity to do service(seva) to Lord Rama. I will do service within my capacity and range, you do your part of service. You don't become a barrier in my part of service". Hearing this Hanumanji pulled her tail with his leg. She forcefully pulled it out and her tail became long. She felt severe pain. When Hanumanji turned back to see, he saw the squirrel has reached Lord Rama's darbaar.
She complained to Lord Rama about Hanumanji's remark and behaviour. Lord Rama politely made her sit on his lap and with mild tears in his eyes started rubbing the wounds on her tail and trying to soothe her. We can still see the stripes on squirrel's tail, they are Lord Rama's finger prints. Then she told him that your loving bhakt Hanuman is not allowing me to help them to make setu. He is putting hurdles in my seva and pulled my tail.
Lord Rama ordered Laxman, his brother, to call Hanuman in my Darbaar. When Hanuman entered and saw the squirrel in Lords lap, he smiled and thought Oh, she has reached to the higher authority. Lord asked squirrel what punishment to give Hanuman. She immediately said that now you pull his tail the same way as he had pulled mine.
Hanuman felt very happy and said what a punishment. If everyday Lord Rama puts his leg on my tail, I shall be very thankful. It will be great honour. Then everyday I am going to stamp your tail to get such a punishment.
This is Hanuman's immense bhakti and the kindness Lord showers on us. A small squireel gets such importance then why are we lagging behind. We have no confidence and trust in God. We have no patience and believe in his justice. He is there, always there. Just feel and experience him from within.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Story of Balmiki and Angulimaal
Maharishi Valmiki wrote Ramayan. He was a dacoit before he attained knowledge. He was known as Valiya Bheel. He was dacoit, would kill people without regretting, ruined his entire life by killing others and making money. Once when Naradji went to him and asked him "friend, you are committing such heinous crimes, sins everyday, killing innocent lives and for whomsoever you are doing this, will they share your sins, will they be part of your crimes".
He replied "Yes, my family members will share my sins".
Naradji said "Don't say Yes, go and ask them".
When he went home and asked his parents "will you be my partners and share the consequences of my crimes". They said you are our son, you have to take care of us, why should be the partners(bhageedaar) in your sins. Then he asked his wife the same question. She also said that since you have married me, it is your responsibility to look after me, how can I be bhageedaar in your sins. Children also replied the same way. None of them wanted to bear the poisonous results of his crimes
Then Naradji told him that since none of your family members want to share(bhageedaar) the consequences of your crimes, then you decide, you have to bear the fruits of your ill deeds. Immediately he dropped the weapons from his hand and this one incidence made him from Valiya Bheel to Maharishi Valmiki who wrote Ramayan. He changed completely
Another incidence that happened during Gautam Budha's time.
Angulimaal was a famous dacoit and merciless killer, everybody would get scared him. Nobody dared to approach him. Gautam Budha attempted to tread that road to change Angulimaal. None of his bhikshu's dared to go with Buddha. He marched alone. Everybody tried to stop him but he did not pay attention.
As Gautam Budha approached near Angulimaal, he saw him from far. Angulimaal saw that one sanyasi is comming near him. He thought that this sanyasi does not know my power, may be he is an innocent man. He warned him from far "Do not move forward, I will kill you". Gautam Budha replied"I am not moving, I have stopped, you are only moving".
The more and more Budha went near him, the vibrations of peace, love and karuna of Gautam Budha was passing in his heart. He felt nervous and started shivering. He was thinking that what is happening to him. Then Gautam Budha came face to face and in front of him.
Angulimaal said "I will not spare you, I will kill you. Budha said I have come for that only, but tell me one thing that I am sitting and you are saying that I am moving. It is you who is moving and marching forward. I have stopped moving.
Gautam Budha politely said "Angulimaal, man walks with his mind. My mind is at rest, it has stopped moving since long. Though you are sitting but your mind is making so many plans and ideas to destroy things, what all dirty ideas are going on in your mind. It is not at peace. Physically I am moving but mentally I am steady. But you moving mentally also.
This made Angulimaal think and said to himself that whatever the sanyasi is saying is totally true. But again he came back to his point and said to Budha that whatever you say but I am definitely going to kill you.
Gautam Budha replied "first finish one one my work and then you can kill me".
He said "what is it?"
Gautam Budha said "pluck that stem from the tree and give it to me'.
Angulimaal immediately cut the stem of the tree and handed over to Budha.
Budha said "half of my job is over, now do another half of it. Now join it again on the tree."
Angulimaal said "how can a broken thing be joined? Gautam Budha said "Angulimaal, what sort of strong and brave man you are? You can break things but don"t know to join them, you can kill man but cannot make him alive, you can destroy things but cannot make them beautiful. This is not a brave man's sign".
Angulimaal asked Budha"can it be possible to mend and join broken things.
Gautam Budha replied "Yes, it can be done. One who has joined with himself, knows himself, joined with his own Atma, his soul, is always at peace. He can bridge gaps and bring peace in the entire world. The sword from Angulimaal fell down, he bowed to Gautam Budha and his entire life changed with the blessings of Gautam Budha.
He replied "Yes, my family members will share my sins".
Naradji said "Don't say Yes, go and ask them".
When he went home and asked his parents "will you be my partners and share the consequences of my crimes". They said you are our son, you have to take care of us, why should be the partners(bhageedaar) in your sins. Then he asked his wife the same question. She also said that since you have married me, it is your responsibility to look after me, how can I be bhageedaar in your sins. Children also replied the same way. None of them wanted to bear the poisonous results of his crimes
Then Naradji told him that since none of your family members want to share(bhageedaar) the consequences of your crimes, then you decide, you have to bear the fruits of your ill deeds. Immediately he dropped the weapons from his hand and this one incidence made him from Valiya Bheel to Maharishi Valmiki who wrote Ramayan. He changed completely
Another incidence that happened during Gautam Budha's time.
Angulimaal was a famous dacoit and merciless killer, everybody would get scared him. Nobody dared to approach him. Gautam Budha attempted to tread that road to change Angulimaal. None of his bhikshu's dared to go with Buddha. He marched alone. Everybody tried to stop him but he did not pay attention.
As Gautam Budha approached near Angulimaal, he saw him from far. Angulimaal saw that one sanyasi is comming near him. He thought that this sanyasi does not know my power, may be he is an innocent man. He warned him from far "Do not move forward, I will kill you". Gautam Budha replied"I am not moving, I have stopped, you are only moving".
The more and more Budha went near him, the vibrations of peace, love and karuna of Gautam Budha was passing in his heart. He felt nervous and started shivering. He was thinking that what is happening to him. Then Gautam Budha came face to face and in front of him.
Angulimaal said "I will not spare you, I will kill you. Budha said I have come for that only, but tell me one thing that I am sitting and you are saying that I am moving. It is you who is moving and marching forward. I have stopped moving.
Gautam Budha politely said "Angulimaal, man walks with his mind. My mind is at rest, it has stopped moving since long. Though you are sitting but your mind is making so many plans and ideas to destroy things, what all dirty ideas are going on in your mind. It is not at peace. Physically I am moving but mentally I am steady. But you moving mentally also.
This made Angulimaal think and said to himself that whatever the sanyasi is saying is totally true. But again he came back to his point and said to Budha that whatever you say but I am definitely going to kill you.
Gautam Budha replied "first finish one one my work and then you can kill me".
He said "what is it?"
Gautam Budha said "pluck that stem from the tree and give it to me'.
Angulimaal immediately cut the stem of the tree and handed over to Budha.
Budha said "half of my job is over, now do another half of it. Now join it again on the tree."
Angulimaal said "how can a broken thing be joined? Gautam Budha said "Angulimaal, what sort of strong and brave man you are? You can break things but don"t know to join them, you can kill man but cannot make him alive, you can destroy things but cannot make them beautiful. This is not a brave man's sign".
Angulimaal asked Budha"can it be possible to mend and join broken things.
Gautam Budha replied "Yes, it can be done. One who has joined with himself, knows himself, joined with his own Atma, his soul, is always at peace. He can bridge gaps and bring peace in the entire world. The sword from Angulimaal fell down, he bowed to Gautam Budha and his entire life changed with the blessings of Gautam Budha.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Story from Upanishad
There is a story from Upnanishads about shwetketu. Shwetketu had gone to his gurukul to gain knowledge. After twelve years when he returned, He did not do pranaam or touch his father's feet. He thought that he has more knowledge than hus father. He saw his father was sitting in yagyashala. The father observed his son's style of talking, he did not appreciate it. He did not touch his father's feet nor he did any pranaam to him.
Father said "Oh! I sent you to gurukul to collect all dirt. What have you learnt? Only about bricks and stones. Can knowledge impart Ego? You have just collected dirt.
Knowledge teaches you politeness. It is like a tree which bends low when it starts bearing fruits. The father then asked Swetketu "You have completely attained knowledge".
He replied "Yes, father. I remember everything, you can ask me from anywhere".
The father asked"Did you learn about the One and knowing that Only One you don't have to know anything'.
The son promptly replied "There is no such knowledge to know about The One and if it is there then my Guruji(teacher) may not be knowing as he did not teach me about The Only One".
The father told his son to go back to Gurukul. He said "Being a Brahmin's son does not mean you become a Brahmin, the one who knows about Brahma Vidhya is a Brahmin. Go and ask your Guru about it.
Shwetketu went back to Gurukul and asked his Guru whether there is any vidhya which teaches about The Only One. The Guru replied "Yes, there is." The boy said why did not you tell me about this.
Guru said "I answered all your queries, but you never wanted to know The Brahm Vidhya. He requested his Guru and told him to tell about the Only One.
The Guru answers "Tatvam Aasi" Oho ! That is You, my son. Know thyself, know your atman. know yourself from within, your atma, your trueself.
"Atma Ka Gyan" Knowledge about Self. After hearing this, Swetketu immediately gained the knowledge. His Gurukul vidhya which his father wanted was complete. Observe and look at Atma, search for truth and God. Look for peace. In one instance and one incident can open our eyes and attain knowledge.
Father said "Oh! I sent you to gurukul to collect all dirt. What have you learnt? Only about bricks and stones. Can knowledge impart Ego? You have just collected dirt.
Knowledge teaches you politeness. It is like a tree which bends low when it starts bearing fruits. The father then asked Swetketu "You have completely attained knowledge".
He replied "Yes, father. I remember everything, you can ask me from anywhere".
The father asked"Did you learn about the One and knowing that Only One you don't have to know anything'.
The son promptly replied "There is no such knowledge to know about The One and if it is there then my Guruji(teacher) may not be knowing as he did not teach me about The Only One".
The father told his son to go back to Gurukul. He said "Being a Brahmin's son does not mean you become a Brahmin, the one who knows about Brahma Vidhya is a Brahmin. Go and ask your Guru about it.
Shwetketu went back to Gurukul and asked his Guru whether there is any vidhya which teaches about The Only One. The Guru replied "Yes, there is." The boy said why did not you tell me about this.
Guru said "I answered all your queries, but you never wanted to know The Brahm Vidhya. He requested his Guru and told him to tell about the Only One.
The Guru answers "Tatvam Aasi" Oho ! That is You, my son. Know thyself, know your atman. know yourself from within, your atma, your trueself.
"Atma Ka Gyan" Knowledge about Self. After hearing this, Swetketu immediately gained the knowledge. His Gurukul vidhya which his father wanted was complete. Observe and look at Atma, search for truth and God. Look for peace. In one instance and one incident can open our eyes and attain knowledge.
Vedanta : Three sutras
There are three sutra(link) of Vedanta. (Shravan, manan and nidhihasan) Attain or gain knowledge just in one instance i.e. shravan, practice again and again about it and to learn many times to get that knowledge is manan. Some people can understand by just listening to knowledge. Some people have to practice again and again to get the knowledge like to break stone into pieces you have to go on hitting it i.e called manan. Nidhihasan takes years to gain knowledge, you dont get it very fast, you have to work very hard.
King parikshat attained knowledge by just listening, Sukhdevji Maharaj knew that Parikshat has gained knowledge very fast. Those who listen with their intellect take time to understand but who take it to their heart, gain knowledge very fast. Your intellect will always find logic and reasoning in everything, it will become a barrier in gaining knowledge easily but if you understand with your heart, it will become very easy. Your intellect is like a scissor trying to cut and reason out the knowledge you are trying to gain. There is a style of listening any gyan. If you blink, or look here and there, you will not be able to grasp, there will be conflict in your thinking. Sometimes with one incident you attain knowledge.
King parikshat attained knowledge by just listening, Sukhdevji Maharaj knew that Parikshat has gained knowledge very fast. Those who listen with their intellect take time to understand but who take it to their heart, gain knowledge very fast. Your intellect will always find logic and reasoning in everything, it will become a barrier in gaining knowledge easily but if you understand with your heart, it will become very easy. Your intellect is like a scissor trying to cut and reason out the knowledge you are trying to gain. There is a style of listening any gyan. If you blink, or look here and there, you will not be able to grasp, there will be conflict in your thinking. Sometimes with one incident you attain knowledge.
Knowledge : Easy and Difficult
Knowledge attained can be easy for some and can be difficult for others. It all depends upon the person who is trying to gain knowledge. Knowledge about spiritual or material, all depends on your interest and capacity to attain it.
Many years back Swami Kutasthanandji along with his friend stayed in a Businessman"s house. He had a very big family and a huge bungalow. The rich businessman requested swamiji to stay with them for 15 days and every evening for one hour he must do pravachan. Swamiji agreed. The seth had a great influence on his family and he was a strict disciplinarian and everybody had to assemble at 8 p.m for the satsang. School going children also had to join to listen to the pravachan.
Just five days had passed the seth told swamiji "you are talking about Gautam Budha, Mahavir swami, vairagya about Geeta but I have grown up children, they have to get married, look after my business and you teaching them and giving pravachan on vairagya. If these children get vairagya by listening to your knowledge, they may leave the house and become sanyasi
Swamiji replied "Seth, vairagya is not so cheap, knowledge is not something to sell, it is highly valuable. You have to pay heavy price, you have to think and put your knowledge to stake. First of all these children don't pay attention to my satsang. Even if they listen, they leave it here on only, they don't take it with them. They are silently sitting here and listening to my pravachan because of your influence, they are scared of you so they forcefully sit here and hear my pravachan to respect you. Otherewise they would not sit here".
Knowledge about Almighty is not easy to grasp, it is not a game,it is not any drama and it is not something that you can put in your pocket. If you know the value, you will easily understand and accept it but if you feel it is waste, you will find it very difficult to gain spiritual knowledge
Many years back Swami Kutasthanandji along with his friend stayed in a Businessman"s house. He had a very big family and a huge bungalow. The rich businessman requested swamiji to stay with them for 15 days and every evening for one hour he must do pravachan. Swamiji agreed. The seth had a great influence on his family and he was a strict disciplinarian and everybody had to assemble at 8 p.m for the satsang. School going children also had to join to listen to the pravachan.
Just five days had passed the seth told swamiji "you are talking about Gautam Budha, Mahavir swami, vairagya about Geeta but I have grown up children, they have to get married, look after my business and you teaching them and giving pravachan on vairagya. If these children get vairagya by listening to your knowledge, they may leave the house and become sanyasi
Swamiji replied "Seth, vairagya is not so cheap, knowledge is not something to sell, it is highly valuable. You have to pay heavy price, you have to think and put your knowledge to stake. First of all these children don't pay attention to my satsang. Even if they listen, they leave it here on only, they don't take it with them. They are silently sitting here and listening to my pravachan because of your influence, they are scared of you so they forcefully sit here and hear my pravachan to respect you. Otherewise they would not sit here".
Knowledge about Almighty is not easy to grasp, it is not a game,it is not any drama and it is not something that you can put in your pocket. If you know the value, you will easily understand and accept it but if you feel it is waste, you will find it very difficult to gain spiritual knowledge
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Discussion Vs Argument
Discussion is like two people finding out a solution to a problem and jointly agree each others view and come to a result. There is mutual understanding. Argument is like two people asserting their point over a problem. Each one trying to be stronger than the other. There is clash of ego, but no solution. There is no agreement. In a fit of ego people fight and argue, they may harm each other. So keep away from arguments.
Once a saint entered into a village. Two people were fighting with each other, there were heated arguments. Whole village had gathered to see and stop this foolish drama, but they could not. The saint then asked them that why are they fighting. The village people requested him to find a solution, you are the right person to put an end to this fight. They were very good friends but since last fifty years they are just arguing and fighting and not reaching up to an amicable solution.
The saint asked "what is the argument about and why are they fighting?"
They said "Argument is only about that one friend says that this universe is God's creation, the other friend says that God has not made this universe, it has been created on its own. They have become old and still their argument is on"
The saint smiled and then laughed. He called first the friend who said that God has made the universe. He said "Son, if it is true and if it is proved that this universe is God's creation, what would you do?
He replied "I will not do anything"
The saint politely said "if in these past fifty years of your life, had you concentrated on God, had you paid attention and prayed to God, God himself would have come to you to prove his existence as the creator. But you wasted your precious time in arguing and wasted these poor villagers time also.
Then he called the friend who argued that the universe is not God's creation, it has been created on its own. He asked "if it is proved that God has not created this universe, what would you do"
He also replied that he would do nothing.
The saint said that past fifty years you are arguing and fighting. If these fifty years you would do some hard work and pay attention and would have done some dhyan, you could have become God, you would be able achieve something but you wasted your talent and this precious life on this trivial matter.
Argument gives you worry, tensions, increases you Blood Pressure and you suffer from unwanted ailments. Keep away from arguments. Since when you are not sure of anything, why indulge in argument and boost your ego. It will boomerang on you and lead you nowhere. Just relax and enjoy life which is very precious.
Once a saint entered into a village. Two people were fighting with each other, there were heated arguments. Whole village had gathered to see and stop this foolish drama, but they could not. The saint then asked them that why are they fighting. The village people requested him to find a solution, you are the right person to put an end to this fight. They were very good friends but since last fifty years they are just arguing and fighting and not reaching up to an amicable solution.
The saint asked "what is the argument about and why are they fighting?"
They said "Argument is only about that one friend says that this universe is God's creation, the other friend says that God has not made this universe, it has been created on its own. They have become old and still their argument is on"
The saint smiled and then laughed. He called first the friend who said that God has made the universe. He said "Son, if it is true and if it is proved that this universe is God's creation, what would you do?
He replied "I will not do anything"
The saint politely said "if in these past fifty years of your life, had you concentrated on God, had you paid attention and prayed to God, God himself would have come to you to prove his existence as the creator. But you wasted your precious time in arguing and wasted these poor villagers time also.
Then he called the friend who argued that the universe is not God's creation, it has been created on its own. He asked "if it is proved that God has not created this universe, what would you do"
He also replied that he would do nothing.
The saint said that past fifty years you are arguing and fighting. If these fifty years you would do some hard work and pay attention and would have done some dhyan, you could have become God, you would be able achieve something but you wasted your talent and this precious life on this trivial matter.
Argument gives you worry, tensions, increases you Blood Pressure and you suffer from unwanted ailments. Keep away from arguments. Since when you are not sure of anything, why indulge in argument and boost your ego. It will boomerang on you and lead you nowhere. Just relax and enjoy life which is very precious.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Be kind to Animals
Once Gautam Budha entered into a state capital. The king of that state had made arrangements for a big Yagna. There were many Brahmins, they were chanting mantras and putting ahuti. A goat was also standing with tilak on his forehead. Budha asked them what are you doing?. They replied that they are going to sacrifice this goat.
Gautam Budha again said politely "You do yagna, put ahuti, chant mantra, offer bhog to Brahmins, this is all fine, but why sacrifice this poor goat? People said that the goat will get moksh, mukti, he will go to swarag(heaven).
Budha said "Did this goat request you to sent him to swarag. You are forcefully sending him to swarag. Are you sure he will get swarag? People had no answer.
Your old parents often say we want to go to heaven, we want moksh. Then send your old parents to swarag by sacrificing them. Would you do that? No. Then why this poor goat.
Gautam Budha again said politely "You do yagna, put ahuti, chant mantra, offer bhog to Brahmins, this is all fine, but why sacrifice this poor goat? People said that the goat will get moksh, mukti, he will go to swarag(heaven).
Budha said "Did this goat request you to sent him to swarag. You are forcefully sending him to swarag. Are you sure he will get swarag? People had no answer.
Your old parents often say we want to go to heaven, we want moksh. Then send your old parents to swarag by sacrificing them. Would you do that? No. Then why this poor goat.
Do not thrust your views on others
Once swamiji was in New Delhi. Some people had organised his satsang near a temple. They had fixed huge mikes over there so that people from far off places could hear it.
Swamiji asked the organisers for what purpose they had fixed these mikes. They replied "Maharaj, there will be kirtan and satsang, people's ears will get purified on hearing it". Swamiji said "Did those people tell you that they want to get their ears purified, why are you forcing everyone to hear satsang. It is their wish if they want to get purified they can sit and hear in the pandal. There are sick people in the locality, there may be children who have their exams, they may get irritated. They can complain to the police. So do not do thing which others don't like to hear or do. You are interested you do it, but do not thrust your views or ideas on others."
Everybody is born with equal rights, but we go out of our limits to do things which can be harmful for others. It may boomerang on you.
Swamiji asked the organisers for what purpose they had fixed these mikes. They replied "Maharaj, there will be kirtan and satsang, people's ears will get purified on hearing it". Swamiji said "Did those people tell you that they want to get their ears purified, why are you forcing everyone to hear satsang. It is their wish if they want to get purified they can sit and hear in the pandal. There are sick people in the locality, there may be children who have their exams, they may get irritated. They can complain to the police. So do not do thing which others don't like to hear or do. You are interested you do it, but do not thrust your views or ideas on others."
Everybody is born with equal rights, but we go out of our limits to do things which can be harmful for others. It may boomerang on you.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Misuse of Power or Dhyan
In swami Ramakrishna Paramhans ashram there used to be a man named, Kalicharan. He was very innocent and simple man. In his room he had kept three hundred idols of different God. He used to pray, do aarti, put chandan on each and every idol. His whole day used to pass off in taking care of idols and praying to every God. He used to get deeply immersed in this activity and never would disturb or fight with with anybody.
Swami Vivekananda was also a disciple of Swami Ramakrishna and would stay in the same ashram. Since Vivekanand was young, highly knowledgeable and would find reason for everything, did not appreciate this habit of Kalicharan. He used to always ask Kalicharan that why did he pray to these stone idols, offer bhog to each and every idol. Vivekanand wanted an explanation from Kalicharan. He used to always tell him to pack up all the idols in a cloth and immerse them in river Ganga.
But Kalicharan was not perturbed by Vivikanand's remarks. He would just smile and not answer him back. Everyday Vivekanand used to tell Kalicharan to stop this habit but it had no impact on him.
Once Swami Vivekanand was immersed in dhyan, he felt some spiritual power within. He attained dhyan or samadhi which is very difficult to achieve. He felt that he is above all and with this power he can change Kalicharan. Through this dhyan and spiritual power he started sending messages to Kalicharan " O Kali, pick up all the thakurs and put them in Ganga river" Kalicharan could feel those vibrations or messages sent by Vivekanand. He was sweating and crying and could feel that some power within was pressurising him to immerse these idols.
One day unwillingly and with a heavy heart he packed up all the idols, put them in a bedsheet and went towards the river, crying bitterly as he was feeling very void and lost.
That time Swami Ramakrishna Paramhas was walking towards the river. He saw Kalicharan weeping and carrying some load on his shoulder. He went near and asked him "Kalu, why are you weeping and what are carrying on your shoulder?" Kalicharan started crying by saying that some inner voice, voice from within forcing me to throw these God's idols in the Ganga river. Paramhans said "go back, don't throw these idols, there is no voice from within or anything that sort. Continue with your daily rituals."
Kalicharan went back to the ashram and decorated his room as before with the idols and started doing his aarti and was busy and happy with his work. Ramakrishna pushed the door and entered into Vivekanand's room. Vivekanand got up and did namaskar to his Guru. Then Ramakrishna told him "Vivekanand, first time you have attained this spiritual power, you have achieved so much strength and first time only you have misused it. If Kalicharan throws his thakurs in the river what would you get. Why are you feeling bad. You may be brighter than him. You have more reasoning power and understanding than him. When Kalicharan is getting peace and satisfaction by doing this, why are you disturbing him. He is not troubling anybody, he is not doing harm to you or any person, then why are you forcing him to do this. From now on I take back this power from you. You will not get dhyan or samadhi. With my blessings you got this power, but now I am snatching it from you."
Narendra(Vivekanand) touched his Guru's feet, started weeping and promised that in future he will not misuse the powers. Please do not take back this strength which you have given me. I apologise for my mistake.
Very often we also do the same. We try to change others and want them to behave like us. But that is not correct. Every individual has some quality in them. So long if anybody is not hurting or troubling others, we should not force them to change.
Swami Vivekananda was also a disciple of Swami Ramakrishna and would stay in the same ashram. Since Vivekanand was young, highly knowledgeable and would find reason for everything, did not appreciate this habit of Kalicharan. He used to always ask Kalicharan that why did he pray to these stone idols, offer bhog to each and every idol. Vivekanand wanted an explanation from Kalicharan. He used to always tell him to pack up all the idols in a cloth and immerse them in river Ganga.
But Kalicharan was not perturbed by Vivikanand's remarks. He would just smile and not answer him back. Everyday Vivekanand used to tell Kalicharan to stop this habit but it had no impact on him.
Once Swami Vivekanand was immersed in dhyan, he felt some spiritual power within. He attained dhyan or samadhi which is very difficult to achieve. He felt that he is above all and with this power he can change Kalicharan. Through this dhyan and spiritual power he started sending messages to Kalicharan " O Kali, pick up all the thakurs and put them in Ganga river" Kalicharan could feel those vibrations or messages sent by Vivekanand. He was sweating and crying and could feel that some power within was pressurising him to immerse these idols.
One day unwillingly and with a heavy heart he packed up all the idols, put them in a bedsheet and went towards the river, crying bitterly as he was feeling very void and lost.
That time Swami Ramakrishna Paramhas was walking towards the river. He saw Kalicharan weeping and carrying some load on his shoulder. He went near and asked him "Kalu, why are you weeping and what are carrying on your shoulder?" Kalicharan started crying by saying that some inner voice, voice from within forcing me to throw these God's idols in the Ganga river. Paramhans said "go back, don't throw these idols, there is no voice from within or anything that sort. Continue with your daily rituals."
Kalicharan went back to the ashram and decorated his room as before with the idols and started doing his aarti and was busy and happy with his work. Ramakrishna pushed the door and entered into Vivekanand's room. Vivekanand got up and did namaskar to his Guru. Then Ramakrishna told him "Vivekanand, first time you have attained this spiritual power, you have achieved so much strength and first time only you have misused it. If Kalicharan throws his thakurs in the river what would you get. Why are you feeling bad. You may be brighter than him. You have more reasoning power and understanding than him. When Kalicharan is getting peace and satisfaction by doing this, why are you disturbing him. He is not troubling anybody, he is not doing harm to you or any person, then why are you forcing him to do this. From now on I take back this power from you. You will not get dhyan or samadhi. With my blessings you got this power, but now I am snatching it from you."
Narendra(Vivekanand) touched his Guru's feet, started weeping and promised that in future he will not misuse the powers. Please do not take back this strength which you have given me. I apologise for my mistake.
Very often we also do the same. We try to change others and want them to behave like us. But that is not correct. Every individual has some quality in them. So long if anybody is not hurting or troubling others, we should not force them to change.
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Story of Mahatma Gautam Budha
Lord Krishna told Arjun "Do not give this knowledge of Geeta to Abhakt. It can be misused"
Gautam Budha before sleeping used to always tell his disciples that now it is night time, you be busy with your rest of the job. Night time rest of job means "Dhyan" get immersed in your dhyan(concentration) towards God and if you die in dhyan it is like Nirvan or Moksh.
Once while the satsang of Lord Budha was going on, a thief and a prostitute entered and joined in to hear the satsang. When lastly before retiring to bed Lord told his disciples "now be busy with your rest of the job". The thief when heard this murmured to himself "See, how sensible is Lord Budha, he can understand that my job at night time is to steal and now he has given me permission to do my rest of the job. He is antaryami. He can introspect. The thief felt very happy.
Same way the prostitute felt. She felt happy that Lord has given her permission to do her rest of the job at night. Both of them left to do their respective jobs.
Here the Lords words had a negative impact on thief and the prostitute. It was misused.
Lord Krishna is telling Arjun to be cautious while imparting or sharing my knowledge. Check the person, if he is really interested and keen to do something good, then only give him this knowledge. Otherwise it will go to a wrong person and he may misuse it. "Idam te naatapaskaya naabhaktaya kadachana"
Gautam Budha before sleeping used to always tell his disciples that now it is night time, you be busy with your rest of the job. Night time rest of job means "Dhyan" get immersed in your dhyan(concentration) towards God and if you die in dhyan it is like Nirvan or Moksh.
Once while the satsang of Lord Budha was going on, a thief and a prostitute entered and joined in to hear the satsang. When lastly before retiring to bed Lord told his disciples "now be busy with your rest of the job". The thief when heard this murmured to himself "See, how sensible is Lord Budha, he can understand that my job at night time is to steal and now he has given me permission to do my rest of the job. He is antaryami. He can introspect. The thief felt very happy.
Same way the prostitute felt. She felt happy that Lord has given her permission to do her rest of the job at night. Both of them left to do their respective jobs.
Here the Lords words had a negative impact on thief and the prostitute. It was misused.
Lord Krishna is telling Arjun to be cautious while imparting or sharing my knowledge. Check the person, if he is really interested and keen to do something good, then only give him this knowledge. Otherwise it will go to a wrong person and he may misuse it. "Idam te naatapaskaya naabhaktaya kadachana"
Monday, 4 August 2008
Knowledge should be given to those who value it
In Bhagwat Geeta Lord Krishna told Arjun "Idam te naatapaskaya naabhaktaya kadachana"
Lord Krishna is alerting Arjun that this knowledge do not share with a person who is not my bhakt and who does not believe in me. Abhakt is like a pot that is kept in the reverse(ulta ghada) and true bhakt is like straight pot(seeda Ghada). Ulta ghada is like ahankari and seeda ghada is like nirahankari. It is like there is heavy rainfall but since the pot is kept in the reverse, it will not collect water. Same is case with abhakt, the knowledge is given through satsang books etc. but it is no use telling a person who is not interested. He may collect only moss. He may misuse it.
Like once when Jesus Christ was going somewhere and it was evening time. It was getting little dark. Christ saw on his way a young boy lying in a drunken position in one dirty nullah. He was stinking and very dirty. Christ woke him up, lifted him up washed his face and body. Christ then said "Friend, you are so young, God has given you such handsome looks and body. you have got such a beautiful life ahead and you have wasted it in drinks etc." The boy came into consciousness, opened his eyes, bowed to Christ and replied, "Sir, You may not remember, I am the same boy who was suffering from paralysis, totally bedridden. You came near me, put your loving hands on me, showered your love. I became completely normal. Now tell me what should I do with this body." Tears started dripping from Christ's eyes. He thought he tried to be good but went to a wrong person. His mercy towards that man was not worth it. My sympathy, my love brought such negative results.
Christ went on thinking how a man can be so ungrateful. He went further and saw a young boy teasing a young girl. The girl started screaming. Jesus moved forward, told the boy "friend, what are you doing? He caught hold of him. The boy when realised his mistake, he saw Christ, bowed in front of him and said "Lord! I was blind, by birth I could not see, You came, showered your mercy, you kept your hand on my eyes and I got sight to see this world. Now how to make use of this eyesight. Jesus Christ eyes became moist and said "I gave you eyes for good intention, you could do something good for the humanity. You misused my knowledge and blessings by trying to molest this innocent girl. The boy repented and promised to change.
Lord Christ walked ahead and saw a man trying to commit suicide by hanging himself from a tree. He immediately stopped him and politely said "friend, what are you doing? committing suicide. Person who commits suicide never gets peace and does not get place anywhere. God has gifted you such a nice body and you are killing it. Your soul may not rest in peace." The man came into his senses and said "leave me, let me commit suicide. I was dead, my body was being taken to graveyard, you came showered your mercy and blessed me with your hands and I came into consciousness, became alive. I don't want this life. I think it is better to die, why did you give me another lease of life."Lord Christ felt pity on that man as he tried to misuse the life given by Lord.
God has showered us with this beautiful world and a body and with sensible brain and emotional heart to feel and love the nature. He gave us life, a family, a beautiful world full of love. He has given proof of his existence in form of love. Love given by our parents, friends, relatives, husband, wife and in return same love is showered and forwarded and given to our children. He loves us but we do not value it and find an excuse to waste the most precious gift offered by God.
Lord Krishna is alerting Arjun that this knowledge do not share with a person who is not my bhakt and who does not believe in me. Abhakt is like a pot that is kept in the reverse(ulta ghada) and true bhakt is like straight pot(seeda Ghada). Ulta ghada is like ahankari and seeda ghada is like nirahankari. It is like there is heavy rainfall but since the pot is kept in the reverse, it will not collect water. Same is case with abhakt, the knowledge is given through satsang books etc. but it is no use telling a person who is not interested. He may collect only moss. He may misuse it.
Like once when Jesus Christ was going somewhere and it was evening time. It was getting little dark. Christ saw on his way a young boy lying in a drunken position in one dirty nullah. He was stinking and very dirty. Christ woke him up, lifted him up washed his face and body. Christ then said "Friend, you are so young, God has given you such handsome looks and body. you have got such a beautiful life ahead and you have wasted it in drinks etc." The boy came into consciousness, opened his eyes, bowed to Christ and replied, "Sir, You may not remember, I am the same boy who was suffering from paralysis, totally bedridden. You came near me, put your loving hands on me, showered your love. I became completely normal. Now tell me what should I do with this body." Tears started dripping from Christ's eyes. He thought he tried to be good but went to a wrong person. His mercy towards that man was not worth it. My sympathy, my love brought such negative results.
Christ went on thinking how a man can be so ungrateful. He went further and saw a young boy teasing a young girl. The girl started screaming. Jesus moved forward, told the boy "friend, what are you doing? He caught hold of him. The boy when realised his mistake, he saw Christ, bowed in front of him and said "Lord! I was blind, by birth I could not see, You came, showered your mercy, you kept your hand on my eyes and I got sight to see this world. Now how to make use of this eyesight. Jesus Christ eyes became moist and said "I gave you eyes for good intention, you could do something good for the humanity. You misused my knowledge and blessings by trying to molest this innocent girl. The boy repented and promised to change.
Lord Christ walked ahead and saw a man trying to commit suicide by hanging himself from a tree. He immediately stopped him and politely said "friend, what are you doing? committing suicide. Person who commits suicide never gets peace and does not get place anywhere. God has gifted you such a nice body and you are killing it. Your soul may not rest in peace." The man came into his senses and said "leave me, let me commit suicide. I was dead, my body was being taken to graveyard, you came showered your mercy and blessed me with your hands and I came into consciousness, became alive. I don't want this life. I think it is better to die, why did you give me another lease of life."Lord Christ felt pity on that man as he tried to misuse the life given by Lord.
God has showered us with this beautiful world and a body and with sensible brain and emotional heart to feel and love the nature. He gave us life, a family, a beautiful world full of love. He has given proof of his existence in form of love. Love given by our parents, friends, relatives, husband, wife and in return same love is showered and forwarded and given to our children. He loves us but we do not value it and find an excuse to waste the most precious gift offered by God.
Friday, 1 August 2008
God's signals and Indications
Swami kutasthanandji's experience regarding the signal's which God sends us. It is Hridayasth Ishwar's voice. We must pay attention to it. He is there in our heart and everytime trying to help and indicate us or stop us from facing any untoward incidence.
Once when Swamiji was at Haridwar, some bhog ceremony was organised by a Mahatma, his good friend. It is called samashti bhandara. Swamiji was also invited. One of the disciple of the Mahatma had a big Ghee's shop. He was to arrange for pure ghee. The Mahatma requested swamiji to go with this truck driver to get ghee before the bhandara. Swamiji agreed and went to the shop to get the ghee. The shopkeeper made Swamiji sit on a chair alongwith a table and told him to wait for sometime.
While swamiji was still seated on the chair, there came heavy storm and gushy winds, it became very dark and there was thunder and lightening. Guruji closed the door of the room to avoid story winds, switched on the light and started reading some books.
Suddently he heard heavy knock on the door. He could hear that somebody was literally trying to push open the door. Swamiji said to himself that it is because of the wind the door is shaking, who will come now to bang at the door as swamiji knew that it will long time for the shopkeeper to fill the truck load. But still there was some conflict in his mine. He finally got up and opened the door to see if somebody has come to call him. He just got up from his seat, walked a few steps, he saw some brick falling from the rooftop and damaged the chair and a table where he was sitting. It was a newly built house and left over brick were kept on the terrace of the building. Due to heavy storm it must have fallen. Swamiji opened the door to see if realy somebody was there, but he could not see anybody. later on he called all the people. Everybody was surprised. But for swamiji it was a signal from the Lord to get up from the chair. He thanked the Almighty for forcefully making him get up to open the door.
One more incidence when Guruji was young. He stayed in Haridwar in one Beliram Ashram for some days. He was given a room on the ground floor to stay, but swamiji requested the head of the Ashram to give him a room on the upper floor. It was very cold winter time so the head had arranged for him a room on ground floor but as swamiji insisted he was given a room on the upper floor. At night time he went to see Ramleela in a nearby place. It became very late and Guruji was very tired also and decided to sleep. As it was very cold he put his blanket and went to sleep. But he was not getting sleep, somebody within was pressuring him to dust the bed and the blanket. But being young people feel lazy to do all that. His mind was all the time nagging him to dust the blanket atleast. Still he did not pay heed to his conscious. He thought let me sleep now,tomorrow morning he will call somebody to dust the bed for him. But there was continuous conflict going on in his mind. He could not disown that conflict and finally got up to clean the bed. As he got up to first clean the blanket, to his utter shock he saw a round snake hiding cozily in his blanket which he had worn. He literally screamed and everybody from the ashram came running. It was a poisonous snake and finally it was thrown out. But full night swamiji could not sleep. He was thinking had he slept on the ground floor room and listened tot he head, this may not have happened. People might say that this must have happened by chance. But swamiji strongly insists that it is Hridyasth Ishwar's voice which saved his life.
There are so many incidents in our life where we thank God for whatever good happens to us. So we must pay attention to conflict that goes on in our mind for any reason, whatsoever, and we will get solutions from there only. Don't ignore there warning signals, pay attention, you may overcome major disasters in your life. Hear the strong mind, do not listen your weak or lazy mind
Once when Swamiji was at Haridwar, some bhog ceremony was organised by a Mahatma, his good friend. It is called samashti bhandara. Swamiji was also invited. One of the disciple of the Mahatma had a big Ghee's shop. He was to arrange for pure ghee. The Mahatma requested swamiji to go with this truck driver to get ghee before the bhandara. Swamiji agreed and went to the shop to get the ghee. The shopkeeper made Swamiji sit on a chair alongwith a table and told him to wait for sometime.
While swamiji was still seated on the chair, there came heavy storm and gushy winds, it became very dark and there was thunder and lightening. Guruji closed the door of the room to avoid story winds, switched on the light and started reading some books.
Suddently he heard heavy knock on the door. He could hear that somebody was literally trying to push open the door. Swamiji said to himself that it is because of the wind the door is shaking, who will come now to bang at the door as swamiji knew that it will long time for the shopkeeper to fill the truck load. But still there was some conflict in his mine. He finally got up and opened the door to see if somebody has come to call him. He just got up from his seat, walked a few steps, he saw some brick falling from the rooftop and damaged the chair and a table where he was sitting. It was a newly built house and left over brick were kept on the terrace of the building. Due to heavy storm it must have fallen. Swamiji opened the door to see if realy somebody was there, but he could not see anybody. later on he called all the people. Everybody was surprised. But for swamiji it was a signal from the Lord to get up from the chair. He thanked the Almighty for forcefully making him get up to open the door.
One more incidence when Guruji was young. He stayed in Haridwar in one Beliram Ashram for some days. He was given a room on the ground floor to stay, but swamiji requested the head of the Ashram to give him a room on the upper floor. It was very cold winter time so the head had arranged for him a room on ground floor but as swamiji insisted he was given a room on the upper floor. At night time he went to see Ramleela in a nearby place. It became very late and Guruji was very tired also and decided to sleep. As it was very cold he put his blanket and went to sleep. But he was not getting sleep, somebody within was pressuring him to dust the bed and the blanket. But being young people feel lazy to do all that. His mind was all the time nagging him to dust the blanket atleast. Still he did not pay heed to his conscious. He thought let me sleep now,tomorrow morning he will call somebody to dust the bed for him. But there was continuous conflict going on in his mind. He could not disown that conflict and finally got up to clean the bed. As he got up to first clean the blanket, to his utter shock he saw a round snake hiding cozily in his blanket which he had worn. He literally screamed and everybody from the ashram came running. It was a poisonous snake and finally it was thrown out. But full night swamiji could not sleep. He was thinking had he slept on the ground floor room and listened tot he head, this may not have happened. People might say that this must have happened by chance. But swamiji strongly insists that it is Hridyasth Ishwar's voice which saved his life.
There are so many incidents in our life where we thank God for whatever good happens to us. So we must pay attention to conflict that goes on in our mind for any reason, whatsoever, and we will get solutions from there only. Don't ignore there warning signals, pay attention, you may overcome major disasters in your life. Hear the strong mind, do not listen your weak or lazy mind
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
King and the Priest : True Story
Lord Krishna in Bhagwat Geeta says"Madhbhaktva bhav" Be my true bhakt, Surrender to me I will absolve you from all sins and lead you to salvation.
Surrendering unconditionally to the Almighty is one way of expressing our confidence in the Divine. For faith works wonders. Faith is not just hoping and waiting for things to happens, rather it is working hard to make things happen and realizing that there are no failures just disappointments. When you have done your best Angels can do no better. God comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to him with full faith and belief in him. God does not differentiate between friends and foes, man and animal, caste and creed. He comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to him.
In Udaipur there is Chaturbhuj Swamiji's temple. In that temple a priest named Devaji used to stay. Everyday he used to do Aarti and prayers in the temple. He had become quite old. Once night time he cleaned the temple, completed Shayan Aarti and put God to rest and closed the temple door and went to sleep in his room.
After a few minutes he heard the sound of the King of Udaipur's carriage. The priest realized that the King of the city has come to pray in the temple. There were no malas(garland) left to put on the King as Thakurji's mala he had worn. Now he felt nervous, the priest did not know what to offer the king. He had become old and had grey hair. His hair got stuck in the mala. He could not decide what to do. Anyway he immediately removed mala from his neck as there were no other mala left and kept it aside for the king. The king knocked at the door of the temple. He opened the door for the King and offered him the mala which he had worn.
The King looked at the mala and said "why there are grey hair on the mala, has Thakurji grown old?" He replied "Yes" and did not know what to do. He was nervous.
The King gave a loud laugh and said"Oh! so now at this age you are telling lies. I will come tomorrow morning to see whether God has grey hair or black hair." Saying this king left the temple.
The priest had never faced this situation in his life. He had no intention to tell lies but since he had to offer something to King he offered him the garland which he had worn and this he did in a haste and due to nervousness.
Full night the priest prayed to God. He totally bowed and surrendered to Lord and wept bitterly in front of God's idol. He told God "I do your pooja very honestly. I do this to take care of my family as I have to feed many people in my family. I am your true bhakt. You know I have never spoken lies in my life. In the morning when the king comes what will be my condition, people will not respect me, they will make fun of me. The king will disown me and insult me. He may throw me out of the temple services. Whole Udaipur city people will collect,even people from nearby village who come to pray in this temple, will humiliate me. Please help me. Do something to save me from this humiliation." His whole body was trembling of fear of insult he would have to bear from the king in the morning.. He went on talking and begging mercy from God.
Morning when he opened the God's idol's door, he was shocked to see that idol's all the hair had turned grey. He could not believe his eyes, how can hair of a statue turn grey overnight.
The king entered the temple and said "Oh! so you have painted Thakurji hair into grey colour or brought from outside a wig or something of grey colour and put it on the God's idol. The priest was quiet. As per ritual the King washed Thakurji's feet and then tried to pull the hair from the idol to prove that the priest had spoken lie and to insult him for that and to see how the hair can turn grey. The king could not believe his eyes that when he tried to pull the hair, the face of God became little stiff and few blood stains fell on his clothes. The King became unconscious and fell on the ground.
The priest sprinkled water on the King, he got up. The king apologised to the priest and said "I came in haste and at wrong time, you had cleaned the temple and put God to rest and I disturbed you at this old age. I am extremely sorry for my mistake." The king appreciated the priest true bhakti and ordered that from now onwards anybody from king's palace would not visit the temple at night, specially when the door is closed and it is rest time for God and the priest. They have to inform in advance about their visits in the temple. Today also you will find in that temple Lord's hair is grey.
Surrendering unconditionally to the Almighty is one way of expressing our confidence in the Divine. For faith works wonders. Faith is not just hoping and waiting for things to happens, rather it is working hard to make things happen and realizing that there are no failures just disappointments. When you have done your best Angels can do no better. God comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to him with full faith and belief in him. God does not differentiate between friends and foes, man and animal, caste and creed. He comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to him.
In Udaipur there is Chaturbhuj Swamiji's temple. In that temple a priest named Devaji used to stay. Everyday he used to do Aarti and prayers in the temple. He had become quite old. Once night time he cleaned the temple, completed Shayan Aarti and put God to rest and closed the temple door and went to sleep in his room.
After a few minutes he heard the sound of the King of Udaipur's carriage. The priest realized that the King of the city has come to pray in the temple. There were no malas(garland) left to put on the King as Thakurji's mala he had worn. Now he felt nervous, the priest did not know what to offer the king. He had become old and had grey hair. His hair got stuck in the mala. He could not decide what to do. Anyway he immediately removed mala from his neck as there were no other mala left and kept it aside for the king. The king knocked at the door of the temple. He opened the door for the King and offered him the mala which he had worn.
The King looked at the mala and said "why there are grey hair on the mala, has Thakurji grown old?" He replied "Yes" and did not know what to do. He was nervous.
The King gave a loud laugh and said"Oh! so now at this age you are telling lies. I will come tomorrow morning to see whether God has grey hair or black hair." Saying this king left the temple.
The priest had never faced this situation in his life. He had no intention to tell lies but since he had to offer something to King he offered him the garland which he had worn and this he did in a haste and due to nervousness.
Full night the priest prayed to God. He totally bowed and surrendered to Lord and wept bitterly in front of God's idol. He told God "I do your pooja very honestly. I do this to take care of my family as I have to feed many people in my family. I am your true bhakt. You know I have never spoken lies in my life. In the morning when the king comes what will be my condition, people will not respect me, they will make fun of me. The king will disown me and insult me. He may throw me out of the temple services. Whole Udaipur city people will collect,even people from nearby village who come to pray in this temple, will humiliate me. Please help me. Do something to save me from this humiliation." His whole body was trembling of fear of insult he would have to bear from the king in the morning.. He went on talking and begging mercy from God.
Morning when he opened the God's idol's door, he was shocked to see that idol's all the hair had turned grey. He could not believe his eyes, how can hair of a statue turn grey overnight.
The king entered the temple and said "Oh! so you have painted Thakurji hair into grey colour or brought from outside a wig or something of grey colour and put it on the God's idol. The priest was quiet. As per ritual the King washed Thakurji's feet and then tried to pull the hair from the idol to prove that the priest had spoken lie and to insult him for that and to see how the hair can turn grey. The king could not believe his eyes that when he tried to pull the hair, the face of God became little stiff and few blood stains fell on his clothes. The King became unconscious and fell on the ground.
The priest sprinkled water on the King, he got up. The king apologised to the priest and said "I came in haste and at wrong time, you had cleaned the temple and put God to rest and I disturbed you at this old age. I am extremely sorry for my mistake." The king appreciated the priest true bhakti and ordered that from now onwards anybody from king's palace would not visit the temple at night, specially when the door is closed and it is rest time for God and the priest. They have to inform in advance about their visits in the temple. Today also you will find in that temple Lord's hair is grey.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Faith and Surrender " A true story"
In Brindavan there used to be a saint of Sant Haridas's follower. He was very kind and helpful Mahatma. Once a young cowboy(Gwala) came to him. He told him that he has left his house and come to him so please accept me as your disciple. The boy said he would do anything for him. The saint replied "I will make you my disciple but you first have to take care of my cowshed. There are many cows and you have to take them to jungle to feed grass to them." He asked "what will I eat there? The Mahatma then ordered his another disciple to give him some potatoes, rice, wheat, salt and pepper etc. and told him to make chappatis and cook potatoes over there. But before eating you must first offer little food to God. The boy cooked food and offered some food to God as said by his Guruji. He waited for long but God did not come to taste his food. He was very hungry so he went on screaming and crying and calling bitterly to God to first come and have his food. But God did not come. Again he called and wept and said "God please come and have my food, I am so hungry but if you don't eat then I will have to remain hungry".
He waited and finally Lord Krishna appeared in front of him, shared food with him. Radha Rani was waiting for Krishna to have food with her but Lord said that he is not hungry as he has eaten his food with a gwala at Brindavan. She said how could you eat alone, tomorrow I will also join you to have food with him. Next day again after cooking food the boy waited for God to come. Now Lord Krishna and Radhaji came in front him and ate with him. Now the boy was running short of food because his Guruji had given him foodstuff for one person only. He went to his Swamiji and said "you told me to first offer cooked food to God and then eat. But God came with Radhaji and finished all my food. Now please give me more food grains and vegetables for me, God and Radhaji."
The saint was surprised that he had given him enough of foodstuff, more than what is required. How could he finish it so fast. He did not believe his story that God and Radha Rani have shared food with him. He thought he being an innocent boy must have dropped it somewhere.
Anyway the Mahatma gave him more stock of food. The third day when he waited for God to come, he saw Lord Krishna has come with Radhaji and so many gawal bal. They finished the entire stock of food. Nothing was left for the next day. The boy innocently approached his Guru and said "Everyday I offer food to God but he brings many people with him and they finish everything. Now tell me what to do. You have to give me more".
The Mahatma knew that boy is innocent and not making stories, there must be something happening in jungle that the food gets finished so fast. Anyway he gave him more food to cook for few more days. He then slowly followed him and hid behind the bushes to see what is happening. The saint could not believe his eyes that Lord Krishna along with Radhaji and gawal bal were enjoying his food and finished everything. He felt very amused and elated and then did namaskar to God. He then thought that so many years he has been praying and never could see God but this boy innocence and dedication impressed God so much that he sat and had food with him. This boy is great, his faith has done wonders, he is so dedicated. he touched that boy's feet and said that your true faith in God has given me opportunity to do darshan of Lord Krishna. You are true believer of God. What you did in few days, I could not have imagined in my life time. You are pure disciple of Lord. There is no cunning feeling in you, you are so pure.
The saint then told the boy that now onwards you become the priest of the temple and take care of God's idol and see that nobody steals or spoils anything from the temple. The boy agreed to sit inside the temple and take care of it. Now he was on temple duty. When it was 10 p.m. God came out of temple door. The boy asked him "where are going?". God replied "for raas leela".
He said "Go back inside the temple, I am the caretaker and nobody can go out after 10 p.m.". God answered "see I go everyday for raas leela at this time."
The boy said I don't know anything about other days, my duty is from today. Please go inside. Lord smiled and said "If you don't believe then you can also join me, but let me go. God had dressed up and it was sharad poornima. He told the boy to sit under a tree and enjoy the dance. Full night raas leela was going on with Radha Rani and so many gopis. The boy was surprised to see Lord Krishna dancing with so many gopis. Then one gunghroo fell on the ground. The boy picked it up and tied in a handkerchief. Then raas leela got over in the morning. It was time for Lord to return. The boy told the Lord "you look so tired and you are sweating, please sit on my shoulders I will carry you till the temple." God said that there is no need I go for raas leela everyday and come back on my own.
In the morning when the Mahatma entered the temple and was making preparations for Mangal Aarti, the boy stopped him. He said "wait, ten minutes back Thakurji has gone to sleep, do not disturb him with your aarti. The Mahatma lost his temper and said "you have gone mad, gone crazy. This aarti I do everyday in the morning, how can you stop me. This is just an idol of Lord. How can it sleep in the early hours of morning." The boy innocently showed him the ghungaroo and said that during night at 10 p.m. he had gone with Lord and saw raas leela. There Lord's ghungaroo fell down which he has tied and kept in a handkerchief . Mahatma was stunned to see the ghungaroo as he know they were thakurji's ghungaroo. They were not there on God's ankle. The Mahatma was deeply impressed by the boy bhakti and innocence. His unconditional dedication for the Lord. From then onwards it was decided to pray and do aarti at 8 a.m i.e in the morning at eight 'O' clock. Now also at other temples aarti is offered at 4 a.m.. but in Bihariji's mandir at Brindavan it is offered at 8 a.m..
He waited and finally Lord Krishna appeared in front of him, shared food with him. Radha Rani was waiting for Krishna to have food with her but Lord said that he is not hungry as he has eaten his food with a gwala at Brindavan. She said how could you eat alone, tomorrow I will also join you to have food with him. Next day again after cooking food the boy waited for God to come. Now Lord Krishna and Radhaji came in front him and ate with him. Now the boy was running short of food because his Guruji had given him foodstuff for one person only. He went to his Swamiji and said "you told me to first offer cooked food to God and then eat. But God came with Radhaji and finished all my food. Now please give me more food grains and vegetables for me, God and Radhaji."
The saint was surprised that he had given him enough of foodstuff, more than what is required. How could he finish it so fast. He did not believe his story that God and Radha Rani have shared food with him. He thought he being an innocent boy must have dropped it somewhere.
Anyway the Mahatma gave him more stock of food. The third day when he waited for God to come, he saw Lord Krishna has come with Radhaji and so many gawal bal. They finished the entire stock of food. Nothing was left for the next day. The boy innocently approached his Guru and said "Everyday I offer food to God but he brings many people with him and they finish everything. Now tell me what to do. You have to give me more".
The Mahatma knew that boy is innocent and not making stories, there must be something happening in jungle that the food gets finished so fast. Anyway he gave him more food to cook for few more days. He then slowly followed him and hid behind the bushes to see what is happening. The saint could not believe his eyes that Lord Krishna along with Radhaji and gawal bal were enjoying his food and finished everything. He felt very amused and elated and then did namaskar to God. He then thought that so many years he has been praying and never could see God but this boy innocence and dedication impressed God so much that he sat and had food with him. This boy is great, his faith has done wonders, he is so dedicated. he touched that boy's feet and said that your true faith in God has given me opportunity to do darshan of Lord Krishna. You are true believer of God. What you did in few days, I could not have imagined in my life time. You are pure disciple of Lord. There is no cunning feeling in you, you are so pure.
The saint then told the boy that now onwards you become the priest of the temple and take care of God's idol and see that nobody steals or spoils anything from the temple. The boy agreed to sit inside the temple and take care of it. Now he was on temple duty. When it was 10 p.m. God came out of temple door. The boy asked him "where are going?". God replied "for raas leela".
He said "Go back inside the temple, I am the caretaker and nobody can go out after 10 p.m.". God answered "see I go everyday for raas leela at this time."
The boy said I don't know anything about other days, my duty is from today. Please go inside. Lord smiled and said "If you don't believe then you can also join me, but let me go. God had dressed up and it was sharad poornima. He told the boy to sit under a tree and enjoy the dance. Full night raas leela was going on with Radha Rani and so many gopis. The boy was surprised to see Lord Krishna dancing with so many gopis. Then one gunghroo fell on the ground. The boy picked it up and tied in a handkerchief. Then raas leela got over in the morning. It was time for Lord to return. The boy told the Lord "you look so tired and you are sweating, please sit on my shoulders I will carry you till the temple." God said that there is no need I go for raas leela everyday and come back on my own.
In the morning when the Mahatma entered the temple and was making preparations for Mangal Aarti, the boy stopped him. He said "wait, ten minutes back Thakurji has gone to sleep, do not disturb him with your aarti. The Mahatma lost his temper and said "you have gone mad, gone crazy. This aarti I do everyday in the morning, how can you stop me. This is just an idol of Lord. How can it sleep in the early hours of morning." The boy innocently showed him the ghungaroo and said that during night at 10 p.m. he had gone with Lord and saw raas leela. There Lord's ghungaroo fell down which he has tied and kept in a handkerchief . Mahatma was stunned to see the ghungaroo as he know they were thakurji's ghungaroo. They were not there on God's ankle. The Mahatma was deeply impressed by the boy bhakti and innocence. His unconditional dedication for the Lord. From then onwards it was decided to pray and do aarti at 8 a.m i.e in the morning at eight 'O' clock. Now also at other temples aarti is offered at 4 a.m.. but in Bihariji's mandir at Brindavan it is offered at 8 a.m..
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Feeling for others
Once there was a severe drought in a village. There was no water, people were dying of hunger and ailments. There was no money, no medicines etc. A Mahatma took his bag and went to each and every house to collect whatever little he could get from them to serve the needy and poor people who were severely affected by the drought. He collected lot of donation but that was not sufficient enough to help all the people.
He knew there was a very rich man near the village but he was extremely stingy. He would hesitate to spent money for his wife's treatment also. Only money would count for him. He was least affected by the drought. He knew that people are suffering but would not come out to help the needy. Mahatma tried to approach that rich businessman. People of that village alerted him and said that this businessman will not give a penny. He is very kanjoos(stingy). But Mahatma did not pay heed to all this. He marched ahead went to him and requested him by saying "My son, will you please give me ten thousand rupees. I will return back this money to you by evening. I will show to the people of village that, see, this rich businessman has donated ten thousand rupees to help those people affected by drought. Then other rich people will also start donating. Your name will appear in newspapers and all the villagers will talk about and appreciate you. As promised I will definitely return this money or more of it, if possible, to you and will not let anybody know about it. But your name will be taken by everybody, you will become very popular. People will come to greet you and praise you forever. Man was convinced by the Mahatma and offered him ten thousand rupees.
Mahatma then showed the people that this stingy man has donated ten thousand rupees and started praising him. People were all surprised and hearing this more and more people started donating money. This way Mahatma collected a lot of money which was enough to help all the needy villagers.
In the evening Mahatma went to the rich man's house to return his entire money with interest. The man refused the money by saying that please use this money for betterment of villagers. He said " I am feeling so happy and contented that I cannot believe. I have been receiving calls and people are visiting my house to thank me. Even media people have given me so much importance. I never felt so big in my life. My heartfelt thanks to you who encouraged me donate and help people. Now I feel how satisfying it is help others. I am feeling so jubilant."
The Mahatma smiled and answered "when we do something good our inner voice always appreciates us,we feel contented but when we do bad our conscious nags us. But we have killed our conscious, we have no time to listen to the God within us who is all the time with us, guiding us from within. If you pay little attention, you will know that God, the Almighty is within us and around us in the form of this beautiful universe."
He knew there was a very rich man near the village but he was extremely stingy. He would hesitate to spent money for his wife's treatment also. Only money would count for him. He was least affected by the drought. He knew that people are suffering but would not come out to help the needy. Mahatma tried to approach that rich businessman. People of that village alerted him and said that this businessman will not give a penny. He is very kanjoos(stingy). But Mahatma did not pay heed to all this. He marched ahead went to him and requested him by saying "My son, will you please give me ten thousand rupees. I will return back this money to you by evening. I will show to the people of village that, see, this rich businessman has donated ten thousand rupees to help those people affected by drought. Then other rich people will also start donating. Your name will appear in newspapers and all the villagers will talk about and appreciate you. As promised I will definitely return this money or more of it, if possible, to you and will not let anybody know about it. But your name will be taken by everybody, you will become very popular. People will come to greet you and praise you forever. Man was convinced by the Mahatma and offered him ten thousand rupees.
Mahatma then showed the people that this stingy man has donated ten thousand rupees and started praising him. People were all surprised and hearing this more and more people started donating money. This way Mahatma collected a lot of money which was enough to help all the needy villagers.
In the evening Mahatma went to the rich man's house to return his entire money with interest. The man refused the money by saying that please use this money for betterment of villagers. He said " I am feeling so happy and contented that I cannot believe. I have been receiving calls and people are visiting my house to thank me. Even media people have given me so much importance. I never felt so big in my life. My heartfelt thanks to you who encouraged me donate and help people. Now I feel how satisfying it is help others. I am feeling so jubilant."
The Mahatma smiled and answered "when we do something good our inner voice always appreciates us,we feel contented but when we do bad our conscious nags us. But we have killed our conscious, we have no time to listen to the God within us who is all the time with us, guiding us from within. If you pay little attention, you will know that God, the Almighty is within us and around us in the form of this beautiful universe."
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