INSPIRATIONS

INSPIRATIONS

TRUE BHAKTI

Once Lord Krishna suffered from a severe headache. No medication was of any help. Devrishi Narad arrived, and enquired about the cure from Lord Krishna himself. He replied that he would be cured by rubbing the ‘charan raj’ of any Bhakt (soil touched by the feet of any devotee)) on his forehead. Narad ji requested Maharani Rukmani but she was aghast at the very idea of soil touched by her feet being rubbed on God’s forehead. Therefore, she refused saying that she did not want to commit such a sin and go to Hell.  Narad Ji visited many other devotees of Lord Krishna, explained to them the whole story and sought their ‘charan raj’, but no one agreed to give their ‘charan raj’. He went back to Lord Krishna, who advised him to go to ‘Gopis’ (women devotees of Vrindavan). The Gopis surrounded Narad ji and began enquiring about Lord Krishna’s well-being. When they came to know of His severe headache and its cure, they lost no time in giving large amounts of soil after rubbing it on their feet. Naradji asked them whether they realized what a big sin they were committing by allowing soil rubbed by their feet to be rubbed on the forehead of Lord Krishna. The Gopis answered that they were not worried, that they were willing to go to Hell and undergo all sufferings. They only wanted that their Lord should not suffer any pain.This is true ‘bhakti’ (devotion). The Bhakt has no desires. He only wants to Love his God, at any cost – even at the cost of undergoing great pain and suffering.  (From ‘Darshan’, Part-2)

BE VERY CAREFUL, IT IS A VERY, VERY, SLIPPERY PATH

A Mahatma who was very pure and remained engrossed in the service of the Lord used to reside in a temple. Nearby lived a prostitute. The Mahatma tried a lot to reform the prostitute and make her leave her ignoble profession. But she was helpless as she had no other means of livelihood. She felt remorse but could not leave her profession. Soon the last moments of both arrived. For the Mahatma Yamdoots arrived. For the prostitute, agents of Dharmraj came. The Mahatma told the Yamdoots that they were making a mistake. They had come to take away the prostitute and the agents of Dharmraj had come to take him away. The Yamdoots replied that they were not making any mistake. The Mahatma tried to tell them about his service to the Lord, about his piousness and other virtues. The Yamdoots told him, ‘Look down and see that a lot of people are accompanying your dead body which is kept in a vehicle. But no one is even willing to touch the prostitute. When you asked her to change her evil ways, she used to feel great remorse. She was filled with repentance. All her sins got burnt in the fire of repentance. She used to think of your purity and service to the Lord which filled her with purity. While you used to think of her impurities and also suffered from a feeling of superiority. As such you were filled with sins and impurities. Since your body is pure people are carrying it with utmost respect but since your mind is impure we are taking you away. On the other hand since the body of the prostitute is impure no body is touching her but since her mind is pure she is going to Dharmraj’s place.           

Param Sant Pujya Pandit Ji Maharaj used to say that the biggest sin is to look at vices of others. He used to say that just as bees clear a place of all dirt by eating them away, in the same way the person who criticizes another, purifies that person and takes on himself all the dirt. He also used to say that God never forgives those who see other peoples’ sins. (From ‘Darshan’, Part-2)

WHAT WE SEE IN THE OUT SIDE WORLD, IS ONLY A PROJECTION OF WHAT IS FILLED INSIDE US.

Once King Dhritrashtra asked his son Duryodhan to search and bring one virtuous person from his kingdom. Duryodhan searched the entire kingdom and came back to tell his father that there was not even a single virtuous person in the entire kingdom. He said, “Maharaj, one can find no virtuous person these days. Everywhere people are full of vices.” The next day Yudhishthir was asked to bring one sinful person. He searched and came back to tell Dhritrashtra that he could not find even one sinful person. He said that people in the kingdom were doing their work with honesty.

Duryodhan’s mind is full of vices, so he sees only vices all around. On the other hand Yudhishthir’s mind is pious and therefore he sees only piety. What we see in the out side world, is only a projection of what is filled inside us. (From ‘Darshan’, Part-2)

The way to Heaven and Hell

Once a soldier in uniform with a sword hanging from his waist came to Lord Buddha and enquired about the way to Heaven and Hell. Lord Buddha asked him about his profession. He replied, “Don’t you see my dress, I am a soldier.” Buddha derided him, “You are a soldier? How dirty is your dress! Which foolish king has employed a coward like you as his soldier?” The soldier was enraged and his face turned red with anger. Buddha went further and said, “Don’t try to fool the world that you are brave by carrying a sword. Your blunt sword cannot even behead me.” The soldier’s anger crossed all limits, and he was about to attack Lord Buddha with his sword, when Buddha calmly and affectionately said, “This is the way to hell.” The soldier cooled down, realized his mistake and fell at the feet of Buddha, seeking forgiveness. Buddha now said, “Son, this is the way to Heaven.” (From ‘Darshan’, Part-1)

A slave and his master

Param Pujya Pandit ji Maharaj used to give an example -- the way animals are sold in fairs these days, in the same way in the earlier day,s human beings were bought and sold. The rich people and kings would go to these fairs and buy human beings. These slaves were made to do all the household work but were not given enough food. They got only what remained after all others had ate. They were treated inhumanly. A rich person visited one such fair. He bought a very healthy slave after offering the price to his owner. He asked, the slave, ‘What is your name?’ 

The slave replied- Sir, a slave has no name. Whatever name you call me shall be my name.

What will you eat?

Whatever you give me to eat.

Do you have any other desire?

Sir, I am a slave. A slave cannot desire for anything. But if you feel satisfied with my work please give me an hour each in the morning and evening.

The rich man brought the slave home. He was very happy with his work and behaviour. For some time he kept a watch on him so that he may not run away. But after some time this was not found necessary. One day the Master wondered- this fellow does all the work happily, goes away for an hour each in the morning and evening but never runs away and always returns in time. Wonder what he does during this period every morning and evening. One day he followed the slave secretly. The slave sat down beneath a tree, meditated for some time and thereafter started praying – “O Lord, you are so kind and merciful to me. You have been so kind to give me birth as a human being. You have been even more merciful in giving in my heart devotion and love for you. But the greatest of your kindness is that you have given me a wonderful Master who is very kind to me and allows me an hour each every morning and evening when I can pray to you. O Merciful Lord, I pray to you to shower your blessings on him. May he always be happy.” All the time that the slave was praying, tears kept rolling down his cheeks. He was overcome with a feeling of love and gratitude for God and his Master. He finished his prayers and prepared to return home. Just then the Master appeared before him and fell at his feet. He said- “Brother, I set you free. You have opened my eyes. Just as you are my slave, I am the slave of my family. Despite being a slave you are able to find time to pray, but I am working as a slave round the clock. You have done a great service to me today.” (From ‘Darshan’, Part-1)

Lord Buddha and some Bhikshus

One day Lord Buddha was sitting in a pleasant mood when some bhikshus (men who renounced worldly lives to work for Buddha’s mission) came to him and prayed - Lord, we want to go abroad to spread your message. Please bless us with your permission.

Buddha said- “I have heard that the citizen of that country are very uncivilized and use very harsh language.”

“Lord, we will be happy that they only used harsh words but did not abuse us”

“If they abuse you?”

“Lord we will be happy that they did not beat us”

“If they beat you up?”

“We will be happy that they did not break our limbs”

“If they break your limbs?”

“We will be happy that they did not kill us”

“If they kill you?”

“Lord, what better fortune can one be blessed with than giving up one’s life while spreading your message in this world.”

Buddha was pleased with them and gave them permission and blessings.

(From ‘Darshan’, Part-1)

Bhakt Shiromani Mata Shabri

  Lord Ram was wandering in the valleys of Vindhyachal mountains in search of Ma Sita. On his way he was meeting many Rishis and Munis. He would listen to their problems and solve them. He arrived at the ashram of Matang Muni. All the Rishis & Munis gathered there and prayed -- Lord! We have all that we require at this place. It is a peaceful and secure place. We get food easily. But there is great scarcity of drinking water. There is a pond nearby which served our needs till some time ago. But now the water has become very impure and is unfit for drinking. Lord, please make the water of this lake fit for drinking. Please come along with us and see the water for yourself. All the Munis and Mata Shabri went to the lake. The Munis again prayed to Lord Ram to bless them so that the water of the lake became drinkable. At this, Lord Ram looked towards Mata Shabri and said, “Shabri, take pity on these Munis. Come, touch the water of this lake with your feet and purify it.” Shabri grew nervous and her voice choked. “Lord, ….I… am a lowly, rustic and illiterate woman of low intellect. I cannot touch the water of this feet even with my hands. I am a shudra, whereas the water is to be used by holy Munis belonging to the high castes. Lord, how can I touch the water with my feet? Lord forgive me, forgive me.”

Lord Ram said. ‘Shabri, you are not a woman of low intellect. Neither are you rustic and a shudra. You have achieved the highest levels that a human being can achieve. You are now like the Paras stone that converts iron into gold by merely touching it. Any one you touch will become great. Hence, have pity on these Munis, and remove their sufferings. This is my order.”

            Perhaps the water of this lake was eagerly waiting for the pious touch of her feet just as the water of Yamuna had waited for the pious touch of Lord Krishna’s feet. And every one saw that as soon as Mata Shabri touched the water, it became as pure as Ganga Jal.  (From ‘Sompan’)

Disciple’s dharma

Once a disciple of Hazrat Sheikh Kutubuddin Haider went to the ashram of Sheikh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi. He was very hungry. Facing the direction of his Peer’s village he prayed ‘O, Kutubuddin I am hungry.’ Sheikh Shabuddin Suhrarardi came to know of this and asked one of his disciples to feed him. After eating that disciple again said facing towards the village of his Guru, “Thank you. Oh Kutubuddin Haider you never forget me.” The disciple of Sheikh Suhrawardi complained to him that he was an ungrateful person, who ate the food given by you but was expressing gratitude to his own Guru. Hazrat Sheikh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi replied that one should learn how to be a good disciple from him. Whenever and wherever a disciple gains anything (worldly or spiritual), he should consider it to have come from his Guru. (From Ateet, Agat aur Anant)

Tolerance

The more tolerance one has the more great he is. Among Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, Vishnu is considered the greatest because he is the most tolerant. It was a very difficult test. Tolerating being kicked on the chest by the feet in front of his wife…….it was not something ordinary. Mother earth is considered to be great because she is very tolerant. She tolerates all good-bad actions that take place on her chest. Lord Ram and Bhaktraj Bharat were full of tolerance. They were torn apart between kingship and 14 years exile, between love for a brother and separation for 14 years. But both silently suffered the pain and did not leave the path of dharma.

Recall the incident from the life of Prince Shri Prahlad- who remained firm on the path of Truth and tolerated every pain and agony that came his way. Having reached the pinnacle of tolerance he says, “O Lord, those who killed me, poisoned me, tried to drown me in the sea and burn me in the fire, tried to crush me under the feet of elephants, got me bitten by serpents, if I have continuously maintained a feeling of friendship towards them, if never in my heart did any feeling of revenge or ill will towards them arise, then both the sons of my guru, who tried to kill me, may come back to life.” And the world saw that both immediately came back to life.

We have a recent example- of a few hundred years back. Shri Eknath ji went to bath in the Godavari every day. On the way lived an evil person. He used to harass one and all. On day when Eknath ji was returning back after taking bath, he spit water from his mouth on him several times but Eknath ji remained tolerant and silent. Ultimately the tyrant had to bow before Eknathji’s tolerance. He regretted his act, fell at the feet of Shri Eknathji and sought forgiveness. And he was converted into a good sant.

That is why you should also cultivate the quality of tolerance in you. Different types of circumstances keep coming in the life of every ‘Sadhak’. One who will be tolerant and keep moving ahead on the ‘sadhana path’ with the help of his Guru, will be successful. Those ‘Acharyas’ and ‘Satsangis’ who are not tolerant will get mired in ‘rag-dwesh’. They will lose their peace and also make others who come into their contact lose their peace. Such people will have to carry the sin of making so many others lose their peace. (From Agat Ateet aur Anant)

Samarpan

Old Jatayu. How fortunate. What heroic behaviour. Bird Jatayu- what lofty ideals. With only beaks as his weapon he took on the mighty Ravan who had conquered the world. He injured Ravan who was equipped with weapons. Ravan ultimately fell unconscious. How great was his devotion to Lord Ram, how complete was his surrender to the Lord.

King Dasrath gave up his life unable to bear the separation from son Ram. And Jatayu too gave up his life fighting for Lord Ram. But there was a great difference. On one side there was worldly love, while on the other hand it was pure love. In one case there was desire to see Ram, while in the other case there was the ultimate urge of sacrificing everything for Lord Ram. One was a case of self interest, while the other was a case of sacrificing one’s life for the benefit of others. There were even more differences which ‘sadhaks’ will realize in their hearts.

The result. Lord Ram who could not perform the last rites of his father, took injured Jatayu in his lap, wiped the blood oozing from his wounds with his clothes, dusted the dust on his body with his long hairs, and after he died, performed his last rites and also the ceremony of “Pind Daan”. God himself weeps for him and says ‘Tat karm nij te gati pai.’ He again says, ‘Tanu Taj Tat Jahu mam dhama. Dehu kah tumh puran kama.’ This is the result of total devotion and surrender. Alas! If only we could have had the same degree of devotion and surrender towards the mission of Our Guru Bhagwan. (From Ateet, Agat aur Anant)

Hazrat Musa and illness

Once Hazrat Musa fell ill. He prayed and recovered.  He fell ill again. Again he prayed.’ He heard akashwani- ‘Go to Hakeem Bu Alisina and take his treatment, you will recover.” Musa prayed “O Lord, when you are all powerful, can turn a dust particle into a mountain in a moment, can create and destroy this universe at will, then why do you send me to Bu Alisina.” God replied- “Musa My laws are unbreakable. I don’t like breaking them. I have created medicines for curing diseases and put Bu Alisina on that job. So you should obey my orders and go to him.” Musa took treatment from Bu Alisina and recovered. He again had high fever for the third time. There was severe pain in the whole body. He prayed ‘O God, take away my disease and make me healthy.’ He had got into the habit of asking. And he believed that since God loved him he would listen to his prayers. But there was ‘akashwani’ --- Musa! The body which you think is yours is mine. I am its owner. I have created it and I will destroy it at the appropriate time. Only I know how it is to be properly kept. It is mine and I shall keep it in whatever manner I feel proper. What right do you have to think that the body is yours and to ask me to make it healthy again.

These words opened Musa’s eyes. The curtain of ignorance vanished from before his eyes and thereafter he never complained against anything to God. (From Sadhana Ke Anubhav)

Seeing God everywhere – Swami Ramkrishna Paramhans Dev

Paramhans Shri Ramakrishna Dev was always in a God intoxicated state. It was as if he was always under the influence of one bottle wine of love. Some people thought that this was only a show put up by Swamiji to fool others. In order to prove their point they took him to a brothel. They spent money on the prostitutes. A number of young and beautiful girls surrounded him. They began enticing him and touching him to arouse his sexual desires. They even touched his private parts. For a long time Swamiji kept quiet. Then in a voice filled with intense pain he said, ‘Why do you want to fool me in by appearing before me  in such forms? I don’t like this.’ And he got up and went outside. He saw mother Kali every where, even in prostitutes.  (From Amulya Nidhi Part 3, page 152-3)

Guru’s greatness

Sometime back there lived in Amer province of Rajasthan, a great saint named Dadu Saheb. He was illiterate, had ugly looks and belonged to the Dhuniya caste. He was Guru of Raja Mansingh of Jaipur. His ashram was located below the Amer Fort in the foothills. There he had done penance in a cave which can be seen even today. He had become very famous. Two young Brahmin scholars of Sanskrit went on foot from Varanasi to Amer to become disciples of Dadu Saheb. They were walking through the market of Amer when they saw an ugly looking sadhu coming from the opposite side. They thought that he would be knowing the address of Dadu Saheb. Being young in age, and proud of their learning they slapped hard on his head and asked,’ Fellow! Where is Dadu Saheb’s place?” The sadhu was none but Dadu Saheb himself. He smiled and peacefully pointing his fingers said, “Please go that side.” The two reached Dadu Saheb’s place. There were lots of people waiting for Dadu Saheb. They also sat in one side and waited. Soon Dadu Saheb arrived. Every one stood up to greet him. On coming close, the two recognized that it was the very same sadhu whom they had slapped on the head. They were greatly embarrassed and hid themselves in the last rows. Dadu Saheb informed his disciples that two young scholars from Varanasri had come, bring them. Both of them trembled out of fear and were reluctant to go, but were caught and taken before Dadu Saheb. Dadu Saheb smiled and assured them, “Don’t be afraid. Whatever you did was correct. Even if you go to the market to buy an earthen pot, you stroke it with your hand to ensure that it is a good one. So it is very natural that before making me your Guru you stroked me to test me. Now without any fear, tell me what you want.” Both of them wept, fell at his feet, and sought forgiveness. Dadu Saheb accepted them as disciples. (From Amulya Nidhi Part 3, page 65-66)

Praise is our enemy and criticism is our friend

The Maharaja of Rewa was one of his (Kabir’s) staunch disciples. It was on his recommendation that he was save from harassment from Emperor Sikander Lodhi on complaints from Mullahs. Kabir Sahab’s praise had gone up to the skies. Thousands of men and women had become his followers which included even kings. In those days a very beautiful young prostitute had become his disciple. She had donated all her riches and taken to sanyas. Kabir Saheb loved her like his daughter.

Kabir sahib was sick of his praise all around. He asked Shri Raidasji (they were disciples of the same Guru) to do something so that people would criticize him. Raidasji gave him the idea. Kabir Saheb liked it. They filled two bottles with gangajal, put their arms around the young prostitute and started doing the rounds of streets of Kashi as if in an inebriated state. Those who saw them said -- both have become so sinful. The prostitute has robbed them of all that they had earned. Even disciples of Kabir Saheb started hating him.

It was sometime past afternoon. Maharaj of Rewa was sitting in his court with his ministers. Two men with bottles of wine in their hands and arms around a dancer entered the court. He recognized them and felt hatred for them in his heart. Suddenly Kabir saheb poured water from his bottle on the floor of the court. The king asked angrily, “What have you done?” Kabir Saheb replied, ‘I have put out the fire in the Jagannath Temple.’  And he went out of the court laughing.

The king was confused and could not understand this dramatic incident. He noted down the time of the incident. Information was obtained from Jagannathji. He learnt that on that day and at that time an old bearded fakir had put out a fire that had engulfed the Jagannath Temple. (From Amulya Nidhi, Part 5 page 60-61)

The blessings of a Deer

A hunter caught the child of a deer, kept him on his horse and started walking back. The deer kept following him. The hunter was moved and he returned the child deer to his mother. She was now going back to the forest with her child. As she went away she kept looking towards the hunter as if pouring her blessings on him. That night in his dream the hunter saw the deer saying you showed kindness to me, I bless you that one day you will become Emperor. That dream became true. The hunter was Subuktgin. (From Sadhana Tatva, page 13)

God gives and forgives together

Sant Ibrahim used to take food after offering food to someone. Once he brought home a guest, and offered him food. The guest did not thank God for the food and started eating. Sant Ibrahim was unhappy and scolded him saying that one should not feed an ungrateful person like you. The guest got up saying I do not accept the existence of God. Later that day when Sant Ibrahim sat to pray, he heard a voice within him, ‘O Ibrahim I have fed this man for 60 years, and you could not feed him even one day. He does not see me, but I do see him. He does not know me but I do know him.’ (From Sadhana Tatva, page 186)

Beware, God punishes.

Hazrat Loot was born after Hazrat Ibrahim around 4000 years ago. He was a resident of ‘Sham’. In those days ‘Sham’ and ‘Babool’ were the most advanced nations in the western world. It had five big cities whose population was more than a lakh. The people were rich and prosperous and led a luxurious life. Luxury and prosperity are reasons that cause downfall of societies. The prosperity and luxury made the people of ‘sham’ lose their character. They became people of very low morals. Sex became their most important source of entertainment.  In the beginning their interests were natural. The men did not leave even a single woman untouched. Thereafter they turned to unnatural sex. Young boys were in high demand. There was sexual relations between brothers and even between fathers and sons. Even guests were not spared. Hazrat Loot was a religious person of high character. He tried to persuade people to come back to life of purity. But no one would listen. He gave up and one day he prayed to God to do something as they were not ready to listen to him. On that very evening two very handsome young men came to his house seeking shelter for that night. They were angels. Hazrat Saheb was nervous. He was worried about protecting them from men of lust all around. He hid them in his house and asked his wife not to tell anyone about them. But she told the women of her neighbourhood about them. Soon hordes of men were at Hazrat Saheb’s house demanding the two young men. These men belonged to all categories, rich and poor, young and old. When they refused to listen to his sane advice of ‘dharma’, he offered his two unmarried young daughters in place of his guests. But the crowd would not listen and forcibly entered his house. Seeing Hazrat Loot extremely nervous and worried, the two angels said, “Loot, do not be frightened. We are not human beings but angels. God has sent us to destroy your country. You have passed the test. Leave this place along with your children and followers. All these people shall be killed. But remember not to look back, for if anyone does so he shall be killed.” Hazrat Saheb left along with his wife, children and followers and rushed towards the hills. But his wife looked back and a big stone fell from the skies and hit her. She died. When Hazrat Saheb reached the hills, fire and stones rained on ‘Sham’ and within no time the country was turned into a huge graveyard. This is a true story. (From Amulya Nidhi, Part 1 page 37-39)

Service to Guru

The place where ‘Amritsar’ lake is present these days was once dry land. Guru Amardasji built his hut on this dry land and started doing penance there. After this Guru Ramdasji took over as the Sikh Guru. He laid the foundation of a huge ‘dharamshala’ and a ‘lake’  at that place, and the work was completed during the time of Guru Arjan Devji. All were requested to contribute through money, or labour. Hordes of men and women responded. A Sikh named Bhullu could not join in as he did not appreciate the importance of service to the Guru and attached more importance to serving his family. Later, when he realized that he had missed an opportunity to serve his Guru, he was repentant. He went and prayed to the Guru for some work. But since people had already arrived in thousands he did not get any work. He used to weep all the night and repent his inability to contribute to Guru’s work.

One night someone gave a call to work in the brick-kiln. He joined in. For several days he worked non-stop, day and night, without taking rest. One day he fainted. People took him to the Guru. Bhullu opened his eyes to see himself being ardently served by the Guru just like a father takes care of his son. He was embarrassed and wanted to go away. But Guru embraced him and said, ‘You came in the end but you left everyone behind. You have won. Now go back to your village. May God bless you.”

We should learn from Bhullu. We should give ourselves up in service to Guru Maharaj, without bothering about our suffering and pain. . (From Amulya Nidhi, Part 1 page 60-62)

Gandhiji’s seva of a leper

This is a beautiful incident of Gandhiji’s life. There was a scholar Shri Tirpure Shastri of Maharashtra. He suffered from leprosy. Slowly his body parts began to decay and melt away. He took a lot of medicines but they could not cure him. One day he thought that he should have ‘darshan’ of a ‘bhakt’. He thought he might be cured by ‘darshan’. He had heard a lot about Gandhiji, that he was very kind and compassionate to the needy. He sat before the house where Gandhiji lived and sent a letter to him, telling the whole story. Gandhiji got the letter. He immediately came out, hugged him and said, “You are a bhakt of God, please stay with me for some time.” Gandhiji kept him for 3-4 months. He would bathe him with warm water every morning and give him an oil massage with his own hands. He was cured and went back to his village.  . (From Amritam page 75)

Noble thoughts of a grocer

There was a grocer. He would accept bad coins and give groceries against the full value of such coins. But he would never give those bad coins to anyone. People from far off places would come to him with bad worn-out coins and take away groceries for the full amount. At the time of death he prayed to God, “God! I never returned bad coins to anyone. I am also one of your bad coins. Please do not return me.” (From Amritam page 133)

Forgiving, not revenge, can change others

Some people were crossing a river in a boat. A ‘fakir’ with shaven head was one of the passengers. One of the passengers slapped the fakir on his shinning head. Seeing this, another passenger slapped him on the head. Soon other passengers joined them. They began to enjoy and laugh at the ‘fakir’s plight. When it continued the ‘fakir’ heard a voice say --  “They are doing great injustice to you. If you want, I can upturn the boat!” He said, “No No, please don’t do that.” And the harassment continued. He heard the voice again. This time he said, ‘Lord, if you love me so much then please give them good sense. Make them like me. Give them good positive thoughts.’ When the passengers saw this, they were filled with repentance. They fell at his feet and sought forgiveness. He forgave all of them. (From Amritam, page 134)

This is good behaviour

Raja Ranjit Singh was sitting somewhere. He was a very positive minded person. Nearby was a berry tree. A small girl hit the tree with a small pebble in an effort to bring down berries. While 5 berries fell on the ground that pebble hit Raja Ranjit Singh. He ordered his guards to bring the girl. She was trembling, fearing some harsh action. He gave her 5 gold coins and said, “In response to the pebble the tree gave you 5 berries and I am giving you 5 gold coins.” This is good behaviour. (From Amritam page 134)

Purity of heart

Once against a single vacancy, two applicants applied for a job. Both were classmates. The father of one of the two was the selector. The other applicant said to his friend, “Since your father is the selector, obviously you will be selected for the job. There is no point in my going for the interview tomorrow.” He replied, “No, No, you must go for the interview. My father is a just and fair person. He will decide on merit.” At home that day, the boy asked his father to select his friend irrespective of their performance. The father agreed, and replied, “I was also planning to do the same. God will give you some other job.” (From Amritam page 134-5)

Why cant we see God

Once a devotee asked a Mahatma, ‘Why can’t I see God?’ He did not reply. But when he persisted, the Mahatma asked him to come early next morning. When the devotee came, he asked him to come along to the river for a bath before having ‘darshan’ of God. When both were bathing, the Mahatma caught the devotee by the neck and dipped his head in the water. He let the head come out of water only after the devotee desperately gasped for breath. When he had taken a few long breaths and become quiet the Mahatma clarified. You must want God’s darshan as desperately and intensely as you were seeking air to breathe. The day you achieve that state you will get ‘Darshan”. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 2)

The last thought is very important

Nanak Saheb was passing by a grain ‘Mandi’. He and his followers saw that a boy was beating a goat with a stick and despite being beaten up the goat was trying to eat the grains lying on the verandah. Seeing this, Nanak Sahab could not stop himself from laughing. The disciples were surprised. Saints never laugh at others’ discomfiture. In the evening after Satsang one of them asked the reason for Nanak Saheb’s laughter. He said that the goat was, in earlier birth, the owner of that shop. He used to trade in grains sitting in the verandah of his shop. After death he got the body of a goat in accordance with the ‘karmas’ of his previous birth. But because at the time of death, his focus was on his shop, he gets peace while sitting there in the verandah at night. He stays there and eats the grain that lie scattered all around. And his son not knowing all this is beating him. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 25)

Thoughts travel through food

During the British Rule, a young man was sentenced to death for one of his acts of patriotism. According to the jail law, he was asked to state his last desire. He expressed the desire to hear the Bhagvad Geeta. His father Shri Anand Swamy offered to recite the verses from Bhagvad Geeta. One day he found his son in a very sullen mood. He was weeping. He thought his son was crying for fear of death. But he replied that he had seen a horrible dream. He saw that he had pierced the heart of his mother with his knife. The father asked him to narrate the events of that day. He replied that everything was the same as other days except the food which was very tasty. It was learnt from the jailor that as the jail cook was on leave, one of the prisoners who was good at cooking was asked to cook. On further query he informed that this prisoner was guilty of having stabbed his mother with a knife. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 35)

God is present everywhere, in everybody

During a battle between the Mughals and Guru Govind Singhji, a sikh sardar of Guru Govind Sing’s army used to serve water to the injured. He would serve water to anyone who was injured whether Sikh or Muslim. People complained against him, that he gave water to drink not only to sikh soldiers but even to the enemies. On being asked to explain his conduct, he assured not to repeat his mistake in future. But later, when he went out with water, he forgot everything and gave water to every one -- friend and foe. People again complained against him. Guru Govind Singhji called him. He replied, ‘Lord, I see you in every person- friend or foe. So I cannot make any distinction between our soldiers and enemy soldiers.” Guru Govind Singh was very happy and said that this was true humanity. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 56)

The Real Bhakt surrenders to God

Hazrat Musa was in deep meditation. He heard God ask him ‘O Musa, do you want that I should be yours? He replied, ‘No,No Lord.’

Do you want that you should be mine.

No, My Lord.

Then what do you want?

I want to live as per your desires.

(From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 72)

Maharishi Vashishtha – a Brahmagyani

Maharishi Vishwamitra and Vashishtha were great saints. While the latter was ‘Brahmagyani’, the former was not. In those days, the tradition was that anyone whom Maharishi Vashishtha declared to be a ‘Brahmagyani’ was considered by all as a ‘Brahmagyani’. Vishwamitra wanted to be called a “Brahmagyani’. But Vashishthaji refused to declare him a ‘Brahmagyani. In anger he killed the sons of Vashishtaji.

One day he went to Maharishi Vashishtha to kill him. Outside his hut he heard Vashishtha and his wife talking to eat each other. Vashishthaji’s wife said that there was no salt at home. He asked her to go and get some salt form Vishwamitra’s house which was nearby. At this his wife was annoyed and asked “How do you make such a suggestion. How can you advise me to bring salt from someone who has killed my sons?” Vashishtha replied that Vishwamitra was not at fault for the death of his sons. The one who gave them took them away. He said that he had great love for Vishwamitra. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 76)

Faith can move mountains

Once there was no rain. Wells and pond all dried up. People were in great distress. They went to a Mahatma who asked them to come next morning to the village temple for collective prayer. Next morning people were going towards the temple. One small boy was carrying an umbrella. Everybody was making fun of that boy -- why are you carrying an umbrella, when it has not rained for several years? The simple fellow replied, ‘It is impossible that it won’t rain despite Mahatmaji’s prayers.” And it rained immediately after the prayers. The rain was the result of the simple and unflinching faith of that little child. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 109)

We see outside, according to what we have stored inside us

It is a very old story, perhaps pertaining to ancient times. An old man stumbled and fell on the road. He became unconscious. He lay straight, with his hands folded as if doing ‘pranam’. It was evening. A drunkard passed by. He thought the man must have taken too much of wine and hence is now lying in a drunken state. Then a thief passed by. He thought the person could be a thief and has fallen after stumbling because he was running away. He thought -- I must run away before police comes to catch this fellow. After some time a ‘Bhakt’ passed by. He thought this man must be a great ‘Bhakt’. Even while lying unconscious on the road, he is doing ‘Pranam’ to God. I must serve him. He tended him and brought him back to consciousness. We see in outside world what is stored inside us. Whatever negativity we see in the outside world is only a reflection of  our own negative thoughts. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 124)

The fruits of remembering God

This story occurs in Harivans Puran. In ancient times there was a Rishi who was childless. After lot of prayers his wife gave birth to a boy. The child grew up to be a devotee of God. He would spend all his time in prayers. One day the father and son sat together. The father wanted the son to narrate some story of God. He narrated a story which goes as follows-

In ancient times there lived a hunter. He was very cruel. He would kill birds and animals everyday and sell their meat. Once there as famine and the hunter and his wife were forced to leave their house in search of work and food. Hungry and thirsty they kept walking for days together. One day they saw a pond with lotus flowers. They plucked few flowers in the hope of getting some money by selling them. Soon they reached a town. Despite trying hard no one bought their flowers. Tired and frustrated they sat leaning against the wall of a palace. It was night. They heard the sound of bhajan. A woman was singing with lot of devotion. Slowly the two got engrossed in the bhajan. They went inside the palace and saw that the queen was worshipping Lord Vishnu. The two offered the lotus flower to Lord Vishnu, placed them at the Lord’s feet and sat in a corner. The queen offered some money in return of the lotus flower but they refused and requested her to complete her puja. She offered them food but they refused and continued in the prayers whole night. Next day the queen gave them food and the two went away.

After the end of the story the father asked the son why was there so much excitement on his face while narrating the story. The son replied, father the hunter was none but me. Despite leading such a cruel and selfish life I have been rewarded with birth in human life as your son only because of the prayers of one night. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 138)

Learn to achieve your goals amidst obstacles – there is no ideal situation

Once an inspector was going somewhere on his horse. The horse went thirsty on the way. In a nearby field a farmer was watering his crops through a barrow wheel. The inspector went to the farmer and asked him to let the horse drink from his barrow wheel. Water comes out only when the barrow wheel moves and while moving it makes lot of noise. The farmer asked him to bring the horse near the barrow wheel but the horse would not drink because of the sound. The inspector asked the farmer to stop the noise. The farmer stopped the barrow wheel and water too stopped coming out. Then the inspector said let the water come. The farmer again rotated the barrow wheel and noise started again. The inspector complained that the horse would remain thirsty. The farmer replied if your horse wants to drink water it has to do so amidst all these noise. Puja Pandit ji Maharaj used to say that if we want to attain peace we will have to strive and achieve it amidst the problems and constraints that exist in our life. (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 159)

God and his Bhaktas

Once Naradji was going somewhere. There was a village on the way. A prosperous family who were very devoted served Narad ji with lot of devotion. Naradji was very happy. He said to his host, ‘You look sad, tell me what you want.’ He said, ‘I don’t have a son.’ Naradji assured him that he would try to fulfill his desire by requesting Brahmaji who was his father.

When Naradji requested Brahmaji he replied that as per his Karma he was not entitled for a son. He went to Lord Vishnu and got the same reply. After several years Naradji was passing by the same village. While crossing the house of that ‘bhakt’ he saw that three boys were playing in front of his house. On enquiry he learnt that a Mahatma had blessed him with three sons. Naradji was upset. He complained to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu said, ‘Let us go to earth for a visit.’ At one place Lord Vishnu told Naradji to arrange for fire as he was feeling very cold. A poor fellow lived in a hut nearby. Naradji went to him and asked for fire. When the poor fellow learnt of Lord Vishnu suffering from cold, he said, ‘Call the Lord here’. And when the Lord came he set his hut on fire. The hut was all that this poor man had. Lord Vishnu explained to Naradji, ‘See I had to do what this fellow had said. I could not allow his blessings to go in vain.’ (From Adhyatm aur Vyavhar, page 164)

God provides for all

Once a Mahatma saw a dog outside a waiting room. She was completely handicapped. He wondered, who is feeding her? Soon a family arrived there. They took out their food from their packet and started eating. Their one year old son also sat with them. He took two ‘puris’ and started walking away. When he reached near the dog, both the puris fell from his hands and the dog ate both. Mahatmaji was amazed- ‘Oh god, you are great. Can anyone think that you are feeding your children even in such ways.’ (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 40)

Sant Kabir’s greatness

Kabir was very poor and earned his bread by selling clothes. One day he took 12 ‘gaj’ cloth to the market but found no buyers. He was returning home when he saw 4 sadhus trembling in the cold. They asked Kabir for clothes. Kabir gave 3 ‘gaj’ each to the 4 sadhus and came back home. He was very happy. She asked, ‘You sold all the cloth?’ He said, ‘Yes, I sold all the cloth, and earned a huge profit. Only I did not get any money.’ For lack of money to buy food that day the whole family went to sleep without their dinner. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 47)

God guarding Sant Rabia’s hut

Bhakt Rabia was sleeping. The door was open. A thief saw a precious shawl, picked it up and went towards the door but found it closed. He kept the shawl back. Now the door was open. He again tried to leave the house with the shawl but again found the door closed. He was utterly confused and started wondering what was happening. Then he heard a voice say ‘O fool! She is sleeping but I am awake. She has surrendered  everything to me.’ God takes full care of those who surrender everything to Him. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 48)

Lord Ram keeping guard of Mahatma Tulsidasji’s hut

One day thieves came to the hut of Mahatma Tulsidasji in Chitrakoot. They saw two princes -- one fair and the other dark skinned, guarding the hut armed with bows and arrows. The next day the thieves came to enquire about the two Princes. Mahatma Tulsidasji fell at their feet saying you all are so blessed; you got ‘darshan’ of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Shri Lakshman. And he gave away all his belongings to the poor. So that God need not take the trouble to again guard his hut in future. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 52)

The ultimate prayer

Lord Krishna had gone to reside in Dwarka. Gopis would send him messages repeatedly for ‘darshan’. He sent Udhavji. At the time of Udhavji’s departure, they prayed, “We know not where and in which ‘Yoni’ we will be born in our next birth. Please convey our prayers to Lord Krishna that though we would forget him in those births, he may remember us always.’ We should similarly pray to Guru Maharaj to keep blessings us always, so that we may not ever leave his lotus feet. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 57)

The Greatness of Shri Sanatan Dev

 Once a brahim scholar came to Shri Sanatam Dev for debate. Sanatan Dev accepted defeat even without talking to him and gave it in writing. The Brahmin  was very happy. On his way back he met Shri Jeev Gosain, (disciple of Shri Sanatan Dev). When he learnt about the defeat of his Guru, he challenged him to debate. He lost to Jeev Gosain and gave it in writing that he had lost. Jeev Gosain proudly showed the paper to Shri Sanatan Dev who was very displeased and turned him out of his ashram. He said that a Brahmin asked for something and you could not fulfill his desire. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 58)

Alexander’s experience with Indian Guru

Alexander had heard from his Guru that there were four great things in India - Ganga, Gayatri, Gai (Cow) and Guru. He also told him that the Gurus or Saints, know about death. Alexander once went to a Mahatma in India. But the Mahatma paid little attention to him.  Alexander was angry. The Mahatma said - what can you do to me? Alexander thought that a person who was not afraid of death must be really great. Then he respectfully asked about his death. The Mahatma said, “You will not be able to return alive to Greece. When the sky is made of leather and ground of wood, you should know that death has arrived.” On his way back Alexander fell sick. People kept his ‘bakhtar’ on top and ‘dhal’ below. Seeing this Alexander got to know that death had come.

Harmony among man, animals and birds

Long time ago a sadhu lived in the valley of the Himalayas. He was very compassionate and always ready to serve one and all. His hut was located by the side of the road. Every day he would serve water to the thirsty, feed those who were hungry and also help those who were sick and in distress. He had very good knowledge of jadi-butis (herbs having medicinal values). Every day many sick people came to him for medicines. He would not charge even a single penny from them. His name and fame had travelled far and wide. He loved the birds and the animals as if they were his real brothers and sisters. Everyday at around 4 o’clock he would sit down and then give a loud call to all of them asking them to come to him. And in no time the animals and birds of the forest would come to him and surround him. Deer, fox, lion, bear, peacock, pigeon, various types of birds -- all would gather forgetting mutual animosity. It appeared that they got peace sitting there. They would do whatever the Sadhu would ask them to do. He would play with them just like a father plays with his children. That place had become a meeting ground for all the animals and birds. Even if the Sadhu was not present and did not ask them to come, they would gather everyday at 4 o’clock and after staying there for an hour or so disperse at around 5 pm.

You would perhaps say that this is an imaginary untrue story. But this is not an isolated incident where man, animals, and birds are seen to be living in harmony without fearing each other. In 1954 I had gone to Jaipur with Guru Maharaj. While we were seeing Amer Fort, which is located on a hill, the guide told us that a naked sadhu, lived on another neighbouring hill above Sant Dadu Dayal ji’s Samadhi. He would come down the hill once in 3-4 days, ask for some food and then go away after eating. On the hills, a few lions also stayed with the sadhu. They would rub their bodies with the sadhu’s body. Sometimes the sadhu would get angry, take a stick in hand and scold them - go away, you smell so bad, go and sit far away from me. The guide said that this happened every day and that they saw this regularly. He also asked us to look closely towards the hill where at that time the sadhu and one lion were sitting together. I looked hard, but my vision was not clear. Pandit Radhamohan ji, our host said that we must not wait any longer as it was around 4 pm and the lions might come down and create a risk for us. Downhill I asked about the sadhu and the lions from those present at sant Dadu Dayal ji’s Samadhi and all said that it was true; that they saw this everyday.  (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 1, page 53)  

A shining example of Truthfulness

A king once requested shop owners to set up shops in a market in his kingdom. He announced that if anyone’s wares were not sold, he would buy the wares and pay the full price. The market came up. After some time a blacksmith set up shop to sell a small idol of iron.

The customers enquired, ‘Whose idol is this?’

The black smith replied, ‘This is an idol of Shanischar Dev.’

‘What is the price?‘

‘500 rupees.’

‘What is special about this idol,’

‘Wherever it goes, it drives away money, fame, happiness etc.’

The customers would go away. Who would pay 500 rupees and buy all the troubles of the world? So in the evening the King’s men arrived to buy the unsold ware of this blacksmith. When they learnt about the ‘idol’, they could not muster courage to buy it. They went to the king and told him the whole story. The king was a worshipper of truth. He ordered the purchase of the idol at the price quoted by the blacksmith and kept the idol in the Palace. At night, the king dreamt,- The Goddess of Riches - Laxmiji appeared. King asked, ‘Who are you?’ She said, ‘I am the Goddess of Riches. Since you have kept the idol of Sanischar Dev in your Palace, I can’t stay here any longer.” King said, ‘OK, you may go.’ Fame, happiness, etc all appeared one after another and like Goddess Lakshmi went away. In the end ‘Truth’ appeared. Raja asked, ‘Why are you goinig away?’ ‘Truth’ replied, ‘I can’t stay where Sanischar is kept.’ The king said, ‘No you can’t go. I have kept the idol of Sanischar only to ensure truthfulness. I had promised to buy unsold wares. And in order to follow the path of Truth I brought sanischar’s idol despite knowing that it might ruin me and my kingdom. Since I have kept to the path of truth, you can’t leave me.’ Truth was speechless and could not leave the Palace. And Goddess Lakshmi, Fame, happiness, etc., all returned. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 1, page 97)  

Nothing is ours

A man is appointed in the army. He rises to the rank of Sardar. He gets a rifle, horse, etc. There are several soldiers at his command. If he now thinks himself great and powerful and owner of the rifle, horse, and the soldiers then he is ignorant. He has to give up all of these on retirement. Then why cling on to them? Why consider them mine? It would be equally foolish not to use them properly for carrying out duties while in service. That supreme consciousness (God) is very wise. She says ‘Go on gathering things – house, ornaments etc. But remember you won’t be able to take away even a single penny. You will go empty handed just as you came empty handed.’ (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 1, page 131)  

Importance of Buddhi

Maharish Punarvasu, after writing the great book of Ayurveda- ‘Charak Samhita’ was one day walking in a field. His disciple Agnivesh was walking behind him. Suddenly Maharishi stopped. He looked at the skies and said- ‘A catastrophe will come. Water, earth, air, stars, moon, sky, sun all are going to lose their discipline. They are going to change their behaviour and give up their normal properties. Food grains will lose their nourishment, medicines will not be able to cure diseases, devastating storms will run riot, earthquakes will bring untold destruction. The earth will face untold misery and pain from colossal natural calamities. Agnivesh was aghast. He asked with folded hands- Lord, why are you narrating such fearful prophecies when you have just given to the world medicines for all diseases. Why would there be destruction and devastation on such a massive scale? Maharishi replied, ‘Because people on this earth will give up their normal human properties (the ‘Dharma’ of human beings – i.e. of kindness, compassion, helping others, sacrificing one’s own interest for others, honesty, truth, character). They will give up ‘dharma’ and embrace ‘adharma’. They will give up ‘Truth’ and follow the path of ‘untruth’.

Agnivesh asked -- Why will they behave like this?

Maharishi replied -- Because their intellect (buddhi) will become perverted. This will be the cause of all destruction and devastation.

Our Vedas are full of prayers. One of the prayers is “O God give us pure intellect.”

(From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 1, page 238)  

How super sensitive, kind and compassionate was Lord Buddha

Once a disciple of Lord Buddha deliberately cause a big rock to fall on the feet of Lord Buddha. He was jealous of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha was severely injured and suffered much pain. The disciples were enraged and were hell-bent on killing that fellow. But Buddha replied, ‘He is ignorant. He needs your kindness and compassion. You should neither banish him from the sangha, nor allow your love for him to decrease.’ (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 31-33)  

Buddha took his last meal at the residence of a goldsmith. After taking food he started vomiting blood. Before death, he called Anand and told him -- Just as the ‘kheer’ of Sujata helped me achieve ‘Buddhatva’, similarly the goldsmith’s food is now helping me achieve ‘Nirvana’. See to it that no one says that I died because of the Goldsmith’s food. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 31-33)  

Gandhiji -- unbelievably kind

During the days of India’s struggle for independence, a C.I.D. Inspector met Mahatma Gandhi and told him that his officer was pressing him hard to give him Gandhiji’s daily programme. But getting his programme was so difficult. He sought Gandhiji’s advice. Gandhiji said, ‘Don’t worry. Come to me everyday evening. I will tell you about all my programmes.’ And Gandhiji kept his promise. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 31-33)  

Gandhiji was in Africa. People were against him. On person was entrusted with the job to kill him. Gandhiji got to know about this. He went alone at night to the person and told him to quickly kill him so that he would not get caught. That person was aghast. He could not believe his eyes and fell at his feet. (From Sadhana aur Sadhak, page 60)

Lord Jesus -- compassion and forgiveness personified

Lord Jesus Christ was caught and crucified. This was done with the aid of some of his own disciples. But he prayed for all of them and his crucifiers –“Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do. They are ignorant.” (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 31-33)  

Hazrat Sahab’s compassion and service

Hazrat Sahab would feed his neighbours and for lack of more food would go without food himself. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 31-33) 

God is present in all living beings

Once Sant Eknathji was travelling alongwith many other saints from Gangotri carrying Gangajal with the intention to offer it to Lord Shiva in Rameshwaram which was thousands of miles away. They had to walk this route as there was no transport available in those days. While passing through the deserts, they saw a donkey dying of thirst. All others passed by and moved ahead. The donkey was almost counting his last moments and was about to die. His heart melted. He could see his Beloved Lord in that donkey. He did pranam and said, “Lord, why should you suffer for want of water?” And Eknathji poured all the Gangajal that he had brought from Gangotri into the donkeys mouth. The donkey got up, looked at him with eyes full of blessings and went away. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 100)  

Work hard to earn your bread

Saints achieve the highest state of knowledge and bliss. But they continue to earn their bread through hard work. Sant Thiruvalluvar sold clothes in his shop. Kabir Sahab continued to weave and sell cloth till his last. Sant Tukaramji remained a farmer all his life. Sant Ravidasji carried on with his profession of a cobbler. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 91)  

We cant recognize God

Once satsang was being held at the place of Sri Kabir Sahab. Everyone said that today we shall not eat the Prasad unless and until God himself comes and eats the Prasad offered by us. Various types of dishes were prepared and kept at the centre, covered with clothes. Several hours went by. No one came to eat the Prasad. They went on singing bhajans. They were very hungry but could not eat as they had promised not to eat without God first eating. When the people were dying of hunger, a buffalo came from somewhere and rushed towards the food. People drove him out, beating him with sticks. When Kabir Sahab learnt of the whole story he said with tears in his eyes, “Fools! God came. How could he have allowed his dear children to go without food. But you beat him and drove him away.” God comes before us in so many forms and we fail to recognize him. We do not have the eyes to recognize him. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 156)  

Mother of Aurobindo Ashram

There lived a Mother in the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Anyone who wanted to stay in the ashram had to present himself before Mother. She would look at the person’s eyes for a few moments and would know all that was inside him. If he was a man of good character she would give permission, otherwise she would not allow him inside the ashram. She had a special power in her eyes. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 166)  

Always expect the best from God

Two sinners, who had done no good deed in life died. Yamraj said, “Take them quickly to Hell.” One was walking towards Hell very fast. Another was walking very slowly and kept looking back. Yamraj asked one of them, ‘Why do you walk so fast?’ He said, “Lord, I disobeyed you all my life. At least I should obey you today.” The other explained his slow walk -- Lord, I know you are very kind. I am only waiting for you to have pity on me. God was very happy with both of them. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 2, page 61)  

Learn the real art of Life

A student who had studied a lot was crossing a river on a boat.

He asked the boatman, “Have you studied?”

“No, I never went to school.”

He remarked, ‘Half your life is gone waste. Do you know any art like drawing, singing, or playing any musical instrument etc?”

“No, I know no such art.”

“Then your entire life is gone waste.”

At that moment the boat was caught in a whirlpool.

The boatman said, ‘The boat is going to capsize. Do you know swimming?’

“No I don’t”

“I know swimming and I shall save you as well.”

We must learn the real art of life, which can provide us with infinite bliss. This is our foremost duty. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 6, page 65)  

 Prayer without faith is useless

Once a Imam Sahab came to meet Baijid Bustami. Imam is a person who leads the recitation of namaz and stands at the forefront in a Masjid. Both recited Namaz together. Imam Sahab asked him, “I see you have no source of livelihood. Then who gives you food everyday?” Bustami Sahab said, “I will reply after reciting the namaz once again.” The imam was very surprised and asked, “Why should you recite namaz again?” “Because the namaz recited behind a person who does not know the giver  of bread to all men (i.e. God) is not accepted.” Imam realized his mistake and sought forgiveness. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 6, page 131)  

Service of others is real worship

Two men started together for pilgrimage. One was rich and carrying lots of money. Another was poor and after much hard work had gathered only a few rupees. On the way, they had to put up somewhere as it had become very dark. They began to search for shelter in that village. In one ‘kuchcha’ house they saw a lamp burning and went inside. The owner, a lady, lay crying in agony. She was very sick. Her small children were hungry and crying for food. The poor pilgrim said, let us stay here. The other refused and went in search of an inn or guest house so that he could spend the night in comfort. The poor pilgrim brought the doctor, bought food, medicines and clothes and blanket for the children and the lady and looked after them for several days, till he had spent all his money. Thereafter he came back to his village.

The rich pilgrim reached the temple. He was surprised to see his friend standing right at the front near God’s statue where no one was allowed to go. He had his eyes closed and both hands raised upwards in a state of ecstasy. When he returned to the village, he asked the poor fellow how he could manage to go so near the statue in the temple. He was in tears and replied that he could not go to have darshan as he was left with no money. The poor pilgrim had truly worshipped God and completed his pilgrimage. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 11, page 27)   

Human beings – the best creature of creation?

Once an angel whispered into the ears of an animal- ‘God is pleased with you and you will be born as a human being next time.’ The animal was crestfallen. He said, ‘If I am born as a human being but unable to live like a human being I will have to be born in much lower forms and it will be very difficult for me to come up from those lower births. It will take me hundreds of births before I again get a higher form. Now I am living at a farmer’s house. He takes full care of me. I work for him wholeheartedly. I need not worry about anything. But if I become a human being I will become independent and forget the Master (God). Things which are available to me now without having to make any effort will become a dream in a human body. For instance, I do not kill to eat. God gives me food and I am happy. We do not cause pain and kill others only to satisfy our taste buds. We do not tell lies. Whatever we do is before the world. There is no scope for duplicity. We do not steal. We take only as much as we need from God’s world. We never store. After we have had our heart’s fill, we leave the food and go away. We don’t store them. We are natural ‘brahmacharis’. We, males and females live together with purity. Except on God’s inspiration we never indulge in sex. At other times we are quiet and normal. O Angel, for these reasons I would not like to be born as a human being. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 11, page 54)  

We must unburden ourselves

A man had spent his whole life carrying a heavy bundle of cloth and selling it door to door. When he was old and his sons were grown up they asked him to take rest. But whenever that man had to go out he would put a weight of 25-30 kilos on his shoulder. On being asked the reason, he said that he was unable to walk without weight. We have also become accustomed of carrying several weights on our mind all our life. We should try to give those worries to God and become light and free. (From Adhyatm Rahasya Part 11, page 71)  

Dr Rajendra Prasad’s prayer to God

After becoming President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad wrote a prayer- ‘O God, you have given me so much that if I say that I am not eligible for so much, it would not be enough. The truth is that you have given me what I could not have even imagined. My strongest desire could not have gone thus far. Now I have no desire. I only want that I should serve humanity as per your orders so long as I live. And when as per your wishes my life comes to an end, may I become free of all desires and merge into your feet.’ (From Param Bhagvat Pandit Mihilalji, page 84)

God is always caring for us

There is a Maa in Hyderabad who has been living here for sometime. People think she is mad. She keeps talking to herself all day. Whether there is someone present or not, she keeps talking. She wears torn clothes. She never accepts tea from anyone. I went, kept the cup of tea in front of her and said, ‘Maa, have tea’. She looked at me and said, ‘OK, son, since you have brought I will drink it.’ While she sipped tea, she said -- if I see Him once, I will fight a lot with Him. Whatever He sends, He sends through children. If clothes are torn, He sends through children. If I need bangles, He will send it through children. He gives me all I need but comes to me in disguise. He even sees me but as if from behind a curtain. I recognize Him but I don’t speak to Him. He should come to me openly. He takes full care of me but lives away from me. Is this love? But one thing makes me very happy- He takes care of me every moment.’ By this time she had finished the tea and said, ‘Take this cup away.’ (From Param Bhagvat Pandit Mihilalji,  page 116)

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