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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/27/stories/2002052700680800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

God reciprocates true devotion

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 27

 

.. True devotion to God does not seek anything from Him. It is unalloyed love for

His own sake and the Almighty also reciprocates such love and fulfils His

devotee's needs in worldly life. God does not expect anything from His devotee

and accepts whatever he offers to Him with love. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad

Gita had declared, "Whosoever offers to Me with love a leaf, a flower, a fruit

or even water, I appear in person before that devotee of sinless mind, and

delightfully partake of that article offered by him with love." This was

demonstrated in the life of Sudama, a dear childhood friend and devotee of Lord

Krishna.

 

The time they spent together was very brief when they both studied under Sage

Sandipini. Sudama's devotion to Krishna is taken up for elaboration in the

Bhagavata Purana when Krishna was living in Dwaraka. Relenting to the entreaties

of his wife to visit the Lord to alleviate their poverty, Sudama set off to

Dwaraka with the bundle of just four handfuls of beaten rice that she was able

to muster to give Him. He had agreed to visit Krishna not with the intention of

seeking favours from Him but because it gave him an opportunity to meet his dear

friend.

 

On the way he started wondering how he would be able to gain access to His

presence, as He was a chief living in state. But no one stopped him when he

entered the palace and his joy knew no bounds when Krishna rose from His seat

and advanced towards him and hugged him shedding tears of joy. Krishna extended

traditional welcome by washing his feet and sprinkling His head with drops of

that water and worshipped him. The Lord's consort Rukmini waited on him and the

inmates of the palace gaped in wonder at the reception given to such a destitute

man, said Smt. Sudha Seshayyan in her discourse.

 

After recalling their student life, Krishna finally asked Sudama what he had

brought as present for Him. Feeling shy Sudama kept quiet and the Lord knowing

that he would definitely have brought something for Him snatched the rag bundle

and with great relish ate one handful of the beaten rice in it saying that it

would satisfy not only Him but also the whole world. The poor man left supremely

happy and the Lord had bestowed immense riches on him unsought for he could not

recognise his house on his return. Sudama remained unaffected by the wealth and

prayed that he should secure in every birth His goodwill, love, friendship and

remain in His service with devotion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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