'Freedom from Egoism' - First Qualification of a Bhakta... Short Story, as told by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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'FREEDOM FROM EGOISM' - FIRST QUALIFICATION OF A BHAKTHA

(Short Story, as told by Bhagavan SRI SATHYA SAI BABA)

 

Worry and grief there will always be, of one type or other, in the past and

future... even while walking, dreaming and sleeping.

 

But place faith in the Lord and do your tasks as dedicated to Him and they will vanish.

 

Narada one day boasted before Vishnu that no devotee could excel him; but this

beast was against the very first qualification of a Bhakta - 'freedom from

egoism'.

 

So, Vishnu spoke of a ryot who was tilling his little plot of land as a greater

devotee and recommended that Narada should visit and learn the art of devotion

from him!

 

Narada felt very much humiliated and he proceeded to the village indicated in great chagrin.

 

He found the ryot engrossed in his round of duties on the field and in the

cattle shed and at home and in spite of the most vigilant watch, he could not

hear him speak the name of the Lord more than thrice a day... once when he woke

up from bed, another time when he took his midday meal and the last when he

retired for the night.

 

Narada was naturally incensed that he was deemed inferior to his very poor

specimen of a Bhakta. He was always singing melodiously the Leelas of the Lord

and spreading everywhere the message of Namasankirtana and here was a

horny-handed son of the soil who remembered the Lord just three times a day,

whom Vishnu judged superior to him.

 

Narada hurried to heaven; his face flushed with anger and ignominy, Vishnu only

laughed at his plight.

 

Vishnu gave him a pot full to the brim with water and asked him to carry it on

his head and go round a certain course without spilling even a drop.

 

Narada did so, but when asked how often he had remembered the Name of the Lord,

he admitted that his anxiety to walk without shaking the pot and spilling the

water, he had forgotten the Name completely.

 

Vishnu told him that the ryot who was carrying on his head more precious and

more spoilable burdens than a pot of water and who had to be careful not bring

harm to any of them, must perforce admired remembering the Lord at least three

times a day!

 

Therefore it will be great gain of you remembering the Lord with thankfulness at

least thrice or even twice a day; that will give you great peace.

 

Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the Name of God on your

lips inviting the Grace of God on you.

(Story #49, from the Book: "CHINNA KATHA")

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