Postponement

[Guest guest]

Postponement

Source:http://www.ramakrishnamath.com

 

When Dharmaraja was ruling over Indraprasthanagara, one day a

brahmin came to meet him. He met Dharmaraja and after a while he

returned back. As the brahmin was going out of the main gate,

Bhimasena saw him. He saw the brahmin while going in also but he did

not talk to the brahmin because it was usual for several people to

come and seek from Dharmaraja what they wanted. But this brahmin was

empty and did not appear to have received anything from his elder

brother.

 

So Bhimasena asked him, " Sir, you are returning empty handed. Have

you met my brother? Or shall I take you to him? " The brahmin was

happy at this courteous enquiry from Bhima. He replied, " Yes, I met

your brother. As he did not have with him what I asked immediately

now, he asked me to come tomorrow. He promised to keep it ready by

tomorrow "

 

Bhimasena was surprised. His elder brother postponing a good deed

till the next day! He thought over for a minute and smiled. He went

near the big drum kept at the main gate and started beating the drum

thunderously. The drum at the main gate was not usually used. It was

meant for special occasions when something very important happened

and all had to be immediately informed of it. When the big drum was

beaten, it was a summons for all in the palace to stop doing

whatever work they might be engaged in and rush to the main gate.

 

When the drum went on sending loud sounds played by the powerful

hand of Bhimasena, Dharmaraja hurried towards the main gate from the

court, Draupadi from the kitchen, Arjuna from his weapons, the twins

from their studies, all people big and small gathered there. Still

Bhimasena did not stop beating the drum. In great ecstasy he was

playing with vigour, until Dharmaraja put a hand over his shoulders

and said, " Stop it, Bhimasana. All of us are here. Now tell

us why you summoned us all here. "

 

Bhimasena saluted his elder brother and then turned towards the

others who gathered there. " I have gathered you all here to make an

announcement about the greatest victory obtained by our elder

brother here. The victory is so great that all of us should rejoice

and celebrate it. "

 

Dharmaraja was surprised. What victory was Bhima talking of? Today

he did not even leave the palace. He asked in bewilderment, " What

are you talking, Bhima? I did not have any victory at all. "

 

Bhima laughed and said, " Let me announce your victory. Hear you all,

my brothers and kinsfolk; today our brother conquered the

unconquerable death. Who else can have greater victory? When the

brahmin asked for some favour, our elder brother promised to keep it

ready by tomorrow. Now, our brother is sure that he will be alive

till tomorrow. "

 

As soon as he heard the words of Bhima, Dharmarja understood what his

mistake was. He admitted his mistake and said, " Yes Bhima, you were

correct to remind me. Postponement of good deeds is very bad. I

should not have done so. "

 

He took the brahmin inside and gave what all he wanted and sent him

away fully satisfied.

GOMU<gokulmuthu