Chinna Katha - Receive the knowledge of the Supreme

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Receive the knowledge of the Supreme

 

Once a disciple went to a preceptor and requested him to impart to

him the Supreme knowledge of the Omniself (Brahma Thathwam). The

Guru gave him a mantra and asked him to chant it continually without

any selfish desire. The Guru told him that after he had done this

sadhana for one whole year he could come to receive the knowledge of

the Supreme (Brahma Jnana).

 

The disciple approached his Guru after one year and told him " Oh

revered one! I have recited the mantra for one whole year " . He was

eagerly awaiting the preceptor's answer. He thought that his Guru

would certainly impart to him the knowledge of the Supreme. Just

then, unaware of the presence of the disciple, the maid servant was

sweeping the ashram premises and the dust from the ground fell on

the young man. The disciple flew into a rage, because he had come to

the ashram after a sacred bath and the dust had sullied his body. He

looked at her with anger and the maid was filled with fear. The

Preceptor was watching the entire scene.

 

The Guru said " you are not competent to receive the knowledge. You

got angry with the maid servant who unwittingly caused some dust to

fall on you. How can Brahma Jnana be imparted to one, who has not

that much of endurance? Go back and practice the Sadhana for one

more year " .

 

At the end of the second year the disciple was about to enter the

ashram. According to the instructions of the Guru the maid servant

once again let the dust fall on the disciple in full measure. The

disciple grew indignant and wanted to beat her, but somehow,

refrained from doing so.

 

The disciple approached the Guru and paid his respect. The Guru told

him: " You are still not competent to receive the knowledge. Last

year you exhibited the qualities of a snake and now those of a dog.

Come back after ridding yourself of these animal qualities " .

 

At the end of the third year, the disciple entered the ashram

premises after taking a sacred bath. As per the instructions of the

Guru the maid servant poured some dirty water on the disciple. The

disciple calmly offered his salutations to the maid and

said, " Mother! I offer my salutation to you. You have helped me to

acquire the greatest virtue, forbearance. Now I am worthy enough to

receive the grace of my Guru. I shall always be grateful to you " .

 

As soon as the disciple prostrated before the Guru, the Guru

endearingly said: " Son! Now you are quite competent to receive the

knowledge of the Supreme " .