Parables of Sri Ramakrishna - 2

July 18, 2007

Source: holy_trinity (AT) googl (DOT) com

Once upon a time conceit entered into the heart of Narada and he

thought there was no greater devotee than himself. Reading his

heart, the Lord said, " Narada,go to such and such a place, a great

devotee of mine is living there. Cultivate his acquaintance; for he

is truly devoted to me. " Narada went there and found an

agriculturist who rose early in the morning, pronounced the name of

Hari (God)only once, and taking his plough, went out and tilled the

ground all day long. At night,. he went to bed after pronouncing the

name of Hari once more. Narada said to himself " How can this rustic

be a lover of God? Isee him busily engaged in worldly duties and he

has no signs of a pious man about him. " Then Narada went back to the

Lord, and spoke what he thought of his new acquaintance. Thereupon

the Lord said, " Narada,take this cup of oil and go round this city

and come back with it. But take care that you do not spill even

a single drop of it. " Narada did as he was told, and on his return

the Lord asked him, " Well, Narada, how many times did you remember

me in the course of your walk round the city? " " Not once, my Lord, "

said Narada, " and how could I, when I had to watch this cup brimming

over with oil? " The Lord then said, " This one cup of oil did so

divert your attention that even you did forget me altogether. But

look at that rustic, who, though carrying the heavy burden of a

family, still remembers me twice every day. "

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