CHINNA KATHA

[Guest guest]

CHINNA KATHA

 

- A Little Story from Bhagavan

 

On one occasion, Narada went to Lord Narayana. In the course of their

conversation, Narayana asked Narada, " You move around the three

worlds, what news have you brought for Me from your wanderings? Have

you seen anything great in My creation? "

" What can be greater than You in the three worlds! " replied Narada.

On hearing this, Narayana said, " I am asking you about My creation

and not about Myself. "

 

Puzzled by the Lord's reply, Narada said, " I do not understand the

question. " Sensing Narada's confusion, Narayana then asked

him, " There are the Panchabhuuthas (five basic elements). Which is

the greatest among them? "

 

" The earth is the biggest " , Narada replied. But not satisfied with

the reply, Narayana asked, " But in the earth, is not three-fourths of

the area occupied by water? "

 

On hearing this, Narada agreed that water was indeed greater than the

earth.

 

But Narayana observed, " But since all the water in the oceans was

drunk by the sage Agasthya in one gulp, who do you think is greater,

water or Agasthya? "

 

Narayana obviously had something in his mind. Narada had to but agree

that Agasthya was greater. Afterall the person who could drink all of

the ocean's water in one gulp had to be greater than water! But

Narayana had more in store. After Narada was convinced that Sage

Agasthya was the greatest, Narayana quipped, " Agasthya is but a star

in the sky. In the vast firmament, Agasthya is merely twinkling as a

small star! Is not the firmament greater than the star then? "

Again, Narada had to agree with Narayana. He was now convinced that

the firmament was greater than Agasthya. But Narayana obviously

wanted to teach Narada something and did not stop with that. He then

said, " In My Avatar as Vaamana I had covered the entire earth and sky

with just one foot of Mine. So is the firmament greater or My foot? "

Narada replied, 'Your Foot, Lord. That is greater.'

 

Narayana then asked, " If My foot itself is so great, am I not greater

than My foot? " Narada was beginning to get the Lord's point. He

nodded in agreement. Narayana then observed, " Although I am great, I

am confined in the hearts of My devotees. So, dear Narada, My

devotees are greater than Myself. And therefore, wherever My devotees

sing My Name I am there " .

 

- Baba

 

Ram Chugani

Kobe, Japan

rgcjp

Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp