CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 5

[Guest guest]

5 - A great sage called Gautama

 

There was a great sage called Gautama in ancient India. He had a number of

disciples studying under him. One day he called all his disciples and said: " My

dear children! You know that we have been experiencing severe drought in this

region and there are no signs of its abatement too. I am very much worried about

the cattle of our hermitage. They have already become very lean and weak. I am

unable to bear the sight of suffering of these dumb creatures. I think these

cows have to be driven to a distant place where there is ample pasture and

plenty of water. I will be very happy if one of you could volunteer to undertake

this task. You can bring them back when the calamity has rolled over. "

 

Many pupils just hung their heads lest their true feelings should be found out

by their master. Some tried to hide behind others in order to avoid the direct

stare of the Guru.

 

A pupil by name Sathyakama, got up and, paying his salutations to his master,

said: " Master, I shall take them, don't worry. " Many students tried to dissuade

him from undertaking such a hazardous task. They warned him: " Oh! You have to be

all alone in the wilds away from the comforts of the hermitage. You may not even

find good food. Sathyakama replied: " My dear friends, I am quite confident that

the good wishes of our Guru will provide me enough safety and sustenance. I

shall not be alone for I will have these cows to keep company. "

 

The Guru was happy that at least one among the many pupils volunteered to

undertake the job as service to the Guru. He blessed Sathyakama and said: " You

are taking with you 400 cows; you can return when the herd multiplies into a

total strength of one thousand. "

 

Sathyakama drove the cattle to a charming valley. Everyday, he used to wake up

early in the morning, finish his ablutions and bath. Then he would offer

prostration to the Sun God and recite prayers. While tending the cattle and

while walking or sitting he would constantly chant the name of God. He

affectionately looked after the cattle. He regarded 'go-seva' (Service to cows)

as Guru Seva (Service to the Master). He never felt any anxiety or worry over

his life in solitude. He never bothered to count the cows too.

 

One morning after the morning rites, he was seated under a tree. Indra the Chief

of Gods appeared before him and said: " My dear son! Have you not observed that

the herd has multiplied itself to the total number of 1000? You can now return

to your master's hermitage. I will be travelling with you. Come on let us go. "

 

Sathyakama prostrated to Indra and thanked him for reminding him of the fact

that it was time for returning. Sathyakama and Indra had to spend four nights in

four different places. Every morning Sathyakama was taught the essence of one

Veda. Thus by the time he reached his Guru's hermitage he was the master of the

four Vedas. His face shone with a strange splendor as a result of the Vedic

illumination that he had been blessed with by the Lord of Heaven. Having

enlightened Sathyakama, Lord Indra disappeared after showering his grace on the

young boy.

 

Sathyakama walked into his Guru's hermitage with 1000 cows. He was given a

rousing welcome by his guru and the inmates. Sathyakama fell at the feet of his

master. Gautama embraced him saying: " I know that you are now a great scholar of

the four Vedas. You deserve it, my son. " Sathyakama could please Indra, the Lord

of Heaven, only because of his love and loyalty to his guru.