CHINNA KATHA FROM BHAGAVAN’S DISCOURSE. No. 30.

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30 - Yes, What you said is true

 

One day, in the midst of conversation, Lakshmi, the Divine Consort and

the Goddess of Wealth, addressed Naryana, " Lord! The entire world is

adoring Me; not even one in a hundred, why, not even one in a million,

is worshipping you. " She teased the Lord by this statement. She put

forward a plan to test the sincerity of man. She said, " Lord! It is best

to discover for ourselves how true the facts are. Come, we shall both go

forth into the world and find out. "

 

Narayana agreed. He changed into a great Pundit, wearing golden

bracelets on his wrists as evidence of the appreciation and admiration

of famous academic bodies. He had a garland of rudraksha beads round the

neck and thick streaks of vibhuthi on the forehead. He manifested

himself on earth as a redoubtable scholar. He moved from village to

village and began enchanting the people through his enrapturing

discourses. His splendorous personality and deep scholarship attracted

the people; thousands gathered to hear him and followed him from place

to place. Brahmins invited him to their settlements and honoured him.

His arrival was celebrated as a festival, with rich feasting.

 

While Narayana was being feted thus, Lakshmi too appeared on earth as a

great Yogini (Female Ascetic). She too proceeded from village to village

enlightening the people on the Atma through her discourses. Women

assembled to hear her fascinating speeches in wave after wave, in

massive numbers. They prayed that she should honour their homes with a

visit and partake of the feast they were most eager to offer. In reply,

she informed them that she was bound by some vows which made it

difficult for her to accept their request. She would not eat out of

plates already in use in the homes. She said that she should be allowed

to bring her own cups and plates with her. The women were yearning so

deeply for hosting her that they accepted the condition. Whatever her

vow, they were ready to respect it. Invitations came from every woman

from every place.

 

The Yogini reached the house where she was to take food the first day

and took out from the bag she had with her a gold plate, a few gold cups

and a gold 'tumbler' (lota) to hold drinking water. These she spread

before herself for the various items of the menu. When the meal was

over, she left the place, leaving the precious golden articles to be

taken by the host. She had a new set for each day, she said.

 

The news spread. The villages where Narayana was holding his delightful

discourses also heard the wonderful happenings of the Yogini's gifts.

The Brahmins who were staunch admirers of the far-famed scholar also

rushed to invite the Yogini to their homes for lunch! The Yogini told

them that they ought to drive the Pundit out before she could enter

their settlement. She would not set foot there so long as the person

continued to stay there! She was adamant on that point. Their greed for

gold was so strong that they forced the Pundit, whom they had adored so

long and with so much pomp, to go out of their village.

 

Thereafter, the Yogini entered the Brahmin settlement, gave discourses,

partook of feasts arranged in her honour and presented the golden plates

and cups to each of her hosts. Thus, the Yogini managed to get the

Pundit driven out of every place where he sought recognition and

attention. Instead, she secured the worship of people everywhere. Unable

to bear the universal insult, the Pundit cast off the role and Narayana

disappeared from the earth. The Yogini came to know of this. She too

gave up the cast she had assumed and, resuming her real form, She joined

Lord Narayana. While talking among themselves, she told the Lord, " Now,

tell me! What did you discover? Who between us is honoured and

worshipped more on earth? " Narayana smiled at her question. He replied,

" Yes, What you said is true. "