stories from indian mythology

[pramanisa]

Ganesha

In India, Shiva is recognized as the god who controls the forces of destruction. Parvati, his wife, is a powerful goddess, and Nandi, is Shiva's loyal servant.

One day, Parvati was preparing to take a bath so she ordered Nandi to stand guard outside her house. She instructed him not to let anyone enter without her permission.

Later Nandi saw Shiva approaching the house. "How can I stop my master from entering his home?", he wondered.

Nandi allowed to Shiva to enter. Parvati came from her bath and was startled by her husband. Shiva laughed when he saw how his presence had scared her, but Parvati was not amused.

"All my servants are Shiva's servants first," she thought. "I need someone who will obey me above all others."

Alone in the house the next day, Parvati created someone who would be devoted only to her. Pulling ointments and creams from the surface of her body she built a statue of a young boy. Then, with her divine powers, she gave the statue life and created a son.

"Guard this door and let no one enter without my permission," said Parvati.

"As you wish," the boy responded.

Shiva returned home but was blocked by the strange boy. "How dare you keep me from my own home!", said Shiva. But the boy only repeated that no one was to enter without his mother's permission.

Shiva could not believe that this boy would stop a god from entering his own house. He sent Nandi to teach the boy a lesson.

Nandi took a small group of Ganas, Shiva's army, and went to the house. When Nandi tried to remove the boy from his post the boy threw him to the ground. Nandi became angry and attacked with his men, but the boy fought them all with such strength that Nandi had no choice but to retreat.

"I have never witnessed such a thing," he told Shiva, "We could not defeat the boy. He was too strong and too fast."

All the Gods in the Heavens had heard of Shiva's conflict with the boy. The gods and their armies assembled to assist Shiva.

Brahma, the god of creation, spoke of peaceful solution. "He is just a boy," he said. "Let me talk to him." But when Brahma tried to talk, the boy chased him off.

When Shiva saw how the boy treated Brahma he became extremely upset.

He stood up and addressed the troops. "Man your weapons! The boy has given us no choice but to fight!"

And so the battle continued with the boy successfully defending his mother's house.

Parvati was furious.

"Why Shiva?!?" She cried, "Why would you go to such lengths rather that simply ask permission to enter? Why would you bring so many great warriors to get rid of one small boy?"

Parvati focused all her anger to create two powerful warrior goddesses and ordered them to go help her son.

The goddesses created from Parvati's anger were very powerful. Using their magic they swallowed up the weapons of the soldiers. Most of the men ran away so that only the strongest warriors and gods remained to continue fighting.

Shiva became even more determined to defeat the boy. He turned to Lord Vishnu, the protect of the world, and said, "We must work together to defeat his child. I have a plan."

So carried by his loyal servant Garuda, Vishnu flew down from the sky and engaged the boy in fierce combat.

Seeing his chance, Shiva crept up behind the boy with his golden trident raised...

Shiva threw his weapon and removed the boy's head.

The Heavens rejoiced at Shiva's victory, but Parvati was enraged. The waters of the oceans boiled. The mountains quaked and there were fires and disasters throughout the heavens and Earth.

The gods pleaded with Parvati to stop the destruction and asked how they could make up for her son's death.

"Shiva must bring my son back to life and honor him as a god," she replied.

Shiva agreed to Parvati's conditions.

Since the boy's head could not be found, Shiva sent Nandi and his men to bring back the head of the first animal they saw. Nandi obeyed and a short journey returned with the head of a magnificent white elephant.

Shiva was pleased. He placed the head on the boy's body, gave it his blessings and brought the boy back to life.

In honor of the boy's bravery and courage, Shiva named him Ganesha, leader of the Ganas. Shiva announced to the Heavens and Earth that Ganesha was to be known as the Lord of Beginnings, the Protector of all that is new.

[pramanisa]

Ashtavakra

The story of Ashtavakra is taken from the great ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is the story of a deformed young boy whose intelligence surpassed many old sages of his time.

Sage Uddalaka ran a school (Ashram) teaching Vedic knowledge. Kahoda was one of his best disciples. Uddalaka was so pleased with him that he got his daughter Sujata married to him. Sujata, eventually got pregnant and wanted her child to surpass all the sages of his time. So, she began to sit in the classes taught by Uddalaka and Kahoda, listening to their chanting with the unborn baby. It was one day, in a class taught by Kahoda, the unborn baby spoke up from inside the womb, "This is not the way to chant the verse, father." Kahoda felt insulted in front of the class and cursed, "You will be born deformed."

Sujata did not take the instance too seriously and was ambitious. She wanted more money to raise her child the best. So she asked her husband to go to king Janak who was then preparing for a fire worship ceremony (Yagna) hoping that the ceremony will bring money to the family.

When Kahoda approached Janak, the king received him respectfully but said with regret "Kahoda, I am unable to perform the Yagna which I decided to perform several years back. Sage, Bandhi arrived from no where and asked me to start the Yagna only after he is defeated in an academic discussion with the sages participating in the Yagna. His condition further includes that the sages who come forth for the debate, if defeated, will be drowned. So far he has killed many learned sages. Now it is up to you to take the challenge." Kahoda agreed to debate with Bandhi. He was defeated and drowned in the nearby river. The widowed Sujata heard the news and repented her actions. A few months later she gave birth to a boy who was deformed at eight joints and so named Ashtavakra. He got his education from his grandfather Uddalaka. Ashtavakra was extremely intelligent and his grandfather loved him dearly and was very proud of him. When Ashtavakra was only twelve, he finished all that he needed to know from his grandfather. He also heard the fate of his father and the Yagna of king Janak which still remained unfinished as no one could defeat Bandhi.

One night Ashtavakra ran away from the hermitage and came to king Janak. Looking to his deformed body, the guards were amused. Ashtavakra retorted, "Do not judge a person by his appearance and age, judge him by what he knows. Inform your king that there is a person ready to challenge Bandhi." The king came and was surprised to see a small deformed boy. He asked a few questions and was greatly impressed by his knowledge. King Janak soon arranged for the debate with Bandhi. When the spectators laughed on seeing the deformed Ashtavakra, Ashtavakra said with anger, "I did not know that the so called learned gathering is no better than a bunch of cobblers who judge a person by the skin and not by the knowledge he has."

To everyone's surprise Ashtavakara defeated Bandhi in no time. With vengeance he then requested the king to drown his father's killer. Bandhi then disclosed his identity. He said, "I am the son of Varuna, the god of water. I came to earth on the request of my father to get the best sages from here to perform his twelve years of Yagna. The only way I could get them to my father was to challenge them in a debate and throw them into water. Now that my father has completed the Yagna, let us go to the river band and watch the sages walk out of the river."

People rushed to the river bank and watched the sages return from the river. Kahoda came and embraced his learned son Ashtavakra. He then openly admitted that his son Ashtavakra was a lot more intelligent than he. Bandhi then asked Ashtavakra to take a dip in the river, with the blessings of his father, Varuna, which would make him normal. Ashtavakra did as he was told and came out of the river as a handsome young man. Janak rewarded Ashtavakra and Kahoda. They went back to their hermitage to be united with the family. Uddalaka, was so happy to see his worthy grandson surpassing in knowledge to all the great sages of his time. Sujata rejoiced at seeing her handsome son and the husband.

[pramanisa]

dhruva

The Vedic name of the Pole Star is Dhruva Nakshatra, named after Dhruva, the son of King Uttanapad. At a very young age, Dhruva demonstrated such steadfast commitment to Lord Vishnu that he was blessed by Vishnu to take the position of the steadfast Pole star.

Let us hear the story of Dhruva which is taken from the Bhagawat Purana. Dhruva's father, King Uttanapad, was a great ruler of ancient India. He had two queens. The elder one, Queen Suniti, was Dhruva's mother. Queen Suruchi, the younger one, did not like her stepson, Dhruva and wanted her own son, Uttam, to become king . Unfortunately, King Uttanapad liked Queen Suruchi better than Queen Suniti and did not want to disagree with her even though Dhruva was older and was the rightful heir to the throne.

One day, little Dhruva went to sit on his father's lap along with his stepbrother, Uttam. But he was stopped by Queen Suruchi's cruel words. "You are not allowed in your father's lap," she scolded. "Only my son is allowed to sit on the King's lap. Pray to Lord Vishnu that you should die and be reborn as my son if you want to sit in your father's lap!" Deeply hurt, Dhruva went crying to his mother. But Queen Suniti was helpless. "Pray to Lord Vishnu," she said. "He will surely help you if you can pray long and hard enough."

Dhruva made up his mind that he would go deep into the jungle to meditate on Lord Vishnu and would not return to the kingdom until the Lord had answered his prayers. On his way to the jungle, he met the eternal sage, Narada. Narada was concerned that Dhruva was too young to be in the jungle alone. He tried to dissuade Dhruva, warning him that he would be eaten up by wild animals if he stayed. But Dhruva was steadfast in his resolve. Satisfied that Dhruva had the mental strength to remain in the jungle, Narada taught Dhruva the art of meditation.\par \par Little Dhruva meditated for many months, giving up all worldly comforts. He even stopped eating. Lord Vishnu was amazed at the little boy's determination and finally appeared before him. He blessed the boy and told him to return to his kingdom.

In the meantime, King Uttanapad repented the injustice done to Dhruva. He was heartbroken at the thought of little Dhruva being devoured by wild beasts. Narada consoled him, telling him that Dhruva's resolve was firm and that he would received Lord Vishnu's blessings. Narada was sure that Lord Vishnu would protect the boy from the wild animals.

When Dhruva finally returned safely home after receiving Lord Vishnu's blessings, King Uttanapad went personally to receive him. Queen Suniti was overjoyed at her son's safe return. In the course of time, when King Uttanapad became old, Dhruva was crowned king, and ruled wisely for many years.

The story of Dhruva is a lesson to us all. We do not have to wait until we are old to attain spirituality. Sincere, steadfast, meditation on God helped such a young child overcome the obstacles thrown in his way. It can help us all.

[pramanisa]

The magic Bowl

The celebrations of Dashera and Diwali, are one of the most important festivities in India. Dashera is the day when Ravana, the ten-headed demon king, was slain by Rama; Diwali marks Ramaís victorious return to Ayodhya. This festive period also marks the time of offering respect to our ancestors and worshipping various forms of the goddess Parvati and Durga. These forms include Sarswati, Ambika, Kali and Lakshmi which are worshipped in different parts of India. In fact, Rama worshipped Durga, three days before slaying Ravana. Lakshmi is worshipped five days after Dashera and Kali is worshipped one month later on the day of Diwali. In some parts of India, Parvati and Saraswati are worshipped in the place of Kali. Mahalakshmi is worshipped by the business communities before Diwali, called Dhanteras. These Goddesses, and many others, are the manifestations of the same female power. A funny story associated with Dashera and Diwali is presented here.

Once there was a poor old man who lived with his wife in a small hut in a village of Rajasthan. The old man lost his job because of his age. He was too proud to beg and so he and his wife began to starve. Ultimately he decided to go to the Parvati temple two days before the Dashera. It took all day to get there and when he reached the temple the door was closing. Hungry and tired the old man sat down on the door steps of the temple and fell asleep. Goddess Parvati felt uncomfortable inside the temple and asked her attendants to get the old man.

Very soon the old man was brought in and he was surprised to see the living Parvati. He thought he was dreaming. He fell down on Goddess Parvatiís feet and with tears in his eyes he narrated the miseries he was going through. Goddess Parvati took pity and gave him a magic bowl.

The Goddess said, "Take this bowl with you. Whenever you are hungry ask the bowl to give you whatever food you want and as much as you want."

The old man returned home happily with his bowl.

The wife was very happy to know that their bad days are over by the grace of Goddess Parvati. The old man always wanted to share his food with the king and others. So he decided to invite them for a dinner on the day of Diwali. But when he approached the palace the guard stopped the old man. He explained that he wanted to invite the king to his hut for dinner. The guard approached the King and sought his permission. The courtiers laughed and were looking forward to the fun. The old man requested the king and the queen and the courtiers to have dinner with him on the evening of Diwali. The king and his ministers laughed in amusement. The chief minister cautioned, "If we come back hungry, you will be hanged for playing jokes with His Majesty." The old man agreed.

As the day approached the king was impatient to know what was going on. So he sent his attendant to find out what the old man was up to. The attendant came back and informed him that no preparations were on hand. The old man was not the least worried about the royal visit except that he put up a tent big enough to hold the royal party. The king arrived with the queen and courtiers. At dinner time, the old man came with his magic bowl and asked the king to wish for any food he wants. The king thought that the old man was joking and ordered some of the most exotic foods in the world. Much to his disbelief, before he could finish, the food was served. Thus the old man, with the help of his magic bowl, served food to the queen and the courtiers. The wicked chief minister asked the king to take away such a valuable magic bowl for the treasury. The old man tried to explain that he would starve without the bowl but no one listened. He lost the bowl. Unfortunately, the bowl did not work for any one but the proud chief minister refused to return the bowl to the old man.

Soon the couple were starving again. They some how managed to survive for a year until Dashera came again. The old man decided to go back to the temple seeking Parvatiís blessings. He reached the temple in the middle of the night and started his prayers. Once again Goddess Parvati called him in and inquired what happened. When the old man explained, the Goddess decided to teach the king a lesson. This time she gave the old man a stick and asked him to go home and use the stick the same way as the magic bowl to get his food. But she asked the old man to invite the king again for a dinner on the day of Diwali. Goddess Parvati further explained that the stick would beat everyone until the bowl was returned to him.

The old man did as he was told. The king readily believed him this time and agreed to come with the queen and courtiers. The old man came with the stick. When the orders were placed, the stick began to beat the king, the queen and the ministers. No one could stop the stick so they begged the old man to rescue them. The old man explained, "The stick wants its partner, the magic bowl, until then it will keep on beating you." The minister ran to the treasury to fetch the bowl. The bowl was then placed in the hands of the old man and the stick stopped. Soon dinner was served and the king once again enjoyed the worldís best food. The king then built a special house for the old man where he lived happily with his wife.

[pramanisa]

Angulimal

King Prasenajit, the ruler of Kosala (was located on the northeast of modern Uttar Pradesh, India), was a disciple of Buddha. Shravasti was his capital. He respected the principle of non-violence that Buddha taught. One day, his royal priest Garg, came to him in distress. An astrologer had predicted that his newly born son was to become a robber and would be a menace to society.

"What should be done?" asked Garg.

The king asked Garg to educate his son well hoping that he may turn out to be a good citizen despite the astrologer's forecast.

The son was named Ahimsaka, meaning a person who favors nonviolence. Ahimsaka proved to be very intelligent and was interested in learning the scriptures. When he was in his teens, he expressed his desire to go to Takshashila, a renowned educational center. His father agreed and Ahimsaka joined one of the most renowned teachers at Takshashila. Soon he became the most favored disciple of the teacher (guru). The teacher was so impressed by Ahimsaka's performance that he told his other disciples to follow Ahimsaka's footsteps. This made them jealous and they jointly made a heinous plan to turn the teacher against Ahimsaka. The teacher fell in their trap and banished Ahimsaka from school. Ahimsaka returned home with a heavy heart.

When Garg, Ahimsaka's father, learned that his son had been turned out of the school, he was furious. He accused Ahimsaka of disgracing his family and threw him out of the house. Poor Ahimsaka. He could not understand why his teacher turned against him and his family was unwilling to hear his side of the story. When he looked for a place to stay, no one was willing to help. He was badly hurt and felt rejected by the world.

Finally Ahimsaka decided to leave Shravasti and move to Kaushambi, a nearby town. Deep in thought, as he was walking down the highway, that passes through a hilly forest, he was attacked by a highway robber. The robber demanded his valuables. Ahimsaka was so frustrated that he unloaded his frustration on the robber and gave him a big blow. The robber fell to the ground and was overpowered by Ahimsaka. He begged for mercy. Ahimsaka decided then that he could make his living as a highway robber.

Soon he started to attack travelers and traders, looted them and killed them. His extreme frustration and anger against the society turned him into an animal. He not only robbed and killed his victims, he collected their little fingers to make a garland. So people called him Angulimal or the wearer of a garland made of little fingers.

People approached king Prasenajit for help. But when Prasenajit sent a small army, Angulimal killed most of them by hurling down huge boulders. The king was amazed by his strength. Prasenajit finally advised his citizens to avoid the highway, until Angulimal was killed.

One day, Angulimal found the highway deserted. He was waiting for his prey when he saw a monk passing by. He was none other than Lord Buddha. Angulimal chased the monk for a long time but mysteriously the monk was always one step ahead of him.

 
Angulimal shouted, "Stop moving." The monk replied, "I am not moving, I am at rest. It is you who is in constant motion because of your discontent." Angulimal threatened to kill Buddha and use his little finger for his garland. Buddha was not the least disturbed. He stretched his arms out and asked Angulimal to take his fingers if that would make him happy. Angulimal was baffled. He realized his mistake and fell to the feet of Buddha, seeking his mercy.

Buddha took Angulimal to his monastery to teach him the life of an ascetic.. Angulimal listened to Buddha's preaching everyday and started to serve in the monastery, taking care of the sick. Gradually, he transformed from a sinner to a saint. When king Prasenajit came to visit Buddha on his way to capture Angulimal, Buddha told him of the change that had come over Angulimal. The king was pleasantly surprised and left Angulimal in Buddha's care.

A few days later when Angulimal was collecting his alms as an ascetic, he met a boy whose father he had killed many years back. He felt depressed and hopeless.

When Buddha inquired as to the cause of his depression, Angulimal said, "I am a sinner. My hands are stained with blood. I have no hope." Buddha said, "Repentance is the only fire to burn the sins already committed. You are on the right path." Angulimal came to his senses.

 
One day people recognized Angulimal on the streets as he was out as an ascetic. They thought it to be his new trick and to beat him. Angulimal did not fight back. Later he dragged his half-dead body to the monastery where Buddha received him. He died on Buddha's lap saying, "Father, I am at last at peace with the world."

Buddha, later commented that "Angulimal was a great soul. He had conquered vice, cruelty and anger. He had attained Nirvana (the Eternal Truth)."

[pramanisa]

Yayati

This story, from the Mahabharata, conveys the timeless message of self control and restraint.

Sukracharya was the preceptor of Asuras (demons). The Asura king Vrishaparva greatly respected Sukracharya as he knew the secret of Mritasanjibani, a drug that brings the dead back to life. Devayani was Sukracharya's only daughter and spoiled by her father's indulgence.

One morning, Sharmishtha, the Asura princess, daughter of Vrishaparva, came to Sukracharya's hermitage with her friends. She asked Sukracharya to allow Devayani to accompany them for a bath in a nearby lake. Sukracharya agreed. They soon reached the lake and left their clothes on the bank to go into the water. Suddenly a storm blew up and scattered their clothes. The girls hurriedly came out of the lake and got dressed. It so happened that the princess Sharmishtha, by mistake, clad herself in Devayani's clothes. Angered by this, Devayani insulted Sharmishtha, the Asura princess. Argument began and Sharmishtha pushed Devayani into a dry well and left Devayani in the well.

 
It so happened that Yayati, the king of a nearby state, came hunting in the forest and was looking for water to drink. When he came near the well he was surprised to find Devayani lying at the bottom. Devayani introduced herself and said that she fell into the well. She then requested the king to pull her out. Yayati helped her out. Devayani demanded that Yayati marry her as he has held her by the right hand. Yayati was alarmed and turned down her request on the ground that he belonged to lower Khatriya (or warrior) caste, and Devayani was a Brahmin (priestly) maid. Yayati then left and Devayani continued to sit under a tree.

When she did not return, Sukracharya set out in search of her. He found Devayani under a tree, her eyes filled with tears of anger and grief. When Sukracharya inquired, Devayani told her father every thing, carefully hiding her own faults. She refused to return to the kingdom of Vrishaparva as she was badly insulted by the Asura princess, Sharmishtha. Failing to change her mind, Sukracharya returned to Vrishaparva and announced that he was leaving the Asura kingdom because of his daughter Devayani's unhappy conflict with princess Sharmishtha. Vrishaparva begged Sukracharya to stay. Sukracharya left the decision with his daughter Devayani.

Vrishaparva wasted no time and went to Devayani taking his daughter Sharmishtha along. He begged forgiveness for his daughter. Devayani agreed to return on one condition that Sharmishtha be her handmaiden for the rest of her life. Sharmishtha agreed for the sake of her father, the king. Devayani was pacified and returned to her father's hermitage. But Devayani was vindictive and humiliated Sharmishtha by asking to massage her legs and run errands.

 
One day, king Yayati passed that way. Devayani introduced Sharmishtha as her maid and reminded Yayati that he should marry her. Yayati repeated that he could not marry a Brahmin maid. Devayani then took Yayati to her father. Sukrachaya gave his blessing on their marriage. They were soon married and led a happy life. Devayani had two sons.

Sharmishtha continued to stay as Devayani's handmaid. Yayati made a palace for Shramishtha at the request of Devayani. One day Sharmishtha secretly met Yayati and told him what happened between her and Devayani. Yayati was sympathetic. Sharmishtha begged Yayati to take her as the second wife. Yayati agreed and married her but without the knowledge of Devayani. Sharmishtha had three sons.

One day, Devayani met the three sons of Sharmishtha. She asked the boys the name of their father. They pointed to Yayati. Devayani was shocked. She felt deceived and ran to her father's hermitage. Sukracharya was enraged and cursed Yayati with premature old age. Yayati begged for forgiveness. Sukracharya and Devayani felt sorry for him. Sukracharya then said, "I cannot take back my curse, but if any of your sons is ready to exchange his youth for your old age, you will be young again as long as you wish."

Yayati, now an old man, quickly returned to his kingdom and called for his eldest son. "My dutiful son, take my old age and give me your youth, at least for a while, until I am ready to embrace my old age." The eldest son turned down his father's request and so also the next three older brothers. Then came the youngest, Puru. He agreed and immediately turned old. Yayati rushed out as a young man to enjoy his life. After years spent in vain effort to quench his desires by indulgence, Yayati finally came into senses. He returned to Puru and said, "Dear son, sensual desire is never quenched by indulgence any more than fire is extinguished by pouring oil on it. Take back your youth and rule the kingdom wisely and well."

Yayati then returned to the forest and spent the rest of his days in austerities, meditating upon Brahman, the ultimate reality. In due course, he attained heaven.

[pramanisa]

Savithri

In ancient India there was a king who had everything except a child. He worshipped the gods for many years and finally Goddess Savitri gave the king the gift of a daughter. She was named Savitri after the goddess. Savitri was so beautiful and intelligent that no one dared to marry her. The king asked Savitri to choose a suitable husband for herself.

Savitri traveled for many years until she reached a hermitage where many princes lived as ascetics giving up their luxury, wealth and power. When Savitri entered the hall of worship and paid respects to the eldest teacher, a young man entered the hall, guiding an old, blind man. Savitri asked the teacher, "Who is he?" The teacher replied, "He is prince Satyavan, a virtuous man, guiding his blind father who lost his kingdom. Like his name, he is the emblem of truth." Savitri decided to marry Satyavan.

When Savitri returned home, her father inquired. Savitri happily replied, "Father, I have decided to marry Satyavan." But seeing Satyavan's horoscope, the astrologer said, "Satyavan will die one year from today." The king was stunned to hear this and requested Savitri to choose someone else. Savitri trembled and said, "But father, I have already chosen Satyavan, and I will not choose another man. I will share the precious one year with him only."

 
Soon the king rode with Savitri to the hermitage to formalize the proposal. Satyavan was overjoyed to be offered such a bride. His father, the blind king, asked, "Savitri you are a princess, can you bear the hard life of the hermitage, living on fruits and wearing the matted barks?" Savitri replied, "I will be content." Savitri and Satyavan were married.

For a year they lived happily. But Savitri could never forget that Satyavan's death was drawing closer. Finally, when only three days remained, Savitri prayed for three days and three nights. On the final day, she came out from the prayer room with the rising sun. Satyavan wondered to himself, why Savitri was praying so hard?

When Satyavan was ready to go out to collect wood for the fire, Savitri rushed to his side and said, "I will come with you." "You look tired" said Satyavan " I will return soon. You rest." But Savitri insisted on accompanying him.

 
In the woods, Satyavan suddenly felt dizzy while chopping the firewood and laid down. Savitri raised his head on her lap watching Satyavan's face carefully. Satyavan closed his eyes and began to breath slowly. Suddenly Lord Yama, the god of death, arrived. He caught the soul of Satyavan with his noose and headed towards his kingdom. Satyavan's body lay dead. Yama tried to console Savitri by saying, "Satyavan was a man of great virtue and happiness awaits him in my kingdom."

Savitri did not say anything but rose and started after Yama. Yama objected, "You cannot follow me to the land of the dead!" Savitri replied, "Lord Yama. I know you are doing your duty of taking away the soul of my husband when it is time. But my duty as his wife is to stay beside him."

"Your duty is over with the death of your husband. I admire your loyalty. I will grant you anything but the life of your husband." Savitri most respectfully asked for the restoration of the kingdom and sight of her father-in-law." Yama granted the wishes and once again headed towards south through the rough roads of thorns and ditches. Savitri continued to follow, with torn clothes and bleeding feet. Yama said, "Savitri you have come far enough, now go back." Savitri said, "Lord Yama, my husband will find happiness in your kingdom but you are carrying away the happiness that is mine."

"I admire your devotion" Yama said, "But you have to bend to your faith. I will grant you another wish except the life of your husband." "Give many children to my father, I was his only child" said Savitri and Yama granted her wish. Then he began to climb a steep hill. When Yama looked back he saw Savitri coming up the steep hill, tired and exhausted.

"Savitri," Yama said in a loud voice "I forbid you to come farther. I am telling for the last time you have come far enough. I admire your courage and your firmness. I grant you one last favor, anything, but the life of your husband."

Savitri got her last chance, and said, "Lord, then grant me many children, and let them be the children of Satyavan." Yama was surprised by Savitri's wit and strong will, "You have not asked for your husband's life, yet I cannot grant your wish without releasing Satyavan. You have won your husband's life."

Savitri found herself at the same spot where she took her dying husband's head on her lap. Satyavan woke up and saw Savitri both crying and laughing. When asked what happened, Savitri said, "My love, let us return home."

Yama fulfilled all of Savitri's wishes. Satyavan became king and Savitri his queen. They lived long and were blessed with many children. When they were old, Yama came and together they happily departed for his kingdom.

[pramanisa]

Twan Tat Asi

This short story, quoting the conversation between Swetaketu and his father, attempts to disclose a profound and subtle teaching of Vedas - "Thou Art That (Twam Tat Asi)."

All people, have in themselves an eternal truth and reality called Atman, which corresponds to an identical but greater all-encompassing reality called Brahman. The life in this world is actually an illusion (maya) and the only way to escape the wheel of suffering between life and death is to realize that unchanging reality within one's individual self, through devotion, penance and meditation.

"Believe me, my son," said Svetketu's father, a sage. "An invisible and subtle essence is the Spirit of the whole Universe. That is Reality. That is Atman. Thou Art That." 

"Explain more to me, father," said Svetaketu.

"So be it, my son. Place this lump of salt in water and return tomorrow morning."

Svetaketu did as he was commanded.

In the morning his father asked him to take out the lump of salt. Svetketu looked into the water, but could not find the salt, as it had dissolved.

His father then said, "Taste the water. How is it?"

"It is salty" replied Svetketu.

"Look for the salt again" the father addressed.

"I cannot see the salt, father. I only see water that tastes salty" commented Svetketu.

Svetketu's father then said, "In the same way, O my son, you cannot see the Sprit. But in truth he is here. An invisible and subtle essence is the Spirit of the whole universe. That is Reality. That is Truth. Thou art that (Twam Tat Asi)."

[pramanisa]

Prahlad

The mythological story of Prahlad, is described in Vishnu Puran as the fourth incarnation of Vishnu, Nara-simhavatar.

Prahlad was the son of the Asura king Hiranyakashipu. The Asuras were super-humans who lived in the underworld, unrighteous in act and were hostile to gods. Hiranyakashipu wanted to be the undisputed ruler of the three worlds - the heaven, the earth and the underworld. He performed severe penance to seek blessing of Brahma for immortality.

Brahma, however, declined, saying "All living beings must face death Hiranyakashipul. You can, however, choose your death wish." Hiranyakashipu then asked for three conditions, as his death wish, "He be killed by someone who is neither human nor a beast, in a time which is neither during the day nor during the night, and in a place which is neither inside nor outside." Brahma agreed and Hiranyakashipu got his death wishes granted. Thus he became practically immortal.

Hiranyakashipu, with his new powers, attacked heaven and subdued all the gods. He then declared himself to be the king of all the three worlds. He soon ordered all people to worship him and no one else. His hostilities knew no bounds. The gods approached Lord Vishnu for His help. Vishnu assured that He will take rebirth when the time comes.

Soon Hiranyakashipu got a son. He was named Prahlad. Prahlad grew up to be a lovely boy. His father was unaware of the fact that Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu, however, wanted his son to be the king of the Asuras, strong and ruthless. One day Hiranyakashipu lovingly asked his son, "Dear Son, what do you think is the best thing in life?" Prahlad replied, "To renounce the world and seek refuge in Vishnu." Hiranyakashipu was shocked to hear this. He could not tolerate the idea that his son loves the sworn enemy of the Asuras, Lord Vishnu. He felt that someone deliberately trying to brainwash his son, undermining his future dreams. To find this out, Hiranyakashipu sent Prahlad to his teacher.

The teacher lovingly asked Prahlad, "Who has taught you about Vishnu?" Prahlad calmly replied, "Vishnu himself." The teacher was furious. He called for his cane and beat Prahlad mercilessly. Prahlad stayed quiet and completed his education. He quietly shared his feelings with his friends without the knowledge of his teacher. His serene behavior and thoughts of divine happiness appealed the young students. They believed that Vishnu is all prevailing, caring and the true preserver of the universe.

After his graduation, Prahlad returned to his father. Hiranyakashipu expected his son to behave like an Asura prince. So he loving asked, "What worthwhile occupation did you learn from the teacher?"

Prahlad unhesitatingly said, "Father, the only worthwhile occupation that I learnt is to dedicate my life in the work of Vishnu, the Lord of Preservation."

Hiranyakashipu shouted, "You wicked teacher, you taught my son to worship my worst enemy, Vishnu!" The teacher repeatedly tried to assure that he did not teach such a thing.

 Prahlad tried to convince his father "Father, my friends in the school believed me when I said Lord Vishnu reveals Himself to all who devoted to Him. You should also do the same and humbly accept Vishnu as the Lord of the Universe."

Hiranyakashipu raged in anger and ordered his subordinates to kill Prahlad. They tried different means but Prahlad stayed in deep meditation of Vishnu and nothing hurt him.

Hiranyakashipu became thoughtful. "This boy is immortal and fears nothing. Will he be the cause of my death?" He shouted in anger, "You wicked wretch! Are you trying to destroy me and my race! The rulers of the three worlds quake before me. What is the source of your power?"

"Oh father" replied Prahlad, "It is Vishnu. He is the source of our power. He is present everywhere and protects all who believed in Him."

Impatient Hiranyakashipu could not bear any longer. He pulled out his sword and challenged Prahlad, "I will see how Vishnu can protect you." Hiranyakashipu pointed towards the pillar outside the hall and shouted, "Is He present in this pillar?"

"Yes father" was the calm reply from little Prahlad. Hiranyakashipu outrageously ran towards the pillar shouting, "I will first kick the pillar to prove that you are wrong and then I will kill you."

 When Hiranyakashipu kicked the pillar with great force, to his utter surprise, he saw the pillar burst open and Lord Vishnu emerged as Nara-simha, half human and half lion. Hiranyakashipu remembered his first death wish, "To be killed by some one who is neither human nor beast." It was also the twilight hour, neither day nor night, the second death wish. Nara-simha caught Hiranyakashipu and carried to the threshold of the courtroom. The place was neither inside nor outside. This was Hiranyakashipu’s third death wish. There Hiranyakashipu was killed by the fourth incarnation of Vishnu, Nara-simha. Other three were fish, turtle and wild boar. After killing Hiranyakashipu, Narasimha sat at his thrown and peace came back to the earth.

All the gods came to pay homage to the incarnation of Vishnu and asked Prahlad, who was not the least afraid of the horrible beast, to pacify him so that He comes back to his normal peaceful form. Narsimha was touched by Prahlad’s devotion. He came back to his normal form and asked Prahlad to ask for any boon. Prahlad humbly said, "Let my father be purified of all his sins." Vishnu blessed Prahlad and asked him to reign in his place and perform the duties of a just ruler. Prahlad ruled wisely and well ever after.

[pramanisa]

Buddha

King Suddodana ruled the kingdom of Kapilavastu, located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. One night his pregnant wife, Queen Mahamaya, dreamt of a white elephant with six tusks entering her body. When she woke up, she told the king about her dream. The king consulted the wise men, and they predicted that the child would either be a great king or would renounce the world to become a holy man.

The child was born and was named "Siddhartha" which means every wish fulfilled. Siddhartha was the only heir to the throne and, king Suddodana did not want him to renounce the world. He decided to keep the prince within the walls of the palace so that he would not be exposed to any holy man who may influence him. Unfortunately, Qeeen Mahamaya died soon after childbirth. Siddharata was then raised by his aunt with great love and care.

Siddharatha was highly gifted and mastered everything that he was exposed to. But was a loner and an introvert. One of Siddharthas cousins, Devadatta, was very jealous of the prince and did cruel things to hurt him. One day Devadatta shot a flying swan. The prince caught the bird as it fell, removed the arrow, and nursed the swan back to life. Devadutta demanded the swan from Siddhartha, claiming it as his prize. But Siddhartha refused. So they brought their disagreement to the royal court. The judges awarded Siddhartha the swan, saying, "Life is more valuable than anything else in the world. Whoever saves a life is in harmony with the Truth, and owns it."

When Siddhartha was sixteen, King Suddodana decided to get Siddhartha married. At that time a swayambara ( where the princess selects from the assembled princes, her husband, on the basis of his superior demonstration in martial art) was arranged for the beautiful princess Yasodhara. Siddhartha won in all the competitions and won the hand of the princess. In few years they had a son. He was named Rahul, meaning, conqueror of all miseries. King Suddodana rejoiced for now it seemed less likely that Siddharatha would renounce the world.

But soon after Rahul was born, prince Siddhartha began to feel restless. He was curious about what lay outside his sheltered world. So one day he asked his charioteer to take him for a ride far outside the kingdom. They slipped beyond the palace gates and there, for the first time in his life, the prince saw human suffering: an old man, a sick man, and a dead man.

 Siddhartha asked the charioteer, "Does everyone become sick, old and die?" The charioteer replied, "Yes master. This is the law of nature." Siddhartha felt very depressed. On their way back Siddhartha spotted a monk, wearing saffron robe, meditating under a tree. He seemed completely at peace. Siddhartha came near the monk and asked, "Who are you?" The monk replied, "I am a seeker of the Truth, of life over death. And to find it, I have given up everything on this earth." Siddhartha was deeply influenced. He decided to leave his luxurious life and family and follow the monks footsteps.

That night he gazed at his sleeping wife and his infant child for the last time and crept out of the palace. He rode with his charioteer until dawn. In a remote place, far away from the kingdom, Siddhartha dismounted and told the charioteer, "Now I begin my quest for the Truth. Tell my father that I will either return someday as the conqueror of sickness, old age and death, or I will fail and die." The charioteer sadly left to tell to the king this sorrowful news.

Seeing his princely clothes, a beggar came asking for alms. Prince Siddhartha exchanged his princely clothes with the beggar. He then cut off his hair and began his quest for enlightenment. Siddhartha continued his journey, seeking wisdom from the monks he met along the way. But none could teach him how to obtain the ultimate peace. He gave up eating, torturing his body to get closer to the Truth but failed. Soon he became weak and was on the verge of losing his life. A low caste village girl, Sujata, saw his miserable condition, and took care of him. Siddhartha revived and renewed his search for enlightenment.

Sidhartha was determined to succeed. One day, after bathing in the river, he walked to a large bodhi (banyan) tree where many others had received enlightenment. He spread straw beneath him, and vowed, "I will not leave this seat until I have attained my goal.

Evil powers tried to dissuade Siddhartha from attaining his goal but he was steadfast. At dawn, when Siddharatha opened his eyes with the rising sun, he saw the whole cycle of life; the whole mystery of life. He saw the whole of existence within himself, and himself within the whole of existence. Siddharthas search for the Truth had ended. At the age of thirty five he had become Buddha. Siddhartha, the Buddha, continued to sit in meditation. He left the shelter of the bodhi tree to go forth and teach others what he had learned. When he found the five hermits of Uruvilva, located in Kashi (todays Varanasi), he taught them the four noble truths which he had discovered.

 

Life ends in death.
The cause of sufferings of life is desire and our bad deeds, the Karma.
The end of desire leads to the end of suffering.
The way to end desire, and hence to end suffering, is to follow the righteous path and discovering the divine Truth that is inherent in us.
The five hermits became his first disciples. Buddha then traveled far and wide, teaching the four noble truths as well as the art of meditation to purify body, speech, and mind. Soon Buddhas teachings spread throughout the land, and he had many followers..

 During his travels, Buddha met a young woman grief stricken over the death of her child. She came to Buddha with her dead child begging Buddha to bring her child back to life. Buddha looked at her with great compassion and said, "To heal your child I need a mustard seed from a home where death has never occurred." The woman went to every house in the village, but there was no home where death had not occurred. Then she began to understand the law of nature: Death is universal. She returned to Buddha to learn the path that leads to eternal peace.

When Buddha returned to Kapilavastu, king Suddodana came to see him, along with his grandson, Rahul, Buddhas son. When the king saw Buddha begging on the street, as holy men do, he became alarmed. "You are a prince" he exclaimed. "It is not fitting that you should beg in the streets of your own kingdom!" Buddha replied, "Father, yours is the custom of kings, but I come from a long line of Buddhas, whose custom has always been to beg for food."

Buddhas cousin Devadatta had retained his childhood jealousies and joined the Sangha or congregation of Buddhists, to turn people against Buddha. But he failed. He then tried to kill Buddha by hiring criminals but the criminals became Buddhas disciples. When he turned loose a mad elephant while Buddha was begging on the street, the wild animal came near Buddha and submitted to him.  At last, Devadutta decided to kill Buddha himself. He waited at the edge of a steep over-hanging hill over a path where Buddha often walked. Devadutta pushed down a huge boulder when he saw Buddha coming, but the boulder broke into pieces. A tiny fragment, however, cut Buddhas foot. For this assault against the great Buddha, Devadutta instantly died.

At the age of eighty, after preaching for forty-five years, Buddha prepared himself to enter Nirvana, a state of eternal peace, where there is no more birth or death. Before his final departure, Buddha addressed his disciples:
REALIZE YOUR OWN SELF. THE TRUTH IS IN YOUR HEART THAT WILL LEAD YOU TO HEAVEN.

[pramanisa]

Sudama

The story of Sudama is described in the Bhagwat Purana, an ancient scripture of the Hindus.

Sudama was a poor brahmin boy who became a close friend of Krishna in sage Sandipani's hermitage. Krishna learnt to chant from Sudama.

Once, Sandipani's wife asked Sudama and Krishna to get some wood from the forest. While they were collecting the wood, a storm came and they got lost. Sudama was scared. Krishna held his arms and assured his safety. When the storm was over, they found their way to the hermitage. Sudama was relieved. Sandipani blessed them with a long life and happiness.

After completing their studies, Sudama and Krishna went their own ways. Krishna became the king of Dwarka and married princess Rukmini, the goddess of prosperity. Sudama, on the other hand, married a simple brahmin girl and began to lead the life of a devotee, reading scriptures, praying, forsaking worldly pleasures. Everyone loved Sudama. His family was quite happy.

Then Sudma's wife gave birth to two children. Because of Sudama's austere life style, the family began to face difficult days, with little food to eat and no clothes to wear. Sudama's wife was extremely devoted to her husband but when her children began to suffer, she was concerned.

Finally on a cold night, when her children were without blanket, she approached Sudama and humbly said, "Aren't you and Krishna, the lord of Dwarika, friends? And, Krishna married to the goddess of prosperity, Rukmini?"

Sudama replied, "Yes."

Sudama's wife dreamed of seeing an improvement in her family's poor condition. She earnestly said, "Go my lord, I beseech you, for the sake of our dear children, meet Krishna."

The very prospect of meeting Krishna, his old friend, made Sudama happy. "I will go and see him, but I will not ask him for anything." Sudama's wife could hardly conceal her joy. She happily said, "Even a visit to Krishna will bless our family. Do not ask anything from him. I will be content my lord."

Just before his departure for Dwarka, Sudama came to his wife. Both had the same thought. "What will I give to Krishna when I see him after such a long time?"

Sudama's wife suddenly remembered, "My lord you used to tell me that Krishna immensely loved Powa, the flattened rice!" Sudama too remembered Krishna's great liking for Powa. Sudama's wife ran to her neighbor's house and they happily gave her the gift of Powa in a small bundle. Sudama then set out on his long journey to Dwarka.

When Sudama came to the palace, surprisingly enough, no one stopped him. 

He looked through various rooms and finally located Krishna and Rukmini. When Krishna saw Sudama he ran to embrace him. Then Krishna sat down and washed Sudama's tired feet with warm water and put sandalwood paste on them.

After the royal meal, they all settled down to chat. Krishna and Sudama exchanged the happenings of their lives since they departed from Sandipani's hermitage. Suddenly Krishna noticed a small bundle on Sudama's waist. He remarked, "Ah! You have brought a present for me!"

Sudama hesitated, "How do I give a king, a poor man's Powa?" When Krishna noticed that Sudama was ashamed to give him the bundle, he remarked, "Sudama, the poorest gifts given to me with love is dearer to me than the richest of gifts given without love."  Krishna was thoughtful, "He has not come to ask anything for himself. He came out of love for his wife and me." Then he quickly snatched off the bundle and opened it. There it was, his favorite Powa! He tossed some in his mouth with great satisfaction. Then they talked and talked, as old friends, to their heart's content. Sudama could not ask anything from Krishna.

Next morning Sudama bid Krishna and Rukmini farewell. The long road back home did not seem to be that hard as he thought of Krishna. When he reached home, he was amazed to see that a huge mansion was standing in place of his poor hut. His wife and children, wearing new clothes, came to receive him. He could hardly recognize them. Sudama felt the touch of the all-knowing Krishna who had rewarded Sudama for his gift of love.

Sudama continued to lead the life of a hermit while his family enjoyed the generous gifts of wealth from Krishna.

[pramanisa]

A dutiful son - Rama

"Father's Day" is observed in the month of June. It is the day for expressing our love and respect to our father, one of the most important person of our lives. Both father and mother, all over the world, play a vital role in shaping the character of their children. In traditional India, a dutiful son takes care of his parents in their old age. This is our social security. The daughter is more committed towards her husband's family though her emotional ties with her own parents never get severed.

Today I will tell you the story of a dutiful son, Rama, who went to exile for fourteen years in order to fulfill the promises that his father Dasharatha made to one of his queens, Kaikeyi.

Long long ago, in India, there lived a king whose name was Dasharatha. He ruled the kingdom of Koshal (part of present day Uttar Pradesh) from its capital Ayodhya. He was loved by one and all because he cared for the happiness and prosperity of his subjects. Dasharatha had three queens, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Even though Dasharatha had everything to make him happy he was very sad at heart because had no children.

He was getting old, and was worried for not having an heir to inherit his throne.  Upon the advice of his guru (spiritual guide), Vashishtha, Dasharatha performed a great sacrificial fire worship. On the final day of worship, a figure appeared in the huge flame with a bowl of rice pudding. The figure intoned, "Take this rice pudding and divide this amongst your wives. They will give you the sons you desire." Then it disappeared.

Dasharatha took the bowl to his first wife, Kaushalya, and gave her half of the pudding. Out of what was left, he divided that to his second wife Kaikeyi and the third wife Sumitra. When a little bit of pudding was still in the bowl, he gave that to Sumitra saying "Here, finish it up."

Kaushalya duly gave birth to a son, Rama. Kaikeyi was next, with a son Bharat. Sumitra was the last. She had been given two helpings, so she had twin boys, Lakshmana and Shatrughan.

As the boys grew older, Lakshmana got attached to his eldest brother, Rama, and Shatrughan to Bharat. All the brothers, however, were very close and loved each other. Rama was respected by all because of his good nature and truthful character. He was strong, handsome and was the heir to the throne.

When the boys were close to sixteen, it was one day, sage Vishwamitra arrived in the court of Dasharatha. Vishwamitra requested Dasharatha to send Rama and Lakshmana with him to the forest to kill the demons who disturbed him in his prayers. Rama and Lakshmana accompanied the sage and killed the she-demon Tadaka and her followers. Vishwamitra was pleased and taught Rama the sacred verses to call for the divine weapons to be used to protect justice.

After completing the task, Rama was ready to return home when Vishwamitra asked Rama to accompany him to the kingdom of Janak. Janak's eldest daughter, Sita, was about to pick a husband from the princes assembled in the swayambara (a gathering arranged for choosing a royal husband).

Almost every prince present in the assembly wanted to marry Sita as she was the most beautiful girl on earth. To choose the best of the princes in the gathering, a condition was laid. Sita will marry the prince who will be able to bend and string a very heavy bow left in the front of the assembly.

One after another all princes tried to lift the bow, but it could not be lifted, let alone bend and string. It weighed like a mountain.  Finally Janak was about to give up when Vishwamitra asked Rama to try. Rama took his blessing, prayed, and lifted the bow at ease. When he tried to string the bow it snapped in two.

Rama proved to be the strongest prince in the assembly. Sita happily garlanded him. Dasharatha was informed and he requested Janak to let the three sisters of Sita marry his other three sons - Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan. Janak was overwhelmed with the unexpected offer from Dasharatha. He immediately made all arrangements and all the four brothers got married together in front of the sacrificial fire.

Dasharatha then decided to retire making Rama the crown king of Koshal. But things did not go according to Dashratha's plan.

When the day of coronation of Rama was announced Bharat and Shatrughan were at their maternal uncle's place. The city started to prepare for the occasion and the queens were happy for the oncoming event. At this time, Dasharatha's second wife Kaikeyi got an ill advice from her scheming, hunchback maid Manthara.

Manthara said to Kaikeyi, "Why are you happy in celebrating Rama's coronation? Don't you realize that you will not be as respected as Kaushalya and Bharat will be totally ignored."

"What nonsense you talk," said Kaikeyi, "I love Rama and he is the heir."

"Not if you change things" said Manthara in a devilish voice.

"But, how can I?"

 "Easily," said the scheming maid, "Remember, a very long ago, you saved Dasharatha's life during a war, and he said he would grant you any two wishes."

"Yes, and I said I would ask for my wishes later, when I knew what I wanted," said Kaikeyi.

"Exactly" shouted Manthara "Ask for them now. Ask for Bharat to be crowned king and for Rama to be banished to the forest for fourteen years."

Kaikeyi fell a prey to the conspiracy of Manthara. When Dasharatha came to accompany her to the coronation ceremony, she was lying on the floor, sobbing.

When Dasharatha repeatedly asked the queen about the thing that was bothering her, Kakeyi replied, "Do you recall the promise you made, when I saved your life in the battle field, to fulfill two of my wishes?"

"Yes my queen" said Dasharatha, "I remember that and I will not break my promise. Ask for what you desire!"

Kakeyi sternly said, "Crown Bharat king and banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years."

King Dasharatha was stunned into silence. He or his ancestors had never broken a promise. What could he do now? His happiness and his future had all been stolen from him instantly.

Dasharatha some how whispered to his attendant, "Go and get Rama."

When Rama arrived, his father was far too unhappy to speak. It was Kaikeyi who spoke, "Bharat is to be king and you are to be banished for fourteen years."

"Is this what my dear father desires?" asked Rama.

"Your father is keeping his two promises to me." Kaikeyi answered.

"Then I have no choice, I must honor my father's word. If promises are made, they must be kept. Let Bharat rule. I leave for the exile immediately."

Sita and Lakshman insisted to accompany Ram.

 Dasharata died shortly following Rama's departure.

When Bharat came to know about this he got furious with his mother and Shatrughan kicked Manthara out of the house. Then Bharat went after Rama in order to request him to come back and rule the kingdom. Rama very humbly refused as he did not want his father's promises to be broken. Bharat returned to Ayodhya with Rama's sandals and ruled the kingdom as an appointee of Rama. Even in the palace he chose to lead the life of a hermit like his elder brother Rama.

 During the exile, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Rama hunt out Ravana with the help of the monkey king Sugreeva and his commander Hanuman. A fierce battle ensued and Ravana was finally defeated. Rama triumphantly returned to Ayodhya with Sita after fourteen years' of exile. We celebrate Diwali in memory of Rama's return to Ayodhya.

Rama is considered by all Indians as an ideal son who willingly undertook hardship in order to save his father's honor. He was also a great warrior and an emblem of justice.

[pramanisa]

Yama Kumar

Once upon a time Yama, the god of death, fell in love with a mortal woman. He disguised himself as a mortal man and won her hand. As she was mortal, he lived with her on earth rather than taking her to his underworld kingdom, Yamapuri. But it was not long before he discovered that the wife he had chosen was shrewish and quarrelsome.

She became even worse after she bore him a son. The son was named Yama Kumar. Yama frequently disagreed with his mortal wife over Yama Kumar’s upbringing, but she argued so violently with him that in the end Yama agreed to whatever she said.

 
Finally, Yama couldn't bear her bad temper any more and returned to his kingdom. From there he kept an eye on his son whom he loved very much. Unfortunately, his wife was unable to raise the boy properly and he grew up without learning anything to make a living for himself.

One night Yama appeared before his son and promised him the gift of healing if Yama Kumar work very hard and learn about medicinal herbs and plants. The young man gratefully accepted his father’s gift. After some time, the young man became a qualified doctor.

"I am proud of you, my son," Yama said, "Now any time you approach a patient, if you see me sitting at the patient’s head, that means the patient will die. Then you should refuse to treat that patient."

The boy followed his father’s instructions and soon became widely known for his excellent diagnosis and treatment.

Some years later, the princess became very ill. Royal physicians came from far and near to cure her but they were all unsuccessful. The princess grew weaker and weaker. The king’s courtiers then told the king about Yama Kumar. The king decided to let Yama Kumar try to cure the princess.

Yama Kumar was thrilled at the opportunity to compete with the royal physicians. But as he approached the princess’ bed he was dismayed to see his father sitting there.

 
"Oh father!" Yama pleaded, "Please spare her life! She is so young and beautiful. Must you take her life away now?" Yama loved his son very much and wanted to let the princess live, but he was also duty bound to take her. Finally he agreed to let her live for just three more days.

Thanking his father, Yama turned to the king and queen who could not see or hear the conversation between father and son.

"Your majesties, your daughter is very ill" Yama Kumar told them. "I think she may have only three days of life left. However, if she outlives these, she will live to a ripe old age." Saying this he sat down beside her and thought hard of a plan to save her life. Yama Kumar never left the princess’ bedside

Finally, on the third day, he saw his father approaching from a distance. Before Yama could reach the princess, Yama Kumar slyly called out, "Oh mother! How nice of you to come to see father!"

Upon hearing his son’s words, Yama immediately fled before he could even reach the princess’ bedside. Yama’s sense of duty could not overcome his fear of his shrewish wife! Yama Kumar’s trick had worked!

As soon as Yama left, the color began to return miraculously to the princess’ cheeks. After a week had passed, Yama Kumar announced to the king that his daughter was cured.

So happy were the king and the queen that they married the young man to their daughter and the couple lived happily to a ripe old age.

[pramanisa]

The Bold Beggar

Once there were two sages (rishis) who lived in a hermitage located in a forest. They spent most of their time worshipping Vayu, the wind god.


One afternoon, as the sages were beginning their meal, a Brahmachari (an unmarried monk) beggar arrived holding his begging bowl.

The Brahmachari pleaded to the sages, "Pardon me respectful sages, could I beg for a part of your excess meal?"

"Sorry young man, we cannot spare you any food," sourly replied one of the sages.

The persistent young monk continued, "May I ask you most humbly, which Deva (God) do you worship?"

"We worship Vayu, the wind god" answered the sage with pride. "He is also know as Prana, the breath of life."


"Ah! Then you must know that Prana pervades the whole universe" said the young Brahmachari.

The sages were getting impatient, "Yes, yes, we know all that young man."

The beggar than asked firmly, "Oh honorable sages, could you tell me to whom did you make this food-offering?"

"Prana, the life, who else?" said the irritated sage.

The young monk smiled and retorted, "If life pervades the universe, it pervades me too. Am I not a part of that universe?"

"Yes, that's right" replied the sage, in a puzzled state of mind.

"It is Prana, or life, that pulsates in me, as this hungry body of mine stands before you and speaks," appealed the beggar.

The sages were trapped in the argument and admitted, "You speak the truth."

The beggar then made his final appeal, "Then Oh revered rishis (sages), in denying me food, you are denying Prana for whom you have prepared the food."

The rishis had no answer. They realized that merely the reading of scriptures can not assure them of their assimilation and true understanding. Ashamed at their ignorance, the sages gladly shared their food with the young Brahmachari.

[pramanisa]

The Supreme Knowledge of Brahman

Many years ago, in India, there lived a king named Janashruti (widely known). He ruled over the kingdom of Mahabrisha (meaning the big bull). He was a benevolent and generous ruler. He built rest houses for travelers along the roadside, distributed free food to the poor and needy, built hospitals for the sick and old and he taxed his subjects fairly. Quite naturally Janashruti was pleased with himself for having done so much for his kingdom. Unfortunately it did not take long for him to turn into a vain man.


One evening while he was relaxing on the terrace of his palace he saw two swans flying over him and conversing.

"Be careful while passing over the King Janashruti" one of them said. "The glow of his fame may burn you to ashes."

"You must be joking" replied the partner, "As if King Janashruti is greater than the humble cart-man Raikva!"

The king understood their conversation and became thoughtful.

"Who is this Raikva?" The king pondered. "How could he earn more merit than me?"


King Janashruti felt restless and could not sleep for the rest of the night.

The following morning, when the elaborate ritual of waking up royalty began, the king got irritated.

"Stop all these adulations and empty praises for me. I am not worthy of it."

The king's attendants were puzzled,

"What happened Maharaj?" asked the bard.

The king told the bard about the swan's conversation he had overheard.

"Now go and seek out Raikva," the King ordered, "He is the most pious of all men."

A massive search was soon launched to locate Raikva. Many days had passed and finally they were told by a peasant that Raikva was a cart-man in their village. All the kings men then saw Raikva, a poor cart driver, sitting on the ground and engaged in his own thought.

"Our king wishes to meet you" said an attendant.

"Well, here I am," said Raikva without budging from his place. "The king can come here if he wants to see me."

The attendants were surprised. "What does our worthy king seek from this ordinary man?"

The king was pleased to hear that Raikva was finally found. He ordered to make preparations to leave for Raikva's village the next morning.

King Janashruti took with him an army of men with impressive presents of 600 cows, an expensive gold necklace and a chariot for Raikva.

Upon arriving at the village, King Janashruti introduced himself and said, "I have heard a great deal about you. I am told that you are one of the rarest person who has the personal experience of Brahman, the supreme Lord."

"Oh Raikva" the king continued, "I will give you all that you desire, and in return I ask that you impart me the supreme knowledge of Brahman."

Raikva smiled. "So you want to buy the divine knowledge!"

Then he scolded the king, "Oh ignorant king! The knowledge of Brahman cannot be purchased. It is not a commodity that can be bartered. You are not yet ready to receive the supreme knowledge. Go home."

The disappointed king returned to his palace. He became withdrawn, drowned in his sadness , always wondering, "What do I lack?"

His sadness and sincere anxiety to know Brahman, made him humble. His ego disappeared and King Janashruti became a different person in just a few weeks. He then decided to go to Raikva once again.

Upon reaching the village, the king could not help himself. He fell at the feet of Raikva begging to impart him the knowledge of Brahman.

"Enlighten me" the king cried out "I have no peace. Your knowledge has more richness than my entire kingdom. Please give me a part of it. I beg you with all my sincerity."

This time Raikva saw that the king had lost all his vanity and the genuine desire for knowledge was evident. He picked up the king and said, "I bless you, O virtuous Janashruti. All the knowledge that is mine will now be yours as well."


Raikva then drew the king close to him and spoke at length, "The supreme knowledge cannot be imbibed unless one has shed one's ego. Only the humble can perceive the Brahman. Now that you attained the humility, come with me and I will share wit h you whatever little I have about the knowledge of our creator."

So saying Raikva accepted Janashruti as his disciple. The king could realize that Raikva was materialistically poor but spiritually rich. As time passed by, Janashruti received the gospels of Raikva and dedicated his job of royalty as a service to Brahman without taking the credit of his personal achievements.