Narada, the renowned Indian mystic, embarked on a journey to see God, his Veena resonating with divine melodies as he passed through a lush forest. Along the way, he encountered a very old sage seated under a majestic tree.
The sage pleaded with Narada, "You are on your way to meet God; please inquire on my behalf. I have toiled diligently for three lifetimes. How much more must I endure? When will liberation embrace me? Pray, seek the answers from the divine."
Amused, Narada agreed, and continued on his path. Not far away, under another tree, a young man joyfully danced and sang, accompanied by the soothing strums of his Ektara. Narada playfully asked him, "Would you like me to ask God a question for you too? The old man, your neighbor, has made a request."
The young man remained immersed in his dance, seemingly unaffected by Narada's words.
After a few days, Narada returned to the old sage and conveyed God's response, "Three more lives are needed."
The old man, engrossed in his Japa with prayer beads, flew into a rage. He flung the beads and sacred scriptures in frustration, exclaiming, "This is unjust! Three more lives?"
Narada then approached the young man, hesitant after witnessing the old sage's anger. However, the young man remained undisturbed, continuing his dance. Narada finally disclosed, "I asked God about you as well, even though you didn't ask or respond. He said that you will be reborn as many times as there are leaves on the tree under which you dance."
The young man's ecstasy only intensified upon hearing this. He exclaimed joyfully, "So fast?! With so many trees and leaves in the world, only this many lives? I have already attained liberation! When you go next, thank God on my behalf." As he spoke, a sudden gust of wind swept through, and all the leaves fell from the tree.
In that very moment, it is said that the young man became liberated. His unwavering trust and surrender to the divine had set him free. Time became irrelevant in the face of such profound faith. In contrast, the old man's doubt and impatience revealed a mind ensnared in its own limitations, hindering his liberation.
And so, the young man's dance became a testament to the power of trust, while the old sage's struggle exemplified the imprisonment of a doubtful mind. It is said that the old sage's journey towards liberation might be ongoing, while the young man, with his unshakeable faith, had already found true liberation.
The END
Discussion Points
1. The old sage's impatience and frustration with the divine timeline highlights the importance of patience and surrender in our spiritual journey. True progress often requires perseverance and acceptance of the divine plan, even when it seems challenging or slow.
2. The young man's trust and faith in the divine demonstrates that a heart full of unwavering faith can lead to profound spiritual growth. Trusting in the wisdom and timing of the divine can pave the way to liberation and inner peace.
3. Narada's playful question to the young man illustrates the futility of comparing our spiritual journey with others. Each person's path is unique, and contentment with our own progress is essential. Comparing ourselves to others may lead to unnecessary dissatisfaction and hinder our growth.
4. The young man's ecstatic response to the divine message showcases the power of detachment from outcomes. When we let go of expectations and trust in the process, we can experience liberation even in the present moment.
5. Joyful Acceptance: The young man's joy in the face of the divine revelation emphasizes the importance of accepting life's challenges with a positive attitude. Finding joy and beauty in our experiences, no matter how difficult, can lead us closer to spiritual fulfillment.
6. The old sage's anger and frustration reveal the ego's tendency to resist and question the divine will. By recognizing and transcending the ego, we can cultivate a more harmonious and enlightened approach to our spiritual journey.
7. The story highlights the concept of divine grace, where liberation can occur suddenly and unexpectedly through total trust and surrender to the divine. Such grace is beyond the grasp of the rational mind and can lead to instant liberation.
8. Both Narada and the young man express their devotion to the divine through music and dance. This reminds us of the transformative power of art and creative expression in our spiritual practice.
9. Narada's willingness to inquire on behalf of others and his hesitation when relaying the message to the young man demonstrate the importance of humility and openness in spiritual matters. Approaching spiritual learning with humility allows us to receive deeper insights and guidance.
You can find more such stories @ 'Atmachintan'
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