OMG Oh My God - Page 3

Originally posted by: bhakti2

People may and (even if in secret) will believe whatever they wish, deep in their hearts. They may even mistakenly believe it is possible for us to know the whole truth of the matter. they may feel threatened and lash out when they feel they have that truth and you do not hold to their views. But it seems this is all scrabbling about on a totally different plane of reality than that upon which the true essence of God flourishes.

That is why I think we must not feel harsh toward anyone even we think they are just acting from habit or from fear. Even for them, God is present in his or her way - and lighting one more diya in this very dark world can't hurt, hai na? I would say - yes - light - even from fear. But then go out and feed the hungry regardless. Whatever you believe.

Well said..Bhakti..👏 I remember 2 stories taken from Aithihyamala (Garland of legends).
In one story, a disciple ( don't remember whether he already was a disciple or wants to be the disciple of a Guru). Or it is like.. there was a humble, stupid simpleton who wanted to be like the learned scholars and he always requested them to teach him some mantras. The scholars/Guru got irritated and thought of playing some pranks on him and advised to meditate by rendering 'Viddhi kushmandam' . Viddhi means stupid and Kushmadam means pumpkin.

Unknowingly, the happy guy started meditation by chanting the same. But he was so dedicated that he was soon gifted with knowledge and divine powers (similar to the story of Kalidasa).

Another story from Aithiyamala is that of Akavoor Chathan (one among the 12 children of Vararuchi. He was living with a temple priest. Though the Pujari was fond of Chathan, he always felt disturbed and annoyed since Chathan is full of doubts and confusions, which seemed purely absurd to the priest. Though being Vararuchi's son, he belonged to a scheduled caste).

Once Chathan asked him: Sir, you wake up so early..before 4am. What you do?
Priest: I concentrate on Parabrahma.
Chathan: I would also like to do.
Priest: Ha..ha..OK..you shall assist me from tomorrow.
Chathan: How does it look like?
The priest, who got frustrated, eplied that it will look like a buffalo.

But Chathan was very serious about it, he imagined the shape of a buffalo and started daily prayers. And it is said that one day, Parabrahma appeared in the form of a buffalo and accompanied him. He often used to have conversation with Parabrahma which was noticed by the priest. When Chathan narrated, the priest initially thought that Chathan was insulting him. But when he insisted to touch him and look, the priest was astounded to see a blurred image of a buffalo..!

Sahasranamam - I love the stories you put! I had heard the first one, but never the one about the buffalo - it is really beautiful. If only people could be rid of their pride (as the rishi needed to be) - why should we mind however it is people who long for God come to him, and in what form any of us see him. It is all for good.

Originally posted by: bhakti2

Sahasranamam - I love the stories you put! I had heard the first one, but never the one about the buffalo - it is really beautiful. If only people could be rid of their pride (as the rishi needed to be) - why should we mind however it is people who long for God come to him, and in what form any of us see him. It is all for good.

Stories from Aithihyamala are excellent ones. Meanwhile I shall tell one more story similar to this. This one belongs to 'Paakkanaar' who is the elder brother of Akavoor Chathan. Pakkanar also reigns from a scheduled caste. He is a weaver by birth (I mean the caste of his step parents). However, like Akavoor Chathan, he was also respected by majority of the scholars and the upper caste. He did possess some powers and was a great scholar by birth, regardless of his profession.

Once, he saw a group of Brahmins passing by his home. He asked:
Oh holy ones..!! Where are you going?
Pakkanar..! We are going to Kashi. Don't you know visiting Kasi is considered auspicious? You can clear off all your sins if you take a dip in Ganga. You may also accompany us if you wish.
Pakkanar: No sirs..I have a lot of work to do. I can't spare much days and leave all my duties aside for having a dip in Ganga.
The Brahmins weren't happy with the way he responded and some of them murmured that his assertive attitude needs to be punished. But others, who still cared and respected him tried to warn him.
Pakkanar...it seems you aren't aware of the purity of Ganga. OK. Do you want us to do any favour for you? Or what shall we bring to you while we return?
Pakkanar: Sirs, I don't want anything. If you don't mind, can you take this cane with you and have it dipped in Ganga? At least let my cane get the blessings of Ganga.

After some days, the brahmins retuned from Kashi. But unfortunately, when they dipped the cane in Ganga, it was drowned and they couldn't get it back (However some versions say that the brahmins purposely did it). Seeing their gloomy face, Pakkanar asked what was the matter. They narrated everything and begged him to forgive them.

Pakkanar: Oh...it is ok. Afterall, it was Gangadevi who took my cane. She will return it to me for sure. And then he took them to a nearby well. Looking into the well, he prayed "Oh..Ganga devi..please return my cane" and you shall guess what happened.

Paakkanaar turned towards them: If our mind is pure and intentions are true, we can find god everywhere. So for me, a kettle of water from this well itself is Gangajal. And that's why I don't have to go to Kashi.