The only possession that Swami Gangadhar priced as
precious was his copy of the Bhagavad Gita. His mornings began and evenings
ended with meditations on randomly chosen shlokas of the Gita. But one day he
lost the Gita. It was missing. He searched everywhere in his simple, ascetic
room, where there wasn’t much space to search. He had no doubt that the Gita
was missing.
Only one person had entered his room
that day, his favourite disciple Venkateswar. Swami Gangadhar smiled to
himself. Venkateswar had mentioned the other day that he needed some money to
help his mother.
The shopkeeper from the neighbourhood
came to meet Swami Gangadhar. He needed a small help. “Can you look at this
book and tell me how much it is worth? Somebody wants to sell it and I’m not
sure how much I should pay.”
Swami Gangadhar smiled again. It was
his copy of the Gita.
“I’m willing to pay Rs 100 for it,”
Swami Gangadhar said looking at the tattered book. He got his beloved holy book
back. And his disciple could buy medicine for his mother.
Venkateswar continued to be the Swamy’s
favourite disciple. Their next lesson was on tenderness.
A very simple story with a deep message and meaning!
ReplyDeleteNot quite original, I must say. Adapted from Tony d'Mello, a Catholic priest.
DeleteGood and apt rendering, sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDelete🙏 YAM xx
Thanks for being with me, Yam.
DeleteI think I'd've been way more angry.
ReplyDeleteTenderness isn't easy.
DeleteMost things need to enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteNow thats a true Guru!
ReplyDeleteYes
Delete