Tuesday, June 30, 2015

May All the Living Beings of All the Worlds be Happy




Quotable Quotes


"It is only by giving up the ego, developing a broad outlook of the true meaning of love and cultivating the company of the good that we can realize our inner divinity."
~ Anita Bacha ~

Monday, June 29, 2015

Happiness



Happiness is an inside job. We have read about it many times but have we ever felt it? Give a sweet to a poor kid and seeing his smile gives you an internal smile... this is happiness.

We are blessed with many things but we only realize their worth when we lose it... realize and be thankful for everything you have. This is happiness.

Happiness is being yourself. Don't follow others. You yourself are a masterpiece of God so why be like others? Follow your heart, your heart knows your true happiness.

Happiness is being kiddish, act like a kid. Sometimes break the rules.

Happiness is helping others, feeding animals... whenever anyone comes to you for help, don't refuse to help because you never know how much he needs you.

~ Sonia Kaur ~

Divine Wisdom




Baba's Storytime - Leave What Must be Left




Once a king went to a forest for hunting.  There he was separated from his entourage and lost the way.  While walking in darkness, he slipped and fell into an old well.  Fortunately, he firmly caught hold of some roots of the branches of a nearby banyan tree as they were hanging in the well.  Thereby, he saved himself from falling into the well.

After some time, a person doing Nama Sankirtan happened to pass that way.  Hearing the sound of groaning coming from a nearby place indicating that someone was in distress, he came near the well and peeped into it.  Seeing someone hanging in the well, he managed to procure a rope from somewhere to pull him out.  Throwing the rope in the well, he addressed the person in trouble, "Catch hold of this rope firmly.  I will try to pull you out slowly."  The king had a doubt: what should I catch at - the roots of the branches of the banyan tree or the rope?

In the same way, man becomes the victim of doubts in certain situations and loses his discrimination.  First, the roots of the branches of the banyan tree were the means by which the king saved himself.  but to come out of the well, he should have left those roots and caught hold of the rope.  Here, the roots symbolise the world which man keeps holding.  but some day or the other, he has to know the path which can lead him to his redemption.  Leaving the roots and catching the rope are the means which lead him to the path of his liberation.


(Quoted from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)


Sunday, June 28, 2015

Divinity




"What is that we have to experience today? It is divinity, divinity and divinity alone. It is eternal and is always with you wherever you go. You should never forget this positive power even for a moment. Give up negative feelings and develop faith in the positive power, ie divinity. It is very much present in you in the form of conscience, guiding you and guarding you. If you take to wrong ways, your conscience will immediately caution you. It shows you the right path. It is impossible to experience divinity if you ignore the dictates of your conscience. "

Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~ ~
(Divine Discourse - 11.4.2004)

Friday, June 26, 2015

Sai Madhuryam




"In childhood, one develops absorbing interest in play
and enjoys the company of one's playmates.
In youth and middle age, one is engrossed in
cultivating worldly relations and earning money.
In old age, one repents for not having this and that;
one still craves for money without contemplating 
on God even at that ripe age.  
In this way, man wastes his precious human birth."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

The Lock


In 1995, while still a student (in India), I was just beginning to know Swami. During my final exams, I was once studying outdoors. The adjacent house was a commercial studio. Since it was a Sunday, the studio was locked. 

As I passed by the studio, I heard a kitten meowing. It was trapped inside and was frantically crying for help. Hearing the persistent crying, my heart melted. I was worried that the kitten would die if left in that state for too long. The next day was a federal holiday, leaving no hope for the rescue of the little soul for the next 48 hours. 

I was completely torn apart at the thought of letting an innocent life suffer in agony. There was a big lock on the studio’s door; I tried pulling it but the lock was too strong. Not knowing of any other means, I started repeating Baba’s name with intense fervor. Something inside told me to touch the lock while chanting Baba’s name. I gently touched the lock and, BOOM! The lock opened. 

Sai’s grace had not only shown his benevolence on a helpless creature, but had also played a great role in strengthening my faith.


(By a Sai Devotee, New York)
From: www.saibaba.ws

Quotable Quote



There is no end to seeking wealth.  
"Contentment is one of the greatest gains in life - greater even than wealth."

~ Buddha ~


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Cheers to the Rain



Today evening, I experienced the first showers of Southwest monsoon. So enthralling ... so charming. The sky poured its happy tears on my tiny town. After the scorching heat that squeezed out our water from trees and human bodies, the first rain brought with it, the refreshment, vigour and quenching the thirst of all living organisms in and around. 

I came out on my two wheeler and did not wear a coat - just drenched in the smooth showers. I held my head towards the sky so that the rain droplets directly from the clouds hit my face. They have given me the acupuncture therapy feeling. All my day long hectic work in the office renders my heart overloaded, stressed and I felt out of energy. This rain recharged my energy stocks. Simply my soul danced in the first showers.

It seems God nourishes all living beings with rain of his unconditional love. Physically all living creatures need rain from clouds for their progress of life and survival. Similarly all the souls that embodied in all humans need a different kind of rain for their progress and survival, that is the rain of positive thoughts, good attitude, love and kindness. So let us nourish our souls with rain of good traits.

~ Chandramouli Reddy ~

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Your Sadhana




"Divinity is immanent in every living being.  The same Atma Tattwa (principle of Atma) is present not only in human beings but in every living being in the world.  But one has to have a pure and peaceful heart in order to realise this truth.  Our ancients therefore counselled that one should contemplate on God at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.  By doing so, the heart will become pure and peaceful.  The moment you attain the state of total purity, God will surely manifest before you. This should be your Sadhana (spiritual practice)."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 9.10.2005)

Monday, June 22, 2015

Spiritual Wealth




*Some say that material wealth is important,
Others say spiritual wealth is important;
By God’s Grace, I accumulate both in my life;
Both I find are equally significant,
But most significant of all is to let-go of material
And, to add-on of spiritual wealth.

 ~ Anita Bacha ~

No Third Person




"People today have forgotten God and are craving for fleeting pleasures.  Nothing is permanent in this world.  All your worldly relations are temporary.  Such being the case, how can you consider someone as your permanent friend?  There is only one permanent friend; He is God.  If you want to experience true love, have full faith in God.  God's love is steady.  It never diminishes.  You are His and He is yours.  There is no third person between you and God."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 17.10.2004)

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Baba's Storytime - True Renunciation




There lived in a village a husband and his wife who were both great spiritual aspirants.  They were repositories of discrimination and wisdom and had great faith in the pre-eminence of renunciation.

Once they set out on a pilgrimage.  On their way, they passed through a forest.  The husband was walking ahead, and his wife was following closely behind him.  While walking on the way, the husband saw a precious jewel brilliantly shining in the dust.  He covered it with a little more dust so that his wife might not get tempted by it on seeing it.  

The wife understood the import of her husband's action and said to him, :"Dear one!  Do you consider dust and jewel different from each other?  It means the feeling of disparity considering one thing greater than the other, has not yet left you."  The husband realised his shortcoming and understood that his wife was a greater renunciant than him.

For a true renunciant, both dust and jewel are equal.


(Quoted from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Be the Candle




There’s a place in Baja, on the Sea of Cortez side, about 100 miles south of San Felipe called Gonzaga Bay. You can drive there pretty easily (by Baja standards) nowadays. But, 30 years ago, it was quite an adventure to get there. Your reward for all that off road adventure (other than the journey itself)? An off-the-grid community of small “houses” on a beautiful bay with whatever supplies you were able to bring with you.

Beyond the stark beauty of the bay, the warm water, fresh ocean breezes, and perfect cocktail conditions, the thing I remember most was the darkness. The stars were so close you could almost touch them. On a moonless night, you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.

But, light one candle and the scene changed. The light from that one candle would penetrate the darkness. The terrain glowed in the light. Bushes and rocks cast shadows in the night. The darkness was no match for the light from just one candle.

Darkness is all around us. That darkness may even come from within. We can choose to let the darkness consume us and everything we do.

Or, we can be the candle.

~ Bob Dailey ~


Saturday, June 20, 2015

May All the Living Beings of All the Worlds be Happy




Secret of Higher Life




"Your worldly intelligence cannot fathom the ways of God.  He cannot be recognised by mere cleverness of intelligence.  You may benefit from God but you cannot explain Him.  Your explanations are merely guesses, attempts to cloak your ignorance in pompous expressions.  Bring something into your daily practice as evidence of your having known the secret of higher life from Me.  Show that you have greater brotherliness.  Speak with more sweetness and self-control.  Bear defeat as well as victory with calm resignation."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Sanathana Sarathi - Mar. 2007)

Friday, June 19, 2015

Sai Madhuryam




"Everyone has to face the consequences of his Karma (actions).  Who has made the bats to hang from the branches of trees with their heads downward?  Has anyone tied them upside down out of hatred?  No, it is their fate.  Likewise, nobody can escape from the consequences of Karma."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Second Chances

I was in fifth grade and about to take a science test. Since first grade I had always been good at school. I loved to read and remembered things easily. Simple math was a breeze for me and I always did well on tests. When it came to fifth grade science, however, I was struggling. I couldn't seem to understand it no matter how hard I tried. I was scared. Mom and Dad had always been so proud of my good grades and I didn't want to let them down. Just before the test then I had written several of the answers on my desk top in barely legible pencil. I sat nervously as the teacher started to hand out the tests. I didn't want to get caught, but I didn't want to fail either.


As the teacher was starting down my row suddenly the fire alarm went off. It was an unscheduled fire drill. We all headed out the door and stood together waiting for the all clear signal. As I stood outside in the warm sunshine I realized what a fool I had been. I knew my Mom and Dad would be proud of me and love me no matter what my grades were. As soon as we were allowed back in I spit on my hand, walked to my desk, and wiped the answers away. I had been given a second chance and I wasn't going to waste it. I took the test, did my best, and felt at peace. I don't remember what my grade was but what happened that day has stayed in my heart and mind ever since.

I am not sure why God gave me a second chance that day. It wouldn't be the last time, though. God has given me more second, third, and fourth chances than any man deserves. His patience and love have been with me through all the mistakes, stumbles, and falls I have made. His second chances have allowed me to grow into the person I am today.

Life is full of second chances but you have to be willing to take them. You have to be willing to ask God's forgiveness and begin again. You have to be willing to release your mistakes and grasp your inner goodness. You have to be willing to give up your fear and just love. Every day when you wake up you are given a second chance at life. Embrace it! Cherish it! And use it wisely!


~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Quotable Quotes




Rise Beyond the Senses



"We must rise to the level which is beyond the senses.  Only then can we lead a sacred life.  Today students are below the senses.  They are becoming slaves of their senses.  This is not proper.  You must become the Master of Senses, not merely the Master of Science.  Today we are thinking of the senses all the time from morning till night.  This is a dirty life.  Senses are our servants.  We should not become a slave of our servants."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discouse - 20.11.2002)

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Divine Wisdom




Difficulties



"Even when you are undergoing difficulties, always think that they are meant to bring you happiness.  Every human being undergoes difficulties only to enjoy happiness later.  However, he does not realise this during the period of suffering.  But in course of time, when suffering ends and happy days arrive, he would realise the truth.  Hence, always remember the truth that sorrows and difficulties are precursors of happy days ahead.  In fact, real happiness comes out of difficulties only."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 23.8.2004)

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Namasmarana




"A devotee who is constantly engaged in Namasmarana under all circumstances will become immortal.  Namasmarana is the only wealth that lasts forever.  Therefore, undertake this Sadhana as a lifelong activity.  Whether your voice is good or not, continue to sing the glory of God at least in your heart.  Thereby, you will acquire merit that will protect you throughout your life.  If you do this Sadhana, God will always help you in all your endeavours, be they physical, moral, worldly, religious or spiritual.  Always pray to God before eating your food.  By doing so, the food will be sanctified and its essence will be assimilated in your body.  Your heart will also be purified."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 23.8.2004)

Baba's Storytime - Endless Cycle of Birth and Death




Once Maharshi Agastya met a farmer. Though a man of virtues, the farmer was undergoing a lot of suffering as he was mired in the problems of worldly life.  Maharshi's heart melted at the suffering of the farmer and he proposed to him, "My dear!  Come, I will take you to Vaikuntha (heaven)."  Without denying the offer of going to heaven, the farmer said, "Swami, my sons are very young.  I will definitely go with you after ten years."

After ten years, the Maharshi went to him and said, "My dear!  The period of ten years asked for by you was over yesterday.  Now come with me to heaven."  The farmer said, "Swami!  During this period, my elder son got married.  I will go with you after seeing my grandson."

After the passage of another ten years, the Maharshi went to the farmer's house and stood before it.  The farmer was nowhere to be found.  Maharshi saw a dog near the courtyard of the house.  By his yogic power, the Maharshi recognised that it was the farmer who had taken birth as a dog after his death.  Giving knowledge to the dog with his power, the Maharshi asked, "Will you go with me now?"  But the dog said, "My young grandsons do not know that these are difficult times as thieves frequent this place at night.  I have to guard this house.  I will come to heaven after ten years."

After ten years, Maharshi Agastya went to that house again.  There was no dog.  The entire house had undergone change.  By his yogic power, the Maharshi came to know that the farmer had taken birth as a snake and it was living in a hole at the back of the house.  Below the hole was the money hidden in the ground by the farmer.  The snake was protecting that money.

The Maharshi decided that this person should somehow be granted liberation this time.  He called the inmates of the house and told them, "There is a lot of money under the hole at the back of your house.  But first you should kill the snake which is holed up there."  All the inmates of the house joined together and started breaking the hole with iron rods.  The snake was forced to come out.  The grandsons of the farmer killed the snake with iron rods.  The very persons, for the protection of whose money the farmer took birth as a snake, became the cause of his death.  From that day, his attachment to life came to an end.  That was the end of Moha (attachment).  Did it bring Moksha (liberation)?

What is the lesson we learn from this story?  The fundamental cause of man taking birth again and again are his desires and his actions with attachment.  In spite of being shown the path of liberation, the farmer in this story did not make use of it.  Why?  The iron chains of attachment pulled him down!


(Quoted from the Divine Discourse of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Monday, June 15, 2015

Selfless Service



"Selfless service alone will please Sai.  Do not preach what you do not practise.  Act according to what you say.  Remember the significance of these directives and carry on your work in a spirit of dedication."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Sanathana Sarathi - May 2015)

Give Me the Fruits of Holiness ...




"I do not accept from you flowers that fade, fruits that rot, coins that have no value beyond the national boundary.  Give Me the lotus that blooms in your Manasa Sarovar - the clear pellucid waters of the lake of your inner consciousness; give Me the fruits of holiness and steady discipline.  I am above all this worldly etiquette, which enjoins you to see elders with some fruit or flower in your hand.  My world is the world of the spirit; there, values are different.  If you are happy, with faith in God and fear of sin, that is enough service, enough Kainkaryam (offering) for Me."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 27.3.1965)

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Sai Madhuryam




"The body is made up of five elements
and is bound to perish sooner or later
but the indweller has neither birth nor death.
He has no attachment whatsoever.
Truly speaking, the indweller is verily God Himself
who is in the form of the Atma."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Dear Lord ...



Dear Lord,
How many times have I cried 
and You have cradled me in Your arms?
How many times have I fallen
and You have picked me up?
Thank You, Lord.
I'm so glad you have me, Your child,
in Your warm and loving embrace.

~ Divine Blossoms ~

A Part of God's Creation



I was sitting in my car with the windows rolled down. My daughter had a meeting in the building in front of me and I was waiting to give her a ride home. The eighty degree day was wrapping the world in its warmth. A gentle breeze was blowing. Fat, fluffy clouds coasted lazily across the sky. The sun was washing the world with its golden light, making everything more beautiful. It sparkled off the green leaves filling every tree and made them glow. 

On the ground a bumble bee buzzed around a patch of yellow dandelions while a patient butterfly fluttered above him. Dozens of different birds were singing. Each of their songs was unique but they curiously combined into a symphony of delight. Even a squirrel seemed to stop and listen to them for a moment before zipping away across the pavement and up an old Oak tree.

As I sat there I noticed that I was smiling peacefully and that my heart felt full of contentment. It was like I could feel the Love of God all around me and within me too. It made wonder why more people didn't make the time each day to take in all the beauty, peace, and love that surrounds us.

Archibald Rutledge wrote: "God ministers to our spirits by the beauty that adorns creation." Perhaps the best thing each of us can do then is to care for God's creation, to add our own beauty to it and to do our best to share it with others.

Do your best then to add your loving soul, sweet smile, and kind heart to God's creation. Add your goodwill and helping hands to it as well. Add your optimism and enthusiasm. Add your wisdom, skills, and talents. Add all that you are to make this world a better place. We are all a part of God's glorious tapestry of creation! How big or small a part of it is up to us, however. Don't let yours be as small as a grain of sand when it can be as huge as Heaven.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

May All the Living Beings of All the Worlds be Happy




Divine Wisdom




Friday, June 12, 2015

Power of Discrimination




"The moment a thought arises in you, use your power of discrimination to inquire whether it is good or bad, right or wrong.  Or else what is the use of being endowed with the power of discrimination?  You should not resort to individual discrimination (that which is based on selfish gains).  Make use of fundamental discrimination (that which is beneficial to the society at large), entertain noble thoughts and undertake sacred activities.  Only then will your life find fulfillment."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 15.5.2000)

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Quotable Quotes



"We all want to be famous people, and the moment we want to be something we are no longer free."
~ Krishnamurti ~

Be True to Your Nature




"You should not get worked up when someone says something about you that is not true.  You must simply dismiss it as something which does not concern you.  If you get angry or irritated, you will lose your peace of mind.  You should say to yourself: "Why should I lose my peace of mind just because someone says something about me which is not true?"  Resolve to stick to your truth and be true to your own nature."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Sanathana Sarathi - April 2007)

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Baba's Storytime - Nothing Goes with You in the End



After his death, a rich man was being taken to the abode of Vishnu by his messengers.  Suddenly, he requested the messengers to take him once to his house.  Out of compassion, they acceded to his request.

The rich man went to his house and looked around in all directions.  After surveying the entire compound, he gave out a sigh and said to the messengers, "Come, let's go."  The messengers asked him, "What is the matter?  You were so very happy while coming but now you are sad and disappointed."  The rich man replied, "So long as I lived, I lovingly served my wife and children, brothers and sisters and all relatives.  I helped them all, gave them the money required by them and fulfilled all their desires.  I requested you to take me back to my house to see if anyone of them was prepared to come with me.  I wished that they would at least say a few good words about me.  But one of them think about me.  All are busy in their household chores.  All the service rendered to them by me has gone totally wasted.  Had I spent that time and money in the service of the Lord, I would have earned great merit, isn't it?

Not even a blade of grass goes with you at the time of your departure form this world.  Like a drop of water on a lotus leaf, lead your life in this world with dispassion, without any attachment whatsoever.


(Quoted from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)

Duke

I was blowing the dust off of some of my Grandma's old photo albums the other day and looking at pictures of that little boy I used to be. One in particular caught my eye. I was smiling, sitting in a corner chair by an old bookcase, hugging my best friend in the whole world. That friend was my dog, Duke.

Duke was a strange name for such a little dog. He couldn't have weighed more than 20 lbs. He was a mixed breed with a light brown coat. He had long legs with white paws and a white stripe that ran up his nose and head. He was my constant companion from the moment I could walk until I was ten years old. 

He curled up with me in that chair when I read books. When I went outside to play cowboy he would herd our cats up the trees and then walk off looking proud of himself. When He was hungry he would carry his food dish in his mouth and drop it at my Mom's feet. He would sleep on top of my bed covers at night and when I had the mumps he refused to leave my bed until I got better.

I learned a lot from Duke over the years too. I learned a nap in the middle of the afternoon could be good for you. I learned that sometimes you need to growl a little to get your point across. I learned that you can never give or get too many hugs and kisses. I learned that the simplest dinner can be delicious when you eat it with gusto. I learned that life can be good when lived with love and joy. 

Sadly, I also learned that life in this world is short especially if you are a dog. I lost Duke way too soon in my young life. Being an adventurous soul, Duke would often let his nose lead him away from home. Usually he would return days later hungry and exhausted. When I was ten, however, he went off one day and never returned. I cried and my Dad and I went on long walks searching for him but to no avail.

Since I lost Duke I have had many dogs in my life. All of them have been special. All of them have been unique. All of them have taught me to open my heart and love more. I hope to see them all again one day in Heaven. I would like to ask God too why our dogs' lives here are so short and ours so long. I think maybe that I do know at least part of the answer. If one of the reasons we are here is to learn how to love, then our best teachers certainly wouldn't need to be here as long as we would. May you learn much, love well, and live your live with the heart of a dog.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Sai Madhuryam



"The moon illumines the world at night
and the sun during the day.
Righteousness illumines the three worlds 
and a noble son illumines his entire clan."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

Happiness



"People are under the mistaken notion that they get happiness when their desires are fulfilled.  In fact, happiness results not when desires are fulfilled but when they are controlled."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 5.7.2001)

You Can Never Hoodwink God




"God is watching all that you do.  You may think that others do not know what you are up to.  You may hoodwink others but can you ever hoodwink God?  He knows everything.  So always do good.  All your sins will be atoned for when you make proper use of your senses."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 5.7.2001)

Monday, June 8, 2015

Mother Nature



 Our world is always changing,
Constantly rearranging.
From ocean depths to mountain peaks,
Mother Nature moves and speaks.
 
While telling stories of our past
She tries to teach us how to last.
Mankind, so smart, sometimes blind
Leaves common sense far behind.
 
We're moving fast and living large,
Forgetting Mother Nature's in charge.
Amazed when she rings our bell,
Sending us through living hell.
She can twist our steel, shake any city,
If her wrath you feel, we shall pity.
 
Yet some who speak on her behalf,
I fear just seek the golden calf.
It's true, we must treat her right.
Or we will incur a deadly plight.
Treat her with distinction
Or surely face extinction!
   
~ Edith A. Phinazee ~

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Dear Lord ...




I sat at Your Lotus Feet, blissful and content,
Then You smiled at me and slowly vanished.
I searched for You everywhere but
I could not find You.
Tears filled my eyes, then I woke up.
It was only a dream.
I saw that same gentle smile 
in Your picture above my bed.
I saw the words you had written on it.
"Why fear when I am here".
And I knew I had not lost You.
It was only a dream.

~ Divine Blossoms ~

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Divine Wisdom




See the Divine in Everything



"Men are plunged in misery because they hanker after the physical instead of yearning for God.  If men convert their desire into the the desire for the Supreme, they will enjoy immense happiness.  All that is necessary is for them to see the Divine in everything in the phenomenal world.  That will be true devotion.  And work will be turned into worship.  Make every act holy."


~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - 20.3.1996)

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Baba's Storytime - Nature



Once some Sannyasins (renunciants) were walking along the bank of the Ganga.  Looking at the sublimely flowing Ganga, they were experiencing great bliss.  

At one place, a big depression was caused due to fall of water from a great height, resulting in the formation of foam there.  From somewhere, a scorpion came and fell into the foam.  Seeing the scorpion, one of the renunciants lamented, "Ah!  This scorpion is caught in the foam and is not able to come out of it."

To save this scorpion, the renunciant got into the water and put his hand in the foam.  At once, the scorpion bit at his hand.  He again put his hand in the foam and the scorpion again bit him.  Even then the renunciant did not leave his attempt to save the scorpion.  Without caring how many times it bit him, the renunciant ultimately succeeded in bringing it to the bank.

Seeing this, the other renunciants commented, "The scorpion did not stop biting you though you were trying to save it.  This indeed is its nature.  But you have taken great pains to save it!"  Then that renunciant replied, "Yes, this scorpion taught me a good lesson about one's true nature.  It did not forget its nature even when it was caught between life and death.  But I am a human being.  Kindness to all beings is man's true nature.  When being a scorpion, it did not leave its nature, how can I, being a human, leave my nature?  By saving this scorpion, I have merely manifested my true nature.  There is nothing so very special about it."

Man can realise the truth of his reality only when he recognises his Dharma or true nature.