Baba's Storytime - The Divine Name

The potency of the Divine Name is such that it can convert even poison into nectar. This is illustrated by an episode from the life of Meera. 

She was a queen. But she was so much absorbed in her devotion to Krishna that she would sing and dance with ecstasy unmindful of whether she was in a palace or in a crowded bazaar. Her brother-in-law, who was incensed at such conduct in public places by the queen, was not aware of what true devotion meant. 

Meera had no body consciousness at all. A true devotee should be totally free from the sense of "I" and "Mine." Feeling that Meera's conduct was casting a slur on the royal family's prestige and reputation, her brother-in-law decided to do away with her by giving her a cup of milk mixed with poison. Having dedicated herself heart and soul to Krishna, Meera used to take any food only after offering it to Krishna. When she offered the milk given to her to Krishna before drinking it, the Lord accepted all the poison in it and made the entire milk pure. 

In this way, Meera demonstrated to the world the power of the Lord's name and the greatness of devotion to the Lord. 


(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)