Sibi was a genuine Sadhak, having attained a high stage in detachment and the spirit of renunciation. The Gods decided to discover whether his achievements were deep-rooted and unshakable.
Agni (the God of Fire) and Indra (the God of the Heavenly Regions) took on the forms of a dove and hawk. The hawk (Indra) pursued the Dove (Agni) across the sky, until the frightened bird fell into the lap of Sibi sitting on his throne, pleading for protection from the hawk. As befitted his Dharma, Sibi gave word that he would save the dove from its enemy and assured full protection for it. At that moment, the hawk presented itself before the Emperor and demanded its meal, its legitimate prey. "I am hungry, I had secured my food, you have deprived me of my meal", it complained. "Of what use is all your vaunted spirituality if you rob me of my meal?" it lamented.
At this, Sibi said, "Yes, I shall slice off flesh from my body weighing as much as this dove weighs; you can appease your hunger with that." The hawk agreed. A balance was brought; the dove was placed on one pan, pieces of flesh cut from the body of Sibi were placed in the other pan. But, lo and behold, however many pieces of flesh were laid thereon, the pan on which the dove sat did not rise at all. It was indeed a mystery how the bird weighed so heavy. At last, Sibi said, "Well, you can take all of me. Eat me whole. Here I am at your disposal."
No sooner did he utter those words than the hawk became Indra and the dove was transformed in Agni - Gods effulgent in their glory! They were supremely happy at the depth of Sibi's spirit of renunciation; they blessed him profusely and departed.
(Chinna Katha from the Divine Discourse of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
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