Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Baba's Storytime - The Devotee of Lord Siva




Once there lived a devotee of Lord Siva. He used to worship Siva every day and chant the sacred Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Sivaya”. But, after some time he felt that Lord Siva had not done him any favour. Hence he put aside Siva’s picture in the almirah and kept Rama’s picture on the altar. Initially, he could experience some peace.

However, his desires remained unfulfilled and he became restless. He kept Rama’s picture also in the same almirah and started worshipping Krishna, on the advice of his guru. He chanted the divine name “Gopala Krishna” incessantly. After some time, he felt that even Krishna had not done him any good. 

One day a lady devotee came to him and said, “What is the use of worshipping Rama and Krishna? Better you do Devi puja (worship).” As per her advice, he kept a picture of Devi on the altar and started worshipping it. As the puja was in progress, he noticed that the fragrance from the incense sticks was wafting towards the almirah where the pictures of other deities were kept. He therefore decided to remove those pictures from the almirah thinking that the incense sticks were meant for the goddess and that the other deities had no right to enjoy the fragrance. 

Immediately, the Divine Mother manifested Herself before him and said, “Oh simpleton! You worshipped Siva for a few days, and then you switched over to Rama and later on to Krishna. What is the guarantee that you will not discard My picture also tomorrow? This is not true devotion. You should contemplate on one name and one form till your last breath. You should remain unperturbed by diffi culties and lead a spiritual life. Fill your heart with sacred feelings. Only then will your life be redeemed.” 


If you want to progress in life, never forget the name of God. Do not divert your mind from one name to another. Let your mind be focused on one name and one form. 


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

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