Tag Archives: god

THE GREEDY KING-MIDAS

short story, story, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

 

Once upon a time Greece was being ruled by a king called Midas. He was extremely greedy. Besides, his daughter the only thing he loved in the world was Gold. And he was so greedy about gold that even while sleeping he used to make plans of amassing gold in large quantities.

One day while the king was sitting in his treasury and counting his possessions in terms of gold bricks and coins, he saw a ring of smoke rising from the ground and behind that a golden silhouette emerged with a halo on the top that almost resembled an angel. He was transfixed for a moment till the angel said—‘Midas! You are so rich.’

Midas turned melancholic at once and replied—‘Where am I rich. I have so little gold.’

Angel said—‘You are not content even with so much of gold? How much gold do you want?’

King Midas replied—‘I desire; whatever I touch with my hands should turn into gold.’

Angel laughed at the wish of the king and said—‘Very well! From tomorrow morning whatever you touch will turn into gold.’

That night the king could not sleep. He got up quite early in the morning. After getting up he decided to keep his hand on the chair lying close to him just to test the words of the angel. To his surprise the chair turned into gold. He then touched a table and that too turned into gold. Midas in delight started merry making by jumping and dancing. Like a mad man he then ran towards his garden and started touching the plants there. Then he touched the flowers and the leaves, he even touched the branches and the flower pots and everything turned into gold. Everything around was now glittering like gold. Midas now had unlimited gold.

Merry making and excitement had made king Midas tired by now. He hadn’t even realised that his clothes had become heavy as it had turned into gold. He was now thirsty and hungry. After returning from the garden he came and sat on a golden chair. One of his servants kept some delicious food and water in front of him realising his master was hungry. But the moment he touched the food it turned into gold and the moment he lifted the glass of water that too also turned into gold and this made him somewhat nervous. All the delicious food lying in front of Midas had now turned into gold when he was very hungry. He couldn’t have satisfied his hunger and quenched his thirst by food and water made out of gold.

He started weeping. Just then his daughter who was playing in the vicinity came there, when she heard her father crying. And, seeing him crying she climbed on to his lap to wipe his tears. Emotional Midas hugged his daughter but soon realised that his daughter was no more there and in her place Midas had his daughter’s golden statue that was very heavy for him to hold on to. Poor Midas started banging his head on the calamity. Angel who was watching king Midas from heaven witnessed the calamity that befell on him and felt sympathetic towards him and appeared again. On seeing her Midas fell on her feet and started pleading—‘please take back your blessing.’

Angel asked—‘Midas! Now you don’t want gold? Tell me whether a glass of water is more precious or gold? A morsel of bread is beneficial or gold?’

Midas folded his hands and said—‘I don’t want gold. I have come to know that a man doesn’t require gold to survive. Without gold a man can exist but without a glass of water or a loaf of bread he cannot. Now on I will not be greedy for gold.’

Angel then gave him a bowl full of water and said—‘sprinkle this all over.’

Midas sprinkled the water on his daughter, on the chair and the table, on the food and water, in the garden and on the plants and flowers, and everything thereafter from gold came back to its original form.

***

Short story: Knowledge and love

ARTICLE SPIRITUAL, causerie, column, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

    Long time ago there lived a great Maharishi (sage) by the name of Shaunak. He had many shishyas (pupils) who used to serve him quite sincerely. And he often used to send them to the nearby villages, cities and to the ordinary citizens there. To, teach them the fundamental objectives of life. This continued smoothly for some time. But after a while some of his shishyas started becoming arrogant. As they thought. After having taught so many people. They had become a scholar.

    One day, a few of them went up to the Maharishi and said, ‘Guruji as told by you. We toured across many villages and cities, to convey your message about the essence and objective of life to the common man. And, this we did continuously and relentlessly. But now we feel. This huge effort on our part has not delivered the expected results. As most of them continue to be the same old simpleton. Because, even after hearing your teachings several times. They don’t want to change. So, we feel, as if we are wasting our time and energy with them.

    Maharishi, for a moment was stunned and saddened at this feedback. Because, he felt, some of his shishyas were sounding arrogant. So he replied in sarcasm, ‘I must say. You all have researched quite a lot on the various aspects of life.’ They replied, ‘yes Guruji you are right. Our reservoir of knowledge is now praised by one and all, and that too in all directions. And we have learnt whatever was required to be learnt.’

    Maharishi said, ‘I’m extremely happy to know. That you all have attained proficiency in knowledge. But before we discuss anything further. I want you all to form two groups. One group will gather knowledge from the people that is not bookish. The other group will gather information about love that is not physical.

    The arrogant shishyas were stunned at Maharishi’s orders. They started wondering. As to how a person can gain knowledge without reading a book, and how can he be in love without physical contact? Nevertheless, as advised. They formed two groups and immediately marched towards different directions and started discussing the matter with various people who came in contact. Where, they also came across people they had met earlier.

    But, wherever they went they were ridiculed. People made fun of them and considered them to be a simpleton, of the first order.  The shishyas thus felt dejected. And since they were away from the realities of life. Even their self respect took a beating. Soon, they returned to the Maharishi and in a complaining tone said,

    ‘Guruji, it appears, this time you had sent us to the village and city of simpletons. Where, each of them. Even the ones who earlier respected us, are today mocking at us. Because, it is impossible to gain knowledge without reading a book and even impossible to love, without physical relationship.’

    Maharishi smiled and said, ‘is it so? So then what happened to the knowledge that I gave you. If real knowledge is only available through books, and love only with physical relationship. Then why did you come to me? And why is it that people after reading books and after acquiring love through physical relationship, are still ignorant about real knowledge and real love.’

    Upon hearing Maharishi’s reply the shishyas were shamed. They were embarrassed at their ignorance. They requested Maharishi to show them the way. Maharishi said, ‘my dear children. Let me make it known to you. That real knowledge will not arise out of books alone. But will arise out of these people. Because, from many them books have emanated. And before educating these people. We will have to understand the reservoir of the knowledge within us. For, if we place ourselves in their position. We will know the reason of their laughter.

    Only by knowing people from a close distance. Can we reach a definite conclusion and understand about what they want to communicate. And all this is possible only when we accept them. So, accept people as they are. Just as we accept the universe. As it is. For that is the lone truth. Rest is only a bunch of evasive thoughts.

    In the same manner. True love comes to you only if you are humble towards the Creator of the Universe. One who has given you the body, mind and soul, and has decorated this world with various beautiful dreams. This feeling of humbleness takes you to that divine love. That forms our roots and gives us the refuge of salvation.

    To gain real knowledge and to know about real love. You all had to come to me. As I’m your Guru. And Guru is the representative of the Universe and its creator. Finally, only, the real knowledge and love for God are true.’

*

Posted By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

*****

 

#Cancer is conquerable. A strong mind is required to fight cancer.

Uncategorized, video on cancer book, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

Book title: ‘Refractions from the Prism of God’ a motivational book on a three time cancer survivor .

You can now also download the book from Pothi.com or Antrik.com; from their autobiographies section.

 

FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS ONLY, DON’T ATTEMPT TO IMITATE GOD

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

gita picture of gita 2

A tip from Gita

Follow the teachings only, don’t attempt to imitate God- Gita

“Man should attempt to follow the spiritual teachings of God. Either by following the God directly or through his avatars on whom he has vested such powers. His updesh (sermons) alone are good enough for the welfare of mankind, which any intelligent person can explain to us in a proper manner.

It is indeed in the interest of human beings to draw their lessons only from the sermons of God and never try and attempt to either imitate or emulate his actions for that could be hazardous. A devotee of Lord God Shiva shouldn’t attempt to consume poison. Just as he drank all of it that came out from the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the sea).

We should consider God as the supreme power and his avatars the forces that reign and control the direction and speed of the sun and the moon.   Any person without such powers, in his own interest should not try and imitate the all powerful God almighty.

Lord God Shiva consumed all the poison that came out of Samudra manthan, because he had the capacity and ability to do so. But if an ordinary person tries to consume even a drop of poison he will die. Lord Shiva has many ardent devotees and followers who consume ganja (Cannabis) and other intoxicating stuff, thinking they are permitted to follow suit just because Lord God Shiva consumes it. Such devotees and followers are only killing themselves, because their body and soul does not have the capacity to sustain this poison over a long period of time like Lord Shiva.

In the same manner there are many devotees of Lord Krishna who intend to practice and imitate his Rass-Lila or love dance, but forget that he also had the capacity to lift the Goverdhan Parvat which an ordinary person can’t.

Therefore, the best option would be not to imitate the all powerful God and his Avatars and only follow their updesh. Without eligibility and capacity one should not try and copy what God does as it will only hurt. And there are many God’s and Avatars who too don’t have the powers of God Almighty yet they are God’s.

*****

BEEF-HINDUISM-VOTE BANK POLITICS-RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH

articles, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

rps rps1 rps2

In a recent statement RPS (Raghuvansh Prasad Singh) of RJD said ‘Hindu sages, ate beef.’ Tomorrow if it suits his party he might even say Allah preferred poke. RPS knowingly crossed the line hurting Hindu sentiments. Such silly netas can go to any extent for vote bank politics. They should not be taken seriously, rather as opportunist of the rotten kind. They belong to no one, except hustings. Neither Hindus, nor Muslims should get enamoured by useless netas like RPS. They only belong to themselves and do not shirk to scathe the sentiments of the masses through their quirky bayanbazi and I would leave him as be pendi ka lota (a vessel without a stable base).

That apart, we need to understand the criticality of times while talking about, who ate what and why?

In this regard let me take you through the famous incident of Andes flight disaster.

Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, also known as the Andes flight disaster that happened in South America, and is the Miracle in the Andes (El Milagro de los Andes) was a chartered flight carrying 45 people, including a rugby union team, their friends, family and associates, that crashed in the Andes on 13 October 1972. More than a quarter of the passengers died in the crash and several others quickly succumbed to cold and injury. Of the 27 who were alive a few days after the accident, another eight were killed by an avalanche that swept over their shelter in the wreckage. The last 16 survivors were rescued on 23 December 1972, more than two months after the crash.

The survivors had little food and no source of heat in the harsh conditions at over 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) altitude. Faced with starvation and radio news reports that the search for them had been abandoned, the survivors fed on the dead passengers who had been preserved in the snow. Rescuers did not learn of the survivors until 72 days after the crash when passengers Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa, after a 10-day trek across the Andes, found Chilean arriero Sergio Catalán,[1] who gave them food and then alerted the authorities to the existence of the other survivors.

The Andes survivors fed on dead passengers when faced with an onerous situation where they were about to lose their lives, so does that mean they were cannibals? In the same manner the sages of ancient times led a life of extreme austerity in tall mountains and tough conditions, and they may have consumed a crisis diet of beef only to survive; as to keep yourself safe, and to survive is one of the biggest obligations of life. So does that mean they were regular beef eaters?

A crisis diet should not be branded as your normal diet, but as a survival diet supposedly allowed by a religion. What really matters is your mainstay diet or what you eat on a regular basis should be labelled as your standard dietary habit.

RPS should know that food preferences and diets of communities and civilizations don’t change overnight like political affiliations. In case of Hinduism beef is banned and in case of Islam pork is banned as a regular religious practice.

Respecting the sentiments of our brethren, is our duty; however we should not open our little mouth to vitiate the atmosphere by hurting the sentiments of any community.

RPS thinks if he hurts Hindu sentiments he will get Muslim votes which may not be true. Muslims are wise and definitely won’t vote for RJD on beef appeasement.

***

#STORY: BLESSINGS AND SUPREME HAPPINESS

short story, story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

blessings and supreme happiness 2 blessings and supreme happiness brahmgyan

Once upon a time there lived a renowned scholar in the forest who had many bright shishyas (pupils). They were under his aegis for a long period of time, and were eager and impatient to learn the rare talent of Brahmagyan (divine knowledge) from their Guru; considering they had acquired enough mastery on other issues and what was left was only the divine knowledge.

They were somewhat suspicious, thinking the Guru was not keen to teach them Brahmagyan the way to paramsukh (supreme happiness) for reasons best known to him. Somewhat, dissatisfied these shishyas were now desisting to move as per the guidance of their Guru and had started putting pressure on him for teaching them Brahmgyan. Their logic was, when they had surrendered themselves completely at the Guru’s feet, then why wasn’t the Guru teaching them the coveted talent that was the way to supreme happiness.

One day the guru called all his shishyas and said, ‘don’t be under the impression that I don’t want to share Brahmagyan with you. But I only want to say that you all are not ready for it as of now. There is no point in pouring amrit (elixir) in a vessel which has many holes because the entire nectar will just flow out. Before pouring the nectar we need to close all the holes.’

Upon hearing Guru’s words all the shishyas started whispering amongst themselves. The oldest out of them got up and said, ‘Gurudev we don’t agree to your logic that we are not ready for Brahmagyan yet.  For many years we have been staying with you and we have carried your message and teachings to many places.   People know us as your representative and even you have praised us for our work in the past. Besides Brahmgyan what else is left for us to attain? Your words are creating doubts in our minds, that you don’t want to share this divine knowledge with us, which is the only way to attain supreme happiness.’

Guru for a moment went quiet as it saddened him, thinking his pupils were not humble, and on the contrary arrogant. He thought this distance between the pupils and the Guru will only weaken them and give them a feeling of defeat, and on the contrary nearness to Guru will increase the feeling of self respect.

After a little while the Guru said, ‘dear students, possibly; I was wrong when I thought you all were not ready for Brahmgyan. I guess you all are adults, knowledgeable and ready for the divine knowledge. But I want to take a small test of you all.’

After saying this he took out is basket of fruits and distributed one fruit to every shishya and requested them to hide it in such a place that when no one is watching they could eat it.

All the pupils were a little surprised at this unusual and simple request of the Guru but since all of them were determined to learn Brahmagyan they decided to carry out his the instructions at any cost. They accepted the order of the Guru. After sometime all the shishyas returned with the belief that they had successfully obeyed the orders of the Guru. Leaving aside one who was a continuous laughing stock, and considered a simpleton in the entire group and many didn’t even consider him in their league.

Guru was eagerly waiting, and with a lot of inquisition he asked about how they ate the fruit without anyone noticing them. Everyone narrated their success story.

Then, was the turn of the simpleton, who was often ridiculed by his fellow students. Upon orders from the Guru he came forward on his wobbly legs with the fruit in his hand to tell his story. Guru displayed anger and said, ‘I had asked you to eat the fruit. Everyone obeyed my orders then why did you not have the fruit? What is the reason tell me?’

Shishya said, ‘’Gurudev I wanted to obey your orders but I had no place to hide. You had instructed to have this fruit when no one is around. But wherever I went I felt I am not alone and God is around me, as you only told us God is omnipresent. Because of this I could neither hide myself nor the fruit. Kindly therefore forgive me because I could not pass the test.

‘No, my child, only you have passed in the exams. All the other shishyas only counted on the physical presence. They forgot about the omnipresent God who watches every action of ours and is a witness to all our deeds. When they don’t understand omnipresent God, how will they be blessed with Brahmagyan? Only you could recognise that supreme existence and that is why only you are entitled to receive the supreme divine knowledge—Brahmagyan.’

This story is from the purans (religious texts) which highlights the point that we should only desire for something when we are capable of handling it. Guru knows when he has to bless his shishyas and when they would be capable enough to learn Brahmagyan the way to supreme happiness.

***

SHORT STORY: MANY FACES OF GOD

short story, story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

many faces of god 2 many faces of god many faces of god1

    Once upon a time there lived a king whose daughter was very beautiful and intelligent. She often used to be present in the king’s court for fierce discussions and debates with the king’s pundits and scholars on various issues, where she often used to defeat them. The pundits and scholars were quite embarrassed and upset because of this fact. Therefore, they all were silently scheming and waiting for an opportunity when they could take revenge of the insults in the court.

     One day the king summoned all his scholars and pundits in the court and requested them to look for a suitable match for his daughter. At this request of the king all of them were extremely happy for they all wanted to teach the king’s daughter Rajkumari a lesson.

    Soon they all set out on the mission and after searching a lot they found a murkh (simpleton) whom they assured good food, drinks and clothes provided he kept his mouth shut under any situation. Murkh initially got scared but then for the sake of good food, drinks and clothes and that too without working he decided to do whatever the Pundits and the scholars wanted him to do.

    They decked the murkh with clean and holy appearing attire and presented him before the king as a Maha Pundit. King was happy to meet him. But Rajkumari wanted to test his knowledge and wisdom and so was keen to debate with him. The pundit and scholars therefore decided to call for a question and answer session in the king’s court. The topic of the Q&A session was ‘The reality of God.’ But since the Murkh had vowed to keep a maun-vrat (a vow to remain quiet) he could have spoken only in sign language.

    When the session commenced Rajkumari was in a dilemma. But after pondering for a few moments she lifted her finger. Soon a scholar who was sitting behind the murkh pressed two of his fingers on the back of the Murkh and the Murkh catching the simple hint lifted two of his fingers. Rajkumari in response lifted three fingers when the Murkh raised four fingers when he was hinted to do so.

    With some hesitation Rajkumari then lifted five fingers and responding to that the Murkh raised six fingers. Rajkumari in response raised seven and in response the Murkh raised eight. Again after some hesitation Rajkumari raised nine fingers in response to which the Murkh raised both his hands. The entire court sitting there was watching with great interest the question and answer session.

    Finally Rajkumari raised both her hands, when the Murkh too raised both his hands but in a cross position. By now Rajkumari had lost her patience and was stunned at the mysterious ways in which the Murkh was raising his fingers and now his hands. She said if this Maha Pundit is on maun-vrat, someone else, and at least one out of you can kindly stand and tell us what he is trying to convey in his sign language. Finally one scholar got up and said, ‘fine but first you kindly tell us, what you meant by those fingers that you raised.’

    ‘Fine’ said the Rajkumari, ‘when I raised one finger I meant God. God is one and he is omnipresent, but what did his two fingers mean.’ One scholar said, ‘divyata (divinity) is always present in two ways. Female and male, right and wrong, high and low, true and false, work and worship, clear and unclear etc. etc. ‘Fine’ said the Rajkumari, ‘my three fingers meant three subtle components of life (three gunas or habits)—sat, rajas and tamas. Three periods of time—past, present and the future. There are three kinds of lokas (worlds) in mythology—swarglok, (heaven) prithvi (Earth) and yamlok (Hell). There are three jobs to be done by anyone and everyone in this world—create, execute and destroy.

    One scholar stood up and said, ‘in response to three, four fingers were raised.  It means there are four Vedas (religious texts of Hindus)—Samved, Rigved, Yajurved and Atharveda.     There are four directions—North, West, South and East. There are four stages of life—bachpan, (childhood) jawani (youth) prodavastha (middle age) and vradavastha (old age). There are four ashrams- bramcharya-ashram, grahastha-ashram, vanprastha-ashram and sanyas-ashram.

    Rajkumari was happy and impressed is when she accepted the logics and said, ‘my five fingers meant five basic substances required for life—sky, air, fire, water and earth. There are also five gyanendrias (sense points) – eyes, nose, ears, tongue and relieving points (anus and urination).

    The reply to that was with six fingers. Which meant, there are six hurdles on way to acquiring Brahmagyan (complete knowledge)-desire, grief, greed, hate, anger and arrogance. There are six threads to happiness- courage, kindness, humility, perseverance, love and happiness.

    ‘O my God! This Maha Pundit is really great.’ Rajkumari whispered to herself. Meanwhile the entire king’s court had started praising the Maha Pundit. Rajkumari sermonized, ‘my seven fingers signify the presence of divinity that is present in the saptarishis (seven-rishis), the seven rivers, the seven seas, the seven colours and are also present in the seven threads required to run this life.

    Maha pundit replied to seven fingers by raising eight because in Yog (meditation) there are eight branches, there are eight kinds of assets and eight types of tribulations and it depicts all these. Nine fingers meant- nine faces of God, nine faces of mother, nine types of ratnas (precious substances) and nine vents of the human body.

    Pundit further said, ‘ten fingers of his meant that god is complete. God is one. No matter how many names, how many faces, how many divisions, but the divinity is firm, supreme, it is one and supreme.

    Rajkumari said, ‘one last question, when I raised my one hand why did he cross both his hands and lift it?

    Pundit said, ‘this is quite simple because he wanted to continue with his puja and meditation and therefore he wanted to stop the question and answer session.

    Rajkumari was now ready to marry him and the scholars and pundits were happy seeing their revenge coming through. Soon they were married.

    But when they met in isolation after marriage, the intelligent Rajkumari quickly understood, just to take revenge the scholars and the pundits had planned all this, and got her married to a murkh.    But Rajkumari without getting annoyed, and in a peaceful manner asked her husband to go to the close by temple of Goddess Durga and pray, and when Goddess is happy to ask for a vardan (blessing) of knowledge and wisdom.

    Without saying a word the murkh husband went to the close by temple with a heavy heart but open mind and started praying sincerely and in due course he got a vardan from Goddess Durga.

    This person was no one else but famous poet Kalidas of ancient times.

***

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

STORY: KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI

article, story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

janmashtami janmastami 2 janmastami1

Lord Kirshna’s birthday on Krishna Janmashtami is indicative of a path breaking new era. Let’s analyse it from a fresh point of view. He was born in the night. Night signifies darkness and darkness is indicative of ignorance and illiteracy. Krishna’s birth brought the light of dazzling knowledge that removed illiteracy of minds.

He was born in a jail, where his parents were tied to chains. This signifies that we too are in our own jails and are locked up in our own vices such as sex, anger, greediness, selfish love, hatred, jealousy, enmity, cheat, eroticism and arrogance. When, he was born all the chains in the prison broke by themselves, and all the prison guards went off to sleep and he was let off the jail. This shows God almighty has tremendous powers and can make anyone sleep or wake up from sleep. If we with true spirits remember him, all our doubts are removed and what we are left with is love, trust and faith.

Today, the people of this world look at each other with a great amount mistrust and jealousy. Man’s intelligence and skills are misused which gives rise to human discords. Wars are fought to keep peace. In this violent and deceitful atmosphere it is even more important to learn trust, gentleness, hope and love from Lord Krishna.

After his birth little-mighty Krishna was shifted to Gokul (Gau-kul) In Sanskrit ‘Gau’ means a cow, which is the emblem of purity, simplicity and nobility. Baby Krishna—avatar of God was kept away from the atmosphere of slavery and cruelty of king Kans. In fact he was kept in the pure and loving surroundings of mother Yashoda’s home which depicts even we could attract Lord Krishna to come and stay at our home provided we too have earnest love for God and his simple ways.

Srikrishna was born on ashtami—which is the eighth day of the calendar month and falls in—shani-grah that signifies algaav (non-attachment) This conveys the message that when Krishna was born he was away and above the mischief and deceit of the world. This also means we should promote dispassion and surrender from the world and should do away with ‘attachment’ but in any case we should not forget our real self.

Today in many families people don’t respect their elders and love their younger ones. There is a great amount of mistrust. Religious fanaticism is all over. And in such an atmosphere birth of Lord Krishna gives us a feeling of positivity.

And his birth brings us the holy message:

“Learn to have faith in yourself the way I have faith in you. Follow the discipline of life, stay within your own simple behaviour and help me in serving others as it is your duty. Don’t worry about anything. Without any conditions surrender yourself to me with all your love. I will look after your welfare both in this birth and beyond.”

This should be our aim of life.

***

SHORT STORY: HOPE OF BEING DESIRELESS

short story, story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

narsimha prahalad 2 prahlad

When Hiranyakashipu himself got up to kill his son Prahlad, who was a great bhakta (devotee) of Lord Vishnu, and with intense anger he pointed to a nearby pillar and asked his son, in sarcasm if, ‘his Lord Vishnu was in it.’ The son replied ‘yes.’ King Hiranyakashipu then got up from his throne in a fury and hit the pillar with his mace. And to his surprise the pillar cracked with a thundering sound, and Lord Vishnu appeared there, in the form of ‘Narsingh’ avatar (incarnation). Where one half of his body was of a lion and the other half of a man. He had matted hair on his head, large moustaches on the face and sharp and long teeth in the mouth. His paws had terrible nails on them.

Narsingh caught hold Hiranyakashipu and with his nails he tore open his stomach. And on seeing the terrible sight where Hiranyakashipu was killed mercilessly by Narsingh, his asura followers fled from the scene.

And, then Narsingh made a garland of Hiranyakashipu’s intestines and wore it around his neck, and in extreme anger started flicking his tongue in and out of his mouth and then he mightily growled like a monstrous lion with intense rage, where his eyes were, as if filled with red hot cinders, is when he sat on the throne of daityaraj Hirayanakashipu. But still his anger did not subside.

And just then accompanying Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma all the devatas arrived. Everyone, prayed for Narsingh to calm down, but there was little effect. Lord Brahma felt a little weary about Narsingh’s continued anger which he thought could lead to cataclysm. He therefore sent Goddess Lakshmi; but she returned almost immediately, quite frightened after seeing the humungous and frightening form of Narsingh. And she commented, ‘I have never seen such a stupendous and scary incarnation of my respected before. And I can’t dare to go close to him, in his this embodiment.

Eventually, Lord Brahma told Prahlad—‘son you only go close to Narsingh to cool him down.’

Prahlad being a child had no scare. He reverentially went close to Narsingh and prostrated in front of him. Narsingh smiled at Prahlad and he himself picked him up and put him on his lap and started licking his forehead with his tongue. He said, ‘son! Pardon me for coming so late because of which you had to suffer such a lot.’

Prahlad got down from his lap and with folded hands he respectfully prayed to Narsingh. Narsingh said to him—‘Prahlad I am extremely happy with you. Ask for any vardan (blessing) that you want.’

Prahlad replied—‘God! What is this that you’re saying? A bhakta who serves his master for the sake of something in return, is actually not a bhakta. You are the supreme lord and I’m your most obedient bhakta. And, if you at all want to give me something give me a vardan that I’m never obsessed by any desire.’

But God is omnipresent and in the knowhow of everything. And so he reiterated, ‘ask for a vardan!’

Prahlad pondered for a moment, with a doubt in his mind—‘when God is repeatedly asking me for a vardan that could mean I surely have some hidden desire in me about which I’m unable to make out.’ And at last he prayed to Narsingh—‘Lord my father when he was alive, all his life was critical of you and I being your servant—he tortured me all his life. I desire he may be pardoned of all these sins.’

Narsingh started laughing—‘Prahlad a person who has a God fearing and devoted son like you is pardoned of all sins, anyway. And in dynasties that have devotees like you; in such families twenty one generations can attain moksha, just on the strength of your devotion.’

Even a person who tortured me all his life and was my father should not face a catastrophe, was the desire of son Prahlad. And, hats off to such a desire, as no desire of a real bhakta can ever remain unfulfilled.

***

SHORT STORY: PERSEVERANCE– LORD SHIVA’S APPRECIATION

short story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathidevotee lord shiva perseverence

PERSEVERANCE—LORD SHIVA’S APPRECIATON

Once upon a time there was a person who could not understand as to why so many devotees queued up in front of the Shiva temple for darshan of the Shiv-ling. In fact he was extremely intrigued by the simplicity of these devotees, and so he wanted to see for himself, the power that Lord Shiva in his own Shiv-ling.

So, one day he decided, here on, every night, when the temple is closed to the devotees, he would enter it from the back gate with his cane to whack the Shiv-ling at least five times, and see how Lord Shiva retaliates at him in return, as he was doubtful, even of his existence.

And he confided in his wife about his agnostic idea, to take her reaction as she too was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. On hearing this, his wife shuddered, at the very thought. She tried to convince her husband tooth and nail, about the devastating consequences, but failed in doing so.

The person started visiting the temple every night to whack the Shiv-ling. And every day in the morning his wife used to seek pardon in the same temple for him.

After sometime when the person felt even after whacking Lord Shiva’s Shiv-ling every night, nothing was happening and everything was as normal as every day, he would come and tease his wife and say. ‘See you are only worshiping a piece of stone as he has no powers.’

And gradually the person’s dare increased manifold when besides whacking he also started abusing Lord Shiva. But he was extremely regular in doing so.

By now a year had passed, but he had not missed a single day where he did not whack the Shiv-ling. Whether, it was the heat of summers, freezing cold of winters or even torrential monsoon, and even when he was unwell or his wife or children were unwell he made it a point to enter the temple and whack Lord Shiva.

Once, during monsoon, when it had been raining for a couple of days continuously, and the area around the temple was totally flooded, and the temple marooned. One could only swim to the temple, but that also was quite risky as all the snakes and crabs had come out of their holes and were floating along the waters.

But the person was determined as ever to reach the temple. So he took the cane between his teeth and started swimming. And on the way he ducked and even went around certain snakes and insects and finally reached the steps of the temple.

And happy at his effort, he as usual, entered the temple and started whacking and abusing Lord Shiva’s Shiv-ling. And he was enjoying it even more today because of the humungous effort he had put in to reach there.

And then suddenly the person saw he was being blinded by a very bright light and saw some silhouettes emerging that resembled the pictures of Lord Shiva that he had often seen.

And then he could hear a divine voice as if telling him,

‘I’m impressed by your passion and regularity, even when each day, you only came to whack and abuse me. Not one day you missed out, no matter what issues you had at hand. I’m happy and I grant you a vardan, bhakt.’ Resonated, the divine loud voice of Lord Shiva as the silhouettes merged into a gigantic image of the Lord.

The person was astounded when he realised his mistake and fell at the feet of the Lord and started asking for mercy. Lord Shiva granted him mercy and just then the gigantic image of the Lord started receding along with the bright light and soon everything was calm and normal.

The story conveys a message that there is no shortcut for perseverance. Perseverance is so powerful that it even made Lord Shiva appear, even when the person was pursuing a campaign against Lord God Shiva.

This story was told to me by my mother.

***