Tag Archives: short story

Story: WASHERMAN AND THE DONKEY

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    There was once a lazy and a wicked dhobi (washerman) by the name of Nankau. He had an obedient and a long serving donkey at home. Whom he utilized, for transporting clothes to the banks of the nearby river, early in the morning for washing. Further, during the day he handed him over to his friend for a fixed amount. Who happened to be a contractor. Where, he was utilised for transporting sand from the river bed to his construction site. And, in the evening the listless and obedient animal used to return with his master. With bundles of washed clothes on his back. Devious Nankau, apart from making the donkey do all the work without any rest, even whipped him for small mistakes, and at times he even starved him for minor misdemeanors. But, he never complimented him for any good work. Rather, considered him as the jinx of his life.

    One day Gopal a friend of Nankau came to stay with him for a few days. And during that time he noticed how for no rhyme or reason Nankau whipped the donkey mercilessly and even cursed him loudly and that too quite often.

    One day Gopal asked Nankau. ‘My dear friend what on earth is the matter with you? As I always find you quite irritable, and you often keep whipping this poor soul in great anger for no fault of his. Why do you do this? Especially, when he is so obedient and does all your work?’

    Nankau ruefully replied, ‘arrey yaar! This donkey has been very inauspicious for me. Ever since it walked into my life I have been facing some problem or the other. Enough is enough. I now want to get rid of him, somehow. Even earlier, I tried to sell him but no one seemed interested. Maybe, because, I cursed and criticized him so much, in front of others that no one is ready to touch him even with a barge pole.’

    During his stay Gopal could assess the worth of the donkey. So, one day he told his friend, ‘brother, just in case you are unhappy with him. You could sell him off to me, and instead buy another one for yourself.’

    Nankau was delighted at this God gifted opportunity and didn’t want to lose it. So, he readily agreed, and sold the donkey to Gopal. Who happened to be a kind master and thereon he looked after the animal quite well.

    In the meanwhile Nankau bought a mule for himself. Thinking it will do more work, than the previous animal used to do. And, although, it had been a while since he had sold the donkey. Yet, he couldn’t forget the animal and often used to curse him for all the misfortunes in his life. But, now with the mule around he was hoping his luck would change and he will be a happy man.

    And by now Nankau had passed a couple of lacklustre months with the mule. Who, as compared to the donkey looked tougher, but very reluctantly did as much work as the donkey used to do. So, under the present scenario, Nankau didn’t have the wretched donkey, to curse and blame for his own failures each time things went wrong in his life. Therefore, the nemesis of his life was clearly missing, because the donkey was now someone else’s property. And the mule was too new to be held responsible for any ill luck. In other words he had no voodoo in life whom, he could have cursed for his misfortunes. And, he didn’t have the courage to blame and curse himself for his own mistakes, and this started worrying him beyond compare.

    One day when the mule was transporting sand from the river to the contractor’s site. The hind legs of the mule got stuck in the muddy waters of the river and as a result, it could not move. Soon, it slipped and fell, and fractured its leg, and within a few days the wound developed into gangrene and he died.

    Nankau was shell shocked at the mishap. He now had no means of transporting the clothes meant for washing, and was now constrained to do it on his own back. But then he had limitations. As he couldn’t carry too many clothes. So he started losing business. And, since the mule was now dead. He was also deprived of the daily rent that he used to get from the contractor. And that cheat of a contractor didn’t even bother to pay Nankau any compensation for the dead animal. So overall, he was at a loss of a lifetime.

    Suddenly, he realized, he now had no one to curse for his setbacks. Because, the ultimate anathema of his life—the donkey, stood sold. Therefore, it was not influencing his life anymore. So, the big question now in front of him was, who then was influencing his life if not the donkey?

    He decided to visit his learned friend Gopal for answers. Where, in his house, he once again found the nemesis of his life, the donkey, standing in a healthy and happy state. As Gopal was taking good care of him. Nankau, narrated the sequence of events to him.

   Gopal, first gave him a patient hearing and then said, ‘Dear Nankau, when I visited you last time. I knew you were a victim of your own circumstances. But you always wanted to play the victim card for every adversity that you came across in your life. For which you always wanted a villain whom you could blame and where this speechless donkey came in handy.

    But the real solution of life is to look for the hidden donkey within you, before you start cursing any other donkey outside. Moreover, you are just a human being, who is bound to make mistakes. So, if at all, you need to blame someone for your mistakes, blame the villain in you. And, for that, keep him alive. So that you don’t have to look for a villain outside, like this donkey.

    With this Nankau had got the message of life. He patted the donkey and returned home.

    Moral of the story: We often blame others for our own misfortunes which is not correct. When things start going wrong in your life confront the donkey that lies within you and don’t look for one outside.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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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)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

Story of an Indian salesman who is lowly qualified but fights his ways through uncertainities to reach the top. A good read for all salesmen. Book launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon.com and Flipkart

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

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BREAKING RELATIONSHIP—LIKE A SUDDEN DEATH

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    In our lives we all are born in a family. Where, we have our parents and our siblings. But as we grow old. We discover, we even have relatives. Where, some are close and some distant and over a period of time. When we grow up, we even make acquaintances and friends. Gradually, some acquaintances turn out to be lifetime friends, and some remain as acquaintances.

    As a proclivity in this arduous and long journey of life. Every now and then we keep making acquaintances, friends and even colleagues. Who, remain with us for a period of time and then we lose track of them. Because, we all have defined journeys. Where, destinations are different and paths are therefore varied.

    In this ever changing scenario we often lose touch with our old contacts, while we form new associations. But we never really feel sad about it as if we have lost the old ones for forever. Because heart-to-heart we all know they are just round the corner, in some different company or a country or a city or a profession. Where, we can just pick the phone and talk to them whenever we want.

    But such is not the case. When any of your close relative, friend, colleague or even an acquaintance tries to sever his or her relationship with you. Or if it’s a vice versa for then. It’ll be like a sudden death of a relationship. And death is a point of no return. So, don’t just head towards the death of a relationship. Even if you’re walking out leave a point for return.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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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:

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Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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

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STORY: NO FOOD IN HEAVEN UNLESS YOU DONATE DURING YOUR LIFETIME

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

 

 

In the country of Vidharbh, there ruled a king by the name of Shwet. He governed his country in a very meticulous manner, and his subjects were quite happy under his rule. But after a period of time the king was not enjoying all this. He felt like giving up his kingdom, and move to vairagya (renunciation). Soon, he decided to hand over the reign of his empire to his brothers. After which he left for the jungles to perform his tapasya (austere meditation). The passion and devotion with which he had governed his country all this while, prompted him to even perform his tapasiya in the same manner and it continued for a thousand years. During that period the devotion he showed was incomparable. He was therefore sent to Brahmlok (where Lord Brahma resides) after his death. There he had all the facilities, but he never got any food to eat. And out of hunger, his senses had debilitated. When he finally couldn’t bear it, he asked Lord Brahma, ‘God!—Brahmlok is considered to be free from the pangs of hunger and thirst. But, then, why is it that I’m almost dying of it.’

Lord Brahma replied—‘Vatsya! (Dear) In Mritulok (world of life and death) you never donated for a noble cause. Neither did you feed any hungry person. And unless you donate and feed the needy in Mritulok you will never get food in Bhramlok. The food you ate while you were alive only nourished your own body. Therefore, you can go back to Mrityulok and continue to feed on your own dead body. There is no other way out for you. Your dead body shall remain there forever as your food. And after hundred years, Agasta Muni (sage) will rescue you from this state.’

And as destined, after hundred years Agasta Muni with his power of dev-yoga reached that huge jungle of hundred yojan (vedic measure of area). It was completely quiet. There was neither an animal nor a bird in it. At the centre of that jungle there was a lake. Near that Agasta Muni saw a corpse lying. He started wondering whose corpse is it and how did the person die. In the meanwhile there landed an aircraft from the sky in the lake. From that a divine looking person came out. He first entered the lake to have a bath. After which he started feeding on the corpse lying there. And after filling his stomach sumptuously, he had a good look at the face of the corpse and then started moving towards his aircraft to return to Brahmlok. Muni, who was not far said to him—‘You appear to be a divine person from heaven, but your food is obnoxious.’ The dead person then told his entire story to the Muni and said, ‘my hundred years of punishment are over. But I don’t really know when I’ll get to see Agasta Muni, and, when, will he rescue me.

Agasta muni replied—‘Divine Soul! I am Agasta Muni. Tell me, how can I help you? The divine person said –‘Since I never presented anything to anyone in my life. I want to present you with this valuable ornament. Kindly accept this and help me out.’ And the moment he accepted the ornament the corpse vanished and the divine person attained complete moksha.

Remember, if you are in a position to help someone and you don’t. Consider it to be a crime.

 

From Padam Puran, shristi khand

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SHORT STORY: A FRIEND’S ADVISE

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    Durga was a rich farmer, but an extremely lazy one. Who, neither looked after his fields nor his granary. Nor did he ever bother to keep a regular count of his cattle and the health of his dairy. That apart, he did not even bother to look after his own household belongings. Anything and everything, he just left it on his servants to accomplish. His laziness gradually led to mismanagement and soon the situation at home became adverse when he started losing money, both in his farm and even in his dairy.

    One day Harish a friend of Durga came visiting him. He noticed the situation in his house to be extremely deplorable. But he knew well, Durga won’t accede to his valuable sermons.  So he decided to play a noble trick to help him tide over the situation. He said—‘Friend! I’m disheartened to see you in such a deplorable condition. But I have a sure and easy way, to pull you out of your miseries.’

    Durga was now eager to know what his friend had in mind. He politely said—‘kindly tell me know what you have in mind and I’ll surely follow.’

    Harish said—‘my dear friend, before all the birds wake up in the morning. A white swan that lives in Mansarovar lake comes to earth and returns by noon. One cannot exactly say when it comes. But it is generally believed that anyone who is able to have his darshan is considered very lucky. For you’ll have no problems in life thereafter. And you’ll roll in riches.’

    Durga replied—‘Is it so. Then, come what may, I’ll ensure, I have his darshan.’

    After the conversation, Harish left for his home. Next day, Durga got up early in the morning. He came out of his house, in pursuit of the white swan, and walked towards the granary. There he saw one person pilfering his grain out of the heap. But when he saw Durga coming. He started apologizing.

    From the granary Durga returned home. Then he went to his cow ranch. There he saw the milker, milking his cow. But to his surprise, he was only filling his wife’s pot with the milk. Durga reprimanded him. Thereafter, he had something to eat. And then he left his home again in search of the white swan, when he went back to his fields. There he noticed, the labourers had not even come. He patiently waited for them. When they finally arrived he scolded them for coming late. And in this manner, wherever he went, he curtailed his losses.

    Thereafter, in search of the white swan, Durga started getting up early in the morning every day, and started roaming around. With this change of habit, his servants started working honestly. All the pilferage stopped in his granary and even in his dairy. Earlier, he used to be a sickly person. But now he had become healthy because of the long walks and exercise. The fields from where he was getting poor yields, suddenly started giving high returns. And even his cow-ranch started giving milk aplenty that gave him rich dividends.

    One day after a long time, Durga’s friend Harish came to his house again. When, Durga said—‘friend! I couldn’t find that white swan you spoke about last time. But in his pursuit I started making profits.’

    Harish started laughing and replied by saying—‘friend! To toil relentlessly, is the white swan I was talking about. The wings of labour are always white. People, who don’t work and leave everything to their servants, always suffer losses. But, people who toil themselves, and look after their servants, earn fortunes and respect.

    The story is from our mythology.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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    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:

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Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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

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THE TWO MAJOR HISTORICAL EPICS IN HINDUISM-VALMIKI, TULSIDAS AND VED VYAS

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    Had it not been for the ultimate epic writers and sages such as Valmiki and Tulsidas who wrote Ramayan, and Ved Vyas who wrote Mahabharat. Hinduism would have remained incomplete and perhaps in the confines of God alone. It is only because of these great all time writers. The history of Hinduism has spread so comprehensively all across the world since inception.

    Ramayan and Mahabharat are the two historical sagas referred as Itihas (history) in Hinduism. That serves as the eternal inspiration for humanity and is considered as the putative and exemplary realization of the four … purusharthas (efforts): Dharma (righteous and dutiful) Artha (wealth) Kama (desire and fulfillment) and Moksha (liberation).

    Ramayan in the real sense is the ‘abode of Lord Ram’ and is smaller of the two great works. The tireless epic mirrors the highest ideals of Hindu tradition, culture and civilization. The story relates to Treta Yug (one of the four ages of the world) and centers on Ram. The prince of Ayodhya and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his wife Sita as the incarnation of Mother Lakshmi. Ramayan sings the glory of Lord Ram and advises humanity on how to lead a fulfilling life and attain the four purusharthas. The epic is profound and timeless in its popularity. It teaches with the analogy of symbolism. As to how an individual can evolve into greatness and perfection.

    Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana has been translated into most Indian languages, as well as several foreign languages, including Russian. It consists of 24,000 stanzas in seven cantos, and depicts Rama as the ideal king, son, brother, friend, and husband. In Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughan, we see exemplified ideal brothers. In Sita, we have the purest flower of Indian womanhood. Who is devoted to her Lord in thought, word, and deed.

    Ramayana is an ideal textbook of morals and values. That inspires nobler dimensions of character and conduct. Other noteworthy and famous versions of Ramayana include Sage Veda Vyasa’s Adhyatma Ramayana, Goswami Tulsidasa’s Shri Ramcharitamanas (Tulsi Ramayana), and Kambar’s Kamba Ramayana.

    Mahabharat on the other hand is an epic. That is more than eight times the size of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined. In philosophical content it is unparalleled to any other literary work in the world. This grand book of knowledge contains more than 100,000 stanzas in 18 chapters and is the work of the renowned Sage Veda Vyasa.

    The underlying theme of Mahabharata is yato dharma tato jayah, “where there is dharma, there is victory.” Indicating the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of righteousness.

    The story unfolds toward the end of Dvapara Yuga and describes the genealogy and events leading up to, and after, the familial war between the royal cousins.

    The story is used as a vehicle. To convey eternal philosophical truths of the highest order. It is said, “that which is in Mahabharata can be seen elsewhere, but that which is not there cannot be seen anywhere else.” This gives an idea of the comprehensiveness of subjects in the epic. Which is full of lofty instructions on all aspects of human life and endeavour—an inspiring saga of India’s past glory, portraying all that is great and noble in humanity.

    The guiding spirit throughout the epic is the divine figure of Lord Krishna. Who brings the pure and the righteous to Himself, and destroys the evil and the evildoers. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita or the “Lord’s Song” is part of Mahabharata.

 

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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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

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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

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STORY: MAHABHARAT-DRONACHARYA AND EKLAVYA

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     Once while Dronacharya was imparting astra-shastra (Astra– is a fierce form of mantra that comprises of destructive frequency. Shastra– is essentially a physical weapon) training to Kurukul children (Kauravas and Pandavas) in Hastinapur, a black and tough appearing Bheel (tribal) child came up to him. He first bowed and said ‘pranam!’ (greetings) and then said—‘Acharya! (teacher) my name is Eklavya. I have come with the hope that you will be kind enough to teach me astra management, as you are teaching these children.’

    Acharya, though, he appreciated the humbleness of the child. He couldn’t have given permission to a Bheel to stay with the Rajkumars (princes). He therefore said—‘Son! For mere knowledge of weapons to hunt animals you can ask your Guru to teach you. But as far as learning of astra is concerned it is not a must for you, as the same is required only when you have to rule a kingdom or fight a war.’

    Upon hearing this Eklavya was disheartened. But his enthusiasm did not die down. He was determined to learn astra-shiksha. So, somewhere there only. Not far from Dronacharya’s gurukul (residential school) he built a cottage. Along with that he also made a bust of Dronacharya and established it in front of his cottage. And thereafter with his bow and arrow he started vigorous practice.

    One day Dronacharya along with his shishyas was roaming around the jungles. When a dog of Pandavas by mistake dawdled away to where Eklavya was practicing his targets in full flow.     The dog at the frightful sight of a dark and tough Bheel with a bow and arrow started barking. That spoiled Eklavya’s concentration and to stop the dog from barking he filled it’s mouth with arrows but without piercing it.   This frightened the dog so much that he immediately retracted and ran towards Pandavas.

Upon seeing the dog both Pandavas and Kauravas laughed at its condition. But Arjun was immensely surprised. He realized someone had immaculately aimed the arrows in such a manner that none of the arrows had pierced his mouth. Even when, his mouth was completely packed with those arrows. And it was more than evident that the arrows were shot by some proficient archer. Acharya Dronacharya was also stunned and immediately decided to discover this ace archer.

    Meanwhile, when Eklavya saw Dronacharya, he rushed towards him to pay his respects. On seeing his bust in front of the cottage Dronacharya was stunned. But just then Arjun who was right behind him slowly whispered in his ears—‘Gurudev! You had given a word to me that among all your shishyas I will be the topmost archer. But in front of him I look petty. Now how will you protect your own word?’ Upon hearing Arjun’s comment Achraya tried to reassure him. He then decided to demanded guru-dakshina (tradition of repaying one’s teacher or guru after the period of study) from Eklavya. And when Eklavya asked—‘Acharya what can I do for you that will make me blessed?’ Acharya hesitatingly replied—‘You need to give me the thumb of your right hand as guru-dakshina.’

    Eklavya, who was otherwise matchless in strength and was a stalwart, suddenly turned patient. He heard his guru and then took out his sword and cut his right thumb and placed it near his feet. After losing his thumb he had ceased to be an ace archer. Because by performing the skill with his left hand he wouldn’t have been in the list of top archers of his times. But because of the sacrifice and unquestioned loyalty towards his guru Dronacharya. He became immortal in the annals of mythology.

    There is no mention about how Dronacharya must have felt receiving Eklavya’s thumb as guru-dakshina. And at that moment did he feel small? But yes, ultimately he did bless Eklavya to immortality.

    In life there are always gaps in what we plan to do and what actually happens. And at times even a small person can make a tall personality look small in front of his proficiency and attitude.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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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)

*****

 

STORY: PARMESHWAR VS THE PRIDE OF DEVTAS

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

Once there was a war between Devtas (Demigods) and Asurs (Demons). And in that war by the grace of Supreme God Almighty Devtas achieved victory. Asurs who perpetuated in destroying the decorum of God Almighty and the religious scriptures lost in this war. Albeit, this great victory was because of the blessings of God Almighty, Devatas could somehow not comprehend the real reason for their victory. They thought it was purely because of their own power and might, and that no one else had anything to do with it. But Supreme God Almighty did not lose time in understanding the arrogance of Devtas. And, to put down their false pride he soon appeared in the form of a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Yaksha (broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots.)

Devtas could not understand this quaint form of God, looking like a Yaksha and were awe struck. They sent Agni-Devta (Fire-demigod) to find out about Yaksha. When Agni reached there, Yaksharoop (God in form of Yaksha) asked him, ‘who are you?’ Agni said—‘you don’t know me. I’m famously known in the world as ‘Agni-Devta.’ Yaksharoop then asked—‘You call yourself famous and powerful—but what kind of power do you yield?’ Agni replied, ‘I have the power to burn the entire universe into ashes.’ Upon hearing such arrogant words from Agni Yaksharoop kept a small straw in front of him and said—‘kindly burn this.’ Agni tried but couldn’t. He tried again and again but failed each time. And finally in anger he burst into flames from his toe to his head, yet he couldn’t burn the straw. In the end he got extremely frustrated and embarrassed and returned where he came from and told the Devtas, ‘I couldn’t find anything God like in that Yaksha.’ It was a blatant lie.

Thereafter, Devtas decided to send Vayu-Devta immediately to check on Yakshaswaroop. But he again asked, ‘who are you and what kind of power do you possess? Vayu-Devta replied, ‘In this entire universe I’m known as Vayu-Devta. I’m almighty and with my power I can make anything in this universe fly.’ At this Yakshaawaroop pointed towards the same straw lying on the ground and asked him to fly it. Vayu-Devta utilized all his strength but could not even move it by an inch and in the end filled with shame he too returned to the Devtas. When devtas enquired, ‘what happened, could you find out who this Yaksha is?’ he sadly replied, ‘I couldn’t?’

Finally Devtas politely requested Devraj Indra, ‘God! You alone can delve deep in this matter regarding Yaksha?’ Indra-Devta acceded to their request and said, ‘very well’ and left to meet Yakshaswaroop but before he could even reach him he had disappeared from there. But noticing the devotion and inquisition with which Devraj Indra had come, Bhagwati Goddess Uma suddenly appeared in front of him. Indra asked, ‘Mother! Who is this Yaksha?’ Bhagwati Uma replied, ‘This Yakshaswaroop is the Supreme God Almighty. You may not know, but only with his blessings and lilashakti (divine mesmerization) Asurs were defeated in that great war that you fought, and let me tell you, Devtas only had a minimal contribution in that great victory, but you all were not aware of this and dwelled in false pride and arrogance. And, therefore, only to smash the destructive pride in you Devatas, Supreme God Almighty has emerged in the form of Yaksharoop. You all need to understand that in this universe the might of the warriors, the strength of the mighty, the enlightenment of the litterateurs, the meditation of tapasawis (Sages in deep meditation) and the energy of the energetic; all of this comes only from only one source and that is the Supreme God. And through his divine plays emerges the righteous powers of which you get only few droplets. He is the nerve centre of all the happenings in the universe and he alone is the ruler of the universe in the real sense. And therefore priding about oneself is only misleading.’

Bhagwati Uma’s words were an eye-opener for Indra-Devta. He was embarrassed on his mistake and the mistake of other Devtas. And after returning he narrated the actual reason of their victory and that made all the Devtas realize their false pride and that in turn made them happy.

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HOUSE WIFE OR A CAREER WIFE

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     Savita looked a little restless, when, her husband, who was new in the job. Introduced her as a ‘housewife.’ After three of his junior colleagues, introduced their wives as ‘career-wives’ in the office gathering that was celebrating the annual target achievement ball. Savita, later tried to dilute her lukewarm introduction by talking more about her academic career than homemaker. But it got me thinking while I was standing in a corner. What is the future of and Indian housewife?

    Oxford dictionary defines a housewife as a married woman, whose main occupation is, caring for her family, managing household affairs and doing housework. The traditional division of labour between the husband as breadwinner and wife as housewife.     Chambers on the other hand defines housewife as a woman who looks after the house, her husband or partner, and the family, and who often does not have a paid job outside the home. Merriam Webster describes a housewife as a married woman who is in charge of her household. But in urban India, we generally refer a housewife as gharwali, a person who manages the house but doesn’t have a career. And in converse a husband is called a gharwala, but he bloody well has to go out and make a career.

    But, the tables have turned in India now, where, things have really opened up for women, especially, in the urban areas. Be it education, skill development, entrepreneurship and the works. Traditionally, Indian women were tied to their homes and families as part of family tradition and also because there weren’t too many opportunities. But India since then has moved on and there exist ample opportunities now for them. To create their own identity in the 500 million strong, Indian workforce. Where, 60% of Indian population is below 35 years of age and where each year, 10 million additional jobs are required to keep the young Indian population afloat . So then the big question is will the 21st century woman in all her vanity and egomania love being called a housewife or a career wife?

    India loves following the west. So let’s take the American workforce per se. It comprises of 47% female workers and 53% male workers (a close race) and therefore Supermom is not a myth after all, and Super Dad is beginning to become a realty in India (Vodafone campaign).

    Last but not the least will the existing housewives (many now mothers) of India prefer their daughters being addressed as a housewife or a career wife and what about the husbands—a housewife or a career-wife and what about the wives—a house-husband or a career-husband? The answers won’t be that easy even if they are obvious.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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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

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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)

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Story: God likes simple ways

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

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    Once, Kannap, who happened to be the head of the Bheel (tribal) community. Landed up in a temple, located in a remote jungle, after a hunt.

    Temple housed an old idol of Lord Shiva. And upon noticing, the idol to be in a degraded state. Kannap got a little emotional. He was simple person at heart and felt—‘Shiva is alone in this jungle with countless wild and notorious animals. Hope no animal comes in the night and attacks him.’ By now it was evening and getting dark. Concerned, Kannap loaded his bow with an arrow and decided to guard the temple by standing across the door, where he spent the entire night.

    At dawn, Kannap thought of doing puja in the temple. But truly speaking he didn’t know how to perform one. So, he went to the jungle and killed an animal and roasted its flesh on fire for prasad. He then climbed a tree and broke open a honeycomb and collected honey. Thereafter he collected everything in a leaf-bowl and then plucked some flowers and stuck them on his unruly hair and plaits. He then filled his mouth with water from the nearby river and reached the temple to perform his puja. The idol had some dry leaves and flowers rotting on it. Kannap, removed it, with his feet, as his hands were tied up. With one hand he was holding his bow and with the other he was holding the leaf-bowl filled with roasted flesh and honey. He washed the idol with the water in his mouth. And then he pulled out the flowers from his hair and started respectfully placing them in front of Shiva. Thereafter, he placed the leaf bowl in front of the idol. After which, in his simplicity he thought the puja is over, and then with his bow and arrow he started guarding the temple.

    In all of this Kannap forgot about his home, his family, and so much so that he even forgot his hunger and his sleep. In his endeavour to safeguard his beloved God and performing the puja. He as if forgot his world and his own self and even his body.

    But, surprisingly, in that very temple. Every morning a Brahmin also used to come from a distant village to perform puja and after the ritual he used to go back. He normally came when Kannap was away in the forest, hunting. And on finding morsels of flesh in the temple the Brahmin was saddened. He walked up to the river and got some fresh water and cleaned the temple. He bathed again to perform the puja. But this was not a matter pertaining to a particular day. When the Brahmin found, the temple in this condition every morning he decided, ‘today I’ll hide and see as to who is this person who is polluting and soiling the temple every day.’

    Brahmin hid himself in the temple and started gazing to and fro from the camouflage. After a little while he was astounded to see a scary appearing bheel (tribal) carrying a bow and arrow on his shoulders. After seeing him. He did not have the guts to say anything. But when Kannap entered the temple. He was shocked to see that one eye of the idol was bleeding. He slowly kept the leaf-bowl on the ground and started weeping himself—‘Who is this devil who has hurt my God in the eyes?’

    Immediately, Kannap loaded his bow and ran out of the temple. He wanted to kill the person who had inflicted injury upon the idol. But he could find no one. Soon he kept his bow and arrow on the side and started collecting some grass and leaves. And in a little while he had collected a heap. He then returned to the temple and started crushing what he had collected, and started applying it on the eyes of the idol. But even by doing so Kannap was not successful in stopping the bleeding. This made Bheelkumar Kannap extremely uneasy. But just then he remembered what another bheel (tribesman) had once told him—‘In the wound of a person if the same body part of a different person is placed then the wound heals immediately.’ Kannap was happy to remember it. He decided to act immediately. From his quiver he quickly pulled out an arrow and with that he scooped out his own eye. Even, when, it pained to the hilt and placed it on the eye of the idol and pressed it hard. But from his own wound, from where he had pulled out his eye, blood had started oozing out profusely, but he was unaware of the pain. On the contrary he was feeling happy that it had stopped the bleeding from the eye of the idol.

    But the agony was not over yet. As just then the other eye of the idol also started bleeding. But Kannap by now had the therapeutic solution for it. He kept the toe of his foot on that eye of the idol, so that after he scoops his second eye and goes blind it will not be difficult for him to find the second bleeding eye in the idol. And with his arrow he scooped out his second eye. But before that suddenly there was divine illumination in the temple. From the idol, Lord Shiva emanated and embraced Kannap; and said,

    ‘Dear Brahmin! Puja and its complex methods don’t make me happy. What really, makes me happy is the earnest and respectful feelings of a devotee towards me.’ Lord Shiva addressed the Brahmin hiding there. And by now Kannap’s eyes had healed as that became Ashutosh’s (Shiva’s) prasad, and along with him he went to his divine abode. The Brahmin too, because of Bheelkumar Kannap’s simple ways that God liked, got darshan of Lord Shiva.

    And that is why it is said, ‘it is so simple to be happy, but so difficult to be simple.’

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share if you like it

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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)

*****

 

ARROGANCE LEADS TO DESTRUCTION-LEARN IT FROM DURYODHAN

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

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    Just before the commencement of the holy war of Mahabharat. Arjun broke down in the battle field when his emotions ran high. He was unable to come to terms with the prevailing circumstances that soon he would have to fight his near and dear ones, that is the Kuruvansh. Who happened to be his first cousins, and where his main rival was Duryodhan. He got into a state of torment when he suddenly saw mighty and stupendous Bhishma Pitamah standing right opposite him, and ready to take him on. When, Arjun emotionally reflected, he had spent his entire childhood in the cradle of his arms. And flanked on either sides of Pitamah were his revered Gurus—Dronacharya and Kripacharya all tied down by various pratigyas (vows) to defend the Kuruvansh. In the mid all of this he was suppose to raise the battle cry to deluge them in the sea of destruction.

    And when Arjun was unable to withstand the emotional pressure. He looked up to Lord God Krishna who was his charioteer and entered into a divine conversation with him. Where, Krishna sermonized Arjun, to pick up arms against his close relatives and fight for righteousness. He responded to his mighty sakha (friend) Krishna, but at the same time desired to see his “Vishwaroop” (omni divine form) in order to get out of his tender and weak spell. Krishna obliged and post that he said:

    ‘Dear Arjun! I am pleased that you are my friend and bhakt (devotee) and therefore with my antarangaa shakti (inner strength) I was able to show you my “Vishwaroop.” For bear it in mind, before you, no one else in this universe has ever seen the aaseem tatha tajomaya aadi-roop of mine. And you would have realized, my “Vishwaroop” was shinning like the sun and the faces in it were continuously changing like the cycle of birth and death.’ Notable: Krishna had revealed his omni-form to a composed Arjun.

    When Arjun was shown this breathtaking form which was scary in some ways, even avatars and devotees from swarg lok (heaven) and people from other lokas got a glimpse of it only because of him. One could say with the blessings of Lord Krishna all his disciples and followers were able to have a darshan of his Vishwaroop that Arjun was witnessing.

    It is believed when Krishna went to Duryodhan with the peace (sandhi) proposal before Mahabharat. Due to sheer arrogance Duryodhan not only rejected the offer but also attempted to insult and imprison him. And at that time. Krishna in extreme anger showed him some form of his Vishwaroop which was quite different than what was shown to Arjun. But unfortunately ignoramus Duryodhan in his haughtiness and false pride could not understand the divine message from him otherwise the war of Mahabharat could have been averted.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

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

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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

*****

 

 

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