Tag Archives: short story

STORY- THREE TESTS

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Maharishi Vashist was a renowned Mahatma. Many people from far of places used to come to him for help and guidance in education and spiritual knowledge. One day a visitor who had come to see him said, ‘Maharishi I have heard a lot about your spiritual powers. I want to learn Brahma-gyan (complete-knowledge) from you, so kindly bless me with the knowledge.

On hearing this all the shisyas (pupils) who were present there started smiling sarcastically thinking it was not all that simple as they too were at the service of the Maharishi with the same objective for years now. Maharishi heard the request and peacefully said, ‘sure! I will definitely pay attention to your request but for that you need to first do tapasya (intense meditation) for a year, and after completing that come to me. The Bhakt (disciple) turned visitor was extremely happy considering the spiritual knowledge that some people couldn’t attain all their lives was now going to come to him in a year. And assimilating Maharishi’s advice he left the place happily for his mission when all other pupils out there looked stunned.

After completion of a year the Bhakt came back to the ashram and along with other visitors he was waiting to meet the Maharishi. But while he was waiting one pupil who was carrying litter in a basket slipped and fell and the entire litter fell on him. This enraged the Bhakt and he bashed up the shishya for dirtying him. Later he met the Maharishi who then smiled and said, ‘son you have failed in your first test.’ Shunning violence is the first lesson of Brahma-gyan. Your entire tapasya has gone for a waste but I will still give you one more opportunity. Go and perform tapsya for one more year and then come back to me.’

The Bhakt was quite dejected. But obeying the command of the Maharishi was his duty so he left for the second round of tapsya for a year. After a year he returned again, but as ill luck would have it this time one servant by mistake poured dirty water that drenched and dirtied his clothes.

Although, the visitor remembered and regretted what he had done last time, he did not beat up the servant but he reprimanded him nice and proper. Later he met the Maharishi and complained about the servant and conveyed to him of the incompetence and indiscipline in the ashram.

Maharishi said, ‘son again this time you have not succeeded in your exams, because to shun anger, should be the second biggest step towards your objective where you’ve failed. So again your tapasya has gone for a waste. But I will give you one last chance. Go back and perform your tapasya for another year.’

This time the Bhakt was filled with repentance and gloom and started doubting if he really required this Brahmya-gyan for the journey of his life. But since he didn’t want to cross the Maharishi, he again set himself out for the tapasya and after a year he returned again. This time also by an unfortunate chance the dustbin of the kitchen in the ashram fell on him.

But, the surprising part this time was neither did the Bhakt get angry nor hassled on the contrary he cheerfully started helping the shishya who was carrying the dustbin to clean up the place; and he didn’t even mention about it to the Maharishi. And some other pupil informed the Maharishi about this incident.

When the Maharishi met the Bhakt he smiled and said to him, ‘all the three tests were taken at my behest. And I’m happy this time you’ve cleared your test and now you are heading towards your objective. Now you are away from anger, violence and hate. Your mind is filled with love, trust and kindness. My best wishes are with you.’

Upon hearing this the Bhakt fell on Maharishi’s feet and offered his pranam and thereafter he very happily left; so happy that he didn’t even enquire about Brahma-gyan. Rest of the shisyas were dazed at this behaviour of the Bhakt. They enquired from the Maharishi; the objective with which he came to the ashram was not even fulfilled so how could he leave before that.

Maharishi very politely said, ‘any person who is peaceful about himself and the world and trusts his Guru completely and who has love for mankind need not run after Brahma-gyan. In fact Brahma-gyan will run after him. A righteous person gets knowledge and wisdom even from the best wishes of his Guru.

This story tells us how we can obtain Brahma-gyan without running after it.

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STORY: Panch prakar ke Murkh (Five varieties of Jerks)

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Long time back in a far away kingdom, there lived a king who was very kind and judicious. His queen too was very intelligent, who from time to time used to advise him in matters related to law and order and day-to-day life.

One day the king was faced with a very complex issue where he wanted his queen’s advice. He was in a great hurry, and therefore without giving any advance intimation to the queen he entered her private chamber where she was closeted with some of her friends, discussing, women’s welfare related issues. And this embarrassed the queen in front of her friends, when she suddenly found the king in her chamber. She immediately conducted him to a corner and politely asked, ‘O my Murkh Lord, please tell me what can I do for you.’

The king never expected such insulting words from his queen. He felt hurt and without saying a word he went back to his castle. Naturally, he was very angry and agitated. He was not able to understand as to why the queen welcomed him with such curt words. After a little while he cooled down. But he desperately wanted to know the reason for this, as he was well versed with the sharp and intelligent mind of his queen.

The king had an intelligent minister in his court. He narrated the entire episode to him and asked for his point of view on the matter. The minister heard the king attentively and then smiled and softly said, ‘your majesty, the queen is but telling the truth, and she was addressing you only, when she said this. By entering the queen’s personal chamber without her permission you have displayed murkhata (stupidity) but you happen to be in the first category of murkhs (jerks) residing in this planet who generally harm the least. Let me also explain to you the various varieties of murkhs.

INNOCENT MURKH- 1st type

‘Your majesty the first category of murkhs are those who go uninvited and without informing to any gathering or a crowd, and after reaching there they just stand quiet in a corner like a pillar and this embarrasses rest of the crowd. But they don’t harm anyone. You happen to be in this category.’

MURKH WHO CREATE HURDLES- 2nd type

Second category of murkhs are those who on being invited by their friends often disrespect and overlook their politeness and hospitality and indulge in discussing such topics where they have poor knowledge and embarrass their hosts. This creates awkward situations. But the host is not able to turn the murkh out because he is a friend.

Such murkhs are more damaging than the previous variety, but not dangerous.

POPULAR MURKH -3rd type

Third category of murkhs are those who always argue and try to showcase their poor knowledge without realising they are becoming a laughing stock. Such murkhs are indifferent to the hollowness of their conversation and they waste everyone’s time including their own. Such murkhs are famous because they neither learn anything nor do they forget anything.

DREADED MURKH -4th type

Dreaded murkhs are intelligent but incorrigible who pride upon themselves and always find fault with others while in a conversation. They ridicule everything and everyone, just to show how intelligent they are. They attract everyone with their intelligence but soon they start opposing and sit in judgement, such murkhs are very dangerous.’

After explaining all the four types of murkhs the Minister further added. ‘That is why your majesty; her majesty the queen amongst all categories of murkh has indicated towards the category you belong to.’

Now the king understood what the queen meant, though his respect for the queen remained intact in his heart, but he still had a doubt in his mind, and so he asked the minister in a mischievous tone, ‘where you and the queen have rated me murkh of the 1st type, may I also know which type of murkh you and the queen are?’

‘Sure’ said the minister with a twinkle in his eyes, ‘I can’t say about the queen but I’m the fifth type of murkh because I’m in your company.

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STORY: KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI

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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.

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STORY: TAPOBAL (The power in meditation)

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tapobal 1 tapobal 2 tapobal

    ‘Mother I too need to drink milk as my cousin, and it should be as sweet as his milk.’ Requested Upmanyu. As he returned home from his cousin’s place and sat on his mother’s lap. For just a little while ago he had seen his cousin relishing a big glass of milk while he got only a gulp to taste.

    ‘Son we are poor. We don’t even have grains at home to feed ourselves, where will we get milk from.’ Explained, her mother. But Upmanyu, her adamant son in the peak of childhood, was in no mood to relent.

    To satiate her son, she grounded some grains lying at home and after mixing it with water, she gave it to her son as milk.

    ‘No mother this is not milk. For milk is sweet.’ Upmanyu, stopped drinking the moment he tasted and even started crying. When his mother uttered in some desperation.

    ‘Son, in this world you have everything from stones to diamonds. But then, everyone gets what he gets, only as per his own fate and destiny. We are the unlucky ones and so even pure milk is difficult for us to get. Lord Shiva is very resourceful. If Bholenath is happy he won’t hesitate in gifting you, even the Kshirsagar (ocean of milk). But only after you are blessed by him, will your desires be fulfilled. And you can only win him over by tapasya.’ Upmanyu’s mother thus gave him a tip.

    ‘Mother! Then I will do intense tapasya. With that I will make my presence felt and it’ll even shake the throne of the Lord of all Gods that is Shiva, and as a blessing he will surely grant me the Kshirsagar.’ And with that in mind Upamnyu could not even for a moment stay at home and left for the mountains.

    Soon Upmanyu was into deep and prolonged tapasya in the Himalayas. To please Mahadev he even stopped consuming water and food. The entire world got a sense of well being from his tapasya. Lord Vishnu along with other devatas visited Lord Shiva in Mandarachal and said, ‘relieving child Upmanyu from his harsh tapasya and reassuring the world about kindness can only be done by you.’

    ‘This harsh tapasya is not meant for you, kid!’ said Indra, while getting of his elephant ‘Airawat’ and introducing himself.

    ‘You have purified the ashram by your arrival!’ Upmanyu welcomed Lord Indra and requested him for his guidance in finding Lord of Gods—Shiva.

    ‘It is extremely difficult to find Shiva. I rule all the three lokas. So, why don’t you come under my blessings, as I will let you experience and enjoy everything that the world has.’ Indra tested Upmanyu.

    ‘Indra! You just can’t be critical of Lord Shiva. And it appears you are some rogue disguised as Indra. You have come to hurdle my tapasya. You are a Lord Shiva baiter, I guess. I will therefore kill you as you have criticised my most respected Lord Shiva.’  With that Upmanyu ran to kill him, but then he suddenly stopped.

    ‘With the power of your tapobal you have obtained my blessings, I’m happy vatsya!’ said Shiva in Indra’s disguise, while blessing him. Upmanyu recognised Shiva and lay prostrate in front of him, regretting his aggression.

    ‘I was testing you.’ said Shiva. And by blessing his bhakt Upmanyu with Kshirsagar he fulfilled his wishes. After that he placed Upmanyu in the lap of Goddess Parvati and said ‘Parvati is your mother and I’m your father.’

    Lord of Gods Shiva then blessed Upmanyu with treasures of riches and the divine knowledge. Upmanyu was overwhelmed at that. He started singing their praise, is when Lord Shiva along with Parvati vanished from there.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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SHORT STORY: FTII- WHY DID KALCHAKRA HAVE TO PUNISH GAJENDRA SINGH CHAUHAN

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

goi gajendra chauhan kalchakra

Long time back I had read a story about a small sparrow; that goes as follows:

THE STORY OF THE SPARROW


On a beautiful winter day in Siberia, encouraged by the warm rays of the sun in a clear blue sky, a little sparrow left the security of his nest to fly and frolic in the air, but the 40o below zero temperature quickly overcame the imprudent bird who fell on the ground, frozen, and found himself buried in the snow where he would certainly have died in an instant. But by chance a cow trotted by at that moment, and at the very spot where the sparrow was struggling for his last breath, she dropped a large soft cow-dung on top of the bird. The warmth of this dung-bath resuscitated the moribund sparrow. He was so happy, he raised his head out of the cow-shit and started to twitter joyfully, which drew the attention of a wandering homeless cat who delicately pulled the sparrow out of the shit and devoured him.

The moral of this story: Your enemy is not necessarily the one who shits on your head. Your friend, however, is not necessarily the one who pulls you out of the shit. And besides, one should never twitter when one is buried in shit.

The recent controversy in FTII in which actor Gajendra Singh Chauhan got caught up reminded me of the above story, where for no fault of his, Gajendra is in the cross fire. Can we call it the wrath of Kalchakra?

For Gajendra too like the little sparrow was perched in his warm nest, quite away from the limelight doing small roles in movies and television serials, is when the GOI approached him as the warm rays of Siberia and Gajendra then dared to fly out of his nest, quite unaware of the Siberian winters—in this case being the sting of FTII- students.

The new job like the cow-dung covered Gajendra for a while when the wandering cats of Bollywood, Social Media, TV-channels and some Political Parties and so also the students union of FTII, who thought he did not have the tall stature, and moreover, he had committed the grevious crime of acting as Yudhistir in Mahabharat, thereby promoting Hinduism was definitely not suitable for the post. Because, in current day India even talking about Hinduism is considered non-secular by some.

While the wandering cats have so far not devoured the so called sparrow—Gajendra, but the Kalchakra has definitely crushed his film career. For Gajendra Singh Chauhan will now be known more for his poor stalk in Bollywood than the hard-work he has put in to make a career in Bollywood. And quite unknowingly and unintentionally he has antagonised and estranged many bigwigs of Bollywood and the social media; and has emerged as a full-fledged victim of Kalchakra.

    But what was his fault in all of this; that the electronic media almost stripped him naked as far as his career credentials went, that people who didn’t know about his average career also know about it now.

Kalchakra is not in the business of compensating losses and therefore won’t compensate Gajendra Singh Chauhan, for having torn apart his career and making him a laughing stock. I don’t know about GOI how they will view it. But the reality is,

    In life you often don’t get into problems because of your own doings, but it could also be the doing of others and in this case it was clearly the Kalchakra disguised as GOI.

For in life you really don’t know what will come and hit you, or who is friend and how distant is your enemy. But mind you Kalchakra spares no one, not even the wandering cats.

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SHORT STORY: FORGIVENESS-TO REIGN OVER JEALOUSY

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

forgiveness vashist vishvamitra

King Vishvamitra along with his army had left for Aakhet. And on the way while he was crossing the dense forest he came somewhat close to Maharishi Vashist’s ashram, and thought of paying him a visit. Maharishi Vashist was too pleased to receive him and offered him heartfelt courtesies and hospitality. But there was something that was now bothering Vishvamitra. He could not understand how an ever-meditating Maharishi Vashist from the confines of his small ashram and cottage feed a sumptuous meal to his entire army.

And when he came to know that this was possible because of his holy cow Nandini, he asked for the cow from Maharishi Vashist. But Maharishi Vashist refused to part with his holy cow at any cost. This annoyed Vishvamitra who then by using force tried to take away the cow from Vashist. But Nandini at the instance of Vashist mooed loudly to produce some tough warriors who then drove out Vishvamitra and his army from the surroundings of the ashram.

Vishvamitra then attacked Maharishi Vashist with his Divyastra (supernatural weapons) but in front of Vashist’s Brahmdand (weapons conferred by Lord Brahma) his Divyastra failed. This made Vishvamitra, who was Kshatriya by caste realise that the might of Kshatriya can do no harm to a Brahmin. Vishvamitra therefore decided to seek Brahminism through intense tapsiya (meditation)

And after many years of intense and harsh tapasiya he was able to grab the attention of Lord Brahma, who was now happy with his efforts and therefore gave him darshan (auspicious sight) but only to say—‘in case Maharishi Vashist recognises you as a Brahm-rishi you will become a Brahmin.’

It was both difficult and insulting for Vishvamitra to pray to Vashist as he considered him as his rival. And Vashist always addressed him as Rajrishi whenever he met him, and this further irritated Vishvamitra. And by now he had become a great enemy of Vashist. Vishwamitra then motivated a rakshas (demon) to kill all the hundred sons of Vashist, and was always on the lookout for an opportunity to disgrace and insult Vashist.

Since Vishvamitra was failing in all his attempts to demean Maharishi Vashist, he decided to wield the craftsmanship of Lord Brahma himself. And this was something crazy as he decided to create a new shristi (Universe) and become its Brahma. And with his tapobal (meditating power) he started creating a new world. New cereals, new flora and fauna, new animals—and he kept on creating and creating, as if testing Lord Brahma’s patience. And in the end Lord Brahma came and stopped him. And assured that whatever he had already created will remain and co-exist exist with the existing.

And this further frustrated Vishvamitra. For he realised nothing was succeeding for him and so he decided to eliminate Maharishi Vashist. And therefore: after arming himself with weapons, in the night he quietly sneaked into Vashist’s ashram. Actually he wanted to kill Vashist on the sly and without his knowing. It was a moonlit night. And outside his cottage Maharishi Vashist was sitting on his vedi (seat) along with his wife. Where, Vishvamitra was waiting for an opportune moment in the hiding, close by and behind a tree, to attack him.

And enamoured by the ambience Vashista’s wife Arundhati said—‘ what a beautiful moonlit night.’

Vashist replied—‘today’s moonlight is as bright and pure as the recent tapasya of Vishvamitra which is spreading in all directions.’

Vishvamitra upon hearing this went numb. He cursed himself for what he was planning to do—‘person whom you’ve come to kill and of whom you are so jealous; see the stature of that person. He is a Mahapurush, because, he is even praising Vishvamitra, the killer of his hundred sons, when in isolation with his wife.’

Vishvamitra dismantled all his shastras that he had worn on him. And after that he ran towards Maharishi Vashist and lay prostrate in front of him asking for forgiveness. The chronic jealousy in him was over in minutes. Simple forgiveness had conquered Vishvamitra. By dropping his weapons and forsaking his jealousy Vishvamitra had become a Brahmanav. Maharishi Vashist got off his vedi and with both his hands lifted Vishvamitra and while pulling him up he was saying—‘please get up Brahmrishi.’

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SHORT STORY: GOD IS CLOSE ONLY IF YOU TRUST IN HIM

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durvasa muni krishna pandavas

GOD IS CLOSE ONLY IF YOU TRUST IN HIM

    After losing in dhyut-krida (gamble) to Duryodhana, Pandavas, along with Maharani Draupadi were exiled to Kamyaka forest. But even after driving Pandavas out of the kingdom Duryodhana was never in peace. How to destroy them completely was his perennial worry.

    And you could call it a coincidence. As just around that time, Maharishi (saint) Durvasa landed up in Duryodhana’s palace, and stayed with him for some time. During his stay, Duryodhana looked after him quite well. Happy with his hospitality Maharishi granted him a vardan (blessing). Is when treacherous Duryodhana very politely said—‘Maharishi! Pandavas, are my elder brothers. If you are happy with me. I desire the way you gave me an opportunity to serve you, which has given me a great sense of fulfilment. I wish you kindly give a similar opportunity to my elder brothers also, at least for a day. I wish you visit them with all your shishayas (pupils) to enjoy their hospitality and arrive there when Maharani Draupadi has eaten, so that my brothers don’t have to remain hungry for long.’

    But the real story was something different. When, Pandavas went on exile into the forest. At that time many Brahmins who loved them and were their followers, too accompanied them. They somehow never came back. But feeding so many people in the forest was not easy. So Dharmaraj Yudhistir performed a long and deep tapasya (meditation) to please Lord Surya. When Lord Surya was happy he gave Yudhistir a vessel and said—‘When you cook roots and vegetables in this vessel the quantity of food will become endless. With the result you will be able to feed hundreds of people till such time Draupadi has not eaten. But after Draupadi has eaten nothing will be left in the vessel for the day.’

    Duryodhan knew about this secret. And because of this secret only he had requested Maharishi Durvasa to visit Pandavas after Draupadi had finished eating. Durvasa muni (sage) acceded to what Duryodhan had requested for and visited Pandavas. Duryodhana was extremely happy thinking Pandavas will not be able to provide food to Maharishi Durvasa after Draupadi has eaten and then the shot-tempered Maharishi Durvasa will curse and destroy Pandavas. This was a deed of his evil intentions.

    Since Maharishi Durvasa had given a word to Duryodhana. He along with his thousands of shishyas (pupils) one day in the afternoon arrived at the Pandavas, in Kamyaka forest. Dharmaraj Yudhistir and his brothers got up to receive them and did a prostrate pranam to the Maharishi. And with folded hands requested him to occupy the main asanas (seats)

    Maharishi said—‘Rajan! (King) may God bless you. We all are very hungry, but we have not performed our prayers. So you please arrange for our food. In the meanwhile we will return from the nearby lake after our daily rituals and prayers.’

    Dharmraja Yudhistir with folded hands said—‘As you wish Guruvar (Guru). Food will be ready, so kindly return at your earliest after your daily kriya (chores) and prayers. But when Maharishi Durvasa left with his shishyas, Yudhistir and his brothers got tensed.

    They enquired from Draupadi and came to know she had already eaten. Now shot tempered Maharishi Durvasa on not getting food would definitely curse them to ashes. This looked definite. As giving him food on time seemed impossible. So, there was no way out. Upon finding her husbands worried Draupadi asked—‘why are you’ll so worried? Krishna will arrange for everything.’

    Dhrarmaraj Yudhistir said—‘had Sri Krishna been here we wouldn’t have been worried at all. But only recently he has left for Dwarka and I’m sure by now he must not have even reached.’

    Draupadi with a lot of confidence said—‘who knows when he comes and when he goes? And which is that place where he is not present? I’m sure he must be somewhere here only and will appear soon.’

    After saying all this. Draupadi left for her cottage and started praying to Krishna. Soon Pandavas saw, Krishna’s chariot with his four white horses and his insignia Garoor atop coming and stopping near him at great speed. And even before the chariot could come to a complete halt Krishna jumped and rushed towards Draupadi’s cottage.

    And, since he was in great hurry, neither did he wish anyone nor anyone could wish him. He straightway entered Draupadis cottage and in great urgency he said—‘Krishne! I’m extremely hungry, so give me something to eat at once.’

    ‘So at last you have come Krishna, my brother! I knew you will come at my distress call. Druapadi was, as if was rejuvenated. But just then she suddenly got up flabbergasted and said—‘Oh I need to serve food to Maharishi Durvasa.’

    ‘First you give me food. Then talk of giving food to someone else. As I am unable to even stand because of hunger.’ Said Krishna.

    ‘But I have finished eating. The vessel given by Lord Surya has been cleaned and washed for the day and kept. So where is the food? Your penniless sister therefore called for you, only to arrange for food.’

    ‘Don’t just say anything you feel like. I’m extremely hungry. Show me the vessel.’ Replied Krishna. Draupadi quietly handed over the vessel to Krishna. Krishna took the vessel in his hand and started inspecting it by having a close look at it, all over. On the inner side of the vessel he found a piece of vegetable leaf stuck in it. He picked it up and said—‘you were saying nothing is there, but what is this? This can feed the whole universe.’

    Draupadi was quietly watching Krishna when he put that small piece of leaf in his mouth and said—‘may this satiate the world.’ And then he burped and said again, ‘may that satiate the world.’

    And out there in the lake. Maharishi Durvasa and his shishyas had a very strange time as everyone out there started burping and burping. They all suddenly started feeling as if they have eaten and there tummy is full. Surprised they even started looking at each other. Upon observing his own condition and that of his shishyas, Maharishi Durvasa said –‘today I am reminded of the episode of Ambrish. Pandavas are in the forest where they are struggling for their own food and it was not right on our part to come here, and now I am not hungry and won’t be able to eat at all.  Now their food will get wasted and that will irk them. They can easily destroy us in seconds as they have the blessings of Lord Krishna. So there is only one way out and that is to quietly leave this place.

    When Maharishi Durvasa wanted to leave, how could his shishyas stay behind. So, when they left they did not think of stopping anywhere till they had reached Brahmalok (where Lord Brahma resides).

    After having the leaf that was stuck in the vessel. Lord Krishna came out of Draupadi’s cottage smilingly. Then he greeted Dhramraj Yudhistir and his brothers and as he sat he asked Sahdev to remind Maharishi Durvasa about the food.

    Sahdev left but came back soon, because Maharishi Durvasa and his shishyas were not there as they had left for Brahmalok.

    Not knowing when Maharishi Durvasa might suddenly return for food. Dharmaraj Yudhistir started worrying again. Because Maharishi Durvasa was known for asking people to cook for him and then return in the night, midnight, next day or even after some days to eat the food. And after returning he would want the food immediately and if there was even a slight delay he would curse.

    ‘Now, Maharishi Durvasa will not come here. He came here only because of treacherous Duryodhana. So there is no need to worry,’ said Lord Krishna as he began narrating the entire story to Dharmaraj Yudhistir and his brothers.

    Truly God is very close, only if you trust him.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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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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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)

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SHORT STORY: THE POWER IN ELDERS BLESSINGS-MAHABHARAT

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    In the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Both, forces of Kaurava and Pandava were standing opposite each other in a state of readiness and the battle of Mahabharat was about to commence. The armies, had set their formation and bowstrings, and were awaiting final orders.

    And, it was only a matter of moments before the shunk (conch-shell) would have been blown to announce the battle. When, suddenly Dharmaraj Yudhistir disrobed his armour and kept it in his chariot and along with that he also placed his weapons respectfully. Thereafter, he started walking towards the Kaurava army, and there, more specifically towards Bhishma Pitamah.

    Seeing, their eldest brother trying to cross over, and that too without his weapon and armour. Arjun, Bhimsen, Nakul and Sahdev too, got off their chariot. They came close to Yudhistir and started walking behind him. Not able to resist, even, Lord Kirishna started following the Pandavas. Where, Bhimsen and Arjun got very worried and decided to ask,—‘Maharaj Yudhistir! What is this, you’re doing just before the battle?’

    Yudhistir, didn’t reply. Meanwhile, Lord Krishna signaled all, to remain quiet and said,—‘Dharmaraj Yudhistir always behaves righteously and even now he is doing the same.

    After seeing them cross over, there was chaos in the Kaurava’s camp. People there started saying, ‘Yudhistir has chickend out, seeing our forces and wants to come under the aegis of Bhishma Pitamah.’ Some people even doubted that this could be a ploy to win over Yudhistir by Bhishma Pitamah. The soldiers thus started praising the Kaurava’s. Because, with this strategy the battle would have been over even before starting.

    Meanwhile, Yudhistir straightaway approached Bhishma Pitamah and offered his Pranam (Hindu way of offering respects with folded hands) and pleaded—‘Pitamah we are forced to wage this battle against you. So, please give us permission to do so along with your blessings.’

    Bhishma replied—‘Bharat Shrestra! Had you not come here in this manner, to take my permission for the battle I would have definitely cursed you to a defeat. But now I’m happy with you. So I wish you victory. You can now even ask for a vardan (blessing). Remember, man is a slave of his vows, but a vow is no one’s slave. Kaurava’s have put me under their thumb only because I have taken a vow to save and secure the throne of Hastinapur.

    Yudhisir asked—‘Pitamah you are invincible, so how can we win the battle and how can we defeat you?’

    Pitamah, requested them to come some other time and ask this question. From there Yudhistir went to their Guru Dronacharya and did pranam and asked for his permission to fight the battle. Acharya Dronacharya said similar things and gave his blessings; but when Yudhistir asked Dronacharya the way to his defeat. Acharya made it absolutely clear—‘as long as I have my shastra (weapons) in my hands no one can defeat me. But I have a weakness. During the battle if someone reliable, as you all, gives me the news of a mishap I will keep my bow and arrow aside, and get into meditation. You all can kill me then.’

    Yudhistir said pranam to Dronacharya and then moved towards Kripacharya, and after pranam he asked for his permission to start the battle. Kripacharya also like Bhishma Pitamah and Dronacharya, said similar things and blessed the Pandavas. But Yudhistir couldn’t have asked his Kulguru (Chief priest of the dynasty) Kripacharya how he could be killed in the battle. And before he could actually ask this tough question he fainted. Kripacharya understood what Yudhistir wanted to ask. He said—‘Rajan (King)! I cannot be killed by you all, nor can I be killed by anyone else. But I can give you my word that every morning I will pray to God for your success and in the battle I will not come in the way of your victory.

    Yudhistir then went to his maternal uncle Shalya and said pranam. Shalya also repeated what Bhishma Pitamah had said and gave the Pandavas his blessings. But along with that he also gave them a word that all along the battle he will keep attacking Karan with his sarcasm.

    After paying his respects to all his Gurujans, and after obtaining their permission Yudhistir along with his brothers crossed over to his side. This humbleness of Yudhistir created a soft corner in the hearts of Bhisham, Dronacharya and others without which winning the battle of Mahabharat would have been extremely difficult for the Pandavas.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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                                                               https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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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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SHORT STORY: PENANCE

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Flavour – few lines from the story

  • During free time and in lighter moments he spoke quite forcefully about ethics, morality and personal behaviour. Surely, something unusual always simmered in him. But no one knew what.
  • And I always felt there was something boiling in him within the white cloak that he wore. Perhaps, his cloak was his perfect absolution, from his self inflicted penance, if any.
  • They both looked at each other. In the meanwhile the gang-members returned having realized Richard had not joined them. They came around and started whisking Richard to come along with their faces till covered.

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SHORT STORY: KING CHITRAKETU

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THE STORY OF KING CHITRAKETU

    Once upon a time there lived a very eminent king by the name of Chitraketu. He had many wives but no children. One day, Maharishi Angiraj landed up in his Raj-Bhawan. With his spiritual powers he deciphered, Chitraketu was very unhappy and even desperate for a child. So, he decided to perform a yagya to help his queen conceive. After the yagya was over he handed over the leftovers to the eldest queen Kritdhuti as blessings and decided to leave. While leaving, Maharishi Angiraj said—‘Hey Rajan! You will soon be blessed with a son but he will be the reason for both your happiness and sorrow.’

    Maharani Kritdhuti was soon pregnant and at the opportune moment, the king was blessed with a son. With this Maharaj Chitraketu’s happiness knew no bounds. The whole kingdom was under celebrations, as after remaining issue less for such a long time, Maharaj Chitraketu was finally blessed with a child. Therefore, his love for the new born prince was boundless and was oozing all over his persona. Further, just to be in the company of his newly born child the king started spending more time at the residence of his eldest queen Kritdhuti. He once again started loving her immensely for having given birth to the baby boy. This resulted in the neglect of his other wives by the king himself, who now started feeling demoralised and even jealous of the eldest queen Kritdhuti. Soon, the situation aggravated to such a level that the younger queens lost their noble senses. The main reason for that was the king’s neglect because of the newly born child.

    This led to a drastic consequence when all the neglected wives of the king consented to quietly poison the child and soon he died. Upon realising, the mammoth tragedy that had struck both the king and his Maharani Kritdhuti, Maharaj Chitraketu fell unconscious, next to the body of their child like an uprooted tree. The entire kingdom was now in a pall of gloom.

    When, amid the cloud of sorrow and wail, two distinguished personalities arrived in the Raj Bhawan. Maharishi Angiraj this time was accompanied by Devrishi Narad. Upon coming to know of the tragedy, Maharishi Angiraj said to the king—‘Rajan (king) you are a great devotee of Brahmins and God. So, I was happy with you, and because of that I had come to you earlier, thinking, I would teach you the prowess to attain God’s darshan. But since it was written on your face that you desperately wanted a child, I instead, gave you a child as a blessing. Now that you have suffered the tragedy of losing your son, and there isn’t a tragedy, bigger than this, you would have known by now, that this world is a place, filled with sadness.’

    King Chitraketu was still in mourning. He therefore could not understand the essence of Maharishi’s address. But he was spellbound at the sight of them. Devrishi Narad who was accompanying Angiraj could understand that, Chitraketu’s intense love for his child will not go like this. So using his divya-shakti (divine-power) he attracted the soul of the child and as it came he said—‘See my son! They are your parents and they are mourning for you. So please get into your body, to make them happy and start enjoying the royal life, as the son of the king.’ And, after this, everyone out there, clearly heard what the soul of the child had to say—

    ‘Devrishi they are my parents of which life? A soul does not have any parents, brothers or friends. Many a times I was their father and many times they were mine. Many a times they were my friends and even enemies. All these relations are because of your mortal body and as you leave your mortal remains behind, you also leave behind your relations. And then, everyone is all by himself and has to suffer, as per his karmas.’

    The soul, after saying all this vanished from the scene. King Chtiraketu’s deep affection for his son after hearing the conversation started waning. After cremating him, with a fresh and sombre mind he appeared in front of Devrishi and Maharishi. Devrishi Narad, then gave instructions to commence the prayers and the puja of Lord Shesh Narayan, and with that, King Chitraketu got his darshan and soon he started on a long pursuit of spiritual knowledge and became a big scholar and was ranked as a Vidyadhar.

    The story is from our mythology and gives a very bold message. That beyond your mortal life it is only your karmas that go with you and you are all alone after death. So, always insist on doing good deeds.

***

 

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Translated by Kamlesh Tripathi

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to contribute 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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