Tag Archives: virtues

POEM: THE SUM TOTAL OF LIFE

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The sum total of life was never easy to calculate,

And the equation of existence was never easy to evaluate,

Where, I had rubbed some, and some had rubbed me,

And from this tug of war I could never be free.

*

But I remember I was born with a mission,

That had a vision,

It also had a goalpost,

And it also had the foremost.

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But then what went wrong?

That soon after I was born,

My mission changed and vision altered,

Goalpost shifted and I somersaulted.

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Perhaps, in the windings of life,

Attractions were galore,

Where arrogance was available even in a road side store,

And where ego had become the dubious cynosure.

*

Slowly, all these had become the handy recipes for success,

Where, show off had become the order of the day,

Humbleness had become the emblem of the frail,

And politeness the solemn disgrace.

*

So, to stay the course,

 I deviated from my umbilical holds,

To become that fashionable rogue,

Where, I too, cheated to the fore,

And intimidated others, galore.

*

One day I met God while walking on the road,

He asked,

Son! How are you?

I replied,

Who are you?

*

He said,

Well I’m God your creator,

I replied,

But you’re quite a traitor,

*

In utter disbelief,

He asked why?

I said because you belied,

About the journey of life,

By selling me the futile.

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But how?

Asked God,

I said,

Where, it was arrogance you gave me some great mission,

Where, it was ego you gave me some stupid vision,

And where it was show off you gave me that wide goalpost.

*

But all that wasn’t required,

To rise higher,

So I changed my fire,

And with that my sire.

*

But son I had sent you there,

For everyone’s welfare,

But instead of welfare,

You became a malware,

And what will God do,

If it has sons like you?

*

That is your problem God,

If men can’t do what you want them to do,

Go create some other species,

That will help you chase,

Your mandate that is not easy.

*

Hold on my son,

Don’t throw such a referendum,

Life for you has just begun,

So, let me give you an ultimatum.

*

Mend your ways,

And return,

To those humble and noble sways,

For you have no idea,

*

Of the sum total of those stormy waves,

That will only strike you,

When you’re at the twilight of your days,

And that will be too late.

**

In pursuit of wild success man has imbibed arrogance, ego and show-off leaving behind those splendid virtues of a simple lifestyle. And it is only by practice of simple habits the sum total of your life will move towards the positive side.

***

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

(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. Now available in Amazon.com

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

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PHILOSOPHER AND THE MERCHANT’S DOG

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    Once, a rich merchant was crossing a turbulent river in a boat along with his dog.  With him there were some other passengers too, including a philosopher. It appeared the unruly dog of the merchant had never sailed earlier and therefore, it was not feeling at home in the changing surroundings. It was running helter-skelter, and in the process, it was brushing and pushing the passengers all over. The dog obviously was scared and in the process it was not allowing anyone to even sit peacefully.

    So much so, even the oarsmen, were feeling shaky about his movements that had unsettled all the passengers and everyone was somewhat panicky. The, boatman was now beginning to fear about the dog’s rowdy acrobats, that was swaying the boat excessively, where, it could have just overturned. In the process, everyone could have drowned including the mischievous dog.

   But the dog was unfazed and remained in a state of caper and romp. The merchant therefore, was regretting having brought him and was in a state of helplessness. But, he was unable to tame him. In the meantime a passenger who happened to be the philosopher in the boat couldn’t resist.

    He walked up to the merchant and said—‘Sir, if you permit me. In a minute or so I could set your dog right. Upon, hearing this, the merchant was greatly relieved and he gave him the permission forthwith.

    The philosopher with the help of two daring passengers lifted the dog and threw him in the river. Frightened, the dog started squealing on top of his voice and started swimming towards the boat. Soon, it even started pawing the boat fearing his life. The philosopher was watching the dog closely and after a little while he pulled him back. But the dog was now frightened. So he waddled to a corner of the boat and just sat there. The passengers and even the merchant were surprised at this docile behavior of his.

    Merchant too was surprised. He asked the philosopher—‘my dog was earlier caper romping all over the boat. But now he stands tamed, and is just sitting in one corner like a domesticated goat. How come?

     Philosopher said-

    ‘Sir, without experiencing pain, no one can imagine the agony of others. It was only when I threw him in the river. He could understand the might of the river, the utility of the boat and the struggle of the oarsmen.

     This story goes out for those ungrateful Indians. Who stay in India but keep abusing her all the time. They too should be thrown into Pakistan so that they realise the beauty of India.

*

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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SHORT STORY: THE GOOD MAN

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    Once upon a time there lived a rich person who had built a huge temple in his hometown. And to service the temple he had also kept one poojari, to perform the daily puja. To, meet the expenses of the temple, he had even transferred his assets, such as land, farm and even his orchards in its name. He had done such a meticulous planning and organized the whole thing in such a manner. That, for all the devotees coming to the temple; those who were hungry or in pain, or any other person who was poor or even a sadhu (sage) could have, stayed there for a couple of days. He could have eaten the prasad from the temple as his meal. And after putting all these wonderful ideas in place, he was now on the lookout for a manager. Who could handle the temple property honestly along with its systems and procedures in an efficient manner.

    Many candidates came to the him for the job. They all knew. That if they are selected as the manager of the temple. They will get a good salary. But the rich man rejected everyone. He told them—he required only a good man. And, that, he’ll be able to find one himself.

    On this unbecoming behavior of the rich person, people starting abusing and cursing him discreetly. Some even started calling him simpleton and mad. But, the rich man did not pay any heed to what anyone said. When the temple used to open in the morning and people used to line up for darshan. He used to climb up to the terrace. From where, he used to quietly watch all the devotees who came for darshan. One day a simple looking person came to the temple. His clothes were torn and dirty. He didn’t appear to be well educated. He had his darshan after which he was about to leave. When the rich man called him to his house and asked—‘Sir! would you like to work as the manager of this temple?’

    The man was rather surprised. He said—‘I’m not very educated. So, I, really don’t know, how I’ll be able to handle the management of this huge temple?’

    Rich man said—‘I don’t want a very educated manager either. I’m just looking for a good man. Who could become the manager of this temple.’

    The man politely replied—‘My dear brother. In this sea of human beings around the temple, what made you feel. That I am the sole good man around?’

    Rich man mildly elucidated—‘I know you are a good man, because this pathway to the temple had a pointed edge of a stone jutting out. And for many a days now, I was watching it. Many people had hurt themselves and some even fell because of it. Then they used to get up and just go away. But you were different. You were not hurt with that stone. Yet, considering, someone else might get hurt. You decided to pull it out. I was watching you, when you called for the shovel from my labour. Only to take the trouble of digging that stone out. Thereafter, you leveled the area for others comfort and safety.

       The man responded—‘but that is nothing. In fact, it is every man’s duty to remove thorns, pebbles and even stones, stuck in the ground that might hurt someone else.’

    To which the Rich man confided—‘people who are clear about their duties and also believe in performing it, alone are good men.’

    The man was thus appointed the manager of the temple. Where, the rich man was not wrong, because he administered the temple in a very efficient manner.

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 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

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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)

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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.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Share it 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

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

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)

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)

*****

 

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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POEM: MY HEART–MY JESUS OF TIMES

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MY HEART—MY JESUS OF TIMES

He had a straightforward and kind heart whereas she had a sweet but slimy and cunning tongue

In the eternity of a lifespan,

There was hardly a downtime,

When the kind heart stopped blessing,

And the cunning tongue stopped maligning.

*

For heart was naïve,

Heart was kind,

And it was caring and forgiving,

Just like the Jesus of his times.

*

And it had a straight tongue,

To remind about the tough times,

Likely ahead,

In the journey of a lifetime.

*

Where sadly,

the cunning tongue was sweet but vicious,

And had imbibed all the sickness,

From the seeds of wickedness,

And it had a cunning mind,

That wanted to outlast,

The Jesus of his times.

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And all along in the merry-go-round of life,

Whenever the slimy tongue,

 Remained unsung,

healthy heart,

Kept helping,

Kept aiding,

And kept forgiving,

Which the maligning tongue, kept accepting,

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But even with all the rapturous showers of life,

Tongue had her own designs,

Of the wretched kind,

And so,

It kept cribbing,

Kept maligning,

The Jesus of his times.

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Yet the heart kept overlooking,

Kept forgiving and forgetting,

Tongue’s misadventures,

In all its rigours.

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But for the Jesus of times,

It was now only heartfelt regrets,

That it had a heart of gold,

Laced with a straight soul,

Not appreciated by the other soul.

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Even when it spoke for values,

For goodness,

And for virtues,

But now time was running out.

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For kind heart had nowhere to go,

In this world of rogues,

When the Jesus within,

Made a comment.

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Fear not my child,

Of the slimy tongue,

So continue to woo,

The wisdom of truth.

*

 

And come with me son,

Leaving behind that maligning tongue,

To its audience,

That lives in abundance.

*

For remember,

What you sow you reap,

And slime can never bring sweet.

*

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)

*****

 

Story: God likes simple ways

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

Copyright with shravancharitymission

 

 

    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

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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:

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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Short story: God is omnipresent

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    Every night before going to bed Parmeshwar used to tell interesting stories to his son Krishna. One day he said. ‘Son! Never forget. God is omnipresent. He can see everything, and nothing is hidden from him.’

    Krishna like an obedient son looked to and fro and asked—‘Father! Did you say God is omnipresent, but I’m not able to see him anywhere.’

    Parmeshwar replied. ‘Well, we can’t see God. But he is all over, and can see everyone and everything that we do.’

    Krishna, thereafter, remembered what his father had told him. After a few months there was a severe famine in the village. On account of which Parmeshwar’s fields were rendered barren. One night with the intention of stealing someone else’s crop Parmeshwar set out, along with Krishna and entered another farmer’s field. Where, he instructed Krishna to sit on the branch of a tree to keep a close watch, and signal in case he found someone coming towards them.

    And, as soon as Parmeshwar sat on the ground to cut the crop Krishna called out—‘hold on father.’

    ‘But why, can you see someone coming?’

    Krishna replied—‘yes, someone is watching us.’

    Parmeshwar left the field and came out to see who was watching. He looked around but found no one there. He then asked—‘where, and who is watching us?’

    Krishna said—‘father you only had said. God is present everywhere and watches everyone’s deeds very closely. Then why will he not watch you cutting someone else’s crop?’ Parmeshwar upon hearing his son felt ashamed. He dropped the idea of stealing and returned home.

    Moral of the story: While stealing anything in life, always remember, the God within is watching you.

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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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Short story: The Rabbit and the frog

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    At some time in the past there were three rabbits, who in the peak of summers assembled near the dry bushes of a nearby strawberry plant in a park. Since, there was nothing available to eat in the fields because of the intense heat they were very hungry. And also quite troubled by the pet dogs that used to escort the walkers both in the mornings and in the evenings. Further, all the bushes in the field had dried up and were without any leaves. So, they couldn’t even hide behind them to keep away from predators, and upon being chased by stray dogs, they used to get a camouflage with great difficulty. With all these day to day problems they had become quite weary of their lives.

    One day one rabbit in frustration said—‘God has done great injustice to our species. He has made us extremely small and weak. As he has neither given us pointed horns like the deer nor sharp paws like the cat. We have no weapon to defend ourselves from our enemies. The only thing we can do is to run away from everyone. From all corners the creator of this world has only created disasters for us.

    The second rabbit in desperation said—‘I am extremely scared of this pitiable and tentative life of mine. So, I have decided to drown myself in the pond.’

    The third one giving up on life said—‘Even I want to die as I cannot take this sorrow anymore. So, I’m just going to jump into that pond and drown myself.’

    ‘So, let’s all go with you. Since, we all have lived together, we shall also die together.’ Voiced the first rabbit. And they all left for the pond.

    Meanwhile, some frogs that were lying and lazing around the pond. When they saw these rabbits approaching, panicked and quickly started jumping into the pond.  And upon seeing them doing so the first rabbit suddenly stopped and said, ‘brothers! There is no need to give up on our lives, come let’s go back. Because in this world created by God there are even smaller and weaker beings than us, who live and survive, so why should we get demoralized with life and try to kill ourselves?’

    Heeding the advice of the first rabbit they all decided to do away with the thought of committing suicide and returned.

Moral of the story: Whenever, you feel you are surrounded by serious problems that scare you to death, lookout for people in this world who are sadder and poorer than you, who are sick and prone to difficulties. That will make you realize how better off you are and will remove the fright of life in you.

Share it if you like it

Translated by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it 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)

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 A COPY)

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SHORT STORY: THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD

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    Once, a lion in the forest was wounded by a sharp and poisonous thorn. Soon it become sore. The lion tried to pull it out with its teeth, but was unable to do so. He was now in deep pain and could not even walk properly. So, in hope of some help. He started limping slowly, when he reached a shepherd near the jungle. When the shepherd saw the hefty lion approaching him he got scared. He thought. If he tries to escape now. The lion in a couple of leaps will pounce on him and tear him to shreds. And even in the vicinity there weren’t any trees that he could have suddenly climbed to save himself. So having no other option he just stayed put there.

    But the lion neither roared nor growled. He just came and sat in front of the shepherd and raised his foreleg. The shepherd saw the wound and could immediately understand that the lion was in deep pain and wanted help. He immediately pulled out the thorn from the lion’s foreleg. The lion was relieved of the pain and soon he took an about turn and went back to the jungle.

    After some days there was a theft in the King’s Palace. Some people out of enmity informed the king that the shepherd was the thief and he alone had burgled the king’s palace. Shepherd was caught. But in his house the stolen stuff was not found. The king thought that the shepherd had hid it somewhere. And therefore he issued orders the shepherd be thrown alive in front of a lion.

    But by stroke of luck the same lion was brought to kill the shepherd, whose thorn, the shepherd had pulled out. When the shepherd was thrown in front of the lion, the lion recognized him. He immediately came close to the shepherd and sat beside him and started wagging his tail like a dog.

    The king was surprised at this gesture of the lion. Upon, enquiring, he came to know about the helpful nature of the shepherd. And also how he had helped the lion. When he was in deep agony, because of which the lion was grateful towards the shepherd. The king then decided to set free the shepherd, realizing he may not be the culprit.

    Moral of the story: Even the mighty predator lion did not forget the help that he had received from a shepherd. Human beings who forget the kindness that is showered on them by others are worse than animals.

*

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)

*****