Chinna Katha-6

Compassion the True Hallmark of a devotee.
Once Swami Vivekananda was in a certain town to give spiritual discourses. People recognised in him a great monk and profound scholar. They listened to his discourses with rapt attention for about three days. Every day, when the discourse came to an end, some people used to gather around him to ask about certain subtle points on Sadhana, Ethics and Sastras. Students were eager to know about national regeneration and the solutions he could suggest.

There was an old man sitting in a corner observing Vivekananda with avidity but could not speak one word. He was there all the three days, waiting for a chance to be near the monk. On the third day he made bold, went to him and said: "Son! Shall I bring you something to eat? These people never gave you anything nor did they give you time to relax and think about your food. I shall run and be back with food and drink for you." Vivekananda was greatly touched by the loving words spoken by the old man. He said with a beaming smile: "Come, let us go together to your place to eat and drink." Blessed indeed was the old man for he had sympathy and consideration for a fellow human being. He was ready to render loving service to the monk. This indeed is true devotion and he is indeed a true devotee.

SAI in Chinnakatha.

Chinna Katha -1

An aspirant after spiritual realisation went off into a jungle and was plodding across the infested region, through the thick undergrowth, when he heard the angry roar of a lion. He climbed a tree to escape from the beast, but the lion saw him among the branches and roamed round and round the trunk in terrific rage.

On the tree, he was attacked by a bear and so, he slid down the roots that descended from one of the branches of that banyan tree. Luckily, there were two roots hanging from the branch, so that he could hang on in midair clinging to them, one in each hand.

Just then, he saw two rats, one white and the other black, which were gnawing at the base of the roots, endangering his life with every bite.

While in this perilous state, a honeycomb which was full of sweet nectar situated on one of the top branches leaked a few drops which fell his way. So, the unfortunate man put out his tongue to catch a drop so that he may taste the delicious honey. But no drop reached his tongue. In despair and terror, he called on his Guru, “O Guruji, come and save me.”

The Guru who was passing by heard his appeal. He sped to the rescue. He brought a bow and arrows and slew the lion and bear, frightened off the rats and saved the disciple from the fear of death. Then, he led the man to his own Ashram and taught him the path of liberation.

This is the story of every one of you. This world is the jungle in which you roam. Fear is the lion, which drives you up the tree of Samsara, worldly activities. Anxiety is the bear that terrifies you and dogs your steps in Samsara. So, you slide down into attachments and binding deeds, through the twin roots of hope and despair. The two rats are day and night which eat away the span of life. Meanwhile, you try to snatch a little joy from sweet drops of egoism and mine-feeling.

Finding at last that the drops are trivial and out of reach, you shout in the agony of renunciation, calling on the Guru. The Guru appears, whether from within or without, and saves you from fear and anxiety.

Sai in Chinna Katha.