The ways of the Divine

4 April 1986, An informal talk to Devotees in Trayee Brindavan, Brindavan

Published English.

1

THE ways of the Lord in granting relief to devotees in distress or trouble are infinitely varied and often baffling. On one occasion, the during their exile from the kingdom, had strayed into the forest of . was a sage whose body was covered with hair so long, that it spread as a carpet into the surrounding forest. There was .a holy tree in that forest, yielding a very special fruit. The unique quality of that fruit was that once it was tasted one would not have hunger for years and years. But that fruit should not be plucked; it should be eaten after it dropped by itself. So, waiting for the fruit to fall, was doing there. One day, when and were on a stroll in the woods, happened to look at this particular tree and saw the luscious big fruit hanging from it. "Can we not take this," she said to her husband, "so that all of us could share it today?" Then shot an arrow and the fruit fell to the ground. Holding his bow in his right hand, he went to lift the fruit with his left hand. It was so heavy he could not move it. also tried to help. used both his hands, still the fruit would not move. In the meantime, also came there and all three - - , and - tried to lift that fruit, but it would not move. The two younger brothers also came and tried to help lift the fruit but however hard they tried it was no use; it would not move. Finally came the strong man, . He asked the others to move away and said, "I will lift this." But even could not succeed. Meanwhile the hair of , which had spread over all that area, began to stir. Because these six people were trampling about trying to lift the fruit, felt the disturbance as strands of his hair were being trodden and pulled. He realised that there was someone trying to steal the fruit and he became very angry. Immediately his long hairs started to come together and coil round the and tie them up. realized the danger, and immediately prayed to Lord . ' called on Lord whenever she sensed any trouble. appeared before her. fell at His Feet and prayed to Him for help to protect the from the danger that was about to engulf them. told that there was nothing He could do, since was a great sage. As Lord, He resided in the hearts of all , including ; so how could He do anything against the wishes of that Rishi? But held on to His Feet and said, "You alone can save us. You can do anything you wish to do, in all the three worlds!" Then said, "All right, I will help you, but all of you should be totally silent, not say a word; you should do exactly as I tell you. Do not have any doubt or hesitation, but do exactly as I direct." promised that they would obey 's orders. went to each of the and whispered His plan, in their ears. He told them: "I will now go to 's ; a little later, you must follow me there." In the meantime, was furious with anger. He was about to curse the poachers. At that very moment, entered the . fell prostrate at 's Feet. He was overjoyed to see Him and asked Him, "What is it I can do for you, Lord?" kept occupied, making a few casual inquiries, till the arrived. As soon as the six reached the and entered it, fell at the feet of the . The were feeling very embarrassed, but remembering 's command, they said nothing. , seeing fall at the feet of the visitors, also fell at their feet. Then introduced the to the Rishi. As listened to the words of praising the greatness of the , he totally forgot his anger. When explained that these were the people who were tempted by the fruit he awaited, was so transformed that he said, "Let them take the fruit. I would like them to have it." By eating that fruit the were able to live without hunger for a long time.

2

Soon after the Battle of used the good offices of the Sage to keep in hiding the Pandava brothers, whom had vowed to exterminate, before the dawn of another day. approached the Sage, who was reputed for his quick temper as well as his adherence to truth, and told him about the peril confronting the and requested him to keep them hidden in a cellar under his seat. The Sage told that he would not be able to utter a falsehood if came to him enquiring about the whereabouts of the . suggested that the Sage could tell the truth in a tone which would deter from questioning the Sage further.

3

The strategy was eminently successful. When , after a futile search for the , came to Sage and requested him to reveal to him their whereabouts, the Sage ejaculated gruffly: "The ? They are beneath me!" The roar rattled so much that he did not dare to pursue the matter further, lest the Sage lose his temper and curse him. And the 'beneath him' were saved!