13. A Lesson on Svadharma

Once a Brahmin named Kousika was doing penance sitting under a tree when a crane perched on the top of its branches defiled the Brahmin’s head with its droppings. Enraged, he cast a fiery glare at the bird. Lo and behold! The crane was instantly reduced to ashes. Astonished by the sudden manifestation of his spiritual power, he felt a surge of pride. He marvelled at his newfound abilities, convinced of his elevated status.

Shortly after, he arrived at a nearby village, stood before a house, and called out for alms. The lady of the house, occupied with her household duties, took some time to respond. In the meantime, her husband returned home, weary and hungry. Dutifully, she attended to him first, ensuring his comfort before stepping outside to offer food to the waiting Brahmana.

By then, the Brahmana had lost his patience. His anger flared, and he glared at her with burning rage. But the woman, calm and unshaken, simply smiled and said, “I am not a crane to be burnt by your wrath. Please do not be angry. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a devoted wife.”

The Brahmana was stunned. How did she know about the crane incident? Bewildered, he asked, “Mother, how have you gained such divine insight?”

The woman replied with humility, “My spiritual strength comes not from austerities or mystical practices, but from unwavering devotion to my duty of serving my husband with sincerity.”

Humbled, he folded his hands and sought her guidance on the path of Svadharma (one’s duty as ordained by the scriptures). She then advised him, “Go to Mithila and seek the wisdom of a man named Dharmavyadha. He will teach you the true essence of Svadharma.”

Eager to learn, he travelled to Mithila, expecting to find Dharmavyadha in a grand ashram, surrounded by disciples receiving sacred teachings. However, to his utter shock, Dharmavyadha was a butcher, a seller of meat!

As the Brahmana stood in disbelief, Dharmavyadha approached him and said, “Did that noble Brahmin lady send you to me?” The Brahmana was further astounded by the butcher’s knowledge of his journey. Dharmavyadha continued,

“O revered one, I know why you have come. Come to my home, and I shall share with you the wisdom you seek.”

At Dharmavyadha’s house, the Brahmana witnessed a truly humbling sight—the butcher, despite his seemingly lowly profession, served his aged parents with utmost devotion and care.

There, in that humble home, Dharmavyadha imparted profound wisdom on Svadharma, emphasizing that true spiritual progress is not determined by one’s profession or external practices but by the sincerity with which one performs one’s duties.

Realizing the error of his ways, the Brahmana felt blessed by this revelation. With newfound wisdom, he returned home, a completely transformed man. He dedicated himself to serving his parents with devotion and sincerity and attained higher good. ❁❁❁❁