Story of the week - Who is honoured more on Earth?

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Who is honoured more on Earth?

One day, in the midst of conversation, Lakshmi, the Divine Consort and the

Goddess of Wealth, addressed Naryana, "Lord! The entire world is adoring Me;

not even one in a hundred, why, not even one in a million, is worshipping you."

She teased the Lord by this statement. She put forward a plan to test the

sincerity of man. She said, "Lord! It is best to discover for ourselves how

true the facts are. Come, we shall both go forth into the world and find out."

Narayana agreed. He changed into a great Pandit, wearing golden bracelets on his

wrists as evidence of the appreciation and admiration of famous academic bodies.

He had a garland of rudraksha beads round the neck and thick streaks of vibhuthi

on the forehead. He manifested himself on earth as a redoubtable scholar. He

moved from village to village and began enchanting the people through his

enrapturing discourses. His splendorous personality and deep scholarship

attracted the people; thousands gathered to hear him and followed him from

place to place. Brahmins invited him to their settlements and honoured him. His

arrival was celebrated as a festival, with rich feasting.

While Narayana was being feted thus, Lakshmi too appeared on earth as a great

Yogini (Female Ascetic). She too proceeded from village to village enlightening

the people on the Atma through her discourses. Women assembled to hear her

fascinating speeches in wave after wave, in massive numbers. They prayed that

she should honour their homes with a visit and partake of the feast they were

most eager to offer. In reply, she informed them that she was bound by some

vows which made it difficult for her to accept their request. She would not eat

out of plates already in use in the homes. She said that she should be allowed

to bring her own cups and plates with her. The women were yearning so deeply

for hosting her that they accepted the condition. Whatever her vow, they were

ready to respect it. Invitations came from every woman from every place.

The Yogini reached the house where she was to take food the first day and took

out from the bag she had with her a gold plate, a few gold cups and a gold

'tumbler' (lota) to hold drinking water. These she spread before herself for

the various items of the menu. When the meal was over, she left the place,

leaving the precious golden articles to be taken by the host. She had a new set

for each day, she said.

The news spread. The villages where Narayana was holding his delightful

discourses also heard the wonderful happenings of the Yogini's gifts. The

Brahmins who were staunch admirers of the far-famed scholar also rushed to

invite the Yogini to their homes for lunch! The Yogini told them that they

ought to drive the Pandit out before she could enter their settlement. She

would not set foot there so long as the person continued to stay there! She was

adamant on that point. Their greed for gold was so strong that they forced the

Pandit, whom they had adored so long and with so much pomp, to go out of their

village.

Thereafter, the Yogini entered the Brahmin settlement, gave discourses, partook

of feasts arranged in her honour and presented the golden plates and cups to

each of her hosts. Thus, the Yogini managed to get the Pandit driven out of

every place where he sought recognition and attention. Instead, she secured the

worship of people everywhere. Unable to bear the universal insult, the Pandit

cast off the role and Narayana disappeared from the earth. The Yogini came to

know of this. She too gave up the cast she had assumed and, resuming her real

Form, She joined Lord Narayana. While talking among themselves, she told the

Lord, "Now, tell me! What did you discover? Who between us is honoured and

worshipped more on earth?" Narayana smiled at her question. He replied, "Yes,

What you said is true."

— Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Source: Vidya Vahini, 12http://beaskund.helloyou.ws/askbaba/stories/s1030.html

 

 

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