Boundless Blessing On Kuchela (Sudama)

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Boundless Blessing On Kuchela (Sudama)

"When Kuchela (Sudama, Krishna's childhood friend) was in Krishna's palace, he

forgot to ask Krishna what he had come to ask. But there is no need to ask the

all-knowing Lord. After lavishing all the hospitality on him, Krishna sent

Kuchela back in a palanquin. After going some distance, Kuchela reflected on

his folly. 'I enjoyed the entire sumptuous feast Krishna gave me, but I forgot

all about the plight of my children. I forgot to ask Krishna what I had gone to

ask him. What a fool I am!' But when he neared his old home, what he saw was a

magnificent mansion. His wife was dressed in fine clothes and was shining with

all ornaments. She came out to welcome Kuchela like a queen. Kuchela wondered

whether she was some princess or his wife. She approached Kuchela and asked

him, 'Lord! What did Krishna tell

you?' Kuchela described how lovingly Krishna rushed to meet him and embraced him

endearingly. 'How can I describe his all-encompassing love? He is love itself.

Is there anyone who could confer countless blessings in return for handful of

Kuchela's parched rice.' (Swami sang a Telugu song). 'What a fool I was not to

realise the boundless grace of such a Lord!' Reflecting like this, Kuchela went

round the mansion, deeply moved by Krishna's love." Sai Baba, SS, 11/96, pp. 282

& 283

"Krishna Set An Example In The Elimination Of Ego" - An Episode Of Washing Feet

Of The Sages And Priests

"When the Rajasooya Yajna began, each of the brothers was allotted a specific

function. Krishna also approached Dharmaraj a respectfully and pleaded for some

function to be assigned to him, saying 'As the world sees it, you (Dharmaraj a)

are the overlord and I am a subject. Hence, please assign to me some task in

this Yajna.' Dharmaraja was distressed at this request, coming as it did from

one whom Dharmaraja regarded as All-Knowing Omnipresent Lord. Dharmaraja said:

'I owe everything to you. You are the ruler and I am only your servant.'

Krishna replied: 'What you have said as a devotee is true. But from the worldly

point of view, as a king you have to respect the obligations prescribed for the

king. You must distinguish between your obligations to God and your secular

duties as

ruier.'

Krishna urged that he should be allotted a specific task. Dharmaraja said,

'Krishna! You take up any assignment that you like.' Krishna retorted: 'For

taking up any assignment of my choosing, I need not ask you. I wish to do what

you would like me to do.' The argument between the two went on for a long time

and ultimately Krishna said he would like to be responsible for receiving the

scholars and priests who would be attending the Yajna, washing their feet and

doing all honours to them.

Here is an illustration of how Krishna set an example in the elimination of the

ego. Why should Krishna, who was such a great and powerful personality, take

upon himself such a humble task as washing the feet of pundits? The moral is

clear. One who aspires to be a leader should show the qualities of leadership

in every field. It was to serve, as an example to world in every sphere, that

Krishna undertook many tasks and never considered anything as too small or

trivial." Sai Baba, SS, 9/87, p. 235