Chinna Katha - 34 (Compassion is a Sign of the Great) (Short Story: As told by Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba)

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34. COMPASSION IS A SIGN OF THE GREAT

 

Once when Samartha Ramadas was moving about the countryside with his disciples,

those behind him seeing a fine field of juicy sugar cane entered it and started

pulling out the cane, crunching it with great relish.

 

The owner of the field naturally emerged at their behavior and at the loss, to

which they were subjecting him, fell upon them with a stout cane.

 

The Master was sorry that his disciples broke the discipline so objectionably

drawn by the desire of the tongue for the sweet juice.

 

Next day they reached Emperor Sivaji’s place, where a great welcome awaited the

Guru and his followers.

 

Sivaji offered to attend personally to the Guru during his ceremonial bath; when

Ramadas undressed, Sivaji was shocked to find broad red marks, indicating that

he had been beaten!

 

Such was the sensitive sympathy of the great saint, that he received on his back

the blows meant for his pupils;

 

Sivaji sent for the owner of the field of cane; and, when he stood shivering in

fear before the Emperor and His Guru, Ramadas was requested by Sivaji to

inflict on him any punishment he liked.

 

But, Ramadas accepted the fact that wrong was committed by his disciples and

blessed the farmer, granting him a boon that his lands would be tax- free for

ever.

(from the Book: "CHINNA KATHA" (Short Story, as told by Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai BABA))