Chinna Katha - 69 (A great sage called Gautama) (Short Story, As told by Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba)

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"A great sage called Gautama"

 

(Short Story, as told by Bhagavan SRI SATHYA SAI BABA)

There was a great sage called Gautama in ancient India. He had a number of

disciples studying under him.

One day he called all his disciples and said: "My dear children! You know that

we have been experiencing severe drought in this region and there are no signs

of its abatement too. I am very much worried about the cattle of our hermitage.

They have already become very lean and weak. I am unable to bear the sight of

suffering of these dumb creatures. I think these cows have to be driven to a

distant place where there is ample pasture and plenty of water. I will be very

happy if one of you could volunteer to undertake this task. You can bring them

back when the calamity has rolled over."

Many pupils just hung their heads lest their master should find out their true

feelings. Some tried to hide behind others in order to avoid the direct stare

of the Guru.

A pupil by name Sathyakama, got up and, paying his salutations to his master,

said: "Master, I shall take them, don't worry."

Many students tried to dissuade him from undertaking such a hazardous task.

They warned Sathyakama: "Oh! You have to be all alone in the wilds away from the

comforts of the hermitage. You may not even find good food.

Sathyakama replied: "My dear friends, I am quite confident that the good wishes

of our Guru will provide me enough safety and sustenance. I shall not be alone

for I will have these cows to keep company."

The Guru was happy that at least one among the many pupils volunteered to

undertake the job as service to the Guru.

Gautama blessed Sathyakama and said: "You are taking with you 400 cows; you can

return when the herd multiplies into a total strength of one thousand."

Sathyakama drove the cattle to a charming valley. Everyday, he used to wake up

early in the morning, finish his ablutions and bath.

Then he would offer prostration to the Sun God and recite prayers. While tending

the cattle and while walking or sitting he would constantly chant the name of

God. He affectionately looked after the cattle.

He regarded 'go-seva' (Service to cows) as Guru Seva (Service to the Master).

He never felt any anxiety or worry over his life in solitude. He never bothered

to count the cows too.

One morning after the morning rites, he was seated under a tree.

Indra the Chief of Gods appeared before him and said: "My dear son! Have you not

observed that the herd has multiplied itself to the total number of 1000? You

can now return to your master's hermitage. I will be traveling with you. Come

on let us go."

Sathyakama prostrated to Indra and thanked him for reminding him of the fact

that it was time for returning.

Sathyakama and Indra had to spend four nights in four different places. Every

morning Sathyakama was taught the essence of one Veda. Thus by the time he

reached his Guru's hermitage he was the master of the four Vedas.

His face shone with a strange splendor as a result of the Vedic illumination

that he had been blessed with by the Lord of Heaven.

Having enlightened Sathyakama, Lord Indra disappeared after showering his grace on the young boy.

Sathyakama walked into his Guru's hermitage with 1000 cows. His guru and the

inmates gave him a rousing welcome.

Sathyakama fell at the feet of his master. Gautama embraced him saying: "I know

that you are now a great scholar of the four Vedas. You deserve it, my son."

Sathyakama could please Indra, the Lord of Heaven, only because of his love and loyalty to his guru.

(Story #5, from the Book: "CHINNA KATHA - Vol 2")

 

 

 

You can download Chinna Katha Vol - I,

(A compilation of 64 short stories, told by Shri Sathya Sai Baba):

 

http://www.sathya.org.uk/resources/books/CHINNA%20KATHA.pdf

 

 

 

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